Age 56, athlete, bra spillover, side lift vs side to back lift, or? (Photos)

Question

Age 56, super healthy athlete, bra spillover, love handles (see photos). Want to look my best. 2 prior breast reductions + abdominoplasty. Not wanting arm/armpit work - fear of lumps/scars. 1. Is pulling skin up a problem since abdominoplasty pulled front skin down? 2. Would "L or V" scar on side suffice or do sides to back lift? 3. Recommend compression garment? What is recovery time for moving arms to eat, to stationary recumbent bike, to full on weight training? Thanks

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Do you Nikepaws in Morristown, thank you for your question regarding what to do regarding excess skin and fat on the side of your bra and whether you need a side lift or a side to back lift. Thank you for your history and your pictures. In analyzing your pictures, you have excess skin and fat in the upper lateral torso.  Since you have excess skin and not excess fat, performing liposuction is not the answer. You definitely need an incision to remove back skin. The question is do you need a horizontal incision or a vertical incision? I would suggest taking the lateral portion of your breast reduction scar and extending the incision up towards the armpit. This will eliminate excess skin best. however, if you are afraid of lump and scars in the armpit (for some reason?), then your only other option is to take the incision from the lateral portion of your breast reduction across your back. This will lead to a more visible scar and a scar, which may be difficult to conceal under a bra, bikini, or even one piece bathing suit. Therefore, as I previously suggested, I would suggest the incision be extended vertically from the breast reduction to the armpit. In regards to your specific questions whether pulling the skin is a problem, even though you’ve had an abdominoplasty. No, performing a horizontal or vertical torsoplasty is not difficult even though you’ve had a abdominoplasty. As I mentioned before, a vertical torsoplasty or an incision from your armpit down to your breast reduction scar would be the best alternative. I would recommend compression garment for at least six weeks after your vertical torsoplasty or back lift. The  recovery time to move your arms to eat is approximately 2 to 3 days after a back lift.  The recovery time for a stationary recumbent bike should be approximately 4 to 6 weeks. The recovery time to full weight training should be approximately two months after a backlift. Good luck in your request to get rid of excess skin and fat due to bra spill over. Thank you for your question regarding bra spill over and whether a side lift vs a side to back lift or aside is necessary. Good luck with your back lift.  Sincerely, Dr.Katzen.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

The lateral torso or chest is an independent anatomical area which must be treated independently. So you have developed a very typical saggy skin which bulges with brassiere or certain clothes. 
You are candidate for a Lateral Torsoplasty which is a “Crescent” incision from the axila towards the inframammary fold. Very common surgery in the After Weight loss surgery which I am expert. 
By the way I saw a “dog ear” at the end of your Tummy tuck incision and that can be fixed as well. 
Be encouraged. 
Dr. Cárdenas

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Well you need a cut in that area, I call torsoplasty , you don’t need arm lift, just the Torso, the scar will be hide and the scar it Enf been small

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You appear to be a good candidate for liposuction of the hips/flanks.  A photo of your back is needed to determine the best way to approach the skin at the bra line.  I encourage you to begin by visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation.  If you have both areas treated a leotard  style compression can be used.  You will be able to move your limbs after surgery, but activity restrictions will be in place while you recover.  Your surgeon will give you more details according to your surgical plan.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Overall, a bra line excision would be best to treat this. This essentially excises the excess axillary tissue but takes the "dog ear" onto the back . It should also correct the excess tissue on your flanks to a good degree. The scar is long but well hidden in the bra line, hence the name "bra line excision,"

Age 56, athlete, bra spillover, side lift vs side to back lift, or? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Considering options

Answer: Considering options

Answer: Back Lift is Best

Answer: Back Lift is Best

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Everything you need to know about Back Lift

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

Age 56, athlete, bra spillover, side lift vs side to back lift, or? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Considering options

Answer: Considering options

Answer: Back Lift is Best

Answer: Back Lift is Best

Browse related questions

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.