Can I have a bra line back lift after a spinal fusion? (Photo)

Question

I am a 44 year old female. I may have to have a spinal fusion due to severe scoliosis. Would it be possible to have a bra line back lift after my procedure? Should I do the back lift procedure first?

Paul M. Steinwald, MD · Answer

Often times an upper back-lift/bra-line scar doesn't need to connect in the midline/over the spine (unless truly redundant tissues there as well), but the scars need to be carried fairly anteriorly into the axillary/underarm areas to adequately address "bra rolls".

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

I consider you should get done the back fusion surgery first and 6 months later the back lift because the back surgery may ruin the plastic surgery results. 
Be encouraged!!!
Dr. Cardenas

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Celticangel1980, Thank you for your question regarding "can I have a bra line back lift after a spinal fusion?"  Thank you for your history.  The answer is "yes, you can I have a bra line back lift after a spinal fusion".  Most plastic surgeons would suggest that you have functional problems corrected before elective plastic surgery procedures.  Therefore, have your scoliosis surgery first and then, consider a back lift.  The medical term for a back lift is torsoplasty.  There are two main types of backlifts or torsoplasties: horizontal and vertical.  During a horizontal torsoplasty, an incision is made across the back and a butterfly-shaped area of upper back skin and fat is removed.  The incision is horizontal and across the back.  Usually, the horizontal torsoplasty scar is hidden under a reasonable bra. The benefit of the horizontal back lift over the vertical torsoplasty is that more skin and fat can be removed and that the scar is hidden.  The other type of back lift is the vertical torsoplasty.  During a vertical torsoplasty, an incision is made from the armpit towards to top of the hip.  A large elliptical area of skin and fat is removed from side.   The benefit of the vertical torsoplasty as opposed to the horizontal torsoplasty is that the vertical torsoplasty can create more of an hour-glass (or Coca-Cola) body shape and helps to flatten the abdomen.  
Either backlift is a great option for weigh loss patients.  Allow yourself, four to six months to heal after your scoliosis surgery before considering your backlift surgery.  Back lift or torsoplasty surgeries are performed under general anesthesia and take about four to six hours to complete.  Drains are required for two or more weeks.  Allow your two to three off work.  
I hope this information helps.  Thanks for your question regarding "can I have a bra line back lift after a spinal fusion?"  Sincerely, Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

As you are planning surgery for your scoliosis you should proceed with that first.  Once you are fully healed and have received clearance from your surgeon you can schedule a consultation for the back lift.  Best wishes!

Can I have a bra line back lift after a spinal fusion? (Photo)

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Can I have a bra line back lift after a spinal fusion? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Am I a candidate?

Answer: Am I a candidate?

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Everything you need to know about Back Lift

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