A thong lift, also known as a Miami thong lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that lifts and contours the buttocks by removing excess skin and fat. It targets the first the inner parts of the buttocks to create a firmer, rounder, and more defined “peach” shape, with scars cleverly hidden in the crease of the buttocks and it is often combined with an inferior approach as well.
There are various techniques available when considering buttock or gluteal rejuvenation. The Brazilians described a procedure in the 60s with excision of soft tissue within the inferior buttock crease, the original “buttock lift”, a procedure that has now been renamed “inferior buttock tuck”. The change in name was required as this procedure does not lift per se but removes excess soft tissue. The benefits are clear as the incision is well hidden in a fold, gravity helps to obtain a fine line and it will address mild to moderate excess soft tissue. The contraindications as a sole procedure would be a large excess of soft tissue as seen after an important weight loss, after a significant liposuction to buttocks when a patient wants a sizable derrière reduction or after explantation of very large gluteal implant if a patient has poor skin quality. Another important consideration is that the inferior buttock tuck flattens the buttocks, something many patients are not interested in; most patients want a firmer rounder buttock.
The much more powerful buttock lift technique of the years 2000’s involves excision of a large ellipse of skin in the upper buttock area with a resulting incision. This can be done alone or with a total body lift when there is a history of a major weight loss that may demand a combined abdominoplasty and direct excision of the love handles. The incisions of the upper buttock lift can be made horizontal or curved, depending on the patient’s favourite underpants and swim garments. Males will commonly have a horizontal incision whereas ladies will choose either. This upper buttock lift will truly lift the sagging buttock tissues and if not large enough, the results can be enhanced with fat grafting, soft tissue auto-augmentation (using a pedicled piece of patient’s tissue) or with gluteal implants.
Despite all those options, many patients wants a good results with lesser visible scars and with my own experience in upper buttock lifting procedure and gluteal implants (incisions being in the midline), I have come to realize that excisions in the midline cleft of some excess soft tissue, sometimes curving slightly in the upper inner border of each buttocks for added power in the lifting and following the path of the “thong”, would be a good compromise for many patients. This can also be combined with some fat grafting if needed or with some small gluteal implants if more volume needed or if soft tissue expansion is required (some ladies have very tethered inferior lower buttock soft tissues over the bony prominence) and/or with the inferior buttock tock.
What does the Toronto MD Buttock “THONG LIFT” entail
- Incision placement: The surgeon makes vertical incisions, with or without a slight curving nature, in the upper inner buttock, within the intergluteal crease, or “thong line,” which are much smaller than those used in a traditional buttock lift. This can be combined with discreet incisions in the inferior buttock folds.
- Tissue removal: Excess skin and fat are removed from the inner-upper part of the buttocks and often the lower buttock to reshape and refine its contour, correcting sagging or a “boxy” appearance.
- Contouring: The remaining tissue is lifted and sutured for a tighter, more youthful look. Liposuction can be used to achieve maximal rejuvenation of the buttocks, and the fat obtained can also be reused, perhaps for the correction of the hip-dips.
- Optional but important fat transfer: While some thong lifts focus solely on lifting and tightening, Dr DuPére often combines the procedure with a fat transfer (Brazilian Butt Lift or BBL) to add more volume to the upper and mid-buttock area and/or for the correction of the hip-dips for a more pleasing result.
Who is a good candidate?
This procedure is often recommended for individuals who have:
- Early sagging or drooping of the buttocks.
- Lost mild to moderate amount of weight, leaving loose skin.
- An L-shaped or boxy buttock shape caused by genetics, aging, or prior procedures.
- Concerns about a “double butt deformity,” where the lower part of the buttock sags over the upper thigh.
- Patients who are very concerned about the other incisions seen in the other procedures.
Thong lift vs. Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
While both procedures enhance the buttocks, their approach is different.
| Feature | Thong Lift | Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) |
| Primary Goal | To lift and tighten sagging skin and improve overall shape | To add volume and augment the size and fullness of the buttocks. |
| Procedure | Removes excess skin and fat with vertical incisions. | Transfers fat from other body areas via liposuction to the buttocks. |
| Scarring | Inconspicuous vertical scars hidden in the buttock crease. | Liposuction incisions, which are very small. |
| Recovery | Shorter recovery time, about two weeks for initial healing. | Longer recovery, as patients must avoid sitting for an extended period to protect the fat grafts. |
| Patient Profile | Best for those with excess, sagging skin. | Best for those who want more volume and have enough donor fat for grafting. |
Recovery of the Toronto MD Buttock “THONG LIFT” and results
- Initial Recovery: The initial recovery period typically lasts about two weeks, during which you can expect some bruising, swelling, and soreness. A compression garment is often worn to help reduce swelling and support the new contours. Drains are not required.
- Sitting restrictions: Compared to a BBL, a thong lift has less restrictive sitting protocols, allowing for a quicker return to day-to-day normal activity. Gym work-outs should nevertheless be paused for 3-4 weeks.
- Results: The final results are long-lasting, providing a firmer, more lifted, aesthetically and athletically toned appearance to the buttocks. High patient satisfaction has been reported.
In conclusion, Dr DuPéré has developed an extensive approach in buttock rejuvenation in Toronto, Canada, crafted by 24 years of experience in gluteal beautification, gluteal implant augmentation, Brazilian Butt lift and plastic surgery after massive weight loss. Dr DuPéré is now very proud to be offering the thong lift to his Canadian clients. Book a Consultation https://www.visageclinic.com/contact/if interested in discussing your options, and we do offer virtual consultation in English and French with Dr Marc himself.
