CRANTFORD COSTA PLASTIC SURGERY
247 Calhoun St.
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 722-5904
Fax: 854-201-2400
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Skin Clinic hours:
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sculpt Your Back with Hidden Scarring. Remove stubborn back fat and excess skin in one transformative procedure. Ideal for post-weight loss patients.
Schedule Consultation (843) 865-8398A surgical procedure that removes stubborn back fat and excess skin above and below the bra line for a smooth, contoured appearance.
A bra line back lift, also known as bra line trunkplasty, targets redundant skin and excess fat in the middle and upper back that appears above and below the bra line. The upper back is notoriously difficult to treat with diet and exercise alone, making surgical intervention the most effective solution for significant loose skin and back rolls.
Dr. Crantford performs this procedure with strategic incision placement along the horizontal bra line, keeping scarring hidden beneath a bra strap or bathing suit top. This procedure has become increasingly popular with patients who have undergone significant weight loss with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, leaving them with excess loose skin that requires removal for optimal body contouring results.
A precise surgical technique to remove excess back skin and fat with hidden scarring and superior aesthetic results.
Dr. Crantford carefully marks all excess skin to be removed. For women, incisions stay within bra or swimsuit boundaries. Patients may bring a bikini top or bra to serve as a template for optimal incision placement.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia with the patient in a prone (face-down) position. This allows full access to the back anatomy for optimal tissue removal and skin tightening.
An incision is made directly under the bra area near the shoulder blade tips. Excess skin and fat are carefully removed. Patients with moderate excess back fat may receive liposuction before skin excision to optimize contouring.
Tissue edges are pulled together and sutured at multiple layers for superior strength and aesthetic results. Deep fascia is sewn from top to bottom at the bra line level. Medical skin glue seals the area, making it waterproof and protecting against bacteria.
Procedure Duration:
Typically 1-3 hours depending on complexity and extent of tissue removal
Strategic incision placement keeps your scar discreet and easily concealed.
Strategically Placed Incision: The incision runs horizontally along the bra line at a level where it’s naturally concealed by bra straps or the edge of a bathing suit top. Most patients find the scar practically invisible in everyday situations.
Scar Maturation: Like all surgical scars, the bra line back lift scar fades significantly over time. With proper care including silicone-based products, specialized scar treatments, and light laser therapy, scars typically become very faint within 6-12 months.
Professional Results: Dr. Crantford uses precise closure techniques and attention to detail that minimize scar visibility. The horizontal orientation of the incision also tends to heal with less noticeable scarring than vertical incisions.
Post-weight loss body contouring for patients who have achieved their goal weight with Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro.
GLP-1 medications have revolutionized weight loss, but rapid weight loss often leaves patients with excess loose skin that diet and exercise alone cannot address. The bra line back lift is an ideal solution for patients who have achieved their goal weight but still have stubborn back rolls and excess skin that affects their body contours and confidence.
Determine if this procedure is right for your goals and body type.
Excess skin on lower and mid-back that appears above and below the bra line, from weight loss, aging, or genetics.
Stable weight for at least 2-3 months. Good overall health and BMI at or near ideal range for best surgical outcomes.
Ideal for GLP-1 weight loss patients (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) or traditional weight loss with significant excess skin.
From consultation through recovery and final results with Dr. Crantford.
Meet with Dr. Crantford to discuss your back concerns, weight loss journey, and surgical goals. He’ll evaluate your skin quality, excess tissue, and mark the surgical area. You may bring a bikini top or bra to help determine ideal incision placement that will be completely hidden.
Detailed pre-operative instructions ensure optimal surgical outcomes. Avoid certain medications and supplements, arrange post-operative care, and prepare your home for recovery. Clear any questions about the procedure, recovery timeline, and expected results.
Arrive early for final preparation. General anesthesia is administered while you’re in a prone (face-down) position. Dr. Crantford makes the marked incision at the bra line, removes excess fat (if needed via liposuction), excises redundant skin, and performs advanced multi-layer closure. Procedure typically takes 1-3 hours.
