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Woollahra Sydney . Wollongong NSW
Why Patients Might Consider Bra Line Back Lift (Back Lipectomy) Surgery
Common reasons a patient may opt for the procedure are:
Reduced Back and
Joint Pain
People who undergo this surgery often suffer from chronic neck, back, and joint pain caused by excess skin.
Increased
Mobility
When a person has excess skin, it can be difficult to move as much as they would like.
Improved
Posture
Due to the removal of excess skin on the back, some patients find that their posture improves.
Reduced Fat
Deposits
Bra Line Back Lift (Back Lipectomy) Surgery aims to remove fat deposits in the upper, middle, or lower back. The procedure can also address fat under the bra strap or above the waistline.
Possible
Combined Procedure
If you require more extensive contouring, it is possible to include other body procedures while performing a 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 Bra Line Back Lift (Back Lipectomy) Surgery may include those who have excess loose skin and plan 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 has 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.
Patients usually stay in the hospital for a few nights depending on their condition. You will need to get tests and undergo consultations beforehand.
The surgery can take 3 to 5 hours or more, depending on the amount of skin to be removed and the amount of Liposuction needed.
Dr Hunt will mark the skin to be removed from your back before surgery. The amount of tissue will be discussed 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 to 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 probably 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, heaviness, and tightness of the skin are normal during recovery. Swelling will peak after 2 to 3 days and then it should start to subside. 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, and you may be asked to sleep with your back elevated for the first few nights following surgery to reduce swelling. Dr Hunt will also give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself, including that you should avoid smoking and vaping throughout recovery.
After about four weeks and once the incision has healed, you may be given scar balm to massage in and scar tape to apply 2 to 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 over the next weeks and months and your scars soften, you may start to see your new shape appear. 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.
After about four weeks and once the incision has healed, you may be given scar balm to massage in and scar tape to apply 2- 3 times daily, in order 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 avoidable, but they can occur in rare cases. 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
