The Safety of Fat Grafting: An Institutional Retrospective Review.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafting is a popular technique for volume replacement in the breast and face. The efficacy, safety, and complication rate of this technique at the division of plastic surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham will be described in this review. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of patients undergoing fat grafting procedures from January 2015 to July 2018 was performed. Records were reviewed for fat graft recipient site, donor site, amount grafted, and complications. Continuous variables were compared using either a t test or one-way analysis of variance test. Categorical data were compared using χ2 test. A P value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant for all comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 396 patients who underwent fat grafting procedures of the face and body from January 2015 through July 2018 met inclusion criteria. Average amount of fat grafted for all grafts was 124.4 +/- 6.74 grams. Two hundred fifty of the grafts (62.7%) involved the bilateral breasts with an average of 140.6 +/- 93.97 g used, 70 per side. Of the 396 patients, 110 (27.8%) experienced complications. Forty three of the complications (10.9%) were considered to be major, which included hematomas/seromas, fat necrosis, dermatitis/cellulitis, and infection. No statistical differences were seen among recipient site complication rate. Types of minor complications were statistically significant per recipient sites with bilateral breasts more likely to experience asymmetry than the other recipient sites (20% for bilateral breasts vs 16% overall, P < 0.05). Fifty nine of the 110 patients (53.6%) had the complications reported to be resolved. CONCLUSIONS: Fat grafting is a reliable method for volumization of the breasts and face. Minor complications were not infrequent in this case series; however, no life-threatening complications were observed. Continued work needs to be done to use fat grafting beyond traditional measures.

Comorbidity Trends in Patients Requiring Sternectomy and Reconstruction: Updated Data Analysis From 2005 to 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Comorbidity trends after median sternectomy were studied at our institution by Vasconze et al (Comorbidity trends in patients requiring sternectomy and reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg. 2005;54:5). Although techniques for sternal reconstruction have remained unchanged, the patient population has become more complex in recent years. This study offers insight into changing trends in this patient population. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent median sternectomy followed by flap reconstruction at out institution between 2005 and 2020. Comorbidities, reconstruction method, average laboratory values, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients were identified. Comorbidities noted were diabetes (27%), immunosuppression (16%), hypertension (58%), renal insufficiency (23%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (16%), and tobacco utilization (24%). The most common reconstruction methods were omentum (45%) or pectoralis major flaps (34%). Thirty-day mortality rates were 10%, and presence of at least 1 complication was 34% (hematoma, seroma, osteomyelitis, dehiscence, wound infection, flap failure, and graft exposure). Univariate analysis demonstrated that sex (P = 0.048), renal insufficiency, surgical site complication, wound dehiscence, and flap failure (P < 0.05) had statistically significant associations with mortality. In addition, body mass index, creatinine, and albumin had a significant univariate association with mortality (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Similar to the original study, there is an association between renal insufficiency and mortality. However, the mortality rate is decreased to 10%, likely because of improved medical management of patients with increasing comorbidities (80% with greater than one comorbidity). This has led to the increased use of omentum as a first-line option. Subsequent wound dehiscence and flap failure demonstrate an association with mortality, suggesting that increasingly complex patients are requiring a method of reconstruction once used a last resort as a first-line option.

Adipose Grafting for Volume and Scar Release.

ABSTRACT: Adipose fat grafting (AFG) is a popular technique used to add volume in the face, breasts, and other tissue deficient areas of the body. In terms of scar release, not only has fat provided additional soft tissue coverage but also the relief of pain in scars in those patients suffering from disease processes, such as complex regional pain syndrome with steroid-induced atrophy, burn scars, morphea, and lupus. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the senior author's technique and outcomes of using AFG in the face and body for treating volume deficiency, atrophic scarring, and deformities.A retrospective chart review of 127 AFG procedures of the face and body from September 2006 to September 2019 was performed. Of these, 14 patients had scar releases performed with fat grafting of areas of scar contracture. Fat was harvested from the abdomen, thighs, and flanks using Toomey syringes or an enclosed power-assisted system with 3.7- or 3.0-mm cannulas. Grafting in small areas, such as the face, was performed with the 0.9-mm blunt cannula.The majority of AFG was completed in the face (45%), followed by breasts (22%), and scar contracture (16%). The mean volume of fat grafted in procedures involving the breasts, buttocks, and face was 102, 182, and 21 mL, respectively. For scar contracture, the mean volume was 38 mL and for deformations, 27 mL. Sixteen percent of the cohort required at least 1 additional AFG procedure to achieve satisfactory results. There were no major complications, such as skin loss, vascular injury, embolization, or blindness. Minor complications, such as erythema, edema, and hematoma at the fat harvest or graft site, did occur and were managed with local measures.Autologous fat grafting has consistently resulted in volume correction. In addition, in patients with autoimmune disorders, burn scars, and retracted scars, not only has there been volume correction but also decreased pain in the area of treatment. In our series of patients, we described our technique of AFG for the face, body, and scar contracture. Our results demonstrate that AFG remains an inexpensive, safe, and effective treatment option to achieve volume.

Revisiting the value of the 'bandoneon' flap for lower lip reconstruction: a report of two cases and outcome.

Mild- to moderate-sized lip defects that affect one- to two-thirds of the total lip length often require that utilization of local soft tissue rearrangement in order to re-establish lip anatomy, function and esthetics. The use of local flaps in lip reconstruction often follows oncologic resection of common skin malignancies including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. When considering the types of flaps to use for lip defects of one- to two-third total length, a variety of flaps designs have been described, each with its benefits in drawbacks. In this article, we reintroduce the use and value of the bilateral mucomyocutaneous 'bandoneon' flaps for lower lip reconstruction in two of our patients. When compared with other flap designs, it can be used as a single-stage procedure with a very good esthetic outcome, minimal to no microstomia and preservation of lip competence and sensory function.

