Banana roll
A banana roll is a curved fold of fullness just beneath the buttock crease over the upper back thigh. It is a descriptive aesthetic term, not a diagnosis. The fold may consist of fat, skin, normal support anatomy or a combination.
What you may notice
- A curved pocket beneath the buttock
- Greater prominence when standing
- Different size on each side
- Nearby cellulite or skin laxity
Why it can happen
Genetic fat distribution and natural attachments supporting the buttock create the shape. Weight change alters fullness, while tissue descent may deepen the fold. Over-removing support can distort the crease or cause sagging.
What may help
Overall fat loss may reduce fullness when weight contributes. Carefully selected liposuction or non-surgical fat reduction may contour a true fat pocket, but treatment must preserve the supporting fold. Skin laxity or descent needs a different approach.
When to consult
Consult a clinician if the area is painful, newly swollen, hard or one-sided. Choose a practitioner experienced in gluteal and upper-thigh anatomy.
Evidence and sources
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Buttock enhancement [Internet]. Arlington Heights (IL): American Society of Plastic Surgeons; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buttock-enhancement (new tab)
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Body lift [Internet]. Arlington Heights (IL): American Society of Plastic Surgeons; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-lift (new tab)
- National Health Service. Liposuction [Internet]. London: National Health Service; 2023 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/liposuction/ (new tab)