POSTED UNDER Back Lift Reviews
Bra Line Back Lift (And TT) with Dr. Salemy
UPDATED FROM AngeleX
2 months post
6 week update!
WORTH IT
I saw Dr S for my 6 week post op visit and he said everything looks great. I'm so thrilled with my results!! I took pics and started writing an update at 6 weeks, but I'm a procrastinator so I'm just now finishing it and posting it haha.
I can now fasten and unfasten my bra behind my back- woohoo!
I still haven't tried to lift anything heavy
I do notice a tender/ sore feeling spot in the middle of my back several inches below my incision line (about halfway between my booty and my bra line) occasionally, like when I'm doing something like shaving the lower part of my legs. It must have something to do with how I'm bending/ reaching (?). I know I'm still healing, and I rarely notice it, so I'm not worried about it. Just thought I'd mention it.
SCAR TREATMENT INFO:
I've been using Scar Away silicone strips for my incisions. They're soft and comfy. When I don't have anything over my incision/scar, it seems like I can feel the tightness more. It's not that it's a super uncomfortable feeling, but it's a touch uncomfortable/ distracting. With the Scar Away strips on, I don't even think about my scar/ incision most of the time. However, since the Scar Away strips are so comfortable and flexible, it does make me worry that they won't put enough tension on my scar and it might widen more as it heals (I've seen several TT reviews where the scar widened over time... There isn't a lot of info out there for back lifts but it seems like that scar might have a good chance of widening as it healed also). Since Embrace Scar Therapy is supposed to help with this exact issue, I decided to try the Embrace and see how it does.
I switched to Embrace Scar Therapy at 6 and a half weeks. I'm hoping to be able to wear the strips for 2 weeks each application (manufacturer says they should last 10 days, but I've seen on other reviews that sometimes they don't last this long. Some ladies have used Tegaderm film to seal the edges, so I'll be trying that). I ordered the Embrace directly from the manufacturer. I'm an Amazon addict but I do worry about certain things being counterfeit and I didn't want to take any chances with it.
APPLYING EMBRACE:
I had to have my husband apply it to my back. First I made him watch the application video(s) on the Embrace website. I showered and dried off. I had him use rubbing alcohol to wipe the entire area to make sure there were no oils or anything on my skin. Then we used Cavilon Barrier Film wipes to wipe the area. It's supposed to form a little protective film on your skin to help protect it from adhesive trauma (because I have anxiety and I've seen the TT reviews where ladies used Embrace too early, before their incision was closed all the way, and then it got ripped open badly when they took the Embrace off). It does feel like there's something there after we wiped the area with the Cavilon wipes.
He applied the Embrace strips. One thing I'd like to mention: the application video on their website shows the woman happily pulling the separator strips directly away from her body, and they come off nice and easy. We discovered this is completely untrue! My husband pulled and pulled, and the dang things refused to come out! He finally figured out that you have to pull them to the sides of the applicator, instead of straight out from your body. After figuring that out, application was easy.
After applying the Embrace strips, We used the Tegaderm film to seal the edges. I cut little strips off of the roll to use and then my husband applied them all around the edges of the Embrace strips.
I was worried it wouldn't feel as comfortable as my Scar Away strips, but it actually is really comfortable. It's now been 12 days since we put the Embrace on my back and it still has no issues and feels great. (My TT Embrace application didn't hold up as well and I took those off at 9 days... let my skin rest for a couple days and then put the 2nd application on my TT incision yesterday). Day after tomorrow will be 2 weeks for my back Embrace and I don't think it will have any issues lasting the full 2 weeks. Originally I only ordered enough Embrace for the first application, since I wasn't sure how my skin would react to it, but since it's comfortable to wear (and takes away some of my worry that I'll stretch my scar), I ordered enough for the recommended 2 month treatment period. If my back applications last 2 weeks each, I'll have 3 more applications to do.
It's fantastic not to have to coordinate my showers around when my husband will be home to do scar care for me! Since I can wear the Embrace for 2 weeks, I'm able to shower on my own schedule lol.
I can now fasten and unfasten my bra behind my back- woohoo!
