Will Shoulder Reduction Make My Upper Back Look Smaller?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have always been super self conscious about the width and size of my back. I lost weight and my back is just huge and I’ve realized no weight loss will create a feminine look of my back. I’ve always wanted a smaller back and didn’t know if there are surgeries to reduce the width and size of my back. My broad shoulders look beautiful in the front because I am 5’7” 131 pounds. Just in the back it makes me look chunky and less feminine and very boxy. I just want to be able to have to have a smaller frame and more delicate look. I always get confused because I take pictures like this and my back looks massive and makes me look large and I take other pictures and it looks like my back is super skinny and contoured. Through other people taking my picture I have seen more that my back is just super wide and i just am looking for a way to reduce that upper and mid section of my back I feel like my arms stick out like a triangle. I hate this and would love to fix it at some point. 

A: Thank you for your inquiry and sending your picture. There are not any surgeries specifically for reducing the width of the back. The only operation that may affect the width of the back is shoulder reduction combined with upper liposuction but i don’t think that would have much effect on where your specific concerns are. (see attached imaging)

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana