Andean Body: Plastic Surgery With a Cultural Perspective

Area of Science:

• Anthropometry
• Plastic Surgery
• Human Anatomy

Background:

• The Andean body type is associated with individuals from high-altitude regions in South America.
• Defining specific anthropometric characteristics is crucial for medical and surgical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and describe the physical characteristics of the Andean body in a large female cohort.
• To establish baseline anthropometric data for women residing at high altitudes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of physical measurements from 1500 female patients from Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela.
• Data collection included waist circumference, chest measurement, and distances between specific anatomical landmarks.

Main Results:

• Average waist circumference: 87.11 cm.
• Average chest measurement: 107.17 cm.
• Average distance from last rib to iliac crest: 7.8 cm (always <10 cm).
• Average "high crest" (iliac crest to trochanter): 14.3 cm.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a detailed anthropometric profile of the Andean female body.
• These findings can aid plastic surgeons in selecting appropriate abdominal contouring techniques.
• Further comparative studies with non-Andean populations are recommended.