Joseph P. Hunstad

Bra-line back lift.

Soft-tissue laxity and excess adiposity of the upper and middle back is a common complaint of many patients. These contour deformities are often a result of the natural aging process but are also seen with significant weight loss. Currently available options include suctionassisted lipectomy with or without ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty and various soft-tissue resection procedures limited to the lower trunk.1–6 These resection procedures have allowed concealment of the final scar at the waistline, but because of the strong zone of adherence in the midline soft-tissue of the back, these lower trunk resection procedures are unable to impart tension to the upper and middle back and fail to correct the contour in these areas.1– 4,6 – 8 For patients undergoing extended mastopexy, particularly those that have experienced massive weight loss, the lateral extent of the breast procedure can be used to allow resection of soft tissue in the lateral back area with placement of the scar within the confines of the bra.9–11 We present a surgical procedure designed specifically to address the undesirable soft-tissue laxity of the posterior trunk by means of an upper and middle back lift with concealment of the scar within the bra line for patients who have isolated contour issues.