Friday, September 12, 2008

Bra Line Back Lift


What is the Bra Line Back Lift?
The Bra Line Back Lift is a new procedure that helps correct the soft-tissue rolls and folds of the middle and upper back. There are a large number of women who complain about the presence of these soft-tissue folds. Many express the desire to wear form fitting clothes in the current fashions but hesitate to do so because of the appearance that these back rolls present. Until now, there was relatively little that could be offered to help these patients.The Bra Line Back Lift was co-authored by me and Dr. Hunstad. Scheduled to be published in the October 2008 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, the leading journal for the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), the Bra Line Back Lift procedure was designed to improve the appearance of the upper and middle back by correcting the presence of soft-tissue folds and rolls and allowing a smooth, even-flowing silhouette to be achieved. In recent weeks, there has been increasing media coverage of the procedure. Below are the details of the procedure including ideal candidates, recovery time, and additional information.
Who are candidates for the Bra Line Back lift?
There is actually a wide range of patients that could be good candidates for the Bra Line Back Lift procedure. We have noticed that the most frequent request is from patients that are in their 40’s or 50’s, are in relatively good shape, but because of either aging, excess sun exposure, or secondary to weight fluctuation, they have excess soft-tissue laxity in the upper and middle back that present as rolls and folds. It is important to note that skin and soft-tissue laxity cannot be exercised and therefore cannot be tightened. Liposuction alone has been used to treat these areas but this just improves the presence of fat and it does not correct the laxity of the skin and soft-tissue which is the main problem.
How long does it take and what is the recovery time?
The procedure takes about one hour. It is performed under general anesthesia and as an outpatient procedure. The recovery process is fairly easy as reported by many patients. There is often not a lot of discomfort and beside the restriction of heavy lifting and vigorous activity, the patients are usually allowed to increase their activity level as tolerated. Drains are usually not used and since all of the sutures are internal and dissolved by the body, there is no cumbersome dressing needed and patients are allowed to shower in 24-48 hours.
Are there any scars?
Yes. Scars are always created whenever surgery is performed। The Bra Line Back Lift has the benefit of placing the scar within the borders of the bra strap. In discussing the Bra Line Back lift procedure, I tell my patients that a visible scar will be present, that it will be hidden by the horizontal part of the bra strap, and that in the end, they are choosing between the presence of back rolls or a scar. The benefit of choosing to undergo the Bra Line Back Lift is that with all form fitting clothes, the folds are now gone and a smooth silhouette is present. With the exception of a backless dress or the very tiniest bikini top, the Bra Line Back Lift scar is usually well hidden.

Feel free to ask any questions that I might not have covered. Before and after photos can be seen in our office as well as in The Atlas of Abdominoplasty textbook.

All the best,
Dr. Remus Repta

4 comments :

prs10.20 said...

I'm very intrigued by the bra line backlift and the endoscopic tummy tuck. These seem very innovative techniques. I've asked several friends and have researched other plastic surgeons in my area, but none seem to offer them. If I'm coming from out of town, may I schedule an appointment with you, or send pictures?

Unknown said...

Yes, the Bra Line Back Lift is a new procedure introduced by myself and Dr Hunstad. It seems that very few plastic surgeons offer endoscopic tummy tucks. It is probably related to the extra time, equipment, and training that is needed to perform endoscopic abdominoplasty. Patients that are out of town and that wish to receive more information about these procedures or wish to schedule a consultation can do so via our fly-in program or schedule a consultation format on our website http://aaaplasticsurgery.com.

All the best,

Dr. Repta

Kirsten said...

I'm thrilled to read about this procedure! I was just complaining to my plastic surgeon about the results of my love handle lipo - they didn't really shrink like expected. I have about 3 skin folds/rolls on my back, otherwise I'm within good height/weight ration. As a young looking 33 year old mother of two, the back rolls are the price I paid for my children when my skin stretched out. I'm dying to know if a warning my doctor gave me regarding a horizontal scar is true. He said there was a risk of the scar lengthening over time, creating a bigger scar that's harder to hide. Is this true? Can you post some pictures so we can see the results?

Unknown said...

Hi Kristen,

Sorry it took me a while to respond. I have posted the full article on the Bra Line Back Lift procedure as published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal on my website:

http://www.aaaplasticsurgery.com

The article is a PDF file which has a before and after photo. This was the firs case we did. The patient was thrilled and since then we have been able to get even thinner scars. Yes, it is true that the back usually heals with a slightly wide scar. In essence you are trading a scar that is hidden under the bra for improved contour of the back and elimination of back folds/rolls.

All the best,

Dr. Repta