Postbariatric buttock contouring with dermolipectomy and gluteal implants.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Body Contouring

Background:

• Massive weight loss often results in significant skin laxity and volume loss in the buttocks.
• Gluteal dermolipectomy is a common procedure to address excess skin, but may not restore desired volume.
• Silicone implants offer a solution for buttock augmentation in post-bariatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a simplified surgical technique for gluteal silicone implant placement.
• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of this technique in patients undergoing gluteal dermolipectomy.
• To recommend optimal implant placement strategies for buttock reconstruction after massive weight loss.

Main Methods:

• The technique involves gluteal dermolipectomy with or without dermal fat flaps.
• A simplified method for identifying gluteal muscles is presented, utilizing the superior margin of the gluteus maximus muscle.
• Silicone implants are placed in either the submuscular or intramuscular plane.

Main Results:

• The described procedure was performed on two patients.
• Encouraging and long-lasting results were observed in both cases.
• The simplified muscle identification and implant placement technique proved effective.

Conclusions:

• This simplified technique offers a reliable approach for gluteal augmentation with silicone implants in massive weight loss patients.
• Submuscular or intramuscular implant placement, guided by the superior gluteus maximus margin, is recommended.
• The procedure yields satisfactory and durable aesthetic outcomes for buttock reconstruction.