Eliminating Banana Roll Fat with Advanced VASER Sculpting in Los Angeles
In the premium body contouring market, we often focus on the “big” changes that can be achieved with Brazilian Butt Lifts or Tummy Tucks, which create the flat, toned canvas. But like any true artist, it is the subtler transformations that create masterpieces. At Moein Surgical Arts, we focus on the details. One of the most commonly mentioned, but often poorly understood, “details” is the Banana Roll Fat.
Just above the upper thigh and below the buttocks, this crescent-shaped fat is known for its stubbornness. This fat pocket can disrupt the lower body’s contour, making the legs look shorter and the buttocks appear less toned. If this is the area of stubborn fat that you’ve been targeting for years while doing countless lunges and squats, rest assured, you are not the only one.
This guide will cover the banana roll and the technologies Dr. Moein employs to remove it as well as how to obtain a smooth, sculpted lower body profile in Los Angeles.
The “Banana Roll” is the colloquial term for a horizontal deposit of adipose tissue found just beneath the subgluteal fold—the crease where your butt meets your leg. It earns its name from its curved, elongated shape that mimics a banana.
For many, this isn’t just about “extra weight.” In fact, many high-performance athletes and fitness enthusiasts struggle with this specific area. The reasons are multifaceted:
When addressing the subgluteal area, finesse is not a luxury, but a necessity. This area is high risk, as the subgluteal fat provides a supportive shelf for the entire buttock. If a surgeon employs older, more aggressive liposuction techniques, they could take too much fat, resulting in patients suffering from gluteal ptosis (sagging buttocks).
This is one of the reasons why Dr. Moein uses VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) Liposuction. The Advantages of VASER for the Subgluteal Fold Unlike usual liposuction that employs a mechanical ‘tearing’ method to remove fat, VASER targets specific fat cells with ultrasound waves and turns them into liquid.
For a deeper dive into how this technology compares to standard methods, explore our resource on VASER Lipo vs. Traditional Liposuction.
The Banana Roll is not just surface fat; it is a complex layer located between the Gluteus Maximus (the buttock muscle) and the Hamstrings (the back of the leg). As shown in our anatomy diagram, this zone is bordered by critical structures, such as the Biceps Femoris. Proper removal requires leaving a thin “fat shelf” to support the buttocks, preventing them from sagging, a surgical precision Dr. Moein is famous for in Southern California.
| Feature | Non-Invasive (Cryolipolysis) | Traditional Liposuction | VASER Lipo (Dr. Moein’s Choice) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision | Low (treats a general area) | Moderate | High (Sculpts the crease) |
| Skin Tightening | None | Minimal/Risk of sagging | Excellent (Heat-induced) |
| Recovery | No downtime | 2-4 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Results | Subtle/Multiple sessions | Immediate/Dramatic | Dramatic & High-Definition |
At Moein Surgical Arts, we don’t just look at what needs to be removed; we look at where that volume could be better utilized. This is the heart of Surgical Art.
Many of our Los Angeles patients choose to combine their banana roll removal with a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). This is the ultimate “win-win” in body contouring. By removing the fat from the banana roll, we create a clear, sharp “gap” between the thigh and the glute. This immediately makes the buttocks look higher and the legs look longer.
The high-quality fat harvested from the banana roll (and usually the waist or flanks) is then purified and strategically reinjected into the upper and outer quadrants of the buttocks.
The Result: You lose the unwanted roll at the bottom and gain the “shelf” and projection you’ve always wanted at the top. You can view the incredible transformations of our patients in our BBL Before and After Gallery.
It is vital to have an honest consultation with a board-certified expert. In some cases, particularly after massive weight loss, what appears to be a “banana roll” is actually a fold of excess skin.
If Dr. Moein determines that your skin lacks the elasticity to bounce back after liposuction, he may recommend a thigh lift. This procedure involves removing a wedge of skin to physically lift the tissue. While this involves an incision, the results are much more effective for patients with significant skin laxity who want a smooth, tight upper leg.
Transparency is a core value at our practice. We want you to be as prepared for the recovery as you are for the surgery itself.
Immediately following your procedure, you will be placed in a specialized compression garment. This is your best friend during recovery. It controls swelling and ensures the skin heals smoothly over the new contours.
You may experience some bruising and a “sore muscle” sensation. Most patients find that they can return to desk jobs within 5 to 7 days, provided they follow our sitting protocols (especially if a BBL was performed simultaneously).
Healing happens in stages. While you will see a change immediately, the “final” result usually takes 3 to 6 months to fully settle as residual internal swelling dissipates. For a detailed, week-by-week breakdown of the healing process, please refer to our guide on Liposuction Results: What to Expect.
Los Angeles is the world capital of cosmetic surgery, and mending the “banana roll” requires a surgeon who understands the specific aesthetic demands of this city. It is not enough to simply remove fat; a surgeon must have the vision to leave enough structure to support the buttocks while creating the lean transition that defines a “bikini-ready” body.
As a highly sought-after Cosmetic Surgeon in Los Angeles, Dr. Moein combines medical expertise with a deep understanding of human symmetry.
It is very important to eat healthy to maintain a good body composition; however, ‘banana rolls’ are very difficult to get rid of through normal weight-loss methods and depend on a person’s genetics. Some improvement may be seen with these exercises, but building the muscle beneath the rolls is not something they can do. Most patients must seek professional options to eliminate fat cells after a fat pocket has formed, including VASER liposuction.
Patients in Los Angeles want high-definition results and little recovery time. Using VASER Lipo is the best option because of the ‘tissue selectivity’ capability. In contrast, traditional liposuction can be aggressive, damaging the connective tissues that support the buttocks and causing them to sag. With VASER, Dr. Moein can precisely sculpt the subgluteal fold while maintaining the integrity of your silhouette, as ultrasound energy first liquefies the fat.
Yes, these results are considered permanent, as the procedure removes fat cells from the body, which do not regenerate. However, it is critical to maintain your weight. Significant weight gain will cause the fat cells that remain in your thighs and buttocks to expand and will change your sculpted results. To protect your investment in your new look, we encourage a balanced lifestyle!
The price for your procedure at Moein Surgical Arts depends on whether you choose it alone or as part of a larger treatment, such as Lipo 360 or a BBL. The amount of fat removed, your anesthesia choice, and your unique anatomy also affect the final cost. At your private consultation, we will provide you with a clear, all-inclusive quote tailored to your goals.
Dr. Moein will help you understand an important difference during your evaluation. A “banana roll” refers to a pocket of fat. If the fold is actually due to loose or excess skin, which often occurs after significant weight loss, liposuction alone might not be enough. In these cases, a
Thigh Lift may be needed to remove the extra tissue and tighten the area. Dr. Moein will check your skin’s elasticity to decide which treatment will give you the smoothest result.
The banana roll fat is a small part of your body, but it can have a big impact on your confidence and how you feel in your clothes. Whether you are looking for a standalone VASER Lipo treatment or a comprehensive BBL transformation, Moein Surgical Arts is dedicated to providing you with world-class care and results that look as good as they feel.
Are you ready to say goodbye to the stubborn fold and hello to a smoother, more contoured you?
Experience the intersection of science and art. Schedule your private consultation with Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Moein in Los Angeles.
