Dr. Paul Chasan, founder and board-certified plastic surgeon at Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery in Del Mar, has spent over 30 years refining body contouring techniques for patients across San Diego County. His latest contribution tackles a problem many surgeons overlook: sagging in the lower buttock, known as ptosis, that leaves a boxy or drooping shape even after a traditional buttock lift or implants.
Working with researchers Kishan Shah and Cameron Sabet, Dr. Chasan co-authored a peer-reviewed study on the thong lift technique, published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. The Aesthetic Society later honored the research as its Domestic Paper of the Year. Below, this blog covers how the procedure works and what the published results show.
What Is a Thong Lift?
A thong lift lifts and reshapes the lower buttocks through a small incision hidden in the natural crease. The scar stays low enough to remain covered by thong-style underwear once healed, unlike the longer incision used in a traditional buttock lift. Instead of adding volume like a Brazilian butt lift or implants, the thong lift removes excess skin to correct a boxy or sagging lower buttock caused by liposuction, weight loss, or aging.
This procedure can offer:
- A rounder, more lifted contour in the lower buttock
- Firmer, tighter skin along the treated area
- A scar hidden under most clothing
- A slimmer look around the outer buttocks and thigh crease
Thong Lift Before & Afters
The Research Behind the Technique
The study reviewed 26 women treated by Dr. Chasan between 2017 and 2024, with an average follow-up of more than four years. Using a standardized survey, patients rated their improvement in buttock sagging and contour at 9.4 out of 10 on average. Every patient reported an improved appearance and satisfaction with the results, and there were no major complications, only minor ones in about 15% of cases.
Most buttock-contouring research centers on volume, fat transfer, and implants, with little written about the lower buttock specifically. Dr. Chasan's study, based on his own patients, helps close that gap for surgeons and prospective patients alike. Read the full study on PubMed.
Who Is a Candidate for a Thong Lift?
During a consultation, Dr. Chasan reviews your medical history and buttock shape to see if a thong lift is a good fit. Good candidates typically:
- Are in good overall health
- Do not smoke
- Have no uncontrolled medical conditions
- Notice sagging or a boxy shape in the lower buttock
- Want a lifted, rounder contour without adding much volume
Some patients pair the procedure with a Brazilian butt lift or implants, while others choose it alone. Dr. Chasan will recommend the best option for your anatomy and goals.
Recovery After a Thong Lift
Expect some bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort for one to two weeks after surgery. Following Dr. Chasan's post-operative instructions helps you heal well and lowers your risk of complications.
Most patients return to light activity and work within about 10 days, with moderate exercise resuming around four weeks. Wait for Dr. Chasan's clearance before going back to more intense workouts. Some mild wrinkling near the incision is normal at first and typically resolves within a few months.
Dr. Paul Chasan's Award-Winning Approach to Buttock Contouring
Dr. Chasan's research reflects his broader approach to patient care: study real outcomes, then share what works so the technique keeps improving. Backed by an award-winning, peer-reviewed study, the thong lift offers a level of published insight few practices can match. Contact Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation and see if a thong lift is right for you.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.
