Contouring the gluteal region with tumescent liposculpture.

BACKGROUND: For quite some time, plastic surgeons have experimented with novel techniques for enhancing the gluteal region. However, all of the previously-described techniques have the disadvantage of postoperative scarring, most of which is visible. As an alternative, fat injection in the gluteal region has been shown to have permanent and satisfactory results.

OBJECTIVES: The authors discuss the results of liposuction and lipoinjection in the gluteal region.

METHODS: Between March 2000 and March 2007, 300 female patients who presented with lipodystrophy of the gluteal and paragluteal regions underwent liposuction with a modified tumescent technique. The treated sites were classified into six anatomical zones, and the patients were retrospectively grouped into types based on the frequency of treatment in each zone.

RESULTS: The patients ranged in age from 16 to 54 years. The follow-up period ranged from six to 36 months. Fifty percent of patients underwent liposuction in Zone I, 90% in Zone II, 0% in Zone III, 40% in Zone IV, 30% in Zone V, and 75% in Zone VI. The largest percentage of patients underwent treatment in Zones I, II, and V, with subsequent lipoinjection. Comparison of pre- and postoperative photographs and measurements revealed gluteal lifting in all patients at the point of greatest projection. Improved contour was shown in Zones I, II, and IV when all zones were treated in a combined form.

CONCLUSIONS: The concept of refining techniques for liposuction and lipoinjection according to individual anatomical zones is essential to the evolution of the procedure. In this series, the results indicated that improving the intraoperative treatment of the hip region resulted in improved aesthetic contouring. Therefore, the authors believe that this technique can reduce the need for more aggressive surgical procedures, which thereby decreases the risk of complications, recovery time, and sequelae.