Bra-Line Back Lift Cost

How Much Does a Bra-Line Back Lift Cost?

Surgeon, Anesthesia and Facility Fee: $6,000-$10,000+

A bra-line back lift, which is available to women and men, removes rolls of extra skin -- often caused by massive weight loss or by aging -- from the back. Risks include adverse reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, dissatisfaction with results and even death.

Typical costs:

A bra-line back lift typically costs about $6,000 -$10,000 or more, including the surgeon fee, anesthesia and facility fee. For example, Heartland Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Des Moines, IA, charges about $6,000 -$8,000. And the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery estimates the cost at $7,500 -$10,000.
A bra-line back lift typically is not covered by health insurance because it is considered a cosmetic procedure.

What should be included:

Before surgery, with the patient wearing a bra, the surgeon will examine the back and mark the incision and the areas to be excised; this ensures that the scar will be hidden under the band of the bra.
For surgery, the patient typically is placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon then makes an incision across the middle of the back, then cuts off excess skin and closes the incision with sutures. The surgery takes about an hour.
During the first few weeks after surgery, patients will have to avoid exercise and other strenuous activity.
The Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery offers an overview of the bra-line back lift.

Additional costs:

The doctor probably will prescribe antibiotics and pain medication for recovery. Antibiotics typically cost under $15 to $50 or more, depending on the antibiotic prescribed, and pain medication typically costs less than $50.

Discounts:

Plastic surgeons often offer discounts of 10% to 20% for multiple procedures and 5% or more for cash-paying patients. The procedure can be performed in conjunction with liposuction if there is excess fat on the back.

Shopping for a bra-line back lift:

A board-certified plastic surgeon should perform a bra-line back lift. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery offer referral services.
Because the procedure is fairly new, it is a good idea to ask the plastic surgeon how many bra-line back lifts he or she has performed, and to ask to see before-and-after photos of previous clients.

Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.

Article updated May 2011