Experience With High-Volume Buttock Fat Transfer: A Report of 137 Cases

Abstract

Background: Buttock augmentation with fat transfer has become increasingly popular, with many patients seeking high-volume augmentations. Consensus is lacking as to the safe upper-limit of fat that can be transferred. Concern for risks such as fat necrosis and fat embolism may lead surgeons to limit the amount of fat to place. However, it is unclear if volume alone is associated with these complications. The author evaluated the outcomes of high-volume fat transfer.

Objectives: The author sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of high-volume buttock fat transfer.

Methods: A retrospective case review of all buttock fat transfers performed between 2014 and 2016 involving placement of 1000 mL or more per buttock was undertaken. Patients were monitored clinically and evaluated for their subjective assessment of satisfaction.

Results: A total of 137 patients were identified. A mean of 1331 mL of fat was placed in each buttock (range, 1000-1890 mL) and the mean age was 35.3 years (range, 19-56 years). One hundred eighteen patients (86.1%) were satisfied with their result. None complained of the buttocks having been made too large. Nineteen patients (13.9%) wanted the buttocks made larger. Eight patients underwent an additional fat transfer procedure. Twelve patients (8.8%) had minor cosmetic issues following surgery. Another 10 patients (7.3%) had minor medical complications. No patient suffered major complications such as fat embolism, venous thromboembolism, infection, or skin loss.

Conclusions: High-volume buttock fat transfer is safe and effective in increasing the buttock volume. Complication rates appear to be low with careful surgical technique. No serious complications were noted in this case series.