Correlation of Breast Tissue Density and Body Mass Index

PURPOSE: In performing breast reconstruction, making symmetrical breast is still a challenge. A precise estimate of the volume of the breast specimen is necessary to reconstruct a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing breast. This study aims at finding out the relationship with breast tissue density and body mass index designed to apply for breast reconstruction. METHODS: By using the Archimedes' principle, the authors calculated the volume of the breast specimen and drew a correlation between the density of breast specimen and BMI. From October 2002 to November 2004, this method was used on 197 patients to predict breast volume for TRAM flap reconstruction. RESULTS: The mean density was 0.9954g/cc and had no correlation with BMI (p-value=0.069). There was no difference between denstiy of breast tissue after skin spared mastectomy and that of breast tissue after nipple spared mastectomy. CONCLUSION: These data will be helpful to predict the needed volume for breast reconstruction.

Prevention of Complication and Management of Unfavorable Results in Reduction Malarplasty

PURPOSE: Reduction malarplasty is a popular aesthetic surgery for contouring wide and prominent zygoma. However a few patients complain postoperative results and want to revise the midfacial contour. We analyzed the etiology of unfavorable results and treated unsatisfied midfacial contours after reduction malarplasty. METHODS: Total 53 patients were performed secondary operation for correction of unfavorable results after primary reduction malarplasty from elsewhere. Midfacial contour was evaluated with plain films and three- dimensional computed tomography. Unfavorable midfacial contours were corrected by secondary malarplasty. Flaring of zygomatic arch was reduced with infracturing technique and prominent zygomatic body was reduced with shaving. Drooped or displaced zygoma complex has been suspended to higher position and fixed with interosseous wiring. As adjuvant procedure, autologous fat injection has been performed in the region of depressed zygomatic body region. RESULTS: The etiology of unfavorable midfacial contour after reduction malarplasty was classified into 7 categories: undercorrection of zygomatic arch(n=8), undercorrection of zygomatic arch and undercorrection of zygomatic body(n=6), undercorrection of zygomatic arch and overcorrection of zygomatic body(n=28), overcorrection of zygomatic body(n=3), simple asymmetry(n=4), malunion(n=2) or nonunion(n=2). Slim and balanced malar contour was achieved with treatment. And most of the patients were satisfied with the results of the surgery. CONCLUSION: To prevent the unfavorable results after reduction malarplasty, complete analysis of facial contour, choice of appropriate operation technique, precise osteotomy under direct vision, and security of zygoma position are important.

Combined Approach for Rejuvenation of the Lower Third of the Face and the Neck in the Male Patient

Most men develop deep crease in the nasolabial area and visible redundant tissue in the anterior neck with aging. The ideal operation for those patients seeking facial rejuvenation because of prominent nasolabial folds and neck soft-tissue laxity is the cervicofacial rhytidectomy. If the patient doesn't wish to have a conventional face/neck lift under general anesthesia, a combined approach based on summation of partially effective modalities is a good option. We present our experience with combined subcutaneous neck lift, platysmaplasty, mentoplasty, and platysma graft in the treatment of the lower third of the face and the neck, and obtained good results without complications using this comprehensive approach. In terms of morbidity, the procedure left inconspicuous scars. The platysma grafts remained in place and were not palpable and/or perceptible after insertion. Finally, postoperative recovery occurred uneventfully and no patients presented complications or the need for complementary treatment modalities. The incorporation of this innovative technique will provide us with more choices for addressing this controversial issue with a combined approach. The combination of proven methods may have better results than each one alone. It is a simple, safe, and inexpensive procedure that leaves no visible scars and has long-term adequate outcome. In conclusion, the presented procedure offers an additional technique of rejuvenating the lower third of the face and the neck with excellent results in the male patients.