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
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