Classification of Hip Shape and Customized Hip Augmentation in Asian Women

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We classified the hips of Korean women into 6 types based on shape and contour, and have performed gluteal augmentation using Elastomere implants with lipoplasty of the flank, gluteal fold, and saddle bags of the thigh according to the hip type. METHODS: We analyzed the shapes and contour of the buttocks of 148 patients from September 2009 to September 2015. We performed buttock augmentation with implants using Gonzalez's XYZ method, as well as liposuction and fat injection lipoplasty of the surrounding areas in these 148 patients. RESULTS: We defined the following 6 types the oval type (30%), the straight type (17%), the peach type (9%), the trapezoid type (20%), the heart type (11%), and the W type (13%). Ninety-seven patients underwent hip augmentation with an implant only or combined with lipoplasty, and 51 patients underwent lipoplasty for buttock shape correction. Patients were followed up for at least 3 months, with the longest follow-up being 4 years. Implants were removed postoperatively in 8 of 97 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The hip augmentation not only involves the simple insertion of implants, but also complex surgical procedures on the surrounding flank and thigh areas. Appropriate procedures should be utilized based on the 6 different hip types to ensure the best outcomes.