Round and sculpted buttocks are considered a beauty standard in many cultures. However, achieving this result through exercise is not always easy and, although cosmetic surgery is effective, it involves a significant procedure that drastically alters the appearance of the buttocks. Halfway between these two solutions, we find hyaluronic acid injections. What is the principle behind this technique? How effective is it? What happens during a session? Here are the answers to these questions.
Enhancing buttocks: why use hyaluronic acid?
Summary
Published on May 6, 2024, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 5 min of reading
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Hyaluronic Acid: How can it increase buttock volume?
The hyaluronic acid is naturally produced in the body but it can also be synthesised in a laboratory and used as a dermal filler for aesthetic purposes. To increase the size of the buttocks, injections are typically made up of 2% hyaluronic acid and 98% water. They are administered in the upper part of the gluteal muscle, also known as the gluteal muscle. More specifically, they are performed between the gluteal muscle and the subcutaneous fat.
Injecting the gel into the upper buttock region allows for the lifting of the buttock area as well as the under-buttock fold. Once injected, the hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge to attract and retain water in the treated area, resulting in a swelling of the surrounding tissues, leading to more sculpted and voluminous buttocks, even though the muscle itself has not increased in size. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid stimulates the synthesis of collagen in the connective tissues surrounding the gluteal muscles. This extracellular matrix helps to maintain the structure and shape of the muscle and, by extension, that of the buttocks.
Since their inception in the 1990s, hyaluronic acid injections for aesthetic purposes have been the subject of numerous studies and clinical trials demonstrating their effectiveness. We have gathered a few of them here:
| References | Number of Participants | Amount of hyaluronic acid injected | Results | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEDEN & al. (2014) | 61 | An average of 340 mL (ranging between 200 and 420 mL depending on the participants) | Improvement in size, shape, and firmness was observed in 80% of participants after 6 months and in 40% after 24 months. | 1 individual had a nodule that completely dissolved after an injection of hyaluronidase. |
| SALAHIA & DAR (2022) | 2 | 200 mL | Improvement in size, shape, and firmness observed in both participants after 6, 12, and 18 months. | None |
| FANTOZZI (2024) | 60 | Between 60 and 100 mL | Improvement in size, shape, and firmness observed in 100% of participants after 3 and 6 months | Post-injection pain assessed at 4.8/10 ± 2.6 |
We are referring here solely to hyaluronic acid injections. The topical application of creams or serums containing this compound, even at high concentrations, does not increase the volume of the buttocks.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections into the Buttocks: How are the sessions conducted and what are the risks?
Regarded as a non-invasive aesthetic medicine procedure, hyaluronic acid injections in the buttocks are reserved for individuals whose skin in this area is not overly saggy, a criterion assessed in advance by an aesthetic doctor to ensure the effectiveness of the technique. Following this initial consultation, the injections are performed under local anaesthesia in a subsequent session. Skin markings and photographs are taken to prepare for the injections and to subsequently quantify the results. Strict disinfection of the area is necessary. The average duration of the injections is approximately one to two hours.
After the session, it is advised to avoid touching the treated area for the next few days and to favour soft seating. Furthermore, it is recommended to stay away from high temperatures, which could disrupt the procedure. Finally, physical activity should not be resumed immediately after the injections but two to three days later. The results obtained following hyaluronic acid injections generally last between 12 and 24 months.
It is important to understand that hyaluronic acid injections are not suitable for everyone: they are not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with autoimmune diseases or skin infections, and those on anticoagulant therapy. It is also worth noting that there is no such thing as zero risk. Most of the time, hyaluronic acid injections to increase buttock volume only result in temporary bruising and pain. However, in some cases, oedema, bacterial infections, inflammations, or even vascular occlusions have been reported. Early identification and swift intervention significantly reduce the risk of long-term consequences, however, this underscores the importance of not taking dermatological interventions lightly and being aware of potential complications.
Sources
HEDEN P. & al. Stabilised hyaluronic acid gel for volume restoration and contouring of the buttocks: 24-month efficacy and safety. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (2014).
BASENDWH M. A. & al. Complications of hyaluronic acid fillers and their managements. Journal of Dermatologic Surgery (2016).
DAR T. M. & co. Hyaluronic Acid: A Safe, Biodegradable and Biocompatible Product for Buttock Augmentation and Contouring. European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences (2022).
FANTOZZI F. Optimising gluteal enhancement with hyaluronic acid: a thorough anthropometric study. European Journal of Plastic Surgery (2024).
