Back Lift
While most excess fat is stored in our abdomen, many people also develop excess skin and fat in their upper and lower backs, especially after massive weight loss. This can lead to issues wearing a bra and saggy appearing gluteal or butt area. In order to remove this excess skin while tightening the upper back and/or lifting the gluteal area, a back lift can be done.
Who is a good candidate for this?
Patients who have the best results from an upper or lower back lift are those who have excess upper or lower back skin with a significant degree of laxity or looseness and often have gluteal or butt ptosis/sagging. Your weight should be stable for 3-6 months prior to surgery to optimize the results.
Can we do other procedures at the same time?
An upper or lower back lift is very often combined with liposuction to improve the contour and shape of your body and accentuate your natural curves. A tummy tuck in combination with a lower back lift is known as a circumferential body lift and can offer a wonderful improvement in a patient’s body shape and contour. A “mommy make-over” often combines a tummy tuck, liposuction, and some sort of breast procedure (lift, augmentation, reduction, etc) and can all be done safely, with one operating room trip.
Additional Information
-
For an upper back lift, the incisions are designed in a transverse or horizontal fashion so that in women they are hidden in their bra line. For a lower back lift, these are also designed in a transverse manner similar to a tummy tuck and are hidden in the underwear/bikini line.
-
The excess skin and fat that are present around the upper or lower back are addressed with an upper or lower back lift so the amount of skin and tissue removed will vary from patient to patient.
-
Most patients tolerate this procedure with need for minimal oral pain medications. During the surgery, a long-acting local anesthetic is injected around the incision sites that can help alleviate most of the worst discomfort for the first 2-3 days, while the inflammation is peaking. This has made a huge change in the patients’ comfort level and ability to return to normal activities sooner. You will be placed in compression garment after surgery that will help with swelling and encourage proper skin contraction. A drain may be used to collect any excess fluid that the body produces while it heals. Lastly, to allow the incisions to heal, you’ll be restricted from any heavy lifting (>15lbs) for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
-
Most patients are encouraged to take at least 1 week off of all work related activities (including emails, phone calls, conferences etc) to allow themselves a chance to heal and wean off of any narcotic pain medications that may be needed. However, some patients have felt well enough to return to a light duty work as early as 3-4 days after surgery. We do not recommend returning to any active duty work (lifting, long periods of standing/walking, etc) until cleared by the doctor.
-
The cost of a back lift ranges from $3500 - $4500 depending on your needs, not including OR, implant or anesthesia fees.
Interested? Find out What’s Next!
If you are interested in having a back lift and you reside in or near Washington, DC, or you are planning to visit this area, call Dr. Maiorino's office to schedule an initial consultation, or CLICK HERE to schedule now!
