A back lift is a body-contouring procedure that eliminates loose skin from your back to restore a more defined, contoured appearance.

After losing weight, many patients find that their skin has become inelastic due to prolonged stretching. Instead of retracting, the skin hangs and sags, creating the appearance of back rolls and bulges that can affect both your appearance and comfort. (1) A back lift can address each of these concerns and more, creating a figure you can be proud to flaunt.

If you are ready to transform your figure, look no further than Dr. Joseph Michaels! Dr. Michaels is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience performing both post-weight-loss surgery and body contouring procedures. When he is not caring for his patients, he works as an assistant professor in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, instructing the next generation of plastic surgeons.

To start working with Dr. Michaels, please contact us online. If you have any questions or would prefer scheduling over the phone, you may call either of our offices directly:

About Back Lifts

A back lift is a surgical procedure that can address loose and lax skin from the upper, middle, and lower back. Dr. Michaels typically performs this procedure after significant weight loss to address any lasting physical changes, such as hanging or bulging skin.

Lifting procedures have grown in popularity throughout 2024, as more patients have been seeking to complete their weight-loss transformation. (2) With a back lift, you can finally complete yours with the sculpted silhouette you have been striving to achieve.

Benefits of Back Lifts

Back lifts offer several benefits, including:

  • Smoother-Feeling Skin: Back lifts can effectively restore a tighter and smoother look and feel to your skin by addressing any looseness or laxity.
  • Enhanced Definition: Dr. Michaels can perform a back lift to address any bulges or rolls across your upper, middle, and lower back, improving the contours and sculpt of your figure.
  • Ease of Mobility: You may find it easier to perform certain tasks or movements once Dr. Michaels removes your excess skin and tissue.
  • Long-Lasting Results: When paired with a stable weight, the results of a back lift can last for several years.
  • Greater Body Positivity: After seeing the results of their procedure, many of Dr. Michaels’ patients have reported feeling more confident in themselves and their appearance.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans: Dr. Michaels tailors each back lift procedure according to your specific goals and anatomy. This ensures that your results meet your personal and aesthetic needs.

Candidates

You may be a good candidate for a back lift if you have undergone weight loss and are now seeking to address inelastic, sagging skin. This procedure can additionally address the appearance of “back rolls,” or fat deposits left on the back. (3)

If you are interested in undergoing a back lift, you should be in good overall health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results. You must be nonsmoking or willing to quit using nicotine for an extended period of time. You should also already be at a stable or maintainable weight before receiving this procedure. Dr. Michaels will determine your candidacy during your consultation.

Personal Consultation

Dr. Michaels will meet with you individually during your personal consultation to discuss what a back lift entails and determine whether this procedure is appropriate for you. He will explain the benefits and limitations of the procedure and talk with you about your medical history, concerns, and desired outcomes. He will also perform a physical assessment to evaluate the condition and quality of your skin. Dr. Michaels will then use these shared details to create a one-of-a-kind solution for each of your concerns.

To schedule this consultation and start collaborating with Dr. Michaels, please contact us online. Alternatively, you may call the office of your choice:

Preparation

Dr. Michaels will give you comprehensive instructions to help you prepare for your treatment. These instructions may vary depending on the details of your treatment plan, but you can expect to:

  • Discontinue taking medications and supplements that may thin your blood.
  • Prepare to take time away from your responsibilities and commitments.
  • Arrange transportation to and from your procedure, as you will be unable to drive yourself.
  • Refrain from using any nicotine in the weeks leading up to your procedure, and maintain full cessation throughout your recovery.
  • Avoid consuming alcohol in the days before and after your procedure.
  • Fill any prescriptions you may need during your recovery.

By following each instruction that Dr. Michaels gives you, you can ensure a smooth and successful procedure.

Procedure

When you arrive for your procedure, a member of Dr. Michaels’ team will lead you to a private treatment room where they will cleanse your skin. A team member will then administer general anesthesia to ensure you are comfortably asleep throughout the entirety of your procedure. Once the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Michaels will begin performing one of two back lift techniques: the bra-line back lift or the vertical back lift. He will determine which technique and approach he uses during your consultation.

  • The Bra-Line Back Lift: Dr. Michaels will make an incision just below your shoulder blades, where a bra strap would sit. He often performs this approach to address loose or lax skin that has accumulated around the upper back, waist, and mid-back.
  • The Vertical Back Lift: This approach places an incision that extends vertically between the arm and hip. This technique is ideal for more extensive corrections; however, this technique also leaves more significant scarring.

Once Dr. Michaels has made his incision, he will remove loose skin and excess tissue from around the upper, middle, and lower back. He may also perform liposuction if he finds a significant amount of fat throughout the treatment area to remove it. Dr. Michaels will then carefully suture each incision shut after he has achieved your desired appearance.

Recovery

After your back lift, you may experience some transient side effects, including swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Dr. Michaels will provide you with a compression garment you must wear as you heal. This specialized garment will reduce any excess swelling and protect and maintain your recontoured figure.

You may return to light activities and desk work after resting for approximately two to three weeks. However, it may take several more weeks for Dr. Michaels to clear you to return to more physically demanding tasks or activities. Dr. Michaels will provide you with any additional instructions during your personal consultation.

Results

You will be able to experience the full results of your back lift once you have completely recovered. Your skin will feel smoother and tighter. Your figure will also appear more proportionate, contoured, and defined after Dr. Michaels removes any bulges or rolls from your upper, middle, and lower back.

The results of a back lift are long-lasting, with many of Dr. Michaels’ patients enjoying their effects for years. However, you must maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, as fluctuations can alter the long-term appearance of your back lift.

Corresponding Procedures

Thigh Lift

Dr. Michaels can integrate several other procedures into your treatment plan, one being a thigh lift. A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that can eliminate unwanted skin and tissue from around the upper thighs, creating a more seamless transition between your waist, buttocks, thighs, and legs.

To learn more about the other procedures that Dr. Michaels can perform, we recommend reading his blog!

Cost of Back Lifts in Washington, D.C.

The cost of your back lift can vary depending on the details of your treatment plan, as no two patients are the same. Financing is available for those who qualify.

To learn more about the pricing of your back lift, please contact us online or call the office most convenient for you:

FAQ

What concerns can a back lift address?

A back lift can address loose, hanging, or sagging skin around your upper and lower back. Many patients seek this procedure to address the lasting effects of rapid weight loss.

How will I know if I am a good candidate for a back lift?

During your consultation, Dr. Michaels will assess your medical history, personal concerns, and your treatment goals. He will also perform a physical evaluation to assess the condition and quality of your skin. Using this information, he will determine whether a back lift or another procedure will be most suitable for your needs.

How long is the recovery period after a back lift?

Your recovery period will vary depending on the extent of your procedure and the rate at which your body heals itself.

Can Dr. Michaels combine my back lift with another aesthetic procedure or treatment?

Yes, Dr. Michaels can integrate other treatments and procedures into your treatment plan. We recommend scheduling a personal consultation to learn more about the other procedures you are eligible for.

References

  1. Boswell CB. Body Contouring Following Massive Weight Loss. Missouri Medicine. 2014;107(3):189. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6188338/
  2. ASPS. 2024 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner; 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
  3. Thomas M, Dsilva JA. Grading of “Back Rolls”: Guide to Treatment Options. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2021;9(10):e3827. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000003827