I still haven't tried to lift anything heavy
I do notice a tender/ sore feeling spot in the middle of my back several inches below my incision line (about halfway between my booty and my bra line) occasionally, like when I'm doing something like shaving the lower part of my legs. It must have something to do with how I'm bending/ reaching (?). I know I'm still healing, and I rarely notice it, so I'm not worried about it. Just thought I'd mention it.
SCAR TREATMENT INFO:
I've been using Scar Away silicone strips for my incisions. They're soft and comfy. When I don't have anything over my incision/scar, it seems like I can feel the tightness more. It's not that it's a super uncomfortable feeling, but it's a touch uncomfortable/ distracting. With the Scar Away strips on, I don't even think about my scar/ incision most of the time. However, since the Scar Away strips are so comfortable and flexible, it does make me worry that they won't put enough tension on my scar and it might widen more as it heals (I've seen several TT reviews where the scar widened over time... There isn't a lot of info out there for back lifts but it seems like that scar might have a good chance of widening as it healed also). Since Embrace Scar Therapy is supposed to help with this exact issue, I decided to try the Embrace and see how it does.
I switched to Embrace Scar Therapy at 6 and a half weeks. I'm hoping to be able to wear the strips for 2 weeks each application (manufacturer says they should last 10 days, but I've seen on other reviews that sometimes they don't last this long. Some ladies have used Tegaderm film to seal the edges, so I'll be trying that). I ordered the Embrace directly from the manufacturer. I'm an Amazon addict but I do worry about certain things being counterfeit and I didn't want to take any chances with it.
APPLYING EMBRACE:
I had to have my husband apply it to my back. First I made him watch the application video(s) on the Embrace website. I showered and dried off. I had him use rubbing alcohol to wipe the entire area to make sure there were no oils or anything on my skin. Then we used Cavilon Barrier Film wipes to wipe the area. It's supposed to form a little protective film on your skin to help protect it from adhesive trauma (because I have anxiety and I've seen the TT reviews where ladies used Embrace too early, before their incision was closed all the way, and then it got ripped open badly when they took the Embrace off). It does feel like there's something there after we wiped the area with the Cavilon wipes.
He applied the Embrace strips. One thing I'd like to mention: the application video on their website shows the woman happily pulling the separator strips directly away from her body, and they come off nice and easy. We discovered this is completely untrue! My husband pulled and pulled, and the dang things refused to come out! He finally figured out that you have to pull them to the sides of the applicator, instead of straight out from your body. After figuring that out, application was easy.
After applying the Embrace strips, We used the Tegaderm film to seal the edges. I cut little strips off of the roll to use and then my husband applied them all around the edges of the Embrace strips.
I was worried it wouldn't feel as comfortable as my Scar Away strips, but it actually is really comfortable. It's now been 12 days since we put the Embrace on my back and it still has no issues and feels great. (My TT Embrace application didn't hold up as well and I took those off at 9 days... let my skin rest for a couple days and then put the 2nd application on my TT incision yesterday). Day after tomorrow will be 2 weeks for my back Embrace and I don't think it will have any issues lasting the full 2 weeks. Originally I only ordered enough Embrace for the first application, since I wasn't sure how my skin would react to it, but since it's comfortable to wear (and takes away some of my worry that I'll stretch my scar), I ordered enough for the recommended 2 month treatment period. If my back applications last 2 weeks each, I'll have 3 more applications to do.
It's fantastic not to have to coordinate my showers around when my husband will be home to do scar care for me! Since I can wear the Embrace for 2 weeks, I'm able to shower on my own schedule lol.
AngeleX's provider
Response from Dr. Salemy:
Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful, detailed description of your experience-- it is so helpful for patients as well as for us to know what works! Thank you for all the kind words!
UPDATED FROM AngeleX
28 days post
4 week update- so happy!
Hi ladies! It's been about a month since my surgery and I wanted to hop on and post a quick update. There's not really any difference in looks/ incision appearance between my last update and this one, but I'm posting a couple current pics anyways.
