Deep Subcutaneous Gluteal Fat Compartments: Anatomy and Clinical Implications

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Plastic Surgery
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Gluteal fat grafting has advanced with better anatomical understanding, but deep buttock fat compartments remain uncharacterized.
• Previous anatomical studies have not identified or described specific fat compartments within the gluteal region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize deep subcutaneous gluteal fat compartments.
• To differentiate between deep and superficial subcutaneous fat layers in the gluteal region.

Main Methods:

• A cadaveric dissection study utilizing 4 fresh hydrated cadavers (8 hemibuttocks).
• Latex injection into iliac vessels for specimen preparation.
• Ultrasound-guided cannula placement to target the deep gluteal fat layer.
• Infiltration with dyed fat, applesauce, and saline to delineate fat compartments.

Main Results:

• Identification and characterization of 7 discrete deep gluteal fat compartments.
• Compartments include 3 medial (superior, middle, inferior), 1 central, and 3 lateral (superior, middle, inferior).
• These compartments possess distinct boundaries and maintain injected substances separately.

Conclusions:

• Seven deep gluteal fat compartments with defined borders have been identified.
• These compartments can be selectively augmented for buttock enhancement.
• Understanding these compartments improves gluteal augmentation via ultrasound-guided deep fat grafting, optimizing aesthetics.