Before and after ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) of the back and posterior bra rolls in a 56-year-old woman. She had previously undergone some sort of liposuction procedure that was done awake and had very little bruising or associated swelling – along with very unsubstantial results.
Some med spas offer cosmetic treatments like liposuction that are done under local anesthesia, potentially by non-surgeons who do not have formal training in Plastic Surgery and do not have operating room privileges. Less invasive isn’t always better (or safer)… and Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is vital to keep patients safe!
Back fat is different from fat in other places on the body – it is firm, fibrous, and immensely stubborn, usually requiring additional energy to help break up the taut fibrous bands surrounding the fat cells. Ultrasonic liposuction is the most effective way to permanently remove fat from the backside, such as in this patient.
At the same time as having liposuction on the front side of her body (where ultrasound energy was not required), she underwent UAL of her back rolls and flanks. After surgery, she wore a compression garment under her clothes for several weeks to encourage skin contraction.
Follow up photos are shown 8 months after surgery, with a dramatic improvement in her back rolls and lower back area. Since she is now in her late fifties, she does have some mildly loose skin that only a surgical back lift would address – and which most patients reject because of the visible bra line scar, which tends to stretch due to normal shoulder and arm forward movement. She is very satisfied with her results and feels comfortable wearing backless halter tops now.
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