I almost have my full range of motion back for my arms. The only place it's still hard to reach is the center of my back (can't fasten/ unfasten my bra behind my back again yet). Nothing pulls or hurts when I move my arms, reach above my head, etc. I haven't tried picking up anything too heavy yet. Still holding off on that due to my TT. I have no pain in my back, nothing feels sore, and the only time I notice my incision is when I shower/ change my strips (and then it's only because I can't do it myself lol)
The annoying thing is that I can't change my strips on my own. Not that I'm complaining, my incision placement is perfect! Just wanted to share that it's a touch inconvenient to do the scar therapy stuff since I need someone to help me with that. I suppose I could skip the Scar Away strips and use just Biocorneum at night. Or something like Embrace or something might be good (?) But for now I'm just keeping the Scar Away strips on around the clock. I wash my hair every 2 or 3 days and when I do that I have my husband wash my back and we put new strips on afterwards. On the in between days I wash my front and everything below my waist like normal, but for my back I just wash across the top of my shoulders and below my incision, and try to only do a quick rinse so I don't get my strips too wet. It's been working ok so far.
I'm absolutely loving my back! I'm sooooo happy that Dr. Salemy is such a talented PS, because I've seen a few back lifts (by other doctors) that didn't turn out very well or had funny looking incisions. It's hard to find many before and afters of this procedure! And Salemy doesn't have any pics of it posted on his website, so I wasn't 100% sure what to expect. But I knew he did a fantastic job with his TT incisions and his scars from those tend to look really good. I'm so happy that I trusted him to do my back lift. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome! So far it has exceeded my expectations!
I almost have my full range of motion back for my arms. The only place it's still hard to reach is the center of my back (can't fasten/ unfasten my bra behind my back again yet). Nothing pulls or hurts when I move my arms, reach above my head, etc. I haven't tried picking up anything too heavy yet. Still holding off on that due to my TT. I have no pain in my back, nothing feels sore, and the only time I notice my incision is when I shower/ change my strips (and then it's only because I can't do it myself lol)
The annoying thing is that I can't change my strips on my own. Not that I'm complaining, my incision placement is perfect! Just wanted to share that it's a touch inconvenient to do the scar therapy stuff since I need someone to help me with that. I suppose I could skip the Scar Away strips and use just Biocorneum at night. Or something like Embrace or something might be good (?) But for now I'm just keeping the Scar Away strips on around the clock. I wash my hair every 2 or 3 days and when I do that I have my husband wash my back and we put new strips on afterwards. On the in between days I wash my front and everything below my waist like normal, but for my back I just wash across the top of my shoulders and below my incision, and try to only do a quick rinse so I don't get my strips too wet. It's been working ok so far.
I'm absolutely loving my back! I'm sooooo happy that Dr. Salemy is such a talented PS, because I've seen a few back lifts (by other doctors) that didn't turn out very well or had funny looking incisions. It's hard to find many before and afters of this procedure! And Salemy doesn't have any pics of it posted on his website, so I wasn't 100% sure what to expect. But I knew he did a fantastic job with his TT incisions and his scars from those tend to look really good. I'm so happy that I trusted him to do my back lift. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome! So far it has exceeded my expectations!
Replies (2)
This is perfection!!
How much did u pay for this he did great
UPDATED FROM AngeleX
17 days post
2 week update
I took the brown tape off last night and started using Biocorneum and Scar Away strips. I've never used either one before, so hopefully they are good! My scar is completely hidden under my bra strap, I love it!
Everything is healing well, but I still have to be careful reaching for things. I can't reach for things in the cupboard above my head (well, I can, but it hurts, so I don't!).
I'm so very, incredibly happy I had this done! 1 million percent worth it!!
I'm posting some pics. I asked Dr. Salemy if he could send me one of the 'before' pictures he took at my pre-op visit, since it's REALLY hard to take a good selfie pic of your own back, by yourself lol.
Everything is healing well, but I still have to be careful reaching for things. I can't reach for things in the cupboard above my head (well, I can, but it hurts, so I don't!).
I'm so very, incredibly happy I had this done! 1 million percent worth it!!
I'm posting some pics. I asked Dr. Salemy if he could send me one of the 'before' pictures he took at my pre-op visit, since it's REALLY hard to take a good selfie pic of your own back, by yourself lol.
