What to Look for in Back Fat Removal Surgery

Back liposuction has been one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures and perhaps the most misunderstood. Although liposuction techniques have improved dramatically over the years and have become safer and more sophisticated, the procedure is still often seen as simplistic or even barbaric. 

It's also one of the most challenging procedures in plastic surgery, as surgeons must anticipate which bodies will respond favorably to altering the relationship between skin and fat.

Traditional back liposuction is a cosmetic procedure in which body fat is suctioned out of targeted areas of the back through a small incision. A cannula is inserted into the tissue, and a tumescent solution (a combination of saline, local anesthetics such as lidocaine, and adrenaline) is administered. The amount of fat needed for the desired result is then suctioned out. This method has newer variations, such as ultrasonic liposuction (UAL), which uses ultrasonic energy to break down fat.

This is not a weight-loss method and cannot help treat obesity or cellulite; it is best suited for people who are already at a healthy weight. It may take a few months for the final results to be noticeable until the swelling is gone. And as with all surgical procedures, there is a risk of side effects, such as hematoma, fluid build-up, and, in rare cases, blood clots.

It's also good to remember: although the results of back liposuction are technically permanent, any weight gain can increase the number of remaining fat cells or lead to the formation of completely new fat cells. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle is needed for results to stay (think healthy diet and regular exercise).

The search for the right surgeon should be critical, especially when going through the before and after photo galleries. The details listed below produce the most impressive results when it comes to back fat removal.

Cannulas with Discreet, Not-So Noticeable Scars

The best plastic surgeons go to great lengths to cover up the marks to produce natural results. Liposuction does not involve an extended scalpel cut, but rather a stainless steel cannula is inserted under the skin in several places to reach the fat deposits, leaving tiny scars. 

Often the cannula site is the only visible mark of back liposuction surgery. As with any cosmetic procedure, the goal here is to make incisions in the natural stretch lines of the skin, in the shadows, or in places hidden under clothing.

Smooth Contouring

Here, we're talking about two things: avoiding contour irregularities, such as lumps and bumps, and making sure one treatment area flows smoothly into the next. 

Contour irregularities are among the most common complications of liposuction. These textural hiccups can happen if surgeons remove too much fat or target an inappropriate plane. Suctioning only surface fat - the padding just under the skin - rather than the deeper subcutaneous reserves in certain areas can leave noticeable lumps. Hence, a proper plan is the key to an unadulterated-looking result. Some people are also more susceptible to bumps, such as those with soft, easily malleable, or 'pasty' skin.

To minimize dents during body contouring with liposuction, surgeons may employ a tactic called fat equalization. This technique involves going through the target areas on the back with a specific cannula, called an exploded tip or basket cannula, without suction to help scatter loose fat cells so they can act as tiny fat grafts on the treated areas.

Reducing an isolated area tends to enlarge nearby problem spots, even if they weren't as troublesome at first. Having liposuction on the back but neglecting the upper arms of the hips will result in a flat, boxy appearance. Similarly, targeting only the lower back to smooth out a back muffin top will make bra rolls appear more prominent. 

Naturally Revealed Muscle Definition

The exaggerated results of high-definition liposuction make most doctors cringe. The best way to subtly define muscle is to follow the peaks and valleys inherent in the area you're contouring. 

There are also areas of the body where convexity must be respected, such as the lower back for women. 

While the sculpted look is in high demand, it's not for everyone. Many patients see the results of others and desire the same, not recognizing that their body characteristics are very different at the base. Ideal candidates have a BMI of less than 28, are healthy, fit, non-smokers, have good underlying muscle tone, and do not have excessive skin laxity.

Tightly Fitting Back Skin 

One of the most significant characteristics shared between the strong candidates is taut, elastic skin. That's why lipo results in 20-year-olds are almost always better than in 30-year-olds, and why 30-year-olds tend to look better than 40-year-olds, and so on.

During the consultation, the plastic surgeon will perform a series of impaction tests to determine the amount and quality of excess fat and the skin's elasticity or how quickly the skin recovers after impaction. After liposuction, the skin will sometimes retract to some degree, especially if patients adhere to post-operative compression garments. 

Surgeons can also encourage skin retraction by using radiofrequency or plasma energy during surgery. But these devices can only do so much for sagging skin. Therefore, one might need to couple a back liposuction procedure with a back lift in cases where loose skin is a significant concern. That said, skin tightening add-ons like Renuvion pair excellently with minimally invasive fat removal and can serve as a first step before resorting to the more invasive back lift approach.

Elite Body Sculpture's Back AirSculpt® Has It All

If you're considering a procedure for the best back fat removal results, Elite Body Sculpture has to be your ideal choice.

Minimally invasive Back AirSculpt® doesn't use scalpels, stitches, needles, or general anesthesia to treat your excess fat. We also use a patented cannula that simultaneously removes fat and helps tightens the surrounding skin, giving you the optimal aesthetic.

For more information on how we can help you, call your nearest Elite office to get started with a complimentary consultation.