Back Liposuction in NYC

Page Content Authored by Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. David Rapaport

NYC patients looking to achieve a contoured and sculpted back choose Dr. David Rapaport for their back liposuction. Dr. Rapaport, a skilled liposuction expert, has helped numerous patients get rid of bra rolls, buffalo humps, and more.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Rapaport, contact us at (212) 249-9955 or online using our contact form. Our NYC surgical facility is located at 905 5th Ave., at the corner of 72nd St. In addition, we see patients at our flagship location, Aethos, at 50 E 61st.

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Conveniently located to serve New York City, Manhattan, and Long Island

What Is Back Liposuction?

Back liposuction is a body-contouring procedure used to remove excess back fat for NYC patients. It can contour several areas of the back, such as the upper back, lower back, bra bulge, buffalo hump, and flanks/love handles.

Back fat is often very dense and stubborn, and because of this, many surgeons find it more difficult to remove. Dr. Rapaport’s years of experience have made him quite adept at removing this type of fat using specialized techniques.

Liposuction Results

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*Individual results may vary.

A Pioneer In Plastic Surgery

Why Choose Dr. Rapaport for Back Liposuction in NYC?

Dr. David Rapaport is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon who has specialized in liposuction for over 30 years in New York City. He was also recently recognized by Newsweek Magazine as one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons for Liposuction.

When performing back liposuction, he provides personalized care and utilizes advanced techniques to achieve incredibly natural-looking results. His patients’ numerous glowing testimonials speak for themselves.

Our NYC facility features a state-of-the-art surgical suite, where Dr. Rapaport performs procedures like back liposuction. Our facility is on the edge of Central Park and is near The Frick Collection art museum.

Dr. Rapaport has received a number of awards and honors over the years. He has been named a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly since 2016 and a Top NYC Plastic Surgeon by New York magazine for many years.

He began his medical training at the age of 16 in Boston University’s six-year medical program. After graduating, he attended Tel Aviv University for his MD, followed by a general surgery residency at Boston’s Beth Israel Hospital, where he was Chief Resident.

Dr. Rapaport then traveled to NYC, where he became Executive Chief Resident at NYU’s Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. This program is regarded as the nation’s best plastic and cosmetic surgery residency program. After this, he stayed at NYU to pursue a specialized microsurgery fellowship.

Meet Dr. Rapaport

Our Accreditations

  • Newsweek and Statista award badge: America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2025.
  • america's best plastic surgeons
  • america's best plastic surgeons
  • Ideal Implant Premier Surgeon award badge with three stars.
  • QUAD A Global Accreditation Authority logo - Patients First Always.
  • American Society of Plastic Surgery Logo
  • Certification logo: Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery Inc.
  • Member logo: The Aesthetic Society
  • CoolSculpting Elite Provider award badge for latest technology.
  • NewBeauty Top Beauty Doctor award badge.
  • The Best Docs award badge.
  • Real Self top doctor badge
  • InMode certification: Rapaport Plastic Surgery recognized as a Facial Expert Center.

Learn More About Back Liposuction

Candidates for back fat lipo in New York City are unhappy with the appearance of their upper, mid, or lower back and are looking for a long-lasting solution.

Optimal back liposuction candidates have good skin elasticity; patients with poor elasticity may require skin-tightening procedures during thre surgery as well as afterwards. For these patients, Dr. Rapaport can perform non-surgical treatments like SofWave, and offers Renuvion as well as Vaser ultrasound assisted liposuction for tightening during the liposuction procedure.

Patients who have certain pre-existing medical conditions may not be ideal candidates for back liposuction. We want to be certain that anyone undergoing elective surgery is medically stable and fit to do so without undue risk.

Interestingly, although we never like to see our patients smoking, liposuction is one procedure where from a procedural point of view smoking has little to no effect. That is because entry points or scars from liposuction are so tiny that it is highly unusual to have any skin circulation in these cases. Of course this assumes a highly competent and skilled surgeon because surgeons that are less than competent and well trained can absolutely inflict great harm even on non-smokers.

Back liposuction begins with a personalized consultation with either Dr. Rapaport or one of our trained aesthetic consultants. Patients will go over their aesthetic goals, and the doctor will ask about their medical history and perform a physical examination. Patients are encouraged to ask questions at any time.

