The term “double butt” is an informal way to describe a specific aesthetic concern: the appearance of an extra fold or crease of tissue beneath the natural gluteal crease. Clinically known as a double gluteal fold or “banana roll” deformity, this secondary fold makes the lower buttock appear less smooth and separated from the upper thigh. This contour anomaly is typically related to how fat is distributed or how the skin has maintained its firmness over time. Understanding the anatomical factors contributing to this appearance is key to determining the most effective course of action for correction.
Defining the Appearance and Root Causes
The double butt crease is characterized by a secondary horizontal fold located a short distance below the inferior gluteal fold, the natural crease where the buttocks meet the back of the thigh. This extra line is typically caused by a localized accumulation of subcutaneous fat or a significant loss of skin elasticity. This secondary fold often sits just one to three centimeters below the original crease, creating a shadow that exaggerates the appearance.
Several primary factors contribute to this contour. Genetic predisposition dictates where the body stores fat, often making the gluteal-hamstring junction a storage point for some individuals. Significant weight fluctuations, especially rapid gain followed by loss, can stretch the skin, leaving behind slack tissue that folds. Furthermore, age-related breakdown of collagen and elastin reduces the skin’s ability to snap back, leading to mild tissue sagging, known clinically as buttock ptosis.
Targeted Exercise and Lifestyle Adjustments
The most accessible solution involves combining overall body fat reduction with specific muscle-building exercises to lift and contour the area. It is important to realize that the concept of “spot reduction” is not scientifically supported, meaning focused exercise alone cannot eliminate fat from only this one area. Reducing overall body fat through a consistent diet and cardiovascular activity is necessary to decrease the localized fat deposits that contribute to the secondary fold.
Targeted strength training focuses on promoting hypertrophy in the gluteal muscles, specifically the Gluteus Maximus and Medius, and strengthening the hamstrings. Building muscle mass in the lower glutes creates a firmer, more lifted appearance that helps smooth the tissue above the crease. Effective exercises include the Romanian Deadlift (RDL), which powerfully engages the glutes and hamstrings through a full range of motion. This movement emphasizes the posterior chain, helping to define the transition point between the hamstring and glute.
Incorporating movements that elevate the glutes further assists in shaping the area. Elevated glute bridges and hip thrusts place maximum tension on the gluteal muscles at the top of the movement, promoting muscle growth and a lifted look. Step-ups, particularly those performed with a focus on driving through the heel and engaging the glute, are also beneficial for increasing muscle density. Consistent practice of these movements, combined with a healthy lifestyle, can significantly improve the contour of the lower buttocks over time.
Non-Surgical Body Contouring Options
Non-surgical body contouring offers minimally invasive solutions when the issue is localized fat or mild skin laxity that resists diet and exercise. These treatments are best suited for individuals near their ideal body weight who have stubborn fat pockets in the under-buttock area.
Fat Reduction
One popular approach is Cryolipolysis, which uses controlled cooling to freeze and permanently destroy fat cells in the targeted area. The body naturally eliminates these destroyed cells over several weeks to months.
Skin Tightening and Smoothing
Other methods focus on skin tightening to address laxity. Technologies such as Radiofrequency (RF) and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) deliver thermal energy deep into the skin. This controlled heating stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin fibers, which gradually tightens and firms the skin. Additionally, specialized bio-stimulatory fillers can improve contour by stimulating collagen production from within, smoothing the skin and potentially filling the indentation. Results are achieved gradually and often necessitate multiple treatment sessions.
Surgical Interventions for Permanent Correction
Surgical procedures offer the most definitive correction for cases involving significant fat accumulation or substantial skin laxity.
Liposuction
Targeted liposuction is a precise method that removes the excess fat pocket causing the “banana roll” fold, creating a smoother contour between the buttocks and the thigh. This procedure must be performed conservatively; overly aggressive fat removal can sometimes worsen the appearance by creating more skin redundancy if elasticity is poor.
Skin Excision
When the cause is primarily excess or sagging skin, especially following massive weight loss, a skin excision procedure may be necessary. This type of body lift or lower buttock tuck involves surgically removing the redundant skin and tightening the tissue to eliminate the secondary fold. While this yields a permanent correction, it results in a linear scar typically placed discreetly along the fold. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is necessary to determine if the issue requires fat removal, skin tightening, or a combination of both procedures based on individual anatomy.