Back Lift or Bra Lift
Why Back Lift or Bra Lift?
For many people, there comes a time when diet and exercise are no longer an effective means of tightening and toning their midsection.
While most people may enjoy a tight tummy from a tummy tuck as well as a contoured back from liposuction, there is usually fullness in the upper back and bra line region. The excess skin on the back can leave unwanted rolls of skin.
At Reflections Cosmetic Surgery in Cartersville, Georgia, we are proud to offer the back lift, otherwise known as the bra line lift.
What Is a Back Lift?
A back or bra line lift is not as recognizable as a tummy tuck or breast augmentation (boob job); however, many people would benefit from it. If you are looking for a way to slim down and smoothen the skin on your back, then a back lift is one of your best options.
The back lift is a procedure that removes the excess skin from the upper back and lifts the rest of the skin on the mid and lower back. This is done by excising or cutting a region of tissue out from the bra line region. The excess skin and tissue are removed, and the remaining tissue is brought together and stitched into place, lifting the skin on the back. The goal is to remove the rolls on the back and to hide the scar within a bra or swimsuit top.
The less invasive option for this excess skin on the back is Renuvion. Renuvion is best done with liposuction first to remove the excess fat. Then, the Renuvion is passed under the skin and heats the connective tissues to 85 degrees Celcius, contracting the skin and connective tissue. This only leaves small 4mm incisions in the bra line region, which are easily hidden. This is done quite often at Reflections Cosmetic Surgery in conjuncture with lipo 360 and a tummy tuck.
What Can You Expect Before and After Treatment?
A consultation will be required to determine your eligibility for either surgery and to outline your treatment plan.
Your consultation will include discussing your expectations and goals for treatments, as well as examining the condition of your abdomen, particularly the amount of excess skin and fat that is present.
We will also review your lifestyle habits and your general medical history, including any drug allergies or cosmetic treatments for body contouring you have previously had.
Pre-Procedure Guidelines
You will be given a list of pre-procedure guidelines to help you prepare for surgery. Please follow all directions carefully to ensure your surgery is successful.
Some pre-procedure guidelines may include the following:
- Quit nicotine use six weeks prior to and after surgery
- Avoid drinking alcohol
- Discontinue taking blood-thinning medications
- Do not take certain supplements
Because this is a surgery, you will need to arrange transportation after completing your procedure as you cannot drive yourself home.
Post-Procedure Guidelines
After your surgery, you will be given a list of post-procedure guidelines to guide you through your recovery period. It’s essential to follow these directions to minimize your discomfort and ensure you heal well from your treatment.
Some post-procedure guidelines may include the following:
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Engage in light exercises such as walking
- Do not drink alcohol
- Drink plenty of water
- Take prescribed medications
- Regularly clean and change bandages when instructed to
- Mild hyperbaric oxygen
- Avoid excessive heat or cold exposure, such as heating pads and ice packs.
We may provide you with additional directions, such as advice on how to sleep and shower without damaging the surgical tape over your incision site.
Recovery
A back lift will require recovery period of about five days. This includes being sore and tired and not planning anything, such as going to work. On average, most patients completely recover in 6 weeks, which is when you can resume most normal daily activities, including work, moderate exercise, and sexual activity.
Your recovery will involve wearing a surgical compression bra garment that is meant to be worn continually for the next eight weeks. You will also want to keep your shoulders pulled back and not bend forward; this will aid in not putting tension on the incision.
You are encouraged to walk around every day to help in recovery.
When Will You See Results?
You will see results immediately. There is lots of swelling; therefore, it will take several months for you to see the final result of this procedure.
How Long Do Results Last?
The results of the excisional back lift or the Renuvion device can last a lifetime. Most patients can expect to enjoy permanent results from these treatments, provided care is taken to maintain results.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Most adult patients healthy enough for surgery with general anesthesia are qualified for either of these treatments. Patients must have a BMI of less than 40. Most candidates for the excisional backlift are weight loss patients, patients who have had gastric bypass or gastric sleeve. Patients with excess skin hanging over their bra in the back would likely benefit from the Renuvion.
What does a Back Lift or Bra Lift cost in Cartersville, GA?
The cost for any cosmetic procedure is extremely variable. It depends on patient’s goals, their body habitus, and their physiology. It also depends on the surgeon’s experience and expertise.
Price shopping for a cosmetic surgery is something that isn’t recommended and must be done with caution. National averages can be seen on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website found at plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures.
Choose the surgeon and practice that makes you the most comfortable and is the correct fit for you.
Dr. Gusching will discuss the cost of your individual procedure with you at your consultation. We are proud to offer CareCredit® and Patientfi financing to our clients whom wish to use convenient monthly plans. For more information, visit our financing page.

Why Choose Us?
We Offer A Complete Range Of Plastic Surgery Services

Meet Your Surgeon...
“It takes heart, commitment, and unending dedication to become an exceptional surgeon. Dr. Justin Gusching has worked hard at developing each of these special qualities.”
Dr. Gusching completed his cosmetic surgery fellowship through the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) at Southern Surgical Arts.
He has since been refining his artistic eye and his excellence in cosmetic surgery.
Read more about Dr. Justin Gusching