Back contouring surgery in NYC can take anywhere from one to over 2 hours. It begins with administration of IV sedation (twilight anesthesia) or local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Rapaport will inject tumescent fluids using a narrow blunt stainless steel tube also called a cannula The injection of tumescent fluid causes the tissues to swell for easier fat removal and more precise contouring, reduces bleeding, and minimizes post-surgical bruising.

The actual removal of and contouring of the fatty tissues is performed using a variety of tools, depending on the exact nature of the fat and the anatomy of the patient. Power assisted liposuction also known as PAL is one of the mainstays of liposuction. Dr. Rapaport may also use Vaser, which is a form of ultrasound assisted liposuction, Renuvion, which is another technique for internal tightening, or finally, a technique called equalization where cells are moved around internally without ever leaving the body, sort of a form of internal transplantation.

Dr. Rapaport will use just a single suture for each incision, allowing for optimal healing so that entry point scars do not heal like chickenpox marks,but still have the ability to drain fluid for 12 to 16 hours after surgery.

Once you’ve returned home after back fat reduction, you’ll need a couple of days to rest and recover. You will be permitted to remove your compression garment after 48 hours and shower. Believe it or not, we do not expect that you will need any narcotic painkillers after surgery, and even better, once your garment is off and your shower is done after 48 hours, you have the ability to stretch, go to the gym for a light workout, and, if you are feeling good, to have a glass of wine with dinner or even to be sexually intimate, as long as you are feeling up to it. This is all true because lipo is fundamentally different from other procedures and does not open a true large space where fluid or other bad things can accumulate. Rather, it produces a honeycomb pattern of removal within the fat structure, and this collapses quite easily when performed well.

Wearing a post-surgical elastic compression garment controls post-surgical swelling and helps your skin conform to your back’s new contours.

As with most areas of the body, you will likely see your final results three months after the procedure. At one month, most of the result is already visible, though small areas of subtle swelling can continue to settle for two more months.

Back liposuction provides several benefits for New York City patients:

  • Smoother and more sculpted back contours
  • An improved fit for clothing, including bras
  • Effective fat reduction that lasts

Back lipo commonly results in temporary soreness, bruising, and swelling. In rare cases, infection is a possibility, as are fluid collections. Because no surgery is risk free, it’s vital that you choose an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Rapaport.

The general price range of liposuction in NYC is anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000. The total cost of back liposuction varies based on factors like the specific techniques utilized, total surgical time, and anesthesia fees. It can include the surgeon’s fee, facility fee, and follow-up appointment costs.

We’ve partnered PatientFi, Cherry, and CareCredit to help patients finance the cost of back liposuction and many other procedures and treatments. These financing companies offer several payment plans.

Schedule a Consultation

Arrange a back liposuction consultation with Dr. Rapaport at our NYC location. Our clinic is located at 905 5th Ave. #1W, New York, NY 10021, near SummerStage in Central Park and Ladurée on Madison Avenue. Call (212) 249-9955 or fill out our contact form to book your consultation.

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New York City Back Liposuction FAQs

Back liposuction is a body contouring procedure designed to remove stubborn fat deposits from the upper back, lower back, bra line, and flanks above the waist. 

  • The fat on the back can be greater density than other parts of the body
  • While back fat is not commonly an area of fatty disproportion, lower bra fat is a problem with many women. Upper bra fat and overall excessive upper back fat is less common, although it does seem to be more frequent among certain ethnicities, such as people from India.
  • Bra fat liposuction can be combined with liposuction of other areas, including but not limited to arms, waist, and buttocks.
  • When localized areas of back fat are to be treated, such as lower bra fat, these can sometimes be treated under local anaesthesia. This depends on the patient and the extent of the area(s) to be treated. When bra fat liposuction occurs, as part of a larger procedure such as liposuction 360, that typically requires IV anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the patient or the surgeon. Because bra fat is typically denser than other areas found in the body, sometimes advanced technologies are needed to remove it.
  • Dr Rapaport uses power-assisted liposuction (PAL) on most of his liposuction procedures, and is particularly likely to use it on the back. PAL uses a cannula that vibrates forward and backwards, and this allows for more effective fat removal while diminishing the physical work of the surgeon. Importantly, and to its great credit, PAL does not deliver energy to the greater tissue, so there is no risk of burn injuries that would.
  • Back fat tends to be denser than fat in other areas of the body, which is one reason many patients find it resistant to diet and exercise. This denser fat often requires PAL liposuction and subsequently heat tightening technology.

