Bra-line back lift eliminates back fat

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Good news for women who dread back fat rolls and lumps, a new back lift procedure removes the unsightly skin bumps, U.S. plastic surgeons said.

"For many patients -- even the very fit ones, such as an aerobics instructor -- the upper to mid-line back where the rolls and bulges form was very frustrating," senior author Dr. Joseph Hunstad said in a statement. "This redundancy of skin occurs generally from aging and cannot be exercised away."

The researchers reviewed seven female patients who had the bra-line back lift between 2001 and 2007 with an average follow-up of 22 months. Pre-operative marks were placed to outline the patient's bra, as well as delineate the excess back tissue to be removed. The procedure removed the redundant skin, sometimes up to 8 or 10 inches wide, and connected the remaining tissue together. The study authors said they have performed the bra-line back lift on 20 patients to date.

The study, published in the October issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, concluded that the procedure is a safe and powerful method to contour the middle and upper back -- literally removing all of the back rolls and folds. By placing the scar within the patient's bra-line, it is easily concealed even by a two-piece bathing suit, the study said.