Bra Line Back Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Greater Los Angeles

A back bra lift, or a bra-line back lift, is a procedure that removes excess, sagging skin and stubborn fat from the upper and middle back. It targets the upper back rolls and tissue that spills over a bra band, called “bra fat.”

Dr. Michael Zarrabi is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who dedicates his career to enhancing the lives of his patients. He emphasizes obtaining the most natural-looking results possible. Dr. Zarrabi’s expertise lies in breast and body contouring, including breast augmentation, breast lifts, breast reduction, tummy tucks, liposuction, and more. If you are seeking transformation through a body contouring procedure, contact us online or call our office at (310) 584-9990 to schedule your personal consultation.

About the Bra Line Back Lift

A bra line back lift targets the excess fat and loose skin that forms on the upper torso after natural aging or fluctuations in weight. ⁽¹⁾ This procedure uses a versatile technique that can be used in any individual showing signs of redundant skin and adiposity. It aims to give patients a flatter, smoother, and more contoured waist, back, and hips. This procedure uses a horizontal incision that is made neatly along the natural bra line so clothing and swimwear can conceal the resulting scar.

Benefits

The bra line back lift is a transformative procedure that can pull the remaining skin tight and anchor it in a position where the fat and sagging skin will appear tighter and smoother along the back. Additionally, it can:

Create a sculpted lower back
Improve clothing fit
Reduce skin irritation
Enhance body proportions
Improve confidence and self-esteem

Candidates

If you have recently experienced massive weight loss (through diet, bariatric surgery, or medications such as Ozempic), struggle with dense back rolls and loose skin that exercise and diet cannot fix, and have maintained a stable weight for at least six months, you may be an ideal candidate for this procedure. Additionally, you must also be in relatively good health, be a non-smoker and free of any underlying skin conditions, and have realistic expectations for your results. Dr. Zarrabi will finalize your candidacy during your consultation.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Zarrabi will evaluate your medical history and discuss your concerns and body contour goals. He will also perform a physical evaluation to further examine your areas of concern. Once he gathers the necessary information, he will create a personalized treatment plan that will deliver your ideal body contours and enhance dorsal definition near your bra area. This is also a great opportunity to address any questions or concerns you may have. Dr. Zarrabi’s goal is for you to feel confident and prepared to undergo your procedure. Contact us online or call our office at (310) 584-9990 to schedule your personal consultation.

Preparation

To effectively prepare for your bra line back lift, you should follow these general guidelines. To optimize outcomes, Dr. Zarrabi advises you to:

Cease smoking and nicotine use
Discontinue blood-thinning supplements and medications
Maintain a stable weight prior to your procedure
Optimize your nutrition by consuming a healthy and nutritious diet
Arrange transportation home and assistance for at least 48 hours
Pick up prescribed medications
Set up a recovery station

Procedure

At the beginning of your procedure, Dr. Zarrabi will map out and trace the location of a standard bra strap while you are standing. This allows him to visualize his adjustments and plan an incision line that will remain under the undergarments or swimwear. Following this, you will receive general anesthesia to keep you comfortably asleep throughout your procedure. Next, he will make the necessary incision to access underlying structures. If there is localized fat alongside the loose tissue, he may perform power-assisted liposuction through small entry points to refine the surrounding flanks and contour. ⁽²⁾ Next, Dr. Zarrabi will incise along the pre-marked horizontal path just under or along the bra line to remove sagging skin and underlying fat. The remaining skin is then pulled together and sutured in multiple structural layers, anchoring deep tissue to reduce surface tension. Lastly, he will suture the top skin layer with fine stitches or specialized sutures and apply compression garments to the area. Typically, the procedure lasts two to three hours.

Recovery

For the first week following your procedure, you should take time off work, avoid bending forward or reaching overhead to protect your incisions from opening, and continue to wear your compression garment to continue to reduce swelling. Dr. Zarrabi encourages you to participate in light walking around your home to keep your blood flowing but avoid strenuous activities. If you are experiencing mild to moderate soreness, you can alleviate this discomfort with over-the-counter pain medications. After one week , you may return to non-strenuous desk work, but you must still avoid heavy lifting, intense workouts, and rigorous stretching for about six to eight weeks. To ensure that your incisions heal properly, avoid pools, baths, and hot tubs until Dr. Zarrabi confirms that the incision is completely closed. Your entire recovery will take about six to eight weeks.

Results

Your bra line back lift procedure will remove hanging skin and stubborn fat rolls around the bra area to create a flatter and more toned upper back profile. These results will help form-fitting shirts, dresses, and swimwear fit more comfortably, as well as improve the overall shape and appearance of your upper body. Visible swelling will continue to fade, reducing significantly after two to three months, and the fully settled and final contours will show after 12 months.

Corresponding Procedures

These additional procedures can pair well with a bra line back lift to further enhance your silhouette:

Arm Lift

An arm lift is a surgical procedure that can tighten and elevate the proportions of the upper arms. This procedure addresses the appearance of “bat wings,” or excess skin along your arms that form after weight loss or natural aging.

Breast Procedures

As you define your back and smooth out the sagging skin and excess fat in the area, you may also want to enhance the appearance of your chest. Breast augmentation or a breast lift can pair well with a bra line back lift to enhance the overall proportion and appearance of your entire upper torso.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that can sculpt, flatten, and contour your abdomen after pregnancy and weight loss changes. This procedure can create a flat tummy and a narrow waistline to help restore and highlight the natural contours of the abdomen.

Cost of Bra Line Back Lift in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills

The total cost of your bra line back lift depends on the severity of your skin laxity and stubborn fat concerns, the techniques Dr. Zarrabi will utilize, and whether you pair it with any other procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Zarrabi will provide a comprehensive price quote after gathering the necessary information and forming your treatment plan.

If you are ready to explore how you can benefit from a bra line back lift procedure, contact us online or call our office at (310) 584-9990 to schedule your personal consultation!

FAQ

What is a bra line back lift?

A bra line back lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat rolls on the back area near the bra area. It delivers a flatter and more contoured waist and hip appearance.

What are the benefits of a bra line back lift?

A bra line back lift removes excess skin and fat from the upper and mid-back to create a smoother, tighter, and more toned silhouette. It also enhances your overall body proportions, enhancing confidence and helping clothes to fit more comfortably.

Can you pair a bra line back lift with any other procedures?

Yes, you can pair a bra line back lift with other procedures such as a tummy tuck, an arm lift, breast procedures, and more!

Are the results from a bra line back lift permanent?

Yes, the results of a bra line back lift are generally permanent because once the excess skin and fat cells are removed, they will not grow back.

How much does a bra line back lift procedure cost?

The total cost of your bra line back lift procedure varies depending on the severity of your skin laxity and fat present in your back, the techniques Dr. Zarrabi will utilize, and your overall goals for your procedure. He will provide you with a detailed cost outline during your consultation.

What is the difference between a bra line back lift, a body lift, and a back lift?

These three procedures are similar and employ similar techniques, but their main difference lies in their scope of treatment. A bra line back lift will tighten tissues and remove excess skin and fat in the upper-mid back. A body lift does this circumferentially around the mid to lower abdomen, and a back lift makes these changes only in the mid to lower back.

References

Hunstad J, Chen C, Abbed T. Bra-Line Back Lift. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2019;46(1):77-84. doi:10.1016/j.cps.2018.08.010
Mowlavi A, Talle A, Berri M, Rashid W. Successful Back Contouring With Elimination of Back Rolls Using Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction and Helium-Activated Radiofrequency. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2020;2(4):ojaa036. doi:10.1093/asjof/ojaa036