Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Minimally Invasive Gluteal Augmentation

Abstract

Background: There is increased emphasis on the importance of the gluteal region in the perception of beauty. Biodegradable fillers provide a nonsurgical method of augmenting and rejuvenating this area.

Objective: To review pertinent aspects of anatomy, patient evaluation, injection technique, and complications for gluteal augmentation using injectable biodegradable fillers.

Methods: The authors review the literature for poly-L-lactic acid-based gluteal augmentation.

Results: Like many aesthetic procedures, there is a paucity of literature on this emerging treatment modality (Level 4, Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Oxford). However, the collective clinical experience is that poly-L-lactic acid fillers are an effective treatment for patients seeking noninvasive gluteal enhancement with minimal downtime. Physicians must understand gluteal anatomy and avoid injecting deeply in the danger triangle to prevent intravascular injection into the gluteal vessels or injury to the sciatic nerve. Other safety elements include the use of blunt cannulas, reduced pressures, smaller volumes, and retrograde delivery.

Conclusion: Gluteal augmentation with fillers can safely and effectively improve gluteal firmness, shape, proportion, and projection. Practitioners injecting fillers in the gluteal region must be aware of appropriate patient selection, regional anatomy, and safe injection techniques. Given the increasing demand for this procedure, further high-quality studies are needed.