Intramuscular Posterior Thigh Volumization: An Aesthetic and Harmonious Transition to the Gluteal Region (Hv-FAT)

Abstract

Background: The gluteal region remains the preferred site for fat grafting. However, the transition from the gluteal region to the thighs has not been well studied. This study aimed to describe an echographic guidance hamstring volumization procedure (Hv-FAT) as a complement to body contouring surgery. Methods: Hv-FAT was performed in 19 patients from four countries (Peru, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico) from May to June 2022 by four surgeons trained in soft-tissue ultrasound and in the aforementioned technique. All the patients met the following criteria: age older than 18 years and younger than 60 years; a body mass index of 30 kg/m² or less, and a surgical risk score of 2 or less, according to the Goldman index. Results: A total of four men and 15 women were included in this study, whose ages ranged from 22 to 58 years (mean: 36.37 years). After fat grafting, on average, the thickness of the right biceps femoris increased by 54.07%, maintaining 95.02% of this thickness one month postoperatively, whereas the thickness of the left biceps femoris increased by 46.57%, maintaining 94.86% of this thickness in the same postoperative period. In turn, the right semitendinosus muscle thickness increased by 181.90%, maintaining 97.42% of this thickness, whereas the left semitendinosus muscle increased by 111.90%, maintaining 95.29% of this thickness 1 month postoperatively (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Hv-FAT is an effective and reproducible procedure for volumizing the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles, maintaining significant results one month postoperatively.