Why carry wings if you can't fly? While excess skin on the back and underarms is more commonly associated with women, it's also a concern for men following significant weight loss. A back and/or armpit lift can significantly improve the appearance of the torso and reduce discomfort from back wrinkles, though the scar is quite visible. If you wear a bra, the scar's location is easily seen—it typically aligns with the bra straps.
What is upper back lift?
Significant weight loss in a short period of time can lead to cosmetically and functionally unappealing effects on the skin. One common concern is the upper back deformity, which includes skin laxity, excess body fat accumulation, and redundant lateral breast tissue. To address this, an upper back lift, also known as a bra line back lift, is a reliable body contouring procedure.
During the upper back lift, both excess skin and subcutaneous fat from the upper back are removed. The goal is to restore the natural firmness of the skin and define the waistline. The procedure involves making two separate horizontal incisions across the back, excising the skin, and removing excess fatty tissue in between. Importantly, the incisions are placed in the upper back area, typically covered by bra straps. As a result, the post-operative scar is subtle and tends to remain in its original position as the wound heals.
In summary, the transverse upper body lift is a powerful tool that consistently delivers beautiful results. It benefits both normal weight individuals and those who have undergone massive weight loss, experiencing subsequent skin laxity. While complications related to this procedure are rare, they can usually be managed through proper wound care or minor revisions.
How Upper back lift differ from the lower back lift?
An upper body lift, also might refer to as a buttocks lift or lower back lift, is a surgical procedure that targets the upper-middle back area to remove excess tissue. It’s considered less invasive. In contrast, a lower back lift involves incisions above the buttocks to reshape the outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back. This procedure is suitable for those with significant sagging skin in the buttock and lower back areas and aims for a more comprehensive silhouette restoration. However, it requires a longer recovery time and may have a higher risk of post-operative wound infection and perioperative complications.
Can other surgeries be combined with upper back lift?
An upper back lift can indeed be combined with liposuction to achieve even more prominent results. However, the decision to combine these procedures should be based on an evaluation of the patient’s anatomical and physiological characteristics, including factors like BMI, by a qualified plastic surgeon. It’s important to note that to minimise the risk of infection and perioperative complications, an upper back lift is not typically performed alongside other surgical procedures, such as breast reduction or breast augmentation.
Who is a suitable candidate for an upper back lift?
Ideal candidates for an upper back lift are typically individuals who have experienced massive weight loss in a short period and struggle with notably saggy skin in the upper-middle back area. Additionally, they may have resistant fat deposits that do not respond to dietary changes or exercise.
Being in good overall health is crucial to avoid complications and ensure proper healing during the post-operative period. While there are no strict BMI regulations, patients with a BMI higher than 33-35 should consider bariatric surgery as their primary option.
Ultimately, consulting with a plastic surgeon is essential to evaluate eligibility for an upper back lift.
Recovery
Recovering smoothly after an upper back lift requires both time and patience.
- Recovery time
Typically spans 6-8 weeks. During this period, it’s essential to avoid strenuous activities involving the upper body, such as forcefully abducting the arms, to prevent putting undue pressure on the incision sites. - Pain
Post-operative patients can expect mild to moderate pain, which can be managed with prescribed medications for up to 14 days. - Incision site
After surgery, it’s essential to keep the incision site dry and clean. If waterproof bandages are used, patients should maintain their personal hygiene routine according to the doctor’s recommendations. - Garment
Wearing a compression garment for 6-8 weeks after surgery can significantly accelerate wound healing. - Laying position
Patients should avoid lying on their back until stitches and bandages are removed. For the first 3 weeks post-surgery, sleeping on the side or stomach is recommended. - Scars
The scar from an upper back lift is most noticeable in the initial months but gradually fades into a thin line. If needed, abnormal scarring can be addressed with additional surgery. - Bruising & swelling
Bruising and swelling in the upper-middle back may persist for up to 4 weeks due to the body’s inflammatory response. Consult a doctor if it persists.
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