Do you have bra strap bulges? Do your bras cut into your skin, leaving red marks and indentations? Are you self-conscious about the back of your arms and how they look in sleeveless tops?
If you reacted yes to any of these questions, a bra line backlift might solve these concerns. But what is it, exactly? And what can you anticipate from the surgery?
Check out our FAQs below for answers to all your questions.
FAQ #1: What is a bra line back lift?
A bra line back lift or torsoplasty improves the appearance of the area around the patient’s bra line. The surgery involves extracting excess skin and fat around the bra line area, which often becomes droopy or saggy due to the following:
- Aging
- Weight fluctuations
- Multiple pregnancies.
Despite the procedure’s name, this surgery is ideal for both men and women who are self-conscious about their back fat.
FAQ #2: How is the procedure performed?
The surgery usually takes around two hours. Yet, the time may vary depending on how much skin Dr. Nidal Masri needs to remove.
Here’s how it’s done:
- You’ll be under general anesthesia during the operation so that you won’t feel any pain during surgery.
- Once you’re under the anesthetic, Dr. Masri will make incisions along the bra line and remove any excess skin or fat.
- After that, he will stretch the remaining skin to create a smooth appearance and reattach it along the incisions.
- Once done, the medical staff will transfer you to a recovery room to get monitored.
Mostly, patients can go out of the hospital right after the surgery. But some patients may need to stay overnight for observation, though Dr. Masri encourages his patients to start walking as early as possible to enhance blood circulation.
FAQ #3: What can I expect after the procedure?
Depending on the surgery you underwent and your general health, your recovery will vary.
For some people, it can take as little as a week before they’re able to get back to their typical daily activities. Others might need six weeks or more. Yet, swelling can last for up to six months after your procedure.
Once you’re healed from your back lift, you can expect to see a significant improvement in the contour of your back. The results are usually long-lasting, but other factors may affect them, such as:
- Weight gain or loss
- Pregnancy
- Aging
Also, it’s perfectly normal to experience pain and discomfort after surgery. However, if you see any of the following conditions, contact your doctor immediately.
- Fever
- Redness, drainage, or increased swelling at the surgical site
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with medication
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
FAQ #4: Are there any risks associated with this procedure?
Before having surgery, you should be aware of any possible risks, including:
| Risks | Explanation |
| Bleeding | Any time you have surgery, there’s a risk of bleeding. With torsoplasty, the risk is relatively low, but it’s still something to be aware of. |
| Infection | Another potential complication of any surgery is infection. Yet, your risk is higher if you have a history of infections or are otherwise immunocompromised. |
| Swelling | You can expect some swelling after backlift surgery. Yet, it is normal and will usually subside after a few weeks. But in some cases, the swelling can be excessive or long-lasting. |
| Excess fluid | In rare cases, patients may experience seromas around the surgical site. Yet, this problem is treatable with drains or injections. |
| Nerve damage | Possibly, the procedure could damage some nerves around the surgical site, leading to numbness. |
| Pain | It’s common to experience some pain and discomfort after bra line surgery. |
| Scarring | All surgeries leave scar tissue, and torsoplasty is no exception. The good news is that the incisions are usually hidden in the bra line, so the scars shouldn’t be too noticeable. |
| Complications from anesthesia | As with any surgery that requires anesthesia, there is always a slight risk of complications. These can range from minor, like hiccups, to more serious, such as respiratory problems. |
FAQ #5: Who is a good candidate for this procedure?
You can get a bra line back lift if you are…
- In good health. Any surgery comes with risks. And so you want to ensure you’re healthy enough to undergo general anesthesia and heal properly afterward.
- At a stable weight. Being at a stable weight doesn’t just mean you’ll recover better from surgery. But it also means you’ll get better results. Well, the skin needs to have some elasticity for the surgeon to tighten it up.
- Willing to quit smoking. Smoking inhibits healing and increases the risk of complications. So if you’re a smoker, you’ll need to stop at least six weeks before your surgery date. Plus, remain smoke-free throughout your recovery period.
- Committed to maintaining your weight. Unfortunately, even with surgery, there’s no quick fix for weight loss. Still, you need to put in the work after your surgery by eating right and exercising regularly.
- Struggling with stubborn fat rolls. Perhaps, it is the most common reason people opt for back fat surgery in the first place. If diet and exercise haven’t done the trick, surgery might be your best option for getting rid of those pesky bulges.
FAQ #6: What are the preparations for a back lift?
Below are what you need to do before you get a backlift.
- Find a reputable plastic surgeon. Ensure you find a surgeon like Dr. Nick Masri who is board certified and who has experience in back lifts.
- Have a consultation with the surgeon. This is where you’ll talk about your overall health and what type of backlift is best for you. And perhaps, discuss any further operations you would like to have together.
- Make sure you’re in overall good health. A back lift is major surgery, so you must be in good health before the procedure.
- Get rid of any prescription or over-the-counter medications that thin your blood. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. Also, avoid supplements like vitamin E, ginkgo Biloba, garlic, and ginseng supplements.
- Avoid drinking alcohol for at least two weeks before your surgery date. Well, alcohol can thin your blood. Plus, it increases your risk of bleeding during surgery.