title: Musculoaponeurotic Area of the Hip and Clinicophotographic Scaling System.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  With the evolution of body contouring, few innovative alternatives have been developed for cosmetic treatment in the hip area.
  
  
  METHODS
  A multicenter controlled study was conducted, including a prior review of the literature regarding the hip area. Dissections were performed on 4 male cadavers, outlining the "musculoaponeurotic area of the hip." The area was subdivided into anterior and posterior surfaces. A clinical study was conducted in 79 patients, obtaining a scale by using the most prominent points on the sides of both thighs as the main reference. With the lines marked on photographs and the measurements, a "clinicophotographic scaling system" was designed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The anterior surface corresponds to the tensor fasciae latae and its tendon as well as to the aponeurosis of the gluteus medius. The posterior surface corresponds with the iliotibial tract and the tendon insertions of the gluteus maximus. The average dimensions of the cadaver "musculoaponeurotic area of the hip" are as follows: length, 17.5 cm, and width, 11.5 cm. Using the "clinicophotographic scaling system," the dimensions are as follows: length, 14.9 cm, and width, 10.3 cm.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The "musculoaponeurotic area of the hip" was defined involving muscles, tendons, aponeurosis, fascia, subcutaneous cellular tissue, and skin. The borders were established using important anatomical points that determine the length and width of the area. The "clinicophotographic scaling system" was used to clinically calculate the length and width of the area. By examination and palpation, the borders and dimensions of this area could be determined.
authors.affiliation: Mexican Association of Plastic Esthetic and Reconstructive Surgery (AMCPER); International Confederation for Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (IPRAS); International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS); Iberolatinoamerican Plastic Surgery Federation (FILACP); Western Mexican Association of Plastic, Esthetic and Reconstructive Surgery (SCPERO); and Jalisco College of Plastic Surgeons.
authors.forename: J Alejandro
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Mena-Chávez
authors.affiliation: Mexican Association of Plastic Esthetic and Reconstructive Surgery (AMCPER); International Confederation for Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (IPRAS); International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS); Iberolatinoamerican Plastic Surgery Federation (FILACP); Western Mexican Association of Plastic, Esthetic and Reconstructive Surgery (SCPERO); and Jalisco College of Plastic Surgeons.
authors.forename: Lázaro
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cárdenas-Camarena