Quantifying augmentation gluteoplasty outcomes: a comparison of three instruments used to measure gluteal projection

Gluteal augmentation is increasingly common. However, few studies have quantitatively reported postoperative gluteal projection. This study compared three different standardized instruments (i.e., radiographic, sonographic, and anthropometric) for quantifying gluteal projection after lumbar-hip dermal fat rotational flap to identify a simple, cost-efficient valid instrument.

A total of 10 women ages 35 to 68 years (mean, 47.3 years) with skin flaccidity and gluteal ptosis underwent bilateral lumbar-hip dermal fat rotation flap gluteal augmentation (20 procedures). Gluteal projection was measured 1 week preoperatively and 8 months postoperatively using computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan, ultrasound, and anthropometry.

The CAT scan measured 1.40 cm of projection on the left (p < 0.001) and 1.43 cm on the right (p = 0.001). Ultrasound measured 2.16 cm of projection on the left (p < 0.001) and 1.88 cm on the right (p = 0.001). Anthropometry measured 1.75 cm of projection on the left (p < 0.01) and 1.35 cm on the right (p < 0.05). Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) comparing the CAT scan, ultrasound, and anthropometry demonstrated statistically similar results on the left (p = 0.43) and right (p = 0.62).

All three instruments were sufficiently sensitive to measure a statistically significant increase in postoperative gluteal projection. Moreover, all three instruments were statistically similar in accuracy of measurement. Therefore, the authors conclude that ultrasound or anthropometry are satisfactory, inexpensive instruments for accurately quantifying postoperative gluteal projection.