What is a Back Lift, And Does It Remove Fat Too?

What is a Back Lift?

A back lift is a surgical procedure in which excess skin is removed from the back. People often seek a back lift after significant weight loss has left them with loose and sagging skin.

Sometimes liposuction and other body contouring procedures are performed simultaneously with a back lift. Together, these procedures can provide a tighter, more lean appearance.

How Does A Back Lift Work?

Excess skin is removed during a back lift via surgical excision, and the remaining skin is pulled into the back. This results in a smooth, tight, and wrinkle-free appearance.

Two common types of back lifts include:

1. Bra-line back lift. A bra-line back lift is performed to reshape the upper back, middle back, and waist. This type of surgery leaves a scar that extends down the back below the shoulder blades, approximately where the bra strap often falls. This procedure is available to both men and women.
2. Vertical back lift. A vertical back lift removes skin and excess fat from the back and abdomen. It is performed through incisions that run from the top of the hip bones to the arm bones.

A vertical back lift usually gives you a more lifted and generally firmer appearance. However, back lifts in the bra line leave large scars in most people, whereas during a vertical back lift, the surgeon may remove less skin, but your scars will be less visible.

What Is The Back Lift Procedure Like?

Back lifts are performed in both outpatient surgery centers and hospitals. Where the back lift is performed depends on your surgeon and whether you need to have other procedures simultaneously. On the day of surgery, the plastic surgeon will examine your back. They will determine the appropriate incision areas and mark them.

For example, if you usually wear a bra and need a back lift at the bra level, they will make markings under the bra line. This is done so that the scar can be more easily hidden under your bra and bathing suit once it has healed.

During the procedure, you will be administered an anesthetic. The doctor will make sure you are fully anesthetized and feel no pain before the surgery begins. 

The plastic surgeon will make incisions along the lines they made earlier during the surgery. They will then remove the excess skin. Your remaining skin will be stretched to create a smooth appearance and then reattached along the incision line.

If you need liposuction or body contouring, it will likely be done during this time. Once your skin is smooth and the fat is removed, your skin will be carefully sutured along the incision line. Once your skin is fully sutured, bandages will be applied. Total surgery time varies, but most back lifts take 2 to 5 hours.

Are There Any Risks from a Back Lift?

All surgeries have risks, including infection and excessive bleeding. You can discuss whether you have an increased risk of serious side effects with your plastic surgeon.

Risks of a back lift include:

1. Bruising
2. Bleeding
3. Infection
4. Swelling
5. Excess fluid
6. Nerve damage
7. Pain
8. Numbness
9. Scarring

AirSculpt + Provides Optimal Results

Patients are now more interested in the prospects of making changes to their bodies but not having to incur the risks that invasive surgery has.

Back AirSculpt® doesn't use scalpels, stitches, needles, or general anesthesia to remove stubborn fat, while AirSculpt®+ offers instant skin tightening results. This combined approach enables you to sculpt a dramatically tight and toned look for your back with a minimally invasive surgery, meaning you're wide awake. 

For more information on how we can help you in the South Florida area, call our Miami office to schedule your complimentary consultation.