Case study: reduction of gluteal implant infection rates with use of retention sutures

The intramuscular technique has been the most popular technique among plastic surgeons for gluteal implantation. Complication rates of up to 30% including infection, hematoma, seromas, and dehiscence are reported in several studies. One main question that arises is whether the wound dehiscence occurs first followed by infection or vice versa. We present a case study of 3 patients who received gluteal augmentation. We used an alternative technique in closure of the gluteal flap which included the use of retention sutures along the sacral incision. Follow-up included postoperative day 2, every week for 6 weeks, and then every month for 6 months. Postoperatively patients were advised to not sleep in supine position for 3 weeks and avoid pressure to the area. The 3 patients remained infection free at 2 days and weekly for 6 weeks. The use of retention sutures along the flap closure site may be a useful and simple technique to avoid high gluteal implant infection rates that have been reported in the literature. We plan to apply this technique to all of our future gluteal augmentations and track long-term results. Preventing complications will result in improved aesthetic results, increased patient satisfaction, less frequent office visits, and less financial cost to both patient and physician.