Intramuscular Gluteoplasty: A Comparative Study between Different Incisional Access Routes

Abstract

Background: Silicone implants have been used to improve volume and body contour in buttocks for almost 45 years. Although the intramuscular plane continues to be the standard, surgeons still diverge on the best incision technique: using a vertical incision, and thus without the preservation of the intergluteal groove, or preserving this area through a triangular dissection. The goal of this research study was to evaluate and compare these techniques of intramuscular augmentation gluteoplasty. Methods: Two randomized groups were formed with 53 patients in each group. One of the groups underwent intramuscular gluteoplasty with a vertical incision in the intergluteal groove, and therefore without the preservation of said intergluteal groove (group A). In the other group, intramuscular gluteoplasty was performed using a triangular dissection, thus preserving the intergluteal groove (group B). The groups were compared in relation to the incidence of complications (ie, dehiscence, hematoma, seroma, and infection). Results: A total of 7.5% of patients in group A presented dehiscence and 1.9% presented seroma. In group B, however, 28.3% of patients presented dehiscence and 7.5% presented seroma and dehiscence during the first 21 days after surgery. No patient had hematoma or infection in either group. Conclusion: In the comparison between the groups of patients, the technique with a vertical incision in the intergluteal groove showed a lower number of surgical wounds, dehiscences, and seromas when compared with the technique that preserves the intergluteal groove. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.