Is a back lift my only option for loose skin? (Photos)

Question

Hello, I have had lipo 360 and a tummy tuck. However there is still loose skin on my back. My surgeon says it’s not fat in my back but loose skin. Are there less invasive options to eradicate the back rolls? Thank you.

Luis Suarez, MD · Answer

Seeing the condition of the skin. Yes, the upper back lift also known as. A torsoplasty will be the best option for you. This will successfully eliminate the excess skin. Otherwise, if he only did liposuction. This skin will not fully retract, and it would further loose in, so yes, you’re an excellent candidate for the torsoplasty.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Mocha Mammi of Long Beach, Thank you for your question regarding Is a back lift your only option for loose skin after lipo.  Thank you for your history and your pictures.    You have loose skin on your abdomen and your back.  The ONLY way to remove excess skin is with an incision.  FUrther back liposuction will make your back worse, not better.  Yyou need a back lift.  A back lift has several other names like a bra strap-lift, braplasty, horizontal torsoplasty, and vertical torsoplasty.  A bra strap-lift, braplasty, and horizontal torsoplasty are essentially the same surgery.  During a horizontal torsoplasty, a straight incision is under your bra strap and a large butterfly area of excess back and fat is removed.   During your vertical torsoplasty, an incision is made from the top of your hip bone to your armpits. During a vertical torsoplasty, a large ellipse of excess torso skin and fat is removed from your sides.  Both types of torsoplasty procedures are outpatient surgeries and are performed under general anesthesia.  Your recovery will be about 2 to 3 weeks.  I hope that I have answered your question regarding a back lift for loose back skin after liposuction.   Good luck with your back lift or back reduction. Sincerely, Dr. J.T. Katzen.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You have excess skin that is high on your back. The only technique to correct this would be a back lift. It is designed so the incision is within the bra line and also extends to the axillary to be done in combination with a breast lift, if that is necessary.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Hello, yes It’s empty skin, you don’t have fat there, you need to do back lift for remove that skin,

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

It appears you have lost a lot of weight and that have caused the saggy skin. 
Unfortunately there is nothing conservative which would be effective eliminating the saggy skin. 
You are candidate for a Back lift. 
Be encouraged!!
Dr. Cárdenas

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for uploading those photos! There are a few options for addressing skin laxity and excess. The best option to address this would be the back lift (skin excision); this provides the most guaranteed result as you will be removing the extra skin. However, if you are not keen on having a large scar on your back there are less invasive options including radiofrequency or laser technology. Radiofrequency technology can include Bodytite and Morpheus, which use heat to tighten the skin and induce collagen production to increase the quality of the skin. Laser also uses heat to tighten the skin. Both options are less invasive, avoiding large scars. Unfortunately, both of these treatments will produce limited results compared to the back lift (however the amount of skin retraction depends on how the patient’s skin responds) and may also need multiple treatment sessions to achieve desired results. Please make sure to discuss this with your board-certified plastic surgeon and good luck!

Brian Bassiri-Tehrani, MD · Answer

This is a great question. Based on the photographs provided, it appears that you have extra skin without extra or localized fat. While some non-invasive or minimally invasive modalities may provide some benefits with skin tightening, when there is this much extra skin, surgery can be considered. Doing surgery will help with the contour much more effectively than any other modality. The drawback of having surgery is having a scar that goes across your back. Typically this can be hidden in the bra strap area. Taking care of the scar after surgery (no heavy lifting, no overhead activities with arms) is important so that the scar heals and fades over time. I hope this helps!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on your submitted photos it appears your back contour is influenced by the loose skin.  There doesn't appear to be much fat.  The best option is a bra line lift which will remove the skin and give a smoother contour to your back.