The Ideal Thigh: A Crowdsourcing-Based Assessment of Ideal Thigh Aesthetic and Implications for Gluteal Fat Grafting

Abstract Background As the popularity of aesthetic gluteoplasty continues to grow, there is renewed focus on defining the ideal buttocks. However, the literature lacks studies characterizing an ideal thigh, despite the impact of thigh contour on overall gluteal aesthetic. Objectives The authors performed the first population analysis of the characteristics of perception of attractive thighs, to identify a role for fat grafting of the thigh in gluteoplasty. Methods Survey images were digitally modified to create thighs of varying widths and angles relative to fixed buttocks. Thigh-to-buttock ratios and the buttock-thigh junction were studied. Data were stratified and analyzed according to age, gender, and ethnicity of the respondents. Amazon Mechanical Turk was used as a novel crowdsourcing platform for surveying aesthetic preferences. Results A total of 1034 responses were included of whom 54.4% were male, and 45.6% were female. All age groups and ethnicities were represented. Overall, 43.8% of respondents preferred the widest buttock-thick junction angle on posterior view. There was no clear preference between larger or smaller thigh-to-hip ratios on lateral view. Conclusions Characteristics of the ideal thigh include wider thighs with greater horizontal projection, creating a more natural contour from the augmented buttock. These findings represent a paradigm shift from the traditionally assumed preference for slender thighs. Plastic surgeons should carefully consider thigh anatomy in their gluteal augmentation patients, as simultaneous thigh augmentation may lead to a more aesthetically pleasing outcome. Further research is needed into best practices and techniques to attain ideal thigh proportions.