One of the most common problems seen in patients presenting for body contouring is unattractive rolls of fat and skin in the flank and back areas.  All too often patients are more focused on their abdomen because from their perspectives it is the most striking issue noted when they study their figure in the mirror.  The back is often neglected by both the patient and her surgeon.

Patients usually assume these problem back rolls are the result of excess weight gain and liposuction can be the quick and easy answer.  Unfortunately, in most cases, the problem is more complex and the solution for each patient needs to be individualized.  The major cause of back skin and fat rolls in many in individuals is actually skin laxity that develops with aging and weight gain and loss.

Patients presenting with mild to moderate back and flank rolls can be very effectively treated with a combination of liposuction (often ultrasonic aided) and release of the subdermal skin attachments that encourage the skin to create rolls.  This skin release procedure can be performed using small instruments through the same 3-5mm incisions used to perform the liposuction phase of the procedure, once released and excess fat is removed, the skin will redrape.  Compressive garments are then worn post-operatively for a period of 4-6 weeks.

In cases of more severe back skin rolls, as is often seen in massive weight loss patients, true surgical excision of the major rolls of tissue needs to be performed.  This procedure, called an upper body lift can dramatically remove very severe back skin rolls.  In this procedure, the loose redundant skin is pulled and tightened in an upward direction with the required scar hidden in the back bra strap area.

The previously “neglected back” is now beginning to receive the attention it deserves.  Patients who choose to address problem back rolls are finding it an invaluable addition to more traditional body contouring procedures such as abdominoplasty.  Please visit Dr. Burkett’s website for additional information or to schedule a consultation.

This entry was posted on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 3:15 pm and is filed under Home. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.