Ethnic considerations in buttock aesthetics.

There has been increased interest in buttock contouring and augmentation in recent years, which has translated into increased demand for these procedures. In addition, we are witnessing a growing number of patients from all ethnic groups requesting cosmetic surgery in the United States. Buttock aesthetic surgery today consists of either augmentation or recontouring of the gluteal region by one of three methods: (1) liposuction (if only reductive shaping is required); (2) liposuction and augmentation by micro fat grafting; and (3) gluteal implants. Whereas there certainly exists a "universal ideal" of beauty in buttock augmentation, there are fundamental ethnic differences that must be recognized to achieve a desirable surgical outcome. We present an article reviewing current trends in buttock aesthetic procedures and discuss issues relevant to the ethnic populations.