Replies (4)
Thank you so much for posting this review. Your results are amazing!! Happy, fast healing!!
Thank you so much! There aren't a lot of bra line back lift reviews out there yet, I'm so happy to be able to help other ladies looking for info on it :)
I am glad that you posted this.I am considering this procedure as well. I have a question did you have drains and how long was the down time and how long were you off work
Hi Jazzy! No, I didn't have drains. I did have my bra line back lift done at the same time as my tummy tuck, so it's a little harder to answer the back to work question... It probably depends on what you do for work. For jobs that involve a lot of arm/ shoulder movement (like heavy lifting, scrubbing, painting, etc) you probably want to wait a couple of weeks. For other jobs (especially ones that don't involve much reaching above your head) you're probably fine going back in a week or even less.
My back recovery was significantly easier and less painful than my TT recovery. The only part of my back that hurt(s) from the bra line back lift is the actual incision area. The first 3 days were the worst. I'm 3 weeks post op today, and I don't notice discomfort from my back anymore unless I'm reaching for something over my head, scrubbing hard at the counter, (and probably if I tried to lift something heavy).
I've had multiple plastic surgery procedures, and this one has had the easiest recovery (not counting the tummy tuck part lol), plus I could see instant results from day one. Definitely worth it!
My back recovery was significantly easier and less painful than my TT recovery. The only part of my back that hurt(s) from the bra line back lift is the actual incision area. The first 3 days were the worst. I'm 3 weeks post op today, and I don't notice discomfort from my back anymore unless I'm reaching for something over my head, scrubbing hard at the counter, (and probably if I tried to lift something heavy).
I've had multiple plastic surgery procedures, and this one has had the easiest recovery (not counting the tummy tuck part lol), plus I could see instant results from day one. Definitely worth it!
I am almost 2 months post -op Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation. I hav quote already for
It. I go back to see my plastic surgeon In September. I am gonna talk to him more about it. I have had several plastic surgeries as well. I lost a lot of weight and I got the excess skin on my back it don’t look bad but I need it tighten up.
You should go for it! It's one of the best things I've had done. I've had breasts done also (twice actually, due to a faulty implant fill valve the first time), and the back lift recovery is a breeze compared to implant recovery! Congrats on the TT and breast augmentation!
Thank you. You look so amazing
Your results are amazing.
Thank you! I absolutely love how it turned out :)
You look awesome, I had the same surgery done, it looks nothing like yours. I'm so ashamed of how my scar looks, I'm going to try and find someone local in NC to see if a revision is possible.
Hi Pann, I'm sorry to hear that. It's always disappointing when we pay a lot of money for something and then it doesn't turn out the way we want! I hope you find a great surgeon for the revision, and that it's an easy fix for you. How long ago did you have yours done?
Replies (5)
I didn't have a lot of swelling, but I do remember that Dr Salemy cut the brown (Micropore) tape strips every little bit (inch or so?) in order to prevent little blisters in case there was swelling. I wore the tape for the first couple of weeks and then switched to Scar Away silicone strips until I switched to Embrace at 6 and a half weeks. I do have Biocorneum for my TT scar, but I only had it put on my back a few times because it was inconvenient to have someone else apply it, and I couldn't put it on myself. I loved the Scar Away strips for comfort, but I'm not sure how much they contributed to my healing. I'm really liking the Embrace so far! There was a definite difference in how my back looked before versus after surgery. I did see great results at my one day post op visit, but I did have a little bit of swelling; over the next few weeks it went away (there wasn't much) and I started to see more definition in my back. I love Horseback riding! (I haven't gone for about a year). It should be no problem at 6 weeks! I've been whitewater rafting only once. I think you'll probably be ok on that also, as long as you don't do too much strenuous rowing. I helped my husband with a little painting a few days ago, and my back muscles felt a bit stiff and sore from that. But I also haven't really used them in 2 months, and I didn't work out my back/ shoulder muscles much before surgery either, so it was probably just normal sore muscles! It feels fine now. I would definitely let the other people in the boat do the majority of the rowing work though, especially since that's a lot of bending/ stretching. Just fake most of it haha.