Excess skin and fat on the back can be a real issue, especially when it’s near the bra line, when diet and exercise don’t cut it. Plus size back lift surgery, also known as a bra-line back lift, gets rid of unwanted skin and fat to give a smoother, more toned appearance.
Here in Miami, High BMI Plastic Surgery’s Dr. Nick Masri has 25 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, and is a Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, and one of the few in the US who focuses on plus-size and high-BMI patients, which makes him uniquely qualified to perform this procedure.
If you’re self-conscious about bulges around your bra line or find it hard to find clothes that fit, this surgery could be a game-changer for you.
It zeroes in on the area that causes those unwelcome rolls and bumps, something that traditional weight loss just can’t tackle. The modern techniques used in the bra-line back lift have also been employed since 2001 with remarkable results. A 2014 study by Hunstad et al. in Clinical Plastic Surgery (doi:10.1016/j.cps.2014.06.007) reported very low complication rates for bra-line back lift surgery.
The surgery is also able to be combined with other surgeries successfully like a BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) or back and arms liposuction which can help completely transform a patient’s body.
Key Takeaways
- Back lift surgery is performed to remove excess skin and fat from the back which can help create a more contoured silhouette
- The procedure can significantly improve clothing fit and boost confidence for people with stubborn back bulges
- Modern surgical techniques make this procedure safer and more effective for patients with higher BMIs than ever before
What Is Plus Size Back Lift Surgery?
Plus size back lift surgery is a specialized procedure used to remove excess skin and fat from their back area. Thiscosmetic surgery targets the back region which is an area that is often hard for people to lose weight.
Specifically, it helps remove excess weight from the upper back, the area around where a bra sits, and sometimes the lower back region.
Key areas targeted:
- Upper back bulges
- Bra line area (where back fat creates rolls)
- Side back areas under the arms
- Lower back excess skin
During a lower back lift surgery, a horizontal incision is made along the natural lines of the body that can be well-concealed by undergarments or clothing. Excess skin and fatty tissue are removed and in many cases the surgeon may use liposuction, which is a fat-removal technique, to fine-tune the results and create a more defined shape. The surgery is also highly beneficial for people who have undergone a significant weight loss.
Common reasons people choose this surgery:
- Difficulty finding clothes that fit properly
- Skin irritation from excess folds
- Feeling self-conscious about their appearance
- Wanting to complete their weight loss transformation
The goal is to help patients feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies.
Who Is A Good Candidate?
Not everyone is ready for plus size back lift surgery. Doctors look for specific traits that make the procedure safer and more successful.
Health comes first.Good candidates must be in excellent physical health before this major surgery. They should not have medical problems that slow healing or make surgery risky.
The best candidates are those who have excess skin and fat on their back. Often these patients may have lost a lot of weight, gone through pregnancy, or simply from aging.
Key Requirements:
- Stable weight for 6+ months
- No plans to lose more weight
- Non-smoker or willing to quit
- Realistic expectations about results
- Good mental health
Smoking must stop completely before and after surgery. Smoking slows healing and increases serious risks.
As with any surgery, it’s helpful to have realistic expectations. The surgery itself won’t make anyone look perfect but it can improve the back’s appearance, fit clothes better and boost self-confidence.
Recovery time is also something to keep in mind, the person will need support at home for the first couple of weeks. It’s best that the person considering this surgery sits down and has an open and honest conversation with their doctor, explaining their goals and what they expect to get out of the surgery, and has the surgeon examine their back and discuss if they qualify for the procedure.
Benefits & Risks
Back lift surgery can transform how someone feels about their body after major weight loss. The procedure removes excess skin that often hangs around the bra line area.
Key Benefits:
- Better body shape – Creates a smoother, more toned back appearance
- Improved clothing fit – Shirts and dresses fit better without bulging skin
- Increased confidence – Many people feel more comfortable in fitted clothes
- Enhanced comfort – Reduces skin irritation and chafing from loose skin
- Better posture – Removing excess skin can improve overall alignment
The emotional benefits often surprise patients. They report feeling more willing to participate in activities they avoided before.
