Back lift, RF, Ultherapy, Renuvion? (Photo)

Question

I’ve had back rolls since childhood so I’m guessing it’s hereditary. I’ve lost weight and exercised and seen slight improvement but not as much as I’d like it to be. I’d like to have a back free if bulges and fat. I’m 5”3, so I have a short torso and everything bunches up right there. It’s not fat, it’s moderate skin laxity. The backlift has major scars, is there anything before that I can try that would be effective?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding your back rolls and skin laxity. I appreciate your history and photos.

Since you have excess back skin, the most definitive way to address it is with a back lift or torsoplasty. While non-surgical options exist, they are unlikely to provide the results you are looking for, particularly when skin laxity is the primary concern. Let’s discuss the surgical options and why they are the most effective.

A back lift involves removing the excess skin and is tailored to the area and severity of the skin laxity. There are two main types of back lifts:

Horizontal Back Lift (Bra Line Lift): This involves an incision across the upper back, typically hidden under the bra strap. Some surgeons refer to this as a "bra strap lift." This procedure is excellent for addressing rolls and folds in the upper back and creates a smoother contour.
Vertical Torsoplasty: This incision runs vertically from the armpit or just beneath the bra line down the sides of your torso. The benefit of this approach is that the scar is less visible when your arms are at your sides. This technique is ideal for patients with skin laxity that extends further down the back or into the flanks.
Non-surgical treatments such as VASER liposuction, Renuvion, or radiofrequency (RF) can sometimes improve mild skin laxity. However, in cases like yours where the issue is primarily excess skin rather than fat, these modalities may not yield optimal results. Liposuction or energy-based treatments could even worsen the appearance of folds if additional fat is removed, leaving more loose skin relative to your body shape.

Given your description and short torso, removing the skin through a surgical approach will provide the best results and eliminate the back rolls effectively.

If you’re concerned about scars, be sure to discuss scar placement and aftercare with your surgeon. Proper scar management, including silicone sheets or gels, can significantly improve scar appearance over time.

Good luck, and I hope this information helps guide your decision regarding your back rolls and skin laxity!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Options such as liposuction and J Plasma may give you improvement, but if your main issue is skin laxity then a back lift is the recommendation.  This is the only option which removes the excess skin and addresses fatty pockets as well.  The scar is placed so that it can be hidden beneath undergarments or bathing suit tops.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You may benefit from a breast lift and an extension of it as a back lift.  This can pull the upper torso higher to take care of the rolls in the back.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello; On your waist and back; there is both excess fat and loose skin. Ulthera; in this field, as expected; does not effect. Back stretching; it is an unnecessary, radical surgery for you and its scar is very visible. The best solution is; after Vaserlipo and Renuvion J Plasma or Bodytite procedures, it would be Liposuction.

Back lift, RF, Ultherapy, Renuvion? (Photo)

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Answer: The Best and Most Effective Solution

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Back lift, RF, Ultherapy, Renuvion? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: The Best and Most Effective Solution

Answer: The Best and Most Effective Solution

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Back Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.