Anthropological research indicates that human hip structure began evolving with the onset of bipedalism. The mechanical demands of an upright posture changed the hip muscles and lumbar angles — and, interestingly, this transformation showed up differently in female and male hips.
The evolution of female hips
Estrogen promotes fat storage in the hip region, and the bony pelvis widened to facilitate pregnancy — together producing broader female hips. Wide hips, symbolising femininity and fertility, have long been preferred by men. Could this archaic signal still unconsciously influence partner selection? Have women's hips been widening over the last 50,000 years? Theoretically yes, though we lack concrete measurements to prove it.
Fortunately, waiting a millennium for wider hips is no longer necessary — thanks to cosmetic surgery, fuller and more sculpted buttocks are achievable within hours.
A fast-growing trend
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, buttock augmentation and lifting have been among the fastest-growing procedures since 2014. Popular culture has clearly fuelled the trend, with many celebrities — Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Eva Mendes, Rihanna — of South American origin. Coincidentally, some of the most skilled buttock surgeons are from the same region, given the high demand there.
The Brazilian Butt phenomenon
Dr. Luiz Toledo, who introduced the term "Brazilian Butt" into the lexicon, explored the link between South America and buttock aesthetics. His theory suggests that Brazil's history with slavery (abolished in 1888) brought forward a body preference influenced by African women with slender torsos and powerful hips — a look increasingly sought by non-African Brazilian women through buttock augmentation.
Ideal buttock aesthetics
As everywhere in aesthetics, proportion is crucial. The slenderness of the waist plays a pivotal role in presenting the buttocks — corsets historically aimed to accentuate both. The goal is the desired A-shaped buttock, narrowing at the waist and expanding downward. Techniques range from liposuction to shape the lower sections, to silicone buttock implants or fat injections for volume.
Surgical options
The first silicone buttock implant was introduced in 1965, initially using a breast prosthesis; specialised buttock implants were developed later. Implants allow greater volume in a single procedure but bring challenges, including limited variety and potential complications. Fat injections sometimes require a follow-up due to partial reabsorption.
For drooping buttocks, lifting surgery is the solution — often a 360 lift that tightens the abdomen, thighs and buttocks simultaneously, with implants or fat injections added if volume is also desired. The main concern is scarring, typically hidden within bikini lines and considered a worthwhile trade-off by most patients. Exercise, especially squatting, can strengthen the buttock muscles and improve appearance, but the change achievable through exercise alone is limited.