Important Risks to Consider:
Like all surgeries, back lifts carry certain risks that patients should understand:
| Common Risks | Serious Risks |
| Bruising and swelling | Infection |
| Temporary pain | Excessive bleeding |
| Scarring | Poor wound healing |
| Numbness | Reaction to anesthesia |
A typical plus size back lift surgery can take from 2-5 hours depending on how much skin needs to be removed.
You should be prepared for full recovery to take several weeks and be ready to take off one to two weeks from work while you are recovering.
The Patient Journey
It’s normal for things to feel overwhelming at the start of the surgery. It may be helpful to focus on why you want the surgery and even by looking at some before and after photos from real procedures. Just know that Dr. Nick Masri and the staff at High BMI Plastic Surgery are here to make sure you are comfortable and have all your questions answered every step of the way.
With any surgery, the first step involves finding a qualified surgeon who specializes in plus size procedures. Not all plastic surgeons offer these services to higher BMI patients.
Initial Consultation
During the first meeting, the surgeon will often:
- Review the patient’s medical history
- Discuss realistic expectations
- Explain the procedure in simple terms
- Take measurements and photos
Pre-Surgery Phase
Patients typically need to complete medical clearances. This might include blood work and heart tests. Our staff at High BMI Plastic Surgery will help coordinate all the appointments leading up to the surgery.
Some patients may need to make lifestyle changes before surgery. This could mean quitting smoking or adjusting certain medications.
Surgery Day
Plus size procedures often take longer than standard surgeries. So a back lift combined with other procedures can take several hours.
Generally, no overnight stay is typically required after this surgery. It should also be noted that Dr. Nick Masri often performs many of these surgeries in memorial hospitals.
Recovery Timeline
| Week | What to Expect |
| 1-2 | Rest and limited movement |
| 3-4 | Gradual return to light activities |
| 6-8 | Most normal activities resume |
| 3-6 months | Final results become visible |
As always its important to remember each person heals at their own pace plus recovery for larger patients may require additional monitoring.
Patient Testimonials/Case Studies
Real patients share their experiences with plus size back lift surgery.
Common themes include:
- Recovery time varies from person to person
- Pain levels differ but are manageable
- Results take time to fully show
- Confidence improves as healing progresses
View this post on Instagram
Success Stories Patients often mention improved mobility and less back strain. Many report feeling happier with how clothes fit across their back and shoulders.
Schedule Your Consultation
Taking the next step toward a plus size back lift requires courage. Patients deserve to feel confident about their decision and the surgeon they choose.
Ready to explore your options? We offer consultations. This gives patients a chance to ask questions and see if Dr. Nick is right for them.
During a consultation, patients can expect to:
- Discuss their goals and concerns
- Learn about the surgical process
- Review before and after photos
- Get cost estimates
- Meet the surgical team
What questions should patients ask? The right surgeon will welcome all questions. Patients should never feel rushed or pressured to decide quickly.
| Important Questions | Why It Matters |
| How many back lifts have you performed? | Experience leads to better results |
| Can I see before/after photos? | Shows the surgeon’s skill level |
| What are the risks for my situation? | Every patient is different |
Finding the right surgeon matters. Board certification in plastic surgery shows proper training. Reading patient reviews helps too.
Financial planning is important. Many surgeons offer payment plans. Some patients save up over time. Insurance typically doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures.
Don’t wait too long to explore options. Scheduling a consultation doesn’t mean committing to surgery. It just means getting the information needed to make the best choice.
READY TO DISCUSS YOUR OPTIONS?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Dr. Nick Masri is the right surgeon for me?
Dr. Nick Masri delivers with over 25 years of double-board certified surgical experience, when deciding on a surgeon. He’s one of the few surgeons in the US specialising in plus-size and high-BMI patients, and at High BMI Plastic Surgery, he’s essentially built a business around people who get turned away by other surgeons.
Well-known for his exceptional skill and focus, Dr. Masri is a lifesaver for those who have been told they’re too high a risk for surgery, and if you’ve been in that situation, you’ll know exactly why you need him.
