Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of Gluteal Fat Grafts

Abstract

Backgrounds: One goal of lipoplasty is to create a round and projected buttock contour. Despite multiple papers evaluating lipoinjection, controversies still remain. Methods: This report describes a series of patients who underwent liposuction, gluteal lipoinjection, and evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). From January 2003 to January 2004, the patients scheduled for contour surgery by the investigators were evaluated using MRI, photographic records, and gluteal circumference measurement 1 week before surgery, then 2 weeks and 3 months after the procedure. A statistical analysis was performed for 10 patients who received, on the average, a 350-ml injection of fat obtained during liposuction. Results: Gluteus muscle volume increased, reaching a higher level 2 weeks after the injection than the level 3 months afterward (p < 0.001). The gluteal circumference, modified 2 weeks after surgery by about 1 to 3 cm, came back to previous values 3 months after the procedure (p < 0.05), a phenomena interpreted as reabsorption and resolution of the postoperative edema. There is no correlation between the gluteus muscle volume obtained by MRI and the gluteal circumference (p > 0.05). Conclusions:The findings led to the conclusion that enhancement of the gluteal contour after fat injection results from survival of the injected tissue 3 months after the surgery, which was objectively evaluated by MRI as having a calculated reabsorption rate of 24% to 36%.

Macrolane for Volume Restoration and Contouring of the Buttocks

“…The distribution of the gel within the tissue reflected the multiple tunneling technique used to inject the product, with multiple globular deposits dispersed throughout the deep Volume 132, Number 4 • Macrolane for Buttock Contouring 527e subcutaneous tissue with a feathered pattern inside the gluteal muscle, comparable to scans obtained after autologous fat grafting. 15,16 The highly variable nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid gel degradation rate between subjects in the current study is similar to degradation rates of fat after fat grafting. Using subjective assessments, the degradation rate after fat grafting can range from 25 to 90 percent in clinical studies.…”

“…6,19 Two studies have used magnetic resonance imaging as a more objective measurement to assess degradation after fat grafting and found degradation rates of 24 to 36 percent and 49 percent at 3 months after treatment. 16,20 For nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid gel, the degradation rate was similar for each buttock, allowing for an even buttock appearance over time.…”

“…[8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to distinguish between muscle and fat in tissue and has been used in the past to determine degradation rates and localization of fat after autologous fat grafting of the buttocks. 15,16 Magnetic resonance imaging has also been used to visualize nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid gel within the breasts. 11 Magnetic resonance imaging is therefore a useful tool for determining the gel's localization and degradation rates after injection into the buttocks.…”

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ultrasound Evaluation after Breast Autologous Fat Grafting Combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma

“…31,32 We found a total average resorption percentage of 15.36 percent at 6 months after the last lipofilling session and of 28.23 percent at 12 months after the last lipofilling session. Evaluation at 3 months after the last lipofilling session may be too early and incomplete.…”

Particle size in fat graft retention: A review on the impact of harvesting technique in lipofilling surgical outcomes

“…Chiefly, reported fat graft retention rates range from 20-80% of at one year. [2][3][4][5][6] Absorption of the tissue causes many patients to undergo multiple costly procedures, and prevents the widespread clinical adoption of lipofilling. [7][8][9] Aberrant adipocyte necrosis and subsequent inflammation can also result in other complications such as hematoma, oil cysts, calcifications, or poor aesthetic outcomes.…”