Aging and significant weight loss can cause annoying bulging in the mid and upper back, above or below the bra strap. It’s a common misconception that this is excess fat, but in most patients, excess skin also contributes to unflattering back rolls. A bra-line back lift is a procedure to smooth and tighten the back and improve your appearance in clothing and swimsuits.
Am I a Candidate for Bra-Line Back Lift?
As with most types of body contouring procedures, it’s important that you be a healthy non-smoker who is at or close to your goal weight. A good candidate for a bra-line back lift has a roll of loose skin that bulges out below or above the bra strap. Occasionally, younger or heavier patients have fatty excess tissue without sagging skin, and these patients may be better candidates for liposuction of the back. A bra-line back lift is often combined with liposuction of the lower back/hip rolls or other body contouring procedures. Dr. MacLennan will examine you and make recommendations for the procedures that would be ideal for you.
How Is the Back Lift Surgery Done?
Loose skin and back fat are removed through an incision that goes across the mid-back. While the incision is long, it’s easy to hide under your bra strap or swimsuit. The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures and tape. No drain is required unless combined with significant liposuction of the lower back.
What Is Recovery Like?
Recovery times vary, depending on the combination of procedures. Typically, a minimum of 1-2 weeks off work is necessary to recover from a bra-line back lift. For the first 2 weeks, full extension of the arms (up over head) is limited. A compression garment may be necessary when liposuction of the lower back is performed. Light cardio may be resumed after 2 weeks and unrestricted activity after 4 weeks.
FAQs
Is it safe to combine a bra-line back lift with other procedures?
A bra-line back lift is often combined with liposuction of the lower back. In many cases, patients who are interested in a bra-line back lift have already had other body contouring procedures such as breast reduction, arm lifts, and tummy tucks. Some of these incisions may be incorporated into a bra-line backlift closure. We may recommend staging a bra-line back lift and circumferential body lift due to post-operative comfort and positioning considerations, since these two procedures pull the skin in opposite directions.
Do you use drains?
Drains are not necessary for a bra-line back lift. Occasionally, a drain may be placed if a bra-line back lift is combined with liposuction of the lower back.
Do you use drains?
As with most body contouring surgeries, the bra-line back lift involves a long scar because of the need to remove skin. Because it’s the most effective way to smooth back bulges and because the incision can be hidden under your bra, many women find it’s a reasonable trade-off for a smoother back without those annoying bra bulges.
Interested in finding out if you’re a candidate for a smoother back? Give us a call (802) 444-4421 and we’d be happy to chat.
