Back Lift Lipectomy Surgery Sydney
A Bra Line Backlift, or Back Lipectomy, in Sydney can help remove skin and fat deposits around the hips and back
A bra line back lift, also called an upper back lift or back lipectomy, is a body contouring cosmetic surgery that removes back rolls of fat and the excess skin in the upper and middle part of the back around the bra strap area.
This Torsoplasty procedure removes mostly excess skin that is left after you have lost a significant amount of weight.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a plastic surgeon who has completed hundreds of cosmetic procedures. He is a highly experienced surgeon and a spokesperson of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and member of the American and International Society of Plastic Surgeons.
What is Bra Line Back Lift (Back Lipectomy) Surgery?
As we start to age, our skin does not bounce back after losing weight or having a baby. It is normal for our skin to lose elasticity because of gravity and other ageing factors. This can result in excess skin around the body that does not reduce with traditional methods.
Many patients find themselves with excess skin in the upper or middle back after considerable weight loss. When the fat tissue in this area is lost, due to ageing-related or intentional fat loss, the support of this skin diminishes, creating an excess of skin tissue. This area is often described as “bra line,” a term that refers to the area around the bra strap in the back.
For some patients, the traditional tumescent liposuction or adjunctive liposuction procedures are enough. However, since the fat of the upper back can be fibrous in nature, liposuction is not possible for all. Moreover, it is more difficult in the upper back because it is a large area and usually has some degree of excess skin in a vertical direction. So, most patients seek to get rid of the excess skin more than the fatty tissues.
Bra line back lifting (back lipectomy) surgery gets rid of both excess skin and subcutaneous fat from this area. This allows for tightening of skin both horizontally across the back as well as vertically down from the bra strap level to beyond the waistline. The benefits of this surgical procedure will vary due to the individual nature of surgical plans.
Why Patients Might Consider Bra Line Back Lift (Back Lipectomy) Surgery
Common reasons a patient may opt for the procedure is:
- Reduced back and joint pain – people who undergo this surgery were often suffering from chronic neck, back, and joint pain caused by excess skin before the surgery.
- Increased mobility – when a person has excess skin, it can be difficult to move as much as they would like.
- Improved posture – because the volume of skin covering your back has been reduced after your procedure, some patients find that their posture improves.
- Reduced fat deposits – bra line back lift (back lipectomy) surgery aims to remove the fat deposits in your upper, middle or lower back. The procedure can also address fat under your bra strap or above your waistline.
- Possible combined procedure – if you require more extensive contouring, it is possible to include other body procedures while performing bra line back lift (back lipectomy). For example, procedures like abdominoplasty and breast reduction mammoplasty can also be performed along with this procedure.
Am I a Suitable Candidate for Bra Line Back Lift (Back Lipectomy) Surgery?
Suitable candidates for the bra line back lift (back lipectomy) surgery is someone who has excess loose skin and plans to maintain a constant weight. This procedure may be suitable for patients who have undergone significant weight loss through diet, exercise, or bariatric surgery. After a person loses weight, their skin may not automatically shrink to fit their new body size. The resulting excess skin can cause issues such as discomfort, mobility issues, hygiene problems, skin rashes, and other skin irritations.
A back lipectomy is an extensive surgery. As such, it is best performed when the patient does not intend to lose additional weight or who have considerable loose skin that cannot be reduced otherwise. You could be a suitable candidate if you:
- Have extra loose skin on the upper part of your back
- Have recently lost weight and have no intention of losing a considerable amount of weight in the near future
- Are healthy with no health conditions that prevent surgery
- Are in your 40s or 50s, as patients of this age may start to become prone to loss of skin elasticity. However, the procedure can also be done on younger patients who have lost a significant amount of weight in a very short time and their skin hasn’t been able to change along with their body
- Are a non-smoker, or you are committed to quitting smoking for several months before and after the surgery
- Have realistic expectations of the surgery and understand that there will be a scar
About Back Lipectomy Surgery
Your surgery will be performed in a private hospital under general anaesthesia which means you will be asleep throughout the procedure.
You will usually stay in the hospital for a few nights depending on your condition. You will need to get tests and consultation beforehand.
The surgery can take 3 to 5 hours or more. This is dependent upon the amount of skin required to be removed and the amount of liposuction needed to be done as part of the procedure.
Dr Hunt will mark the skin to be removed from your back before surgery. You will also be shown the amount of tissue during your consultation, so you will have an idea beforehand. After the tissue is removed, the edges will be held together and sewn in place, so the scar will be where your bra line usually is. This stretches the skin on your back and secures it in place.
Recovery after Back Lipectomy Surgery
You can expect to take 2-3 weeks off work for recovery, but it can take 8 weeks for the results to become visible. For the first few weeks, you will have difficulty moving your arms too much.
You will need to ask a friend or relative to drive you home after surgery. You can always stay another night at the hospital to ensure you are well enough to go home, especially if you live alone. You will need to take antibiotics and other medicine after the surgery.