You’ll wake in recovery with compression garments already applied. Pain is minimal and managed with prescribed medication. Most patients go home the same day or after overnight observation. Drainage (if any) is minimal due to the advanced surgical technique.
Rest is critical. Keep compression garments on as directed. Light movement around your home is encouraged. Swelling peaks around day 3-5, then gradually decreases. Sutures are removed around 10-14 days. Follow all post-operative instructions carefully for optimal healing.
Weeks 3-6: Gradually increase activity. Light walking and gentle movement. No heavy lifting or intense exercise. Return to desk work around week 2-3. By week 4-6, most patients resume normal daily activities. Full activity clearance comes around week 6-8.
Swelling gradually resolves over 2-3 months. Scars fade and mature over 6-12 months. By 3-6 months, final results are visible with beautifully contoured back and minimal scarring. Results continue to improve as all residual swelling subsides.
What to expect at each stage of your healing journey.
Rest at home with compression garment on. Minimal pain. Pain medication as prescribed. Limited movement. No showering until cleared by Dr. Crantford.
Swelling increases as normal inflammatory response occurs. Pain controlled with medication. Light movement around home encouraged. Can shower after 24 hours if incision is sealed. Attend first follow-up appointment. No heavy lifting or bending.
Sutures removed around day 10-14. Can begin light exercise like walking. Continue compression garment as directed. Swelling begins to decrease noticeably. Can return to light desk work. No intense activity or heavy lifting.
Most patients return to normal daily activities. Significant swelling reduction. Can resume moderate exercise with doctor approval. Pain minimal to none. Most patients feel 80% back to normal. Continued scar improvement.
Final results visible as all swelling completely resolves. Scars fade significantly and continue to mature. Can resume all activities including intense exercise. Back displays beautiful, smooth contours. Results continue subtle improvement as scars continue to fade.
Dr. Crantford follows Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols to optimize your recovery. This includes the use of Exparel for extended pain relief, strategic fluid management, and evidence-based care that reduces complications and accelerates healing.
A smooth, beautifully contoured back free of rolls and bulges. Dramatic improvement in back appearance that complements your post-weight loss body. Results are permanent since excess skin is surgically removed. Natural aging continues, but your back will always be significantly better than before surgery. Most patients report dramatically improved confidence in sleeveless clothing and swimwear.
Transparent pricing for your back lift procedure.
Surgeon’s Fee – Dr. Crantford’s expertise and technique
Facility Fees – Joint Commission accredited surgical center
Anesthesia Fees – Certified anesthesiologist during procedure
Combined Procedures – Bra line back lift with body contouring
Create a comprehensive body transformation with complementary surgeries.
Many patients benefit from combining bra line back lift with other body contouring procedures. This is especially common for post-weight loss patients who want comprehensive transformation. Combining procedures can be more efficient, reduce total recovery time, and provide more dramatic overall aesthetic improvements.
Popular Combination Procedures: Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) for loose abdominal skin, liposuction for additional fat contouring, breast lift for sagging breasts, arm lift (brachioplasty) for loose arm skin, or thigh lift for leg contouring. Dr. Crantford can discuss which combinations would best address your goals and body contours.
Your safety is our highest priority with the highest standards of surgical care.
Our surgical facility meets rigorous Joint Commission standards for patient safety, quality care, and infection prevention.
Dr. Clayton Crantford is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, ensuring expertise and accountability.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols minimize complications and optimize your surgical experience and recovery.
Exparel and multimodal pain management techniques keep you comfortable while minimizing narcotic use.
Ready to achieve a smooth, beautifully contoured back? Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Crantford today.
Schedule Your ConsultationEverything you need to know about bra line back lift surgery.
Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Clayton Crantford to discuss your back lift goals and achieve the smooth, beautifully contoured back you’ve always wanted.
Book Your Consultation (843) 865-8398
