Results and long-term patient satisfaction after gluteal augmentation with platelet-rich plasma-enriched autologous fat

Abstract

Background: Buttock augmentation is gaining increasing popularity in aesthetic surgery. The relatively high incidence of complications after silicone implant placement lead to the increased use of lipofilling techniques, yielding variable results with respect to graft take rate and long-term stability. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been shown to have beneficial effects on wound healing and angiogenesis in the past. Therefore, we aimed at investigating the long-term results and patient satisfaction after PRP-enriched lipofilling for buttock augmentation.

Methods: Twenty-four bilateral gluteal augmentations with PRP-enriched autologous fat were performed. Additionally, contour shaping was achieved by liposuction of the adjacent zones. Post-operative results and complications were recorded, and satisfaction with buttock shape was estimated by a patient questionnaire.

Results: Mean follow-up time was 44 months, and mean amount of transferred fat was 481 cc for both sides. No seroma or hematoma formation, infection or liponecrosis were reported during the post-operative follow-up. Subjective patient satisfaction in general increased from preoperatively to 3 months postoperatively and declined only slightly in the long-term course. Satisfaction levels in general were specific for each patient. Patient recovery was quick, and the majority of patients returned to work within 10 days after surgery.

Conclusions: PRP-enhanced lipofilling of the buttocks proved to be a safe procedure including a low complication rate and consistent results. However, subjective patient expectations have to be taken into account when choosing the indication. Further large volume studies are needed to elucidate the potential and benefit of PRP in this context. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Keywords: Buttocks; Fat; Gluteal augmentation; Lipofilling; PRP.

Fig. 1

a Satisfaction levels preoperatively, 3 months postoperatively and at present with appearance of the buttocks on a scale from 1 to 10 (1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = neutral, 10 = extremely satisfied). b Evolution of satisfaction levels per patient over time. Two patients had the same evaluation values

Fig. 2

a Preoperative and b 13 months postoperative results in pa and lateral view of a patient after lipofilling with 420 cc and PRP of both buttocks and contouring liposuction of legs, abdomen and back

Fig. 3

a Preoperative and b 12 months postoperative results in pa and lateral view of a patient after lipofilling with 700 cc and PRP of both buttocks and contouring liposuction of lower back, abdomen, lateral, anterior and medial part of the leg