A procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper back and recontour the chest wall for a smoother, more defined upper body silhouette.
Brisbane Upper Back Contouring Surgery
Significant weight loss is a genuine achievement, and it takes real dedication to reach that goal. For many patients, however, the journey does not feel complete once they look in the mirror. Excess skin that has lost its elasticity can remain in the upper back and chest wall region long after the weight itself is gone. No amount of exercise or dieting will resolve this kind of tissue redundancy, because it is a structural issue rather than a weight one.
An upper back lipectomy combined with thoracoplasty is a surgical body contouring procedure that addresses this concern directly. It removes excess rolls of skin and fat from the upper and middle back (the region that sits beneath or around the bra strap line) while also recontouring the chest wall to create a smoother, more defined upper body profile. The procedure is sometimes referred to by a number of related terms, including bra line back lift, torsoplasty, back bra lift, and upper body lift.
The reasons patients seek this treatment include:
Dr Perron specialises in a broad range of body contouring procedures designed to help patients feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. He approaches each case individually, assessing the degree of skin and fat redundancy and the overall shape of the chest wall before determining the most appropriate surgical plan.
Preparing thoroughly for this procedure is an important part of achieving a good outcome. If you are still in the process of losing weight, it is strongly recommended that you reach a stable weight before proceeding with surgery. Fluctuations in weight after the procedure can affect your results significantly, so most surgeons advise waiting until your weight has been consistent for at least six to twelve months.
During your consultation with Dr Perron, your upper back, chest wall, and surrounding areas will be examined carefully. The degree of skin redundancy, the distribution of any remaining fat, and the quality of the underlying tissue will all be assessed. Your goals and expectations will also be discussed in detail, and Dr Perron will explain which approach is most appropriate for your anatomy.
Patients who smoke will be advised to stop well in advance of surgery, as smoking significantly increases the risk of wound healing complications. Certain medications, supplements, and blood thinners may also need to be adjusted before the procedure. Dr Perron and his team will provide you with clear pre-operative instructions at your consultation.
Upper back lipectomy combined with thoracoplasty is performed under a general anaesthetic and typically takes between two and four hours, depending on the complexity of the case and whether additional procedures are being performed at the same time.
The surgical approach varies according to the individual presentation. Before surgery begins, Dr Perron will make careful markings on the skin to guide the incision placement. These markings are typically made while you are wearing a bra or similar garment, so that the resulting scar will be positioned along the bra line and concealed by clothing.
Once anaesthesia has been administered, the procedure proceeds in stages:
Where excess fat is present alongside loose skin, liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) may be performed first to reduce the volume of fatty tissue and improve the final contour. The upper back can contain fibrous fat that does not always respond to liposuction alone, so Dr Perron will assess whether this step is appropriate for you during your consultation.
A horizontal incision is made across the back, typically along the bra strap line. Dr Perron uses this incision to remove the excess skin and any remaining fatty tissue, before lifting the surrounding skin and closing the wound in layers. This draws the back skin tighter and smooths the contour. Where excess tissue wraps around the sides of the body or into the underarm area, the incision can be extended to address those areas as well..
The thoracoplasty part of the procedure works on the chest wall, shaping the underlying structures to complement the skin removal and give the upper thorax a more balanced, natural profile. Your consultation with Dr Perron will cover exactly which elements will be included in your plan..
Once the procedure is complete, drains are commonly inserted to remove excess fluid from the surgical site. A compression garment will be applied before you are moved to the recovery room.
Recovery from this procedure requires some planning and patience. An overnight hospital stay is generally expected, and patients with more extensive procedures or combined surgeries may need to remain in hospital for a night or two.
Most patients take two to three weeks away from work to recover at home. If your job involves sitting at a desk, you may be able to return sooner. Physical and manual jobs will require a longer period of recovery before you are cleared to return.
