What’s the best approach to minimize my banana roll/upper thigh area? (Photos)

Question

No matter how fit or thin I’ve been, I’ve always been embarrassed by the saggy “banana roll” area under my buttocks. I’ve previously tried noninvasive Sculpsure and Emsculpt treatments, but didn’t see much improvement. I’ve been considering a more invasive procedure like AirSculpt or Smart Lipo, but I’ve seen some doctors say it may not turn out well. Kybella also is interesting, but it seems like I’d need a lot. Before I go in for consultations—what treatment is best to explore?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear PossiblyMaybeTX,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gregory Chambon, MD · Answer

In your case, Smart Lipo of the outer thigh and banana area would be an excellent option ( I always do these areas together). It can shape the buttocks and tighten significantly. Cellulite should also be improved.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The area you describe and was bothering you are a series of skinfolds. It is not based nor do you have excess fat in this area.

The problem is not related to fat distribution.

Fat removal will simply create a disfigured appearance of having and abnormal fat distribution which will not match the rest of your thigh and the skinfolds will persist but with a deflated appearance from inappropriate Liposuction.

There is no good treatment for these skinfolds. Skin excision can work but leaves a highly visible scar and is typically not done.

Fat transfer as part of a Brazilian butt lift a.k.a. BBL can give partial improvements to that area.

Attempting to improve the area with fat transfer for someone who is already contemplating having a BBL makes sense.

Simply grafting fat in this area alone without extending fat transfer to the hip dip and buttocks will simply alter a normal fat distribution creating undesirable unnatural contours.

There is no good treatment for the banana roll.

Treating things that are not causing the problem will lead to poor results or secondary undesirable outcomes.

I don’t care if clinics or providers offer banana roll Liposuction. It is not a fat distribution problem and I have never in my 25 years of doing body contouring seen quality results from treating this area with Liposuction.

Not once.

Good luck,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Randy Dean, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
From your photos, I note moderate skin redundancy at the posterior thigh / buttock junction. In addition, there are significant stretch marks about the entire buttock areas.
The problem does not appear to be due to fat accumulation. It is more likely due to loose skin. Stretch marks indicate the presence of permanently damaged overstretched skin usually occurring during pregnancy or significant weight fluctuation where when pregnant or obese, the skin's dermal elastic fibers rupture, resulting in the loss of elasticity and the development of streaks on the skin surface. The skin will stretch over a greater surface area and will predispose to further sagging.
If you note improvement in appearance by pulling your buttocks upward when looking in a mirror, you may be a candidate for a lower body lift to elevate the buttocks and tighten the posterior superior thighs.
Best wishes...

What’s the best approach to minimize my banana roll/upper thigh area? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Banana rolls and stretch marks

Answer: Banana rolls and stretch marks

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What’s the best approach to minimize my banana roll/upper thigh area? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Banana rolls and stretch marks

Answer: Banana rolls and stretch marks

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.