The Californer - San Diego Plastic Surgeon Dr. Paul Chasan Highlights the "Thong Lift" as an Approach to Sagging Skin

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Published research explores a specialized surgical technique for addressing lower buttock sagging and contour irregularities following significant weight loss or previous cosmetic procedures.

DEL MAR, Calif. - Californer -- Liposuction can remove unwanted fat, but excess skin and sagging may remain, creating contour irregularities that can be difficult to address. Significant weight loss can also leave behind loose skin, particularly in the lower buttocks. With the growing use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss, skin laxity following substantial weight reduction has become an increasingly relevant concern.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Chasan, MD, FACS, founder of Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery in Del Mar, California, is bringing attention to this often-overlooked issue through his published research on the Thong Lift, a specialized surgical technique designed to address lower buttock sagging and reshape the natural contours of the buttocks.

Unlike procedures that primarily focus on adding volume, the Thong Lift targets excess skin and tissue in the lower buttock region. The technique provides an additional surgical option for appropriately selected patients experiencing lower buttock ptosis, an L-shaped or boxy buttock contour, or contour irregularities that may remain following previous cosmetic procedures.

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"I started seeing more women coming in with the same concern: they were unhappy with excess skin and sagging in the lower buttocks, most commonly following liposuction of the lower pole of the buttock or significant weight loss. With the rise of GLP-1 medications, this is becoming an increasingly relevant concern as more patients experience changes in their body's contours after losing weight. I wanted to find a way to address this specific problem, which led me to further develop a more targeted approach with the Thong Lift. The goal is to address the excess skin and sagging directly and create a smoother, more balanced contour," says Dr. Chasan.

Dr. Chasan's research on the Thong Lift was published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum in 2025, bringing additional attention to surgical approaches that address the lower buttock directly rather than relying exclusively on volume enhancement. The article also earned the journal's 2025 Best Domestic/U.S. Article distinction, recognizing the research's contribution to the field of aesthetic surgery.

The research highlights an important distinction in aesthetic surgery: while procedures such as liposuction address unwanted fat, they do not necessarily correct excess skin or tissue laxity. For patients who experience changes in body contour following significant weight loss or previous cosmetic procedures, identifying the underlying concern is essential to determining an appropriate surgical approach.

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For patients considering buttock contouring, understanding the difference between volume enhancement and procedures designed to address excess skin and tissue is an important part of evaluating available surgical options. The Thong Lift represents a targeted approach to certain contour concerns, emphasizing individualized surgical planning based on each patient's anatomy and aesthetic goals.

With more than 30 years of surgical experience and over 20 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Chasan has dedicated much of his career to addressing complex aesthetic challenges and exploring techniques for patients whose needs may not be adequately met by conventional procedures. His experience spans aesthetic surgery of the face, breast, and body, with a particular focus on complex revision procedures.

As interest in body contouring continues, Dr. Chasan's research contributes to the ongoing discussion surrounding specialized surgical options for patients seeking to address excess skin, sagging, and contour irregularities.

About Dr. Paul Chasan, MD, FACS
Dr. Paul Chasan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery in Del Mar, California. With more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in aesthetic surgery of the face, breast, and body, including complex revision procedures. Dr. Chasan has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications and continues to contribute to the development and evaluation of surgical techniques.

For more information, visit www.drchasan.com.