Soreness, heavy feeling, and tightness of the skin is normal during the recovery. Swelling will peak after 2-3 days and then it will start to go down. You may also notice some numbness after surgery, but this is typically temporary. The pain medication prescribed by Dr Hunt will help relieve any discomfort you experience. You may be asked to sleep with your back elevated for the first few nights following surgery to reduce swelling. He will also give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.
After about 8 weeks and the incision healing you may be given massage oil or silicone gel to apply 2- 3 times daily to help minimise the scar.
Also, you will have to avoid any strenuous physical activity for up to 6 weeks following surgery. As the swelling goes down and your scars soften, you’ll see your new shape appear over the next several weeks or months. You may want to wear loose clothing during the recovery period. It can take a year or more for scars to completely heal and become less visible.
Potential risks and complications
All surgery has risks. Most of the risks associated with the surgery are preventable. They will be explained by Dr Hunt during consultation. In general, risks of the surgery include:
- Infection
- Bleeding (haemorrhage)
- Fluid accumulation
- Blood clots
- Wound healing problems and scarring
- Reactions to anaesthesia
Body and Back Lipectomy: Patient Story
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Download Dr Hunt's Guide
Excess Skin Reduction Guide
The excess skin reduction guide has been created by Dr Hunt and his team as a useful tool to help you plan and consider these procedures.
Throughout the guide, we will discuss the ins and outs of different types of surgery what makes a suitable candidate, pre-surgery planning answers to the most frequently asked questions received from patients.
How much does Bra Line Back Lift (Back Lipectomy) surgery cost in Sydney NSW? Prices & Fees
As explained, a bra line back lift is a complex intervention. Hence, the cost varies from one patient to another. Anaesthetist fees and hospital fees also depend on the time in theatre.
To find out the estimated price of upper body lift in Sydney, please phone Dr Hunt’s team. After your first consultation, Dr Hunt will give you a more precise estimate of the surgery costs.
Is bra line back lift (back lipectomy) surgery covered by Medicare or private health insurance?
If you meet certain strict Medicare criteria, you may be eligible for a partial rebate by medicare or health insurance subsidy for plastic surgery.
You can also learn more about possible Medicare & Health Fund coverage, a Bra Line Back Lift (back lipectomy) Surgery Payment Plan, or the costs for surgery on our Surgical Costs page.
Take the next step today
With over 20 years of experience as a plastic surgeon, Dr Jeremy Hunt aims to provide patient-tailored procedure outcomes using different surgical techniques.
Dr Hunt prides himself on the level of care and attention he offers and that begins from the day of first consultation.
Join the thousands of past patients today by booking a consultation with Dr Hunt.
Next Step – Fill in the Enquiry form or call Dr Hunt’s Team on 1300 157 200.
Next Steps
Always Do Your Research
- Browse our FAQs page
Book Your First Consultation
- Your Surgeon Consultation Fee is $400
- You will need a Referral from your GP
- Phone the team or email to Book your consultation
Prepare for your Plastic Surgeon Consultation
- Bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information.
- Take lots of notes and read the documents provided.
- Dress in simple clothes as you may need to undress.
- Bring your GP Referral and your test results.
Considering Back Lipectomy Surgery?
How do I find a qualified surgeon in Sydney?
Here are some of the tips on how to find an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon in Sydney:
- Find out about their experience: it is important to find out if they have experience performing this kind of surgery
- Pictures: take a look at the before and after photos of their patients
- Comfort: book a consultation to see if you feel comfortable with them
- Credentials: look at their credentials and qualifications
How do you sleep after a bra back lipectomy?
You should sleep on your front or elevate your head with two pillows for at least a few weeks. You can then resume your regular sleeping position.
Why do I have excess skin and fat on my back when I'm skinny?
This may be because you have excess fat in the midsection of your body. Or you may have lost a lot of weight recently and your skin was not able to shrink along with the fat loss.
Can you surgically remove back fat?
Yes, both back fat and excess skin can be removed surgically.
What are potential risks and complications of Bra Line Back Lift Surgery?
All surgery has risks. Most of the risks associated with the surgery are preventable. They will be explained by Dr Hunt during consultation. In general, risks of the surgery include:
- Infection
- Bleeding (haemorrhage)
- Fluid accumulation
- Blood clots
- Wound healing problems and scarring
Further Reading and Medical Sources about Bra Line Back Lift
What other post weight loss procedure does Dr Hunt offer?
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PLASTIC SURGEON SYDNEY
About Dr Jeremy Hunt
Dr Hunt has worked with thousands of patients across his 20-year career. This is reflected in his role as Spokesperson for the ASPS – Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. Dr Hunt is also a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training at Sydney Children’s Hospital.
Dr Hunt has a strong interest in helping his patients achieve their desired results by employing the most appropriate practices for each individual patient.
