Vertical incision on flanks or upper back lift? (Photo)

Question

I've uploaded pics and reposted my question. I have a lot of extra skin on my upper back near my shoulder blades and on my upper flanks, under my arms. I can grab it in handfulls. My doc suggested vertical incisions on flanks. Said it would also help with some of my upper abdomen laxity still left over. Help! Thoughta?

Trefor Nodwell, MD · Answer

Good afternoon. Likely the upper body lift will give you the result you are looking for with a scar that can be hidden with many forms of clothing or bathing suits. Just like your current incisionsHowever, depending on how your skin moves and where exactly are located your trouble spots, bilateral vertical mid lateral incisions from the underarms down to the hips can be a very powerful tool. The skin resection and contour can be excellent.The main draw back is that the scars are always visible with any 2-piece clothing items.Your decision should depend on the effect you are looking for and the scar that you will find acceptable.Kind regards.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your query and the provided history and physical details. Given these, I would strongly advise considering a vertical torsoplasty. This procedure, which involves an incision made from the armpit to the top of the hip or even to your body lift scar, can greatly improve your waistline, abdomen, and back contour.
The operation typically takes 3 to 5 hours, with a recovery time of around 7 to 10 days. One consideration is your breast scar - it's positioned high and lateral, which isn't ideal. The vertical torsoplasty scar in this area would need to be incorporated with the breast scar to avoid skin necrosis.
Overall, though, a vertical torsoplasty seems to be the best option for you. An added advantage of this procedure is that the incision line can be hidden when your arms are down by your side. I hope this response helps you in making your decision.
Thank you for your question.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  Both are reasonable options depending on what bothers you most.  Based on your photos, I would recommend an upper body lift with the incision in the bra line and leave the abdomen alone.  You have an excellent result already.  You can make the skin laxity better but it will never be completely eliminated.

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. Based on your photos, upper back lift surgery (sometimes called a bra line back lift) with or without extension onto the front of your body may be a good option to improve the shape, contour, and overall appearance of your upper back, mid back, and waist. This surgery also helps improve the appearance of back rolls in those areas. Keep in mind that if you decide to pursue surgery it’s very important that you find a surgeon whom you are comfortable with and trust and who evaluates you in-person and tailors an individualized treatment plan for you and your aesthetic goals. Best of luck!
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Absolutely no vertical scar, visible, can not be hidden.Better to do upper back lift where the scar is hidden in the bra line.

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