Bra-Line Back Lift in Ohio: Guide to Back Lift Surgery

Like many parts of the body, the back is prone to excess fat deposits and sagging skin. This is often the result of natural aging, sun damage, or massive weight loss. These issues can be addressed through a Back Lift (also known as Bra-Line Back Lift for women). This surgical procedure is designed to reverse these issues while eliminating fat bulges along the back and bra-line to create a smooth contour.

If you are from Ohio, or its neighboring states: Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, etc., and are looking to address these issues, then look no further than the team at Midwest Breast & Aesthetic Surgery!

Several factors can influence the total cost of your back lift surgery, which should be discussed during your initial consultation. These factors include:

• Amount and location of the excess skin, fat, and tissues to be removed
• Diagnostic tests needed
• Your overall health and medical conditions
• Qualifications and experience of the plastic surgeon and surgical technique
• Location of surgery: Hospital, aesthetic center, or clinic facilities
• Choice of anesthesia or sedation
• Post-operative medications and supplies
• Any other surgical procedures combined with your back lift surgery
• Post-operative follow-up visits

Most insurance companies do not cover the expenses for a back lift, unless there is a medical necessity based on the insurance company criteria. Each individual insurance policy is unique and you are encouraged to inquire with your insurance agent for details.

A back lift yields an enhanced body contour and appearance, which may lead to improved self-confidence and a better quality of life. Medically, it can prevent skin irritations, chafing, and rashes on your back.

The procedure effectively eliminates most of the sagging skin and excess soft tissue on your back, yielding an enhanced body contour and appearance. The procedure can significantly improve your figure, which may help boost your self-confidence and better your quality of life.

You may enjoy a larger array of clothing to choose from following back lift surgery. In addition, it may alleviate the following conditions:

• Skin irritations that may lead to a recurrent rash
• Hygiene problems
• Problems with mobility

The initial consultation is an opportunity for us to discuss and plan your entire surgical process. We begin by determining your suitability for a back lift through a review of your medical history and physical examination.

You must be willing to answer questions about the current state of your health. We will discuss your goals and preferences during this visit.

During the consultation, we will:

• Discuss the procedure, along with treatment options and the expected surgical outcome
• Provide before and after photos from previous patients
• Explain the possible complications, risks, and side-effects from this procedure
• Provide you with the necessary pre and post-operative surgical instructions
• Discuss your options for payment
• Discuss your concerns about the surgery and its results

To ensure your back lift surgery is a success, it is important to make the necessary preparations. In the weeks before surgery patients must cease vices such as smoking and drinking. Additionally, medications and health supplements must be avoided. However, you must not discontinue any medications that has been prescribed to you without consulting your surgeons and primary care doctors.

In addition, you should:

• Maintain a stable weight and a balanced diet
• Shower daily
• Allow your body to get plenty of rest
• Keep yourself hydrated before and after surgery
• Avoid eating and drinking on the hours leading to your surgery
• Arrange time off from work
• Obtain and fill prescriptions before surgery (i.e. pain medicine and antibiotics)
• Purchase medical supplies (e.g. bandages, gauzes, compression garments)

The duration of your surgery depends on the extent of sagging skin to be removed. On average, it will require 2 to 3 hours.

Under general anesthesia, our plastic surgeons will make incisions on both sides of your mid-back or near your bra-line, based on the markings that were made prior to the surgery.

Through these incisions, the loose and sagging skin as well as excess fat is removed. In some cases, our plastic surgeons may discuss adding a liposuction procedure in conjunction with the back lift.

After the removal of excess skin and fat, the remaining skin is closed with sutures. The resulting scars should not be a source of worry; the incisions will be strategically placed to conceal the scars under your bra or any article of clothing.

A back lift is generally an outpatient procedure, meaning you will arrive and go home on the same day as your surgery. A hospital stay may be required if it is combined with another body contouring procedure.

The recovery period varies from patient -to -patient. For sedentary work, seven -to -ten days of time away from work is necessary to allow for recovery.

It is recommended that you refrain from strenuous activities, such as exercise, for at least one month. Certain activities that stretch the new incision/scar such as bending at the waist as well as over-the-head activities must be avoided as well. Likewise, use of a bra is prohibited immediately after surgery; you may wear a loose fitting bra after a few weeks. You should also refrain from lying on your back until you have fully healed.

You may shower 2-3 days following the surgery. Bathing or soaking in a pool should be avoided for one month or until all wounds have fully healed. Normal activities may resume after four-to-six weeks.

To ensure that your body heals appropriately, it is important to understand and comply with the aftercare instructions provided during your consultation visit.

Like any surgical procedure, the back lift has a number of risks and complications. These issues include:

• Swelling
• Pain and discomfort
• Scarring
• Infection
• Skin Irritation
• Potential injury to nerves and underlying tissues
• Bleeding
• Fluid accumulation (Seroma)
• Blood accumulation (Hematoma)
• Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis
• Negative reaction to anesthesia
• Allergic reaction to medication

If you notice these conditions in the days and weeks after your surgery, contact us immediately so we can examine you as soon as possible.

Before undergoing any cosmetic surgery, it is important to remember that the outcome of your procedure is only as good as your willingness to maintain the results.

If the procedure proves effective, the results from your back lift will be noticeable immediately. The outline on your back will be flat and smooth, with appropriate tightness of the skin and an overall slimmer appearance.

To obtain and maintain the best results, please follow the pre- and post-operative instructions provided for you during your consultation.

Back Lift Scarring

Scarring is an inevitable outcome of any surgical procedure and may depend on several factors such as the treatment area and your skin quality (i.e. if you are prone to forming scars).

Back lift surgery leaves long scars across your back. Our plastic surgeons will show you where to strategically place these incisions so that the resulting scars can be hidden under your clothing, bra, or swimwear.

You are qualified for a back lift if you:

• Want to improve your overall body contour, especially your back
• Have drooping skin on your back, which may be due to:
  • Massive weight loss
  • Aging
  • Sun damage
  • Other conditions that can cause skin laxity such as pregnancy
• Have excess skin and unwanted fat deposits that do not improve with exercise and diet
• Have been and are able to maintain a stable weight for six months
• Are in good overall health
• Do not smoke or drink excessively
• Have realistic expectations and goals for the procedure
• Are mentally healthy
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle (regular exercise and good nutrition)

If you are diabetic, pregnant, or a heavy smoker and drinker, surgery is not recommended as these conditions increase the risk of complications and affect your healing and recovery.

While the term bra-line seems to limit the procedure to women, men can also undergo the procedure should they suffer from similar conditions as outlined above.

In order to attain the best results from back lift surgery, it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in performing the surgery.

When looking for a plastic surgeon, make sure that he/she is:

• Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons
• Has experience in performing this procedure and continues to do so regularly
• Has shown an impressive patient success rate
• Can provide before and after photos of previous patients
• Performs the procedure in an accredited and state-licensed facility
• Operates at accredited hospitals, in the event of an emergency