Nipple Reconstruction using the C-V Flap Technique after Breast Reconstruction with the Only Breast Expander

PURPOSE: Breast cancer is second most common cancer in women. Most of the patients with breast cancer treated with mastectomy take breast reconstruction. Nipple reconstruction is an important step in breast reconstruction. Many surgeons have investigated of nipple reconstruction using the flap technique after breast reconstruction with the autologous tissue. The objective of this study is to evaluate the results of nipple reconstruction using the C-V flap technique after breast reconstruction only with the breast expander. METHODS: From April 2006 to May 2008, the authors treated 17 patients of nipple reconstruction using C-V flap technique, who received breast reconstruction only with the breast expander. As we have predicted decrease in the size of reconstructed nipple, we designed flap a little larger than wanted nipple size. Nipple splint was applied for 4-6 months for minimizing decrease of the size of reconstructed nipple. The diameter and height of the reconstructed nipple were measured and patient's satisfaction score was assessed. RESULTS: Mean follow-up duration was 12.5 months. Among the 17 patients, the average absorption rate by height of nipple was 47.0%. Partial necrosis was noted in 1 case, and treated well with conservative management. There were no other significant complications noted. Patient's satisfactory score was assessed by the height, design and location of the nipple. The average of satisfaction score was 85%, 68%, 62% and total average was 83%. CONCLUSION: The authors experienced 17 patients of nipple reconstruction using the C-V flap technique after breast reconstruction only with the breast expander. The absorption rate of the size of the nipple, complications and patient's satisfactory score of this study were similar to those of nipple reconstruction after breast reconstruction with the autologous tissue. It is expected that nipple reconstruction after breast reconstruction only with the breast expander is safe and reliable. It is considered that a long-term study is necessary.

The Treatment of Gynecomastia using XPS(R) Microresector (Shaver)

PURPOSE: Gynecomastia is an abnormal increase in the volume of the male breast. Subcutaneous mastectomy was the first surgical treatment for gynecomastia. But because of the complications such as nerve injury and scar formation, subcutaneous mastectomy has been substituted with liposuction. Recently various techniques including ultrasound-assisted liposuction has been used for treatment of gynecomastia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of XPS(R) microresector (Shaver) for treatment of gynecomastia. METHODS: 17 patients, 33 breasts of gynecomastia, Simon grade I or II have been treated with XPS(R) microresector (Shaver). The mean age was 24.5. The subcutaneous tissue and glandular tissue were removed with XPS(R) microresector (Shaver). The operation time, the weight of removed tissue and patients' satisfaction score were accessed. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 78.2 minutes. The mean weight of removed tissue was 113.8 g. There were no significant complications such as necrosis, hematoma, infection or scar contracture. Patients' satisfactory score of scar, shape and confidence were 8.4, 8.2 and 8.4 respectively. As the average score was 8.3, most of the patients were satisfied with their breasts. CONCLUSION: The authors have treated 17 patients suffering from gynecomastia with XPS(R) microresector (Shaver). We obtained short operation time, early recovery, minimal operative scar and less complications with XPS(R) microresector (Shaver) for the treatment of gynecomastia, and patients were satisfied with the results of our method. We concluded that XPS(R) microresector (Shaver) is an alternative option for the treatment of gynecomastia.

Lateral Canthoplasty Using Lateral Cantotomy and Y-V Advancement

PURPOSE: Lateral canthoplasty is utilized in aesthetic surgery to lengthen the lateral palpebral fissure of the lateral canthal area. However, complication such as recurrence, contour deformity or hypertrophic scar make its results doubtful. Therefore, we developed lateral canthoplasty with lateral canthotomy and Y-V advancement to effectively lengthen the palpebral fissure without recurrence. METHODS: A total number of 117 patients were reviewed from March 1991 to April 2005. The operative procedure was lateral canthoplasty with lateral canthotomy and Y-V advancement. To prevent recurrence, we dissected lateral conjunctiva of lower eyelid and cutted retaining ligament. The author believes that by this procedure, V flap would be able to advance laterally without tension. RESULTS: We performed lateral canthoplasty in 117 patients. There were no recurrence and patients were satisfied with the results. There were 12 patients who presented with complication. Complication included hypertrophic scar in 4 patients, web formation in 3 patients and over-correction in 5 patients. CONCLUSION: Lateral canthoplasty with lateral canthotomy and simple Y-V advancement may be used as an effective method to lengthen palpebral fissure without recurrence.

A Case of Necrotizing Fasciitis of Lower Leg Following Mandible Angle Ostectomy

Mandible angle ostectomy is the most widely-operated facial contour surgery. We experienced a rare case of necrotizing fasciitis of the lower leg following mandible angle ostectomy. A 20 years old female visited our department 5 days after mandible angle ostectomy. At the time, she was diagnosed as sepsis and on her 2nd admission day, she was diagnosed as necrotizing fasciitis on her left leg. She was treated by fasciotomy and necrotized tissue removal. Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare complication of any kinds of operation but once it develops, it causes fatal results, especially to cosmetic surgeries. Early diagnosis and aggressive operation is known as only treatment for the disease.