Will full back and buffalo hump liposuction help to change my triangle shape? (Photo)

Question

I have an inverted triangle shape I’ve had lipo and a bbl but my back still look huge. Will full back and buffalo hump help?

Tyler Frew, MD · Answer

An inverted triangle frame &mdash; broader shoulders and upper back tapering to narrower hips &mdash; can be one of the more challenging body types to refine, and I completely understand the frustration when prior liposuction and a BBL haven't given you the silhouette you were hoping for. The good news is that addressing the full back, including the upper back rolls, posterior axillary area (the "bra roll" zone), and the buffalo hump at the base of the neck, can make a meaningful difference for many patients in this situation. By debulking those upper body areas, the shoulders and upper torso visually narrow, which in turn helps the waist and hips appear more proportionate &mdash; even without adding more volume below. Technique matters enormously here. High-definition liposuction approaches focus on sculpting and etching rather than simply removing fat, and that can be particularly valuable for refining the back's natural curves and creating a softer, more feminine taper. That said, your skin quality, prior scar tissue from previous liposuction, and underlying muscle anatomy all influence what's realistically achievable, and results can vary considerably from patient to patient. I'd strongly encourage you to schedule an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in revision body contouring so you can get a personalized assessment and plan tailored to your goals.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

Dear fjbdhh,
   Since further liposuction will just contribute to more loose skin, as seen in the folds of loose skin where the bra rolls used to be,  my feeling would be to not do it.  With a broad torso, determined by your body structure, not much change in shape would be seen.  If you did liposuction for a localized prominence like the buffalo hump, that would make that area less bulky and not cause visible skin folding.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

In my experience, full back liposuction can help if the fullness is mainly from pinchable fat in the bra-roll, upper back, flanks, or waist area. Based on your photo, it may improve contour and make the transition into the waist look smoother, but it will not truly change shoulder width, rib-cage shape, muscle bulk, or loose skin.
The “buffalo hump” area also needs an exam, because it may be fat, posture, or another soft-tissue pattern. Since you have already had liposuction and a BBL, revision work can be less predictable due to scar tissue and unevenness risk.
A physical exam is the best way to judge how much is fat that can be safely removed versus your natural frame.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear fjbdhh,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Carlos Alberto Ríos García, MD · Answer

Your concern is completely understandable, and from your photo it does appear that the upper and mid-back fullness is contributing to the “inverted triangle” appearance you’re describing.Additional back liposuction &mdash; including the upper back, bra roll area, flanks, and possibly the buffalo hump region if truly prominent &mdash; can often improve body proportions and create a more tapered silhouette. However, it is important to understand that body shape is influenced by several factors together:bone structurerib cage widthshoulder widthfat distributionwaist definitionhip projectionSo while liposuction may help soften the back heaviness, it may not completely change your natural frame.In your case, one of the biggest questions is whether the previous BBL created enough lower body projection and balance compared to the upper torso. Sometimes the issue is not only “too much back,” but also insufficient hip transition or lower-body proportioning.Also, revision liposuction must be approached carefully because prior lipo can create scar tissue and uneven fat layers, which may increase the risk of contour irregularities if the surgery is too aggressive.A detailed in-person evaluation is very important here to determine:how much removable fat is truly presentskin quality and retraction potentialwhether the fullness is mostly fat vs structural anatomyand whether additional contouring would realistically create the balance you wantThe good news is that improvement is often possible &mdash; but the goal should be refinement and proportion, not chasing a completely different skeletal shape.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You have excess skin and can only be corrected by surgical resection.  Liposuction only removes fat not skin.  You may benefit from a back lift most likely.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Laura Roider, MD · Answer

@fjbdhh Thank you for your question and including photos. Liposuction over the back (including buffalo hump) will help to remove some excess fat in those regions but it will result in additional loose skin and won't change your underlying bone structure. 
What I mean by this is that the excess skin you already have in the upper back will likely get worse, the best way to address this would be with a torsoplasty (bra-line lift). Your bone structure (shoulders) is what gives the triangle shape and this will not be addressed by liposuction.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Liposuction will remove excess fat but it will not address your bone structure or excess skin.  I encourage you to begin by visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation.  Bring in photos of what you are hoping to accomplish and discuss in detail what you are wanting to improve.  Your surgeon can advise what you can expect in terms of results and you can formulate a surgical plan.

Will full back and buffalo hump liposuction help to change my triangle shape? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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