Practice-Based Patient Management Strategies in Gluteal Augmentation with Implants

Minimally Invasive Video-Assisted Submuscular Gluteal Augmentation with Implants: An Innovative Technique

SUMMARY

Gluteal augmentation is one of the most requested cosmetic procedures. This article describes the surgical technique and early results of an innovative minimally invasive video-assisted submuscular gluteal augmentation with implants. The authors aimed to perform a technique that would reduce complications and surgical time. Fourteen healthy women without obesity or relevant pathologic background who requested gluteal augmentation with implants as a single procedure were included. The procedure was performed through bilateral parasacral 5-cm incisions at cutaneous and subcutaneous planes as far as the gluteus maximus muscle fascia. Through a 1-cm incision in the fascia and muscle, the index finger was introduced under the gluteus maximus, and a submuscular space was created by blunt dissection toward the greater trochanter to avoid a sciatic nerve injury, until the middle gluteus level was reached. Next, the balloon shaft of a Herloon trocar was introduced in the dissected space. Balloon dilatation in this submuscular space was performed as required. The balloon shaft was replaced by the trocar, through which a 30-degree 10-mm laparoscope was introduced. Submuscular pocket anatomic structures were observed, and while the laparoscope was being retrieved, hemostasis was verified. The submuscular plane collapsed, leaving the pocket for the implant to be placed. There were no intraoperative complications. The only postoperative complication was a self-limited seroma in one patient (7.1%). This innovative technique was simple to perform and safe, allowing direct visualization and hemostasis, with a short surgical time, low complication rate, and high degree of satisfaction.

Submuscular Buttock Augmentation With Silicone Implants in 80 Female Patients

BACKGROUND

Over the past 4 decades, gluteal augmentation has increased enormously in popularity, and numerous techniques have been developed to provide patients with the best possible outcomes. The submuscular technique has been shown to be a reliable option for a broad cohort of patients.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this retrospective study was to describe the characteristics and clinical outcomes of a group of patients who underwent gluteal augmentation by the submuscular technique.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 female patients who underwent submuscular gluteal augmentation with silicone implants between August 2019 and May 2022. All of the patients were operated on by the authors of the present study.

RESULTS

Information about patient demographics, implants, complications, and treatments was analyzed. Moreover, the satisfaction of the patients was assessed by means of a short survey. The most frequent complication was wound dehiscence. Only 7 patients required surgical revisions, and 2 required isolated antibiotic therapy. All complications were effectively addressed and no implants had to be removed. Furthermore, the retrospective analysis revealed a noteworthy association between the size of the implant and the occurrence of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The submuscular method provides the best aesthetic results and adequate safety for patients. It significantly minimizes the possibility of complications, such as fluid collection due to muscle fiber dissection or implant exposure/extrusion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4