At our New York City practice, Dr. David Rapaport uses a tumescent technique for all liposuctions, in which a sterile solution containing a local anesthetic is injected into the treatment area to numb the tissue, reduce bleeding, and allow for more precise fat removal. Once the tumescent fluid takes effect, Dr. Rapaport inserts a fine cannula through very small entry points and carefully sculpts the area by breaking up and suctioning out fat cells. The procedure is typically performed under IV twilight sedation or local anesthesia, so patients breathe on their own throughout and do not require narcotic medication afterward. Because fat cells do not regenerate once removed, the back liposuction results are considered permanent, provided you maintain a stable weight. The goal is not weight loss but rather a smoother, more proportionate back contour that complements your natural frame.

The strongest candidates for back liposuction are individuals who are close to maintaining a consistent weight but have localized fat deposits along the back that have not responded to consistent diet and exercise. During your consultation, Dr. Rapaport evaluates your skin elasticity, the density and distribution of your back fat, and your overall health to determine whether back lipo is the right approach for you.

Patients with reduced skin elasticity may benefit from skin tightening treatments such as Renuvion or VASER ultrasound-assisted liposuction, which can be performed at the same time to encourage tissue contraction. Candidates should also have realistic expectations. Liposuction is a contouring procedure, not a weight loss method, and the most satisfying outcomes come from patients who understand that distinction. 

If you have certain pre-existing medical conditions, we want to confirm that you are medically stable before scheduling any elective procedure.

Back liposuction can address several distinct zones, depending on where your concerns are concentrated. Common treatment areas include the upper back (often associated with “bra fat”  in women), the mid-back, the lower back, and the flanks or love handles. Some patients also seek treatment for the buffalo hump, a rounded fat deposit at the base of the neck that can create a hunched appearance.

Many patients choose to combine back fat removal with contouring in adjacent areas to create a more balanced overall silhouette. For example, pairing back lipo with waist and abdominal liposuction can refine the full midsection, while adding arm liposuction can improve upper body definition from multiple angles. Dr. Rapaport tailors each treatment plan to your anatomy and goals so the results look proportionate and natural rather than over-corrected in any one area.

Recovery from back liposuction is straightforward, especially when the procedure is performed with local anesthetics. Most of our NYC patients return to desk work and light daily activities within a few days. You will wear a compression garment over the treated area to help minimize swelling, support the new contour, and encourage the skin to retract evenly for the first 36-48 hours nonstop. If you did not receive skin tightening, you can stop wearing compression after the 2-day mark. For patients who are treated with Renuvion, we recommend they wear the garment as much as possible (to sleep, around the house) for 6 weeks post-op. Some bruising, swelling, and mild soreness are expected during the first week or two, but these symptoms resolve progressively.

Dr. Rapaport’s minimally invasive approach is designed to reduce tissue trauma, which contributes to a more comfortable recovery and typically eliminates the need for prescription pain medication. Light exercise, such as walking, can usually be resumed within the first 48 hours, and more vigorous activity is cleared within 3 weeks. You will have a post-op appointment, 1-month check-in call, and 3-month follow-up appointment so we can monitor your healing, remove any sutures, and respond to questions or concerns. How long does it take to see back liposuction results?

You will likely notice some visible improvement in your back contour shortly after surgery, even with initial swelling present. As swelling subsides over the following weeks and months, the final shape becomes progressively more defined. For most patients, the majority of swelling resolves within the first four to six weeks, with final results typically apparent within three to four months.

Because the fat cells removed during back liposuction do not regenerate, your improved contour is permanent as long as your weight remains stable. If you gain weight in the future, the remaining fat cells throughout your body can expand, but your overall proportions will still reflect the contouring achieved during the procedure. Our liposuction before and after gallery shows real patient outcomes at various stages of healing so you can get a realistic sense of the transformation timeline.

