Is it possible to increase or shape the hip?

One of the biggest body contour differences between men and women is the shape of the hip. The female hip is rounded and together with the breasts, it gives the famous guitar shape to the female silhouette.

This shape is mainly due to the distribution of fat, since the muscular and bone parts are quite similar to both sexes. This is very evident when we compare a man and a woman marathon runner. If we see them running backwards, it’s difficult to be sure if it’s a man or a woman, because the fat rate is so low, that the hips of both are practically straight, equating the bodies.

Therefore, when we think about shaping the female hip, we mainly think about giving them volume and accentuating their curves, both in the back, the buttocks, and on the sides.

Option 1: liposculpture

Buttock volume can be increased in a number of ways. The most used among them is fat grafting. In liposculpture, fat usually taken from the abdomen or flanks is grafted onto the buttocks. It is well indicated for patients who have fat around the waist, because when performing lipo in this region, the gluteus becomes more exposed. After the fat is grafted, it is even more evident.

Because it is a material from the body itself, fat is very well accepted by the body, and its use is quite safe. Its disadvantage is that almost 50% of the fat is absorbed, with only half remaining in the long term. Being soft fat, despite giving volume, it does not increase the consistency of the glutes much and projects them less than a prosthesis. It can also be used to fill in the sides of the hip.

Option 2: PMMA or hydrogel filling

There are other filling materials for the glutes and sides of the hip, including polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polyamide hydrogel (Aqualift). Both can be applied with local anesthesia or sedation, with a return to activities in a few days.

Disclosed as bioplasty, the use of PMMA is a definitive filling option. They are acrylic particles diluted in a gel. When the gel is absorbed, a little volume is lost, but the acrylic remains forever. Despite being very compatible, as it is a foreign body, there may be reactions to its use, such as allergies, nodulations, etc. The disadvantage is that it is not possible to remove the material, as it is diffusely infiltrated into muscle and fat tissue. As a gel, despite giving volume, it does not increase the consistency of the glutes much.

Polyamide hydrogel (Aqualift) begins to be absorbed after 6 years. It is well tolerated by the body and in case of any reaction it is absorbed over time. With every gel, it increases the volume, but the consistency is less than that of a prosthesis.

Option 3: gluteal prosthesis

The gluteus prosthesis is undoubtedly the option that provides greater projection and consistency to the glutes. However, it is a surgery with an uncomfortable postoperative period, requiring a month to recover. The risk of the procedure is higher compared to PMMA and Aqualift fillers, but it can be removed immediately in case of complications.

The prosthesis must be replaced, probably after 20 years. Because it is placed inside the muscle, it projects the back, not increasing the hip on the sides. If necessary, a filler with fat, PMMA or Aqualift can be used in this region as a complement.

Like everything else in plastic surgery, each technique has its advantages and disadvantages, as well as its indication. What may be good for one patient may not be good for another. This depends on the biotype, type of gluteus, musculature, distribution of fat in the hip, presence or absence of flaccidity, patient’s expectation in relation to the projection and increase of the hip.

Thus, only in consultation with the plastic surgeon can the best technique be chosen, taking into account the patient’s wishes, indications and risks of each technique.