Large-volume lipoinjection for gluteal augmentation.

Background: Although placement of silicone implants remains the standard technique for gluteal augmentation, lipoinjection of autologous fat obtained from lipoplasty is emerging as an alternative procedure.
Objective: We report the results of large-volume lipoinjection of the gluteal region in a series of 96 patients.
Methods: Lipoplasty was performed by using the wet-technique conventional method with previous infiltration of approximately 0.5 mL of solution for each mL of fat extracted. Autologous fat was injected through incisions from 5 to 8 mm long in the intergluteal fold and infragluteal groove of each side. Lipoinjection continued until the desired aesthetic contour was achieved or until the tension of the soft tissues became evident. Most patients received between 300 and 500 mL of autologous fat.
Results: A durable increase of the gluteal regions was achieved in all patients; all but 2 patients were satisfied with the results. Complications included paresthesias, small irregularities or asymmetries that did not require special treatment or cause patient dissatisfaction, and 1 case of septic shock as a result of gluteal cellulitis.
Conclusions: Large-volume lipoinjection is an alternative to silicone implants for augmentation of the gluteal area that can provide greater volume increase while eliminating the risk of implant rupture and the need for follow-up surgery. (Aesthetic Surg J 2002;22:33-38.).