When performed by a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited facility, back liposuction is considered a safe procedure. Dr. Rapaport has over 27 years of liposuction experience and has never encountered a major complication from the procedure. This safety record reflects his meticulous technique, conservative approach, and commitment to thorough pre-operative evaluation.

Our Manhattan surgical suite is fully accredited and staffed by an experienced team, including a board-certified anesthesiologist who has worked alongside Dr. Rapaport for years. We use IV twilight sedation or local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia, which significantly reduces anesthesia-related risks such as blood clots and airway complications. Every patient undergoes a detailed health assessment before surgery, because we want to be certain that anyone undergoing an elective procedure is medically stable and fit to do so without undue risk.

The cost of back liposuction in NYC varies depending on the number of areas being treated, the volume of fat being removed, the type of anesthesia used, and whether any complementary procedures are performed at the same time. Because every treatment plan is customized, we provide detailed pricing during your consultation after Dr. Rapaport has evaluated your anatomy and discussed your goals.

We believe that cost should not be the sole barrier to achieving the results you want. Our practice partners with several reputable plastic surgery financing companies, including CareCredit, PatientFi, and Cherry, each of which offers a range of payment plans. A dedicated aesthetic consultant on our team will walk you through the options so you can find a plan that fits your budget comfortably.

Dr. David Rapaport is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon who has specialized in liposuction for over 27 years in New York City. He was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons for Liposuction in 2025, a distinction based on peer nominations from over 10,000 board-certified plastic surgeons nationwide. Back fat presents unique challenges because of its density, and Dr. Rapaport’s extensive experience has made him particularly skilled at removing this type of tissue while preserving smooth, natural contours.

His approach centers on precision, safety, and personalized care. He personally performs every step of each procedure, from tumescent infiltration through contouring, rather than delegating portions to other staff. Dr. Rapaport is also the founder of Aethos, where he trains his team in advanced techniques. If you are considering back lipo or want to explore whether another body contouring procedure might be a better fit, scheduling a consultation is the first step toward getting clear, honest guidance tailored to your goals.

Yes. Many patients achieve the most balanced results by addressing the back alongside related areas in a single session. Popular combinations include back liposuction with waist and abdominal contouring, thigh liposuction, or chin liposuction for patients who want to refine their profile as well. Combining procedures allows you to achieve a more comprehensive transformation in one recovery period rather than scheduling multiple separate sessions.

Dr. Rapaport assesses the total amount of fat to be removed and the total procedure time to ensure that combining areas remains safe and comfortable. When more than one area is being treated, IV twilight sedation is typically recommended for a smoother experience. The specifics of your combination plan, including which areas to prioritize and what to expect from recovery, are mapped out in detail during your consultation.

Back Liposuction FAQs

The best candidates for arm liposuction are frustrated by  fat deposits in their upper arms. Some  are also dealing with saggy skin, often referred to as  “bat wings.” Good candidates understand that the procedure is intended to make them look and feel better at their given weight. Liposuction, in Dr. Rapaport’s opinion, should not be looked upon as a weight reduction procedure per se 

Ideal candidates for arm liposuction have goodskin elasticity. This encourages skin retraction and prevents sagging. When there is already tissue laxity, or the sense that after the fat is emptied from the arm, then there will be tissue laxity (something we call impending laxity), Dr. Rapaport will recommend an advent procedure, typically Renuvion, to improve tightness.

The maximum total amount of fat that can be safely removed with any liposuction is 11 lbs. typically around half a pound or so a fat may be removed from each arm. Remember, it’s not about the amount of fat, but rather the contour that it creates.

Since a very small incision is created for arm liposuction, the procedure will result in a very small scar (usually just two to five millimeters). Dr. Rapaport meticulously closes these small scars so that they heal as vine lines rather than as pits which resemble chickenpox scars Incisions will be well-camouflaged in the natural contours of the arm, and scars will fade with proper care.

Arm liposuction offers permanent fat removal. Removed fat cells cannot return, nor do fat cells migrate from place to place. Therefore, the reshaping of the fat can expected to be permanent. With weight gain the entire picture will be larger and with weight loss smaller but the fatty proportions will be permanently improved