What’s the recovery process really like after a plus size back lift?
You’re going to feel some discomfort, tightness, and swelling, and it’s hardest during the first week. Most people need to take a week to ten days off work, and can expect to walk soon after surgery to get the circulation going, but heavy lifting and physical activity are right off the table for four to six weeks. It’s about six weeks before most people get back to normal activities and the final results can be seen after three to six months.
Coming home from the clinic and having a network of support is strongly recommended; someone who can sort out meals, gets you moving around the house, and looks after any wounds, makes the recovery process a lot smoother.
Will insurance cover my back lift surgery?
Many plastic surgeries including back lift surgery are considered cosmetic, so they’re not covered by insurance. However, there have been cases where patients have had it covered in the past so it’s always best to check with your policy directly.
At High BMI Plastic Surgery, payment plans are available to make it a bit more manageable.
How noticeable will my scars be?
The scar from the back lift is normally placed along the bra line and is therefore hidden under most clothing. Men also often find that the scar is easily covered by a T-shirt. Over time, the scar will fade and can be looked after with special scar-care products. Most patients feel that the scar is a small price to pay for the smoother, tighter back that they’re going for.
Can I combine a back lift with other procedures?
Yes, back lifts can be combined with other procedures, such as a Brazilian butt lift, or different areas of liposuction. It is also possible to combine it with an arm lift or breast lift, and depending on what you want to achieve and what’s best for you, Dr. Masri will be able to sort out the details.
How long do the results last?
If you undergo a back lift, you can expect the results to last for years, but if you gain or lose a significant amount of weight, the results will be impacted. Patients who maintain their weight will have optimal long lasting results.
What makes plus-size back lift surgery different from a standard back lift?
Plus-size back lift surgery for higher-BMI patients requires that the incision be larger, more tissue is removed, and that the recovery is monitored closely with the possibility for longer recovery times (up to nine months for full recovery).
Many surgeons avoid operating on patients with BMIs over 35, but Dr. Masri’s practice was built specifically to serve this group. That focus means your surgery plan, anesthesia, and aftercare are designed around your unique needs.
What are the biggest risks I should be aware of?
The most common issues after a back lift are swelling, bruising, numbness, and scarring. More serious but less frequent risks include infection, poor wound healing, or fluid buildup (seroma).
Refinements in closure techniques, such as those outlined by Hunstad, Khan, and Kortesis in Clinical Plastic Surgery (2019), significantly reduce the risk of seroma formation, making the procedure more predictable and safer even for patients with higher BMIs (doi:10.1016/j.cps.2018.08.005).
Most recently, Li and colleagues published a 2024 case series of 106 patients in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal. They reported a low complication rate with seroma occurring in just 3.8% of cases and no incidents of flap loss, confirming that back lift procedures can be performed safely in plus-size individuals (doi:10.1093/asj/sjad168).
About the Author
Dr. Nick Masri is a Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 25 years of experience and more than 5,000 cosmetic and reconstructive procedures performed. As one of the few U.S. surgeons specializing in plus-size and high-BMI patients, Dr. Masri has helped thousands of individuals achieve safe and effective body contouring results and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
References
- Hunstad JP, Chen C, Abbed T, Kortesis PD. The bra-line back lift: a simple approach to correcting severe back rolls. Clinical Plastic Surgery. 2014 Oct;41(4):715-726. doi:10.1016/j.cps.2014.06.007. PMID: 25283457.
- Hunstad JP, Khan PD, Kortesis PD. Bra-Line Back Lift. Clinical Plastic Surgery. 2019 Jan;46(1):77-84. doi:10.1016/j.cps.2018.08.005. PMID: 30447831.
- Li WY, Chai YC, Yuan T, Sun CF. The Combined Bra-Line Back Lift Latissimus Flap (BLBL-LAT Flap) for Aesthetic Breast Reconstruction and Simultaneous Back Contouring. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2024 Apr 29:sjad168. doi:10.1093/asj/sjad168. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39167537.