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

[BACKGROUND] 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.

[OBJECTIVE] The authors examined the use of dermal-fat grafts taken from the lower abdomen for gluteal augmentation.

[METHODS] 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.

[RESULTS] Both patients in this report achieved good buttock projection and contouring at 6 months postoperatively.

[CONCLUSIONS] Early results suggest that dermal-fat autografts represent an effective option for augmentation gluteoplasty. The technique is particularly appropriate for patients undergoing concomitant abdominoplasty.