Upper Back Lift
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, CA
An upper back lift, also known as a bra line back lift, is a surgical body-contouring procedure designed to create a more slender and smooth appearance in the upper and middle portions of the back. This procedure removes excess skin, fat, and tissue from your upper and middle back to restore a more contoured and defined silhouette, allowing you to feel more confident in your appearance both in and out of clothing.
Dr. Sean Younai is a board-certified plastic surgeon at the California Center for Plastic Surgery who is known for his transformative yet natural-looking results. Dr. Younai is a true expert in body contouring and is well known throughout Los Angeles County for his tummy tucks, liposuction skills, and lifting techniques. Using both surgical and non-surgical treatments, Dr. Younai enhances each of his patients’ inner beauty, creating a positive impact on each of their lives.
If you are ready to get started, please schedule a consultation online. Alternatively, both our Beverly Hills and West Hollywood offices may be reached by calling (310) 275-1971.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Upper Back Lifts
For many patients, the upper back can be a particularly stubborn area when trying to lose weight or tone their appearance. While it is common for fat to accumulate in this area, it can often be difficult to manage through dieting and exercise alone.
An upper back lift is a procedure that aims to enhance the appearance of your back by removing excess skin, fat, and tissue from its upper and middle areas. (1) This procedure aims to create a smoother transition between the upper back and waist, all while removing any uncomfortable or unsightly bulges, folds, or creases. This procedure may also alleviate developing pain or irritation that is hindering your daily function, allowing you to not only improve your appearance but also your overall quality of life.
Benefits
Several benefits can be experienced when receiving an upper back lift. These benefits include:
- Smoother, Tighter Skin: Dr. Younai can remove excess skin and tissue from the upper to middle portions of the back to restore a smoother look and feel.
- More Defined Contours: An upper back lift can eliminate any bulges or back rolls, creating a more sculpted appearance in your upper back.
- Improved Posture: Eliminating excess weight from your back can help you improve your posture and eliminate potential discomfort.
- Enhanced Functionality: Upper back lifts can alleviate pain or irritation caused by chafing or hanging skin, allowing you to complete your daily activities with more ease and comfort.
- Long-Lasting Results: When paired with regular exercise and a nutritious diet, the results of your procedure can last for several years.
- Elevated Confidence: Many patients report improvements in their self-esteem and body positivity after seeing their renewed figure, leading to a greater sense of confidence overall.
- Tailored Treatment Plans: Dr. Younai designs each surgical plan around your specific concerns, treatment goals, and anatomy, ensuring personalized results and individualized solutions.
Candidates
Candidates for an upper back lift include either men or women experiencing hanging or excess skin around their upper to mid-back who are interested in achieving a smoother, more defined look and feel. Those experiencing visible bulges or folds above or beneath their bra lines, also known as “back rolls,” may also be suitable for this procedure.
Anyone interested in an upper back lift should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding their results. Patients should ideally be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine for an extended time. It is also important that anyone who has recently lost significant weight be at a stable and maintainable weight before undergoing treatment. Dr. Younai will evaluate each patient’s medical history and anatomy to determine their candidacy during their personal consultation.
Personal Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Younai will meet with you individually to learn more about you and determine whether an upper back lift is appropriate for your goals. He will evaluate your medical history and current prescriptions to ensure there are no health risks and discuss your concerns and desired appearance with you. He will also conduct a physical examination to evaluate your back, skin quality, and overall anatomy.
Dr. Younai will use this information to recommend the most suitable surgical techniques and additional procedures that could enhance your results. Through this combination of careful listening, discussion, and direct evaluation, Dr. Younai can craft a surgical plan that meets each of your personal objectives, leaving you feeling more well-informed and confident.
To schedule this consultation and start planning your treatment, please contact us online or call (310) 275-1971.
Preparation
Once you have decided to proceed with your upper back lift, you will be given a set of detailed pre-operative instructions. These instructions may vary depending on the details of your surgical plan, but they are each designed to enhance both your recovery and results.
You may be instructed to discontinue taking certain medications and supplements that contain blood-thinning properties, as well as alcohol and nicotine. You will also need to pre-arrange transportation home and time away from your career and other responsibilities. It is also recommended that you fill any prescriptions ahead of time and set out extra blankets or cushions to create a comfortable recovery space.
Procedure
Upper back lifts are performed on an outpatient basis and typically employ general anesthesia to keep you comfortable. (2)
Dr. Younai will begin your procedure by placing an incision that extends horizontally across your middle to upper back. He will carefully remove excess skin and tissue around your upper and middle back to create a smoother and more contoured appearance. He may also perform liposuction to remove fat in the treatment area.
Once your desired appearance is sculpted, Dr. Younai will carefully suture the incisions closed. You will then be transferred to our recovery suite to rest until you are ready to be released home.
Recovery
When recovering from an upper back lift, it is common to experience swelling or bruising. Alongside soreness and discomfort, these effects will subside on their own over the following several weeks, but they may also be managed using prescribed pain medications. You may be asked to wear a compression garment throughout your recovery, which is designed to minimize swelling and protect your newly sculpted contours. This garment is essential for your results and must be worn as directed.
You may return to work after resting for approximately one to two weeks. However, you will need to refrain from engaging in strenuous or physically demanding activities until Dr. Younai clears you to return. He may also ask you to attend follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and ensure your results are developing as expected.
Results
You will be able to notice improvements in your appearance almost immediately, but the full results will be more noticeable after achieving a full recovery. You will be able to experience smoother and tighter skin, as well as a flatter, more toned appearance. You can also enjoy a more defined and contoured figure as any bulges, folds, or rolls are eliminated along the upper and middle back.
The results of your upper back lift are designed to be long-lasting. However, you must adopt healthy lifestyle habits to accompany your results, as fluctuations in weight may alter the long-term effects of your procedure.
Cost of Upper Back Lifts in Los Angeles
The cost of your upper back lift can vary depending on your specific treatment goals, the scale of the procedure, and several other factors. Dr. Younai will discuss the cost of your procedure during your consultation once all details of your surgical plan are discussed. Dr. Younai additionally offers financing through PatientFi and CareCredit for those interested.
To discover the cost of your upper back lift, please schedule a consultation online or call (310) 275-1971.
FAQ
Where is the incision placed in an upper back lift?
The incision in an upper back lift extends horizontally across the middle back. This incision placement is designed to align with where your bra would sit, allowing it to be easily concealed post-procedure.
What kind of anesthesia will be used during my upper back lift?
Dr. Younai performs each upper back lift using general anesthesia, which means that you will need to pre-arrange transportation home after your procedure.
How long will the results of an upper back lift last?
When paired with regular exercise and a healthy diet, the results of your upper back lift can last for several years. It is important to understand that you may still experience long-term changes in your appearance due to the natural effects of aging.
Is an upper back lift suitable for men?
Yes, both men and women may receive an upper back lift to address back rolls and other aesthetic back concerns.
Can my upper back lift be combined with another cosmetic treatment?
Yes, you may choose to combine your upper back lift with another procedure if desired. During your consultation, Dr. Younai can provide you with more information regarding combined treatments, including other procedures you may be eligible for.
References
- Hunstad J, Chen C, Abbed T. Bra-Line Back Lift. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2019;46(1):77-84. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2018.08.010
- Hunstad JP, Repta R. Bra-Line Back Lift. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 2008;122(4):1225-1228. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0b013e3181858fa4







