Back Lift Seattle

Extra skin on the back and “bra-line rolls” can be difficult to get rid of. Even with regular exercise and stable weight, the upper back can still have folds and loose skin that can show under bras and clothes. Many people try shapewear and specific exercises, but loose skin often does not respond as it does on the stomach or arms.

A back lift, also known as a bra-line back lift, is a procedure that smooths and tightens the upper back by removing extra skin and fat if needed. Dr. Javad Sajan uses this method to help with skin and fat that can develop due to aging or weight changes. At Allure Esthetic in Seattle, the back lift is planned to look natural and keep scars discreet.

A back lift is a surgery that removes loose skin and reshapes the upper back to make it smoother. The most common type is the bra-line back lift, in which the incision is made where the bra band sits, which helps hide the scar. This surgery may be appropriate for those who notice:

• Upper back rolls that remain even with stable weight
• Loose, crepey back skin that bunches under bras or tops
• A “back bulge” that is more visible in tight clothes
• Excess tissue that extends laterally toward the sides of the chest

Upper back rolls usually come from a combination of:

• Loose skin from aging or sun exposure
• Weight changes, including significant loss and regain cycles
• Genetics that cause fat to collect around the bra line
• Natural skin folds that form as skin loosens

This is one reason upper back rolls can be frustrating. It is not simply “extra fat.” It’s often fat plus loose skin that needs surgery to improve.

Sometimes, liposuction alone can help if there is fat but good skin tightness. At Allure Esthetic, we offer liposuction options that can help make the back look better. However, if there is loose skin, a back lift is better as it removes the extra skin and tightens the area.

Some patients consider non-surgical options for small fat areas, like Kybella. However, these do not fix loose skin, so they are not a replacement for a back lift.

A consultation is the best way to decide if a back lift is right for you. In general, candidates often include:

• People with visible upper back rolls or loose skin that doesn’t improve with exercise
• Those at a stable weight, especially after losing weight
• Healthy individuals who can safely have anesthesia
• Non-smokers or those willing to stop smoking
• People with realistic expectations about scars and healing

For those who lost a lot of weight, a back lift can be part of a larger skin removal plan.

A bra-line back lift is designed to smooth and tighten the upper back, where rolls and loose skin tend to collect. For many patients, the benefits go beyond appearance and affect daily comfort and confidence. A back lift can help improve:

• Upper back rolls under a bra band or tight tops: The procedure removes excess skin and tissue that cause bulges, creating a flatter, smoother back profile.
• Loose skin that looks like a shelf: By excising redundant skin, the upper back looks more streamlined rather than folded or stacked.
• Overall shape of the upper back: The contour becomes more defined and balanced, especially when viewed from the side and back.
• Clothing fit: Dresses, fitted tops, and athletic wear tend to sit more smoothly without bunching, pulling, or visible lines along the back.

For many patients, these changes make it easier to wear a wider range of clothing comfortably and feel more confident in everyday settings.

Scar placement is important for a bra-line back lift. Common incision types include:

• A horizontal incision across the upper back, often positioned to align with the bra band area when possible
• Depending on anatomy, the incision may extend toward the sides to address lateral rolls

The bra-line back lift scar runs along the back near the bra band region. Scars are permanent but usually fade over time. Dr. Sajan plans carefully to minimize scarring.

A back lift is typically performed under general anesthesia. While each plan is personalized, the procedure typically follows these steps:

1. Dr. Sajan starts with marking to map skin redundancy and ideal scar placement
2. He then performs skin excision to remove the excess tissue, causing rolls or hanging skin
3. This is followed by contour refinement, which may include liposuction to smooth transitions when appropriate
4. Dr. Sajan then completed the surgery with layered closure to reduce dead space and support healing

Recovery time varies based on how much skin was removed and if liposuction was done.

Early recovery (first 1 to 2 weeks)

Swelling, tightness, and soreness are normal. Dressings and activity limits protect the incision. Some may need temporary drains after surgery.

Weeks 2 to 6

Gradually return to regular activities with approval. Compression garments may help with swelling. Care for incisions becomes part of the routine.

Returning to exercise

More strenuous workouts are usually delayed until healing is stable and Dr. Sajan clears activity. Many body contouring plans use a staged return to exercise to protect incisions and reduce complications.

A back lift can create a smoother shape and reduce back rolls. Results improve as swelling goes down. Long-term results depend on:

• Maintaining a stable weight
• Healthy nutrition and strength training
• Avoiding nicotine, which can impair healing and scar quality

All cosmetic surgeries carry risks. For back lift surgery, potential risks can include:

• Seroma (fluid collection)
• Wound healing concerns
• Infection
• Unfavorable scarring
• Asymmetry
• Temporary or persistent numbness

A back lift can be done with other surgeries, especially for those patients who have lost weight. Common combinations may include:

• Breast lift if loose skin affects breast position
• Arm lift if there is also loose skin on the arms
• Lower body lift or belt lipectomy for loose skin on the lower back and waist
• Lipo 360 style contouring plans for a balanced look from all angles

Dr. Sajan offers a range of body contouring and skin removal options, including strategies that can address the upper back and bra-line area as part of broader lifting plans.

Choosing a surgeon for a back lift in Seattle is a personal decision. Patients are not just looking for visible improvement, but also for safety, clear communication, and care that feels supportive from consultation through recovery.

High standards of surgical care

Dr. Javad Sajan is an ABCS-certified cosmetic surgeon and is publicly listed through major healthcare networks. His approach emphasizes thoughtful planning and modern techniques, allowing each treatment plan to reflect the patient’s anatomy and goals.

Fully-equipped surgical facility

Procedures are performed in our fully-equipped surgical center. We use the necessary safety protocols and maintain a sterile environment for surgical care.

Discreet scar placement

A back lift is highly dependent on where and how incisions are placed. Dr. Sajan carefully plans each procedure to create smooth contours that look natural in and out of clothing.

Multiple options for back contouring

Not every patient needs the same approach. Some concerns are related to loose skin, others to localized fat, and many involve both. We offer multiple body contouring options so treatment can be tailored instead of forced into a single technique.

Supportive recovery and follow-up care

Recovery does not end when surgery is over. Our patients receive structured post-operative support, including 24/7 surgeon access, staged compression garments, and optional ultrasonic lymphatic massage to help reduce swelling and support healing.

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

Back lift is a general term used for the procedure. A bra-line back lift typically refers to an upper back technique where the incision is often planned along the bra band region for concealment when possible.

Can men have a back lift?

Yes. The technique can be used for any patient with upper back skin redundancy. Scar placement is planned based on anatomy and lifestyle.

Does a back lift remove fat too?

It can. Some plans add liposuction for contour blending. If lax skin is the primary issue, skin excision is usually needed for the main improvement.

How long is recovery?

Many patients resume normal daily activity within a few weeks, but full healing and scar maturation take longer. Return to exercise is staged based on surgeon guidance.

Will the scar be visible?

A scar is expected with any lift. Placement is typically chosen to reduce visibility in clothing, and scar care is part of the recovery plan.

Is a back lift part of post-weight loss surgery?

It can be. Allure Esthetic describes upper body lift approaches that address the upper back and bra line as part of skin removal after weight loss planning.