Excess skin and fat are targeted to achieve a slimmer, more contoured shape during the procedure. For many women, the area of the upper back can be problematic. The back can be home to rolls of fat that may become more prominent or unflattering while wearing a bra. This can be made more challenging by the presence of excess skin. Dr. Richard H. Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs upper back lift surgery to help correct excess fat and sagging skin throughout the back.

What Is an Upper Back Lift?

An upper back lift is a body contouring procedure that corrects loose skin and excess fat through the upper portion of the back. For women, this procedure primarily targets the areas around the bra line for a more sculpted silhouette.

This procedure is also beneficial for those who have recently lost a substantial amount of weight and are now left with loose or sagging skin. Excess skin is excised during an upper back lift, and fat will be removed. This may be combined with liposuction for even better results.

What an Upper Back Lift Can Address

An upper back lift targets the top half of the back. Stubborn fat in this area can be challenging to target, even for those with diligent diet and exercise routines. As we age, our skin begins to lose elasticity, and over time, or after weight loss, skin can begin to sag. An upper back lift can:

  • Remove excess fat that rolls over the bra strap 
  • Slim and contour the upper back 
  • Trim excess skin 

This can allow patients to feel more comfortable while wearing a bra or other clothing that highlights their back. 

Who Is a Candidate for Upper Back Lift Surgery?

Ideal candidates for an upper back lift surgery should be in good overall health and should be non-smokers or willing to stop smoking before their procedure.

Candidates should have excess skin or fat in their upper back that has not responded to traditional diet or exercise routines.

The best way to determine if you are a candidate for surgery is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee. During your consultation, he will examine your back and create a tailored surgical plan to address your concerns. He will also review your medical history and recommend complementary procedures to enhance your results.

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Why Choose Dr. Richard Lee?

Dr. Richard H. Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Newport Beach, California. He has been helping patients for over 15 years and provides a unique and artistic perspective for your body contouring procedure. His goal is to educate and guide patients through their plastic surgery journey with safety, integrity, and natural results are his highest priorities.

How an Upper Back Lift Is Performed

An upper back lift is performed using general anesthesia to help you remain comfortable and pain-free for the duration of your procedure. An incision will be made along the back, with the exact location determined based on your unique anatomy and the amount of fat or skin removed. Excess skin can be excised through the incision, and tissues removed or repositioned. 

In some cases, liposuction may be used to contour the area further. This can help remove pockets of stubborn fat. Before your surgery, Dr. Lee will recommend if liposuction will be necessary for your procedure. After this, the incisions will be closed and the areas dressed with bandages. 

Upper Back Lift Results + Recovery 

Dr. Lee will provide you with complete recovery instructions before surgery. After your surgery, you will wear compression garments to help shape the area. You should avoid strenuous activities for several weeks, although work can be resumed sooner. 

If you have substantial amounts of excess skin, your results will be immediately visible. Some results may be more challenging to see due to swelling and bruising in the area. Your full results will be visible after six months. 

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Schedule Your Consultation

If you are experiencing excess skin or fat along your back, or are frustrated with your appearance while wearing a bra, contact Newport Beach plastic surgeon Dr. Richard H. Lee today. Dr. Lee can perform an upper back lift to help contour and shape your back, leaving you with a more sleek silhouette. Contact our office to schedule your consultation.

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