Back Lift

A back lift is a body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and tissue from the upper and lower back to restore a smoother, more defined appearance. It is performed to address the hanging skin and bulges of fat left after significant weight loss, allowing you to achieve a sculpted figure that reflects the hard work and dedication you have put into yourself.

Dr. Alyson Wells of Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa is a double board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Wells uses her surgical precision and artistic expression to help each of her patients restore their self-confidence, enabling them to live their lives as freely as they wish.

If you are interested in working with Dr. Wells, we invite you to contact us online or call (410) 628-8200 to reach our Cockeysville office.

About Back Lifts

A back lift is a body-contouring procedure that can elevate the appearance and proportions of your back by surgically excising redundant skin and tissue.

Over time, it is common for hanging skin to develop across the upper and lower back due to weight fluctuations, pregnancy, aging, and other major body changes. This excess tissue can change how your clothing fits, diminish your personal comfort, and lower your sense of body positivity. By undergoing a back lift, you can address each of these concerns and restore your figure.

Types of Back Lifts

Dr. Wells can perform different types of back lifts to address concerns of all degrees and locations. During your consultation, she will work with you to determine which approach will help you achieve your desired aesthetic.

Bra-Line Back Lift

A bra-line back lift addresses sagging skin and fat that has developed across the upper back. ⁽¹⁾ This type of back lift uses an incision beneath the shoulder blades, along where the bra line typically sits, to ensure that any postoperative scarring remains well concealed beneath your clothing.

Lower Back Lift

A lower back lift addresses lax skin that has developed along the lower back and upper hips. It places an incision across the waistline, allowing you to hide it beneath your undergarments or bottomwear.

Benefits

Back lifts offer many benefits to patients, such as:

Candidates

Candidates for a back lift include anyone who is interested in addressing lax or sagging skin around the upper, middle, and lower back, especially around regions such as the shoulder blades or bra-line. These effects are often left after losing significant weight through either traditional lifestyle habits, bariatric surgery, or GLP-1 medications. This procedure is also beneficial for those wanting to address “back rolls,” or stubborn rolls of fat that have accumulated around various regions of the back. ⁽²⁾

Anyone interested in undergoing this procedure should also be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding their results. They should possess a stable and maintainable weight and good skin elasticity. They should also be non-smoking or willing to quit using nicotine altogether.

Personal Consultation

Scheduling and attending your personal consultation is the first step to transforming the appearance of your back. During this visit, Dr. Wells will meet with you individually to discuss each detail of your procedure. She will assess your medical history, converse with you about your concerns, and establish realistic goals. She will also perform a physical examination to assess your skin quality, the degree of skin laxity, if any fat has accumulated, and what regions of the back need to be treated.

Dr. Wells will use the information you share to create a treatment plan for each of your needs. She will determine which surgical approach will create the most natural-looking results, including where to place the incision, how much skin to remove, and where to remove it from. She will explain each concept to ensure you understand what to expect and will answer any questions you may have.

If you are ready to schedule this consultation, we invite you to contact us online or call (410) 628-8200.

Preparation

Once you have scheduled your procedure, Dr. Wells will provide you with a detailed set of preparation instructions. Each one will help you optimize your procedure, recovery, and results. They include:

Procedure

When you arrive for your procedure, you will be led to a private room where you will reconfirm each detail of your procedure with a member of Dr. Wells’s team. They will then cleanse your skin and transfer you to the operating room, where you will receive general anesthesia to remain comfortable.

Dr. Wells will then place an incision across your back, with its exact length and placement varying depending on the region and concern she is addressing. It is typically either placed across the bra line if the upper portion of the back is being targeted, or the lower back if the lower portion is being corrected. She will then proceed to surgically excise the loose and hanging tissue.

If Dr. Wells finds that there is a significant amount of fat in the region, she may elect to perform liposuction to remove it. She will then close the incisions with sutures and let you rest.

Recovery

Dr. Wells performs each procedure on an outpatient basis, which means that she will release you on the same day she completes your corrections. She will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to guide you through each phase of your recovery.

Initially, you can expect to experience some swelling or bruising around the treated area. These effects are temporary and will subside with time, but you can also manage them with prescribed medications and plenty of rest. You may also be asked to wear a compression garment to minimize further swelling as your tissues heal and settle.

You will be encouraged to take light walks as soon as you feel ready to, and you may return to non-strenuous tasks and activities after resting for several weeks. However, you will need to refrain from engaging in anything arduous until Dr. Wells has approved your return. You will also need to attend any follow-up appointments so that she may remove any drains or sutures, and monitor the progress of your recovery.

Results

The results of your back lift will become more refined as any residual swelling dissipates. You can expect smoother skin, a more defined waistline, elevated proportions, and a more sculpted silhouette overall. Many patients also report that their clothing fits more comfortably and feel more confident wearing backless or form-fitting garments.

The results of your procedure are long-lasting, with improvements that you can enjoy for several years when you maintain your weight. However, it is important to understand that your appearance will naturally change over time.

Cost of Back Lifts in Baltimore, Maryland

The cost of your back lift will vary depending on each aspect of your procedure, such as the size of the treatment area, the extent of your corrections, and whether Dr. Wells combines your procedures with another. Once she has met with you to establish these details, she will provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate for your back lift.

FAQ

References

1. Hunstad J, Chen C, Abbed T. Bra-Line Back Lift. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2019;46(1):77-84. doi:10.1016/j.cps.2018.08.010
2. Thomas M, Dsilva JA. Grading of “Back Rolls”: Guide to Treatment Options. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2021;9(10):e3827. doi:10.1097/gox.0000000000003827