Assessment of Fat Grafting in Enhancing the Middle Eastern Buttocks

Abstract

Background: Fat survival remains a challenge following fat grafting and has been a subject of debate. The key to successful fat grafting in buttock enhancement dictates familiarity with the technique, knowledge of the gluteal topography and aesthetics along with understanding of the patient's desired needs and goals. However, several areas still need to be researched. Objectives: This study aims to describe the anthropometric measurements of the Middle Eastern female buttocks and to evaluate the post-operative volume changes of structural fat grafting following gluteal enhancement procedures. Methods: This study included sixty adult healthy females. Candidates were classified into four main groups; control group (30 candidates) for measuring anthropometrics of Middle Eastern buttocks with normal BMI, and other 30 candidates were grouped into three surgical groups (10 candidates for each) according to the amount of fat grafting. Anthropometric measurements were obtained directly through patients' photos (posterior and lateral views) pre-operatively, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Pre-operative volume of gluteal region in each quadrant was measured for the whole buttock by using the ultrasound then compared to that of 3 and 6 months post-operatively. Results: Control group (30 candidates) showed that round shape buttocks was the dominant shape. Fat survival rate of fat injected in subcutaneous plane decreased with increasing volume of fat injected, while in the intramuscular plane the survival rate the same and was not affected significantly. Conclusion and Recommendations: Round shaped buttock is the dominant shape in Middle Eastern buttock; fat survival rate is greater when injected intramuscular. We warn surgeons from trying intramuscular fat injection without anticipating problems and also without taking in consideration precautions and recommendations especially in large volume grafting. Also, we recommend authors to perform more studies in Middle Eastern buttocks for more control cases to confirm the anthropometric criteria of Middle Eastern buttocks.