Swelling, bruising, and some discomfort are all normal in the days following surgery. These symptoms can be managed with prescription pain relief and will gradually improve. Drains, if inserted, are typically removed within the first one to two weeks. The compression garment provided after surgery should be worn as instructed, usually for a minimum of six weeks. It plays an important role in reducing swelling and supporting your results during the healing process.
Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for around six weeks after surgery. Light walking is encouraged from early in the recovery period to support circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. Dr Perron will guide you on a gradual return to more vigorous activity as healing progresses.
Most of the swelling will have settled by around eight to twelve weeks after surgery, and this is when patients begin to see and appreciate their final results. Scar maturation continues over a longer period, and Dr Perron will advise you on scar management techniques, including the use of silicone gel, to help optimise the appearance of your scars over time.
All surgical procedures carry risks, and upper back lipectomy combined with thoracoplasty is no exception. It is important that you are fully informed before making any decision about surgery. The risks associated with this procedure include:
Dr Perron will walk you through all potential risks during your consultation and discuss the steps taken to minimise them. Not every patient is a suitable candidate for this procedure, and your individual health history, weight stability, smoking status, and other factors will all be considered.
Please be advised that all procedures carry risks. We encourage patients to consult with their regular GP and a Qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon before considering surgery. Find more information here.
Upper back lipectomy and thoracoplasty commonly form part of a staged or combined upper body contouring plan. Patients who have undergone significant weight loss often present with excess skin and tissue across multiple areas, and it is not uncommon to address several of these at once or in planned stages.
Procedures that are frequently combined with or performed alongside upper back lipectomy include:
Where combination surgery is planned, Dr Perron will discuss the sequencing of procedures with you to ensure the safest and most effective approach. In some cases, staging operations several months apart is the recommended path. The benefit of this approach is that recovery periods can be managed more comfortably, while still achieving a comprehensive transformation over time.
Choosing the right surgeon for a procedure of this complexity is one of the most important decisions you will make. Upper back lipectomy combined with thoracoplasty requires a thorough understanding of upper body anatomy, meticulous surgical technique, and experience with the particular challenges that body contouring after weight loss presents.
Dr Justin Perron is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with Fellowship certification from The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS, Plastics). He holds Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration under the number MED0000959827, and his qualifications are verifiable through the AHPRA register of practitioners.
Dr Perron completed his Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training across Queensland and Western Australia, working from Townsville to Brisbane, Redcliffe, Caboolture, the Gold Coast, and Perth. This breadth of clinical experience across diverse hospital environments and patient presentations has equipped him with a well-rounded foundation for complex body contouring work.
He is a member of several prestigious professional bodies, including:
Dr Perron presents at surgical conferences and has published articles in peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his commitment to ongoing education and his engagement with the broader surgical community. He maintains current knowledge across the full breadth of plastic and reconstructive surgery.
He operates from Herstellen Clinic in Spring Hill, Brisbane, and holds surgical privileges at Wesley Hospital, St Andrews War Memorial Hospital, Brisbane Private Hospital, and Spring Hill Specialist Day Hospital. His private consulting rooms are located at:
Herstellen Clinic 490 Boundary Street Spring Hill, Brisbane, QLD 4000 Phone: 07 3861 8800
Every patient who consults with Dr Perron receives a personalised assessment and an individually tailored treatment plan. He takes the time to understand your goals, explain your options honestly, and set realistic expectations for what surgery can achieve.
An upper back lipectomy is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper and middle back, typically in the region around the bra strap line. It is also known as a bra line back lift, bra lipectomy, or torsoplasty. The procedure reshapes the upper back contour by excising the redundant tissue and closing the wound along a well-concealed horizontal incision.
In the context of body contouring, thoracoplasty refers to the surgical recontouring of the chest wall. When combined with an upper back lipectomy, it helps refine the shape of the upper thoracic region, correcting irregularities and improving the overall silhouette. Dr Perron will explain the specific elements relevant to your anatomy during your consultation.
