The reverse lip design: a design for safe and effective abdominoplasty

Conventional abdominoplasty includes the removal of an ellipse-shaped section of abdominal tissue between the umbilicus and mons pubis. However, this method can result in tension of the undermined flap, especially in the midline. To address this problem, we present reverse lip design as a modified method that also has aesthetic advantages. The reverse lip design entails a longer lower flap edge while preserving the triangular tissue in the vascularly stable pubis area. These markings create an image of a reverse lip shape with a cleft at the bottom of the lower markings. After typical lipoabdominoplasty is performed, redundant waist tissues can easily be pulled inward and downward. The reverse lip design abdominoplasty demonstrated no complications and required no further revisions after the procedure. Patients were generally satisfied with the aesthetic improvements in their body shape. They were also able to return to their routine activities approximately 1 week after the operation while wearing a supporting undergarment. This modified abdominoplasty using the reverse lip design reduces low midline tension of the undermined abdominal flap while enhancing body aesthetics with a slimmer waistline, leading to higher patient satisfaction.

A novel technique for placing titanium mesh with porous polyethylene via the endoscopic transnasal approach into the orbit for medial orbital wall fractures

BACKGROUND: The endoscopic transnasal approach is widely used for reconstructing the medial orbital wall by filling it with a silicone sheet or Merocel, but this technique has the disadvantage of retaining the packing for a long time. To overcome this drawback, a method of positioning an absorbable plate in the orbit has been introduced, but there is a risk of defect recurrence after the plate is absorbed. Here, the authors report the results of a novel surgical technique of placing a nonabsorbable titanium mesh with porous polyethylene into the orbit through the endoscopic transnasal approach. METHODS: Fourteen patients underwent surgery using the endoscopic transnasal approach. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) was used to calculate the size of the bone defect due to the fracture, and the titanium mesh was designed to be shorter than the anteroposterior length of the defect and longer than its height. The titanium mesh was inserted into the orbit under an endoscopic view. The authors then confirmed that the titanium mesh supported the orbital contents by pressing the eyeball and finished the operation. Immediately after surgery, CT results were evaluated. RESULTS: Postoperative CT scans confirmed that the titanium mesh was well-inserted and in the correct position. All patients were discharged without any complications. CONCLUSIONS: We obtained satisfactory results by inserting a titanium mesh with porous polyethylene into the orbit via the transnasal approach endoscopically.

Simultaneous preaxillary mound correction using liposuction through a breast augmentation incision

The preaxillary mound (PAM) is an aesthetic unit that is often overlooked in breast surgery, although it is intimately associated with the outcomes of breast augmentation. Over 18 months, a series of 76 patients who underwent simultaneous PAM correction using liposuction through a breast augmentation incision were reviewed retrospectively to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach. The mean follow-up was 9 months. In total, 150 PAMs were treated with suction alone. The inframammary approach was used in 72 cases, and the periareolar approach was used in four cases. Satisfactory results were achieved in 99% of cases. One patient presented postoperatively with remaining tissue. The use of a breast augmentation incision to treat PAM is an effective and safe technique that eliminates the need for an additional suction cannula incision.

Microsurgical Free-tissue Transfer in Super-Elderly Patients with Cancer: Outcomes and an Interview Study of Patients and Their Caregivers

BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of super-elderly patients (>80 years old) with cancer now require microvascular-free tissue transfer. The objectives of this study were to evaluate potential applications of microvascular tissue transfer in this patient population, and post-surgical changes in quality of life. METHODS: The records of cancer patients 80 years or older who had undergone microsurgical tissue transfer were retrospectively reviewed. Structured interviews were conducted with patients and family caregivers after surgery, and the patients'quality of life was qualitatively assessed. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of seven patients with a mean age 87.6 years (range, 81 to 95). Wound and medically-related complications were minimal. During the patient interviews, eight of the nine respondents reported remarkable improvements in quality of life following surgery and expressed a high level of satisfaction with their surgical results. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that microsurgical reconstruction performed in super-elderly patient not only appropriately repairs post-oncologic defects but also significantly improves the patients' quality of life.

Analysis of Scientific Papers Included in the Sciences Citation Index Expanded Written by South Korean Plastic Surgeons: 2001-2010

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to analyze scientific papers published by South Korean plastic surgeons in journals included in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE), and to evaluate the publication and research activities of Korean plastic surgeon. METHODS: We conducted a survey of SCIE papers in the field of plastic surgery published by South Korean authors between 2001 and 2010 using Web of Science software. We further analyzed these results according to the number of publications per year, journals, institution, and type of papers. We also compared the total number of citations to published scientific papers. We analyzed the rank of South Korea among other countries in representative journals. RESULTS: Overall, 667 papers were published by South Korean authors between 2001 and 2010. The number of publications increased dramatically from 2003 (n=31) to 2010 (n=139). Subsequently, the ten most productive Korean medical colleges were identified. All published papers received 2,311 citations and the citation to paper ratio was 3.49. The rank of Korea among other countries in terms of the number of published papers remained in the top 10 during the recent 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Publication output of Korean plastic surgeon over the last 10 years showed a remarkable growth in terms of quantity and quality. Currently, Korea is among the top six countries in representative plastic surgery journals. Korean plastic surgeons have played a central role in this progress, and it is anticipated that they will continue to do so in the future.

Mycobacterium fortuitum Infection Associated with Facial Fat Grafting: Simultaneous Infection of Liposuction and Liposculpture Site

We report a case of Mycobacterium fortuitum infection of the face and abdomen in a 25 years old man following cosmetic autologous fat injection. The goal of this manuscript is to increase awareness and suspicion of such as atypical mycobacterial infections complicating liposuction and fat injection. The clinical presentation, laboratory studies utilizing acid-fast stains and cultures, prevention and treatment including surgical debridement, and pharmacologic regimens in the ultimate diagnosis for Mycobacterium fortuitum infections are discussed.