Back liposuction

Me Clinic's plastic surgeons perform liposuction for localised fat in the upper or lower back. The procedure is suitable for both men and women and targets fat deposits in the back that have not responded to diet and exercise.

Fat accumulation in the back can be influenced by ageing, weight gain and genetics, among other factors.

What it addresses

Localised fat deposits in the upper back.
Localised fat deposits in the lower back.
Rolls or bulges caused by fatty deposits in the back region.
Disproportion between the back and the rest of the body.

Outcomes vary depending on individual anatomy, skin quality and the volume of fat removed. Individual results may vary.

Fat versus skin

Liposuction removes fat. It does not remove loose skin or tighten significantly lax skin.

Where the concern is predominantly excess skin - which can follow substantial weight loss - liposuction alone will not achieve the result, and a skin excision procedure would be required instead. Your surgeon will assess which applies in your case at consultation.

What the procedure involves

A cannula is inserted through small incisions and attached to a suction device, extracting fat from the treated area. Incisions are placed as discreetly as the anatomy allows.

The back is a firmer, more fibrous area than the abdomen or thighs, which can make fat extraction more demanding technically. The procedure can be performed under local or general anaesthesia depending on the volume of fat and the number of areas treated. See local or general anaesthesia.

Suitability

A good candidate is in good general health with realistic expectations, has localised fat rather than predominantly loose skin, and is at a stable weight. Liposuction is a contouring procedure rather than a weight loss method, and is generally appropriate for people within about 30 percent of their ideal body weight.

Smokers have an increased risk of complications from any surgery.

Costs

Back liposuction falls within the general per-area surgeon's fee range of $4,000 to $8,000 for one area. Where the upper and lower back are treated as separate areas, two-area pricing of $9,000 to $15,000 applies.

Hospital, theatre and anaesthetist fees are additional; anaesthetist fees range from $800 to $1,200 per hour where a general anaesthetic is used. As at September 2024 and including GST, a consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon is $350.

See liposuction costs for the full breakdown.

Recovery

You need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours where a general anaesthetic is used.
Compression garments are worn to reduce swelling and assist recovery.
Expect swelling and bruising, settling over the following weeks.
Avoid exercise for the first two weeks; gentle walking is encouraged.
Most people return to work after two to three weeks and to their usual exercise routine by around six weeks.
Domestic flights are usually fine at around two weeks; wait six to eight weeks for international flights and before swimming.

Sleeping position can be less comfortable after back liposuction than after treatment of other areas. Your surgeon will advise on this.

Most patients are seen at seven to ten days, then at six to eight weeks, three months, six months and twelve months.

Risks and complications

All surgical procedures carry risks and potential complications, including infection, bruising, swelling, pain, scarring, bleeding and haematoma, seroma, contour irregularity, changes in sensation from nerve damage, anaesthesia complications and blood clots. Liposuction can be traumatic for internal organs, and visceral perforation, while uncommon, is a recognised risk.

Risks are discussed with you in detail during the consultation process, and you are given written information to take home. Please read our information on the risks and complications of cosmetic surgery before proceeding.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Referral and cooling-off period

Since 1 July 2023, all patients are required to have a GP referral before seeing a plastic surgeon or doctor about cosmetic surgery. For any cosmetic surgery there is a compulsory one-week cooling-off period after your second consultation before surgery can be booked.

See liposuction, flank and waistline liposuction, or liposuction costs.