What will get rid of the rolls on my back? How much will it cost? (photos)

Rolls of the upper back need to be excised. A horizontal incision is used to remove the extra skin, leaving a long horizontal scar that is placed so it is hidden by your bra. Liposuction is frequently done simultaneously.

Hello and thank you for your question!

In general, liposuction is a great procedure to remove stubborn fat cells and help to flatten, debulk, shape and contour different body regions including the "back bra roll" region. Everyone's body is different and the main layers of the anatomy that we see there are the skin, the subcutaneous (under the skin) fat, followed by your back muscle layer. Liposuction only removes the subcutaneous layer of fat cells and does not affect the muscle and only mildly affects the skin layer (the skin can contract/shrink up a very small amount on its own). In your case, there appears not only to be excess subcutaneous fat but also excess skin. Even the best liposuction procedure will still leave you loose skin and extra tissue in that region. There are skin-tightening adjuncts that can be added to liposuction such as Renuvion/Quantum which use radiofrequency energy to help promote greater skin contraction (30-50% in some cases). However, with severe skin excess/laxity, even getting an amazing 50% improvement in the skin will still leave you with loose/extra skin and tissue post operatively. In my opinion, only a surgical back lift, in which skin is physically excised and removed, will result in the "best" contour with the least amount of residual laxity. Of course, the trade off will be the scar (along the bra line), the risks/downtime. If those are unacceptable to you, then the best alternative would be the former suggestion of liposuction + RF skin tightening, which will leave behind very small scars and have a much faster recovery/downtime, but the trade off will be leaving behind some extra/loose skin.

The next best step would be a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to review your case in its entirety and find whats right for you!

You’re already taking the most important step, committing to your health and feeling your best. Reaching your goal weight will set the perfect foundation, and from there, we can focus on refining and sculpting the shape you want. Back rolls are one of the most common areas women ask about, and the good news is that they can be treated beautifully without a surgical lift or long scars.
Once your weight is close to where you’d like it, advanced liposuction techniques can contour and smooth your back with elegant precision. Procedures like VASER liposuction, 360° lipo, or radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (BodyTite or Renuvion) don’t just remove stubborn fat, they also help tighten and firm the skin, revealing a smoother, more sculpted back and waistline.
For many women, this combination is enough to create a refined hourglass shape and eliminate rolls without ever needing a lift. The result is soft, natural, and seamless, a back that looks smooth under clothing, and even better without it.
Once you’ve reached your goal weight, we can design a personalized contouring plan that enhances your curves while keeping everything balanced and natural to your frame. With the right approach, you’ll not only lose the back rolls, you’ll gain confidence in every angle of your silhouette.
Dr. Sibel Atalay, MDBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon & Destination Doctor

Thank you for sharing your story so openly. It’s clear you’re committed to your health and transformation, and that’s something to be proud of. Back rolls — especially around the bra line and flanks — are notoriously resistant to diet and exercise, even when you’re doing everything right.The good news? You don’t necessarily need a back lift. In many cases, high-definition liposuction or 360° body contouring can dramatically reshape the back and waist. When combined with skin-tightening technologies like Renuvion or BodyTite, we can often achieve smoother, firmer results — without large scars.That said, results depend on:- Your skin’s elasticity- Fat distribution and density- Your progress toward your goal weightSince you’re already working toward 160 lbs, you’re setting yourself up for better surgical outcomes. Once you’re close to that goal, it’s the perfect time to plan a personalized approach.

First and foremost, you should lose the weight you desire. After that, the plastic surgeon who takes you on will be able to determine the type of procedure that needs to be performed.

I find it highly unlikely that your skin's elasticity will be able to correct the laxity you already have. Therefore, I believe skin removal will be the only option. However, the final result will certainly be much better than what you would have without undergoing this surgery.

Good luck with your weight loss effort.

To address the back rolls, you may need more than just liposuction; skin removal might be necessary. This procedure is known as a "braline lift," which is similar to a tummy tuck but for the upper back.

While it’s understandable to want to start with the least invasive option, the best approach in your case for optimal results would be liposuction combined with skin excision—this is what the braline lift involves. Liposuction alone would remove the superficial fat, but it could also leave you with loose skin, which might lead to issues like irritation or infection.

Feel free to reach out to our clinic (link attached) to schedule a consultation for more details!

Liposuction will definitely help thin out those areas. Unfortunately once a fold of skin has been established, that will likely not correct itself without direct excision, leaving scars in exchange for redundant skin. Another consideration is the use of new weight loss medications that are very effective at helping patients lose weight. With an overall reduction in your BMI any of these procedures become easier with more reliable outcomes and fewer complications. I would discuss weight loss options with your primary care doctor or make an appointment with a certified plastic surgeon to develop your surgical options.

Thank you for your question. The best option depends on your skin's elasticity and the amount of fat remaining after you’ve reached your target weight. If your skin still has good elasticity, liposuction alone can reduce back rolls. If there is significant skin laxity after fat removal, liposuction alone might leave the area looking loose, and this is when some patients consider a back lift. Since you’d like to avoid a lift, you should reach your goal weight first, and then your surgeon can assess whether your skin can tighten enough after liposuction to achieve the results you want. Sometimes, combining liposuction with radiofrequency skin tightening (such as BodyTite or Renuvion) can improve firmness without removing skin.

To address the rolls on your back, the first step is typically reaching your goal weight this ensures longer-lasting and more defined results. After that, the best way to determine the right procedure is through a personalized consultation with a plastic surgeon.
From the photos alone, it’s difficult to give an exact recommendation, but in many cases, a back lift is the most effective solution for excess skin and stubborn fat rolls in that area. While the procedure does leave a scar, when done by an experienced surgeon, it can heal beautifully and is often worth it for the dramatic and permanent results.
The cost can vary, but when combined with other procedures, it generally ranges from $2,800 to $3,500 USD. A consultation will give you a more accurate quote and help create the ideal plan for your goals.

Thank you for your inquiry! Based on the photos, a back lipectomy, could be an option. We would love to sit down with you to discuss your concerns. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your options.