Good candidates for upper back lipectomy and thoracoplasty are generally patients who have experienced significant weight loss and are left with excess, loose skin in the upper back area that does not respond to diet or exercise. Suitable candidates should be at a stable weight for at least six to twelve months before surgery, be in good general health, be non-smokers or willing to stop smoking well in advance, and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of surgery. Dr Perron will assess your suitability during a personal consultation.
The procedure typically takes between two and four hours under a general anaesthetic. The total duration will depend on the extent of the tissue to be addressed and whether additional procedures are being performed at the same time.
The incision is typically placed along the bra strap line at the back, so the resulting scar sits in a position that is concealed by a bra, swimwear, or other clothing. The scar may extend around the sides of the body if the excess skin involves the lateral chest or underarm region. All surgical scars take time to mature and fade. Dr Perron will provide you with scar management guidance after surgery, and over several months the scar will typically soften, flatten, and become less visible.
Yes. An overnight hospital stay is typically required after this procedure. Patients who have more extensive surgery, or who are having combined procedures, may stay for a night or two. Dr Perron will advise you on the expected duration of your hospital admission.
Most patients require two to three weeks away from work. If your role involves sedentary desk work, you may be able to return sooner. Physically demanding roles will require a longer recovery period before you are cleared to return. Dr Perron will provide personalised guidance based on your procedure and individual recovery.
Light walking is encouraged from early in the recovery period to aid circulation. More vigorous physical activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for approximately six weeks after surgery. Dr Perron will advise you on a progressive return to exercise based on how your healing is progressing.
Yes. Upper back lipectomy and thoracoplasty can be combined with a brachioplasty (arm lift) as part of an upper body lift. This is a common combination for patients who have experienced significant weight loss and have excess skin in both the upper back and upper arms. Combining procedures means one anaesthetic and one recovery period, though it does result in a more extensive and complex surgery. Dr Perron will discuss whether this approach is suitable for you.
In some cases, where the surgery is deemed medically necessary due to functional problems such as skin irritation, rashes, or hygiene difficulties caused by excess skin, a Medicare item number may apply. This can also affect what your private health insurer will contribute. Dr Perron’s team can assist you in understanding whether you may be eligible for a rebate. Each case is assessed on its individual merits.
The cost of this procedure will depend on the complexity of your individual case, the extent of the surgery required, whether any additional procedures are being performed simultaneously, and the associated anaesthetic and hospital fees. An accurate and personalised quote will be provided following your consultation with Dr Perron. As a general guide, surgeon’s fees for body contouring procedures of this type are in a similar range to other complex body lift surgeries at this practice.
Figures listed are Surgeon’s fees only. Other fees may include anaesthetic fees, hospital fees, compression garment fees, and assistant fees. All patients are different and require different treatment approaches. An accurate individualised quote will be provided after an in-depth consultation with Dr Perron.
Patients who are suitable candidates for this procedure can expect a noticeably smoother and more defined upper back contour, reduced skin folds and rolls in the bra strap region, and improvement in any functional concerns such as skin irritation. Results are generally long-lasting when a stable weight is maintained. It is important to have realistic expectations, and Dr Perron will discuss in detail what is achievable for your anatomy during your consultation.
If you are considering upper back lipectomy and thoracoplasty in Brisbane, the first step is to schedule a personal consultation with Dr Perron. During this appointment, Dr Perron will assess your anatomy, listen to your goals, and explain all of your options in detail.
To book your consultation, please contact Herstellen Clinic on 07 3861 8800 or use the enquiry form on this website.
Herstellen Clinic 490 Boundary Street, Spring Hill, Brisbane QLD 4000
Disclaimer: Please be advised that all procedures carry risks. We encourage patients to consult with their regular GP and a Qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon before considering surgery. Find more information here.
Page written in accordance with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines for the advertising of regulated health services. Individual patient outcomes will vary. Specific results are not guaranteed.
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490 Boundary Street
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