Correction of cryptotia with the square skin flap / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the feasibility of square skin flap for the correction of cryptotia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From 2001 to 2004, 9 cases (15 sides) with cryptotia were treated with square skin flaps. The upper part of the auricle was distracted from behind the scalp. Based on the Hyakusoku square flap method, 2 triangle flaps and one square flap were designed on the upper part behind the auricle. The flaps were elevated and auricular muscles were released. Then the flaps were transferred.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the flaps survived completely with good wound healing. The patients were followed up for 3 months to 2 years with satisfactory aesthetic and functional results.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The square flap is suitable for mild and moderate cryptotia, which provides enough tissue for reconstruction of auriculocephalic sulcus. The method is easily performed with good result and minor donor stie morbidity.</p>

Experimental study of a polypropylene mesh for moulding and supporting a breast during a breast reduction procedure / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the polypropylene mesh acted for the moulding and support.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Four mini-pigs were used in this experimental research. A polypropylene mesh was implanted under the skin on one side of each pig. An expander was thereafter placed in the deep layer to imitate the action of gravity to the skin and mesh. The specimens were collected in two different times for the biomechanics and histology examinations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The biomechanical data were shown lower and the histological properties were found changeable in the expanded skin without the mesh support, compared with the normal skin. However, the changes did not occur in the expanded skin with the mesh support. Furthermore, the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the polypropylene mesh were significant less than the human skin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The Polypropylene mesh could prevent the extended skin effectively and has moulding and support effects.</p>