What is Back Lift Surgery?
While losing weight is a positive event and dramatic weight loss results in numerous benefits to a person’s health, after weight reduction surgery, or any substantial amount of weight loss, many parts of the body may have unsightly sagging skin. After extensive weight loss, the skin and tissues of the back often lack the elasticity to conform to the reduced body size, and therefore the skin may sag or appear as “rolls”. A surgical procedure known as a back lift, or upper body lift, can address the issue of excess skin and fat on the back. A back lift is a surgical procedure that focuses on recontouring and tightening up the back by removing excess skin and fat.
Candidates for Back Lift Surgery
Back lift surgeries are an effective form of cosmetic treatment for both men and women, especially after a significant weight loss, and are often combined with other body contouring procedures to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals all at once.
How is Back Lift Surgery Done?
A back lift is performed while the patient is sedated under general anesthesia. A back lift procedure concentrates on the mid to upper back area and sides of the upper abdomen beneath the arms. This is a particularly difficult spot for women as these rolls of skin tend to surface above and below the bra line. An incision is made across the back and excess tissue is removed. Liposuction may also be used to remove any excess fat from the area. The remaining skin is then sutured closed, resulting in a smooth and toned appearance. Bandages are applied to the incisions following the procedure and small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. Most back lifts are outpatient procedures and are completed in about one to two hours.
Recovering After Back Lift Surgery
There may be some swelling and discomfort after a back lift, but most discomfort can be managed with medication. After back lift surgery patients are advised to avoid exercise and lifting any heavy objects as this type of activity can cause the stitches to tear. As with any surgery, some scarring will be present and the incision may form a thin scar. The visibility of scarring will vary by patient, and most women can easily conceal any scars under a bra or bathing suit strap.
What Are The Risks of Back Lift Surgery?
While a back lift is considered a safe procedure, there are risks which may include:
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Bleeding
- Accumulation of fluids
Some patients may experience numbness in the upper and lower back after a back lift. In most cases, this numbness disappears over time and sensations gradually return to normal.
Patient Testimonial
Thank you for an awesome experience at your clinic (if you can call surgery awesome!). Everyone was so nice, professional – yet fun! – and made the whole experience terrific. Pre-surgery appointments went well. I got all my questions answered and never felt rushed. The day of surgery, I was more nervous than I expected to be. Everyone was so great – getting me settled in and taking care of business, yet joking and teasing – enjoying a few laughs before going to sleep. Loved the new addition of the heated air mattress! After surgery – same thing – everyone was very attentive and caring. Post-surgical appointments went well – again, I never felt rushed. That was important to me. All my questions were answered. Dr. Meeks has a really nice manner and did a great job of taking care of me before and after. The surgery itself was a success – I was very pleased with the results. You have customer service down and it shows. Thanks again, for a wonderful experience.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Meeks
To learn more about upper body contouring and other plastic surgery options offered by Dr. Meeks, please call our office at 360-286-2456. We serve Silverdale, WA and nearby areas.
