Augmentation gluteoplasty with dermal-fat autografting from the lower abdomen.

Abstract

Although the use of dermal-fat grafts (adipose tissue grafted with the inclusion of dermis) is an established technique in plastic surgery, to our knowledge, the technique has not been utilized in the gluteal region. The authors examined the use of dermal-fat grafts taken from the lower abdomen for gluteal augmentation. A novel surgical instrument, composed of a cannula and "crochet-hook"-like thread-puller, was developed especially for introduction of dermal-fat grafts. In each patient, 2 triangular, full-thickness dermal-fat autografts were harvested from the lower abdomen, deepithelialized, tubed, and introduced into the gluteal region through an intergluteal incision. Both patients in this report achieved good buttock projection and contouring at 6 months postoperatively. Early results suggest that dermal-fat autografts represent an effective option for augmentation gluteoplasty. The technique is particularly appropriate for patients undergoing concomitant abdominoplasty.