Changes in Lid Crease Measurements in Levator Advancement for Ptosis.

PURPOSE: Although previous reports addressed the differences in marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD-1) measurements based on various techniques of levator advancement, eyelid crease measurements have not been studied as markers in perioperative planning. In addition to possible benefits in optimal results for improvement of visual field defects and functional impairment, recent work has suggested that eyelid crease is important in the perception of attractiveness. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine the change in eyelid crease measurements in levator advancement and to further expand on numerical correlation of levator advancement in preoperative planning to avoid overcorrection or undercorrection. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of preoperative and postoperative eye measurements in patients who underwent levator advancement for ptosis between August 2016 and April 2019. This study included 13 patients, all of whom had recorded preoperative and postoperative measurements of MRD-1, whereas 8 of 13 patients had additional preoperative and postoperative measurements of the mid pupil to crease and lateral limbus to crease at the level of mid pupil. RESULTS: All patients had increased in MRD-1, mid pupil to crease, and lateral limbus to crease measurements postoperatively. The average advancement of 4.8 mm led to an elevation of MRD-1 to 2.6 mm (n = 25) and an improvement in mid pupil to crease distance of 1.9 mm (n = 15) and lateral limbus to crease distance of 2.6 mm (n = 15). No cases of undercorrection or overcorrection were found. All patients reported satisfaction with the results, including improvement in function and quality of life. No infections, hematomas, or other complications were noted postoperatively in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Marginal reflex distance 1 is a consistently reliable planning tool in preoperative assessment of levator advancement, with beneficial patient outcomes including improvement of visual field defects caused by ptosis and satisfaction with cosmetic results. This study is the first to report use of crease measurements (mid pupil to crease and lateral limbus to crease), which may provide additional understanding to the aesthetic value of to the levator advancement.

Numerical Correlation of Levator Advancement in Preoperative Planning.

BACKGROUND: Several procedures have been proposed for the treatment of eyelid ptosis, and both levator advancement and levator plication are widely used to shorten the levator palpebrae superioris. The purpose of this study was to quantify perioperative lid measurements in patients undergoing bilateral levator aponeurosis advancements to aid in preoperative planning. METHODS: Between July 2014 and June 2016, the authors performed a retrospective analysis of all bilateral upper eyelid levator advancement procedures for ptosis performed by the senior surgeon. There are a total of 21 patients (6 men and 15 women) with a mean age of 63 years (range, 48-79 years). The average time at follow-up was 5.3 months, with a range of 1 to 26 months. RESULTS: In this retrospective study, we collected data on presurgical measurements including marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1), surgical technique used (symmetrical/asymmetrical levator advancement) with millimeters of advancement used, and postsurgical measurements. We found that on average, an advancement of 4 mm led to an improvement in MRD1 of 2.26 mm (n = 14), and advancement of 5 mm led to an improvement in MRD1 of 2.74 mm (n = 15). Patients also reported improvements in their quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Our results may be used to guide clinicians in preoperative planning.

A Formula for Planning and Predicting Postoperative Mammoplasty Results.

PURPOSE: For women with macromastia, reduction mammoplasty is a safe and effective solution to increasing quality of life through alleviating pain and improving aesthetics. This study developed a way to combine a surgeon's view of breast measurement (volume) with a patient's view of breast measurement (distance between nipple and notch, inframammary fold, or midline) to provide patients with a better understanding of expected surgical outcomes after breast reduction with a medial superior pedicle. PATIENT AND METHODS: An institutional review board approved retrospective chart review was performed on all medial superior pedicle reduction mammoplasties performed by a single surgeon at a university medical center from 2008 to 2016, and a total of 133 patients were identified. Measurements of interest for this study were nipple to sternal notch (N-S), nipple to inframammary fold (N-I), nipple to midline (N-M), and breast diameter (BD). The average bilateral change per measurement was calculated for each patient in centimeters. Change was averaged for left and right breasts for N-S, N-I, N-M, and BD per patient. Grams removed for left and right breasts were also averaged. Each measurement of average change was divided by the gram average and multiplied by 100 to obtain centimeter change per 100 grams. Individual patient measurements per type of measurement were averaged to achieve a final improvement reported in centimeters per 100 g tissue removed per breast. RESULTS: The average change in the N-S distance was calculated to be a decrease of 1.5 ± 0.8 cm/100 g of breast tissue removed. The average change in N-I was calculated to be an overall decrease of 0.7 ± 0.5 cm/100 g. The average change in N-M was calculated to be a decrease of 0.1 ± 0.3 cm/100 g. Finally, the average change in BD was calculated to be 0.0 ± 0.4 cm/100 g. CONCLUSIONS: A surgeon's expression of breast measurements in terms of volume can be difficult for a patient to understand and visualize. This study determined the impact volume has on length of typical breast measurements to increase patients' understanding of expected outcomes. In summary, patients can be told to expect to see a nipple elevation of 1.5 cm per 100 grams of breast tissue removed using this medial superior pedicle technique.

Two-Year Follow-Up of Autologous Fat Grafting With Laser-Assisted Facelifts.

Skin tightening and improved facial contouring can be achieved through a variety of modalities including traditional facelifts, autologous fat injections, laser resurfacing, laser liposuction fibers, and includes the popular use of botox and synthetic fillers. Facial fat grafting has been helpful in treating the volume deficient aging face and can easily be injected following subcutaneous laser therapy. We will demonstrate in this clinical study that lasers and fat grafting can be used safely in combination with facelifts to improve skin contouring and tightness compared with single therapy. From 2012 to 2014, 31 patients received facial laser fiber contouring, facial fat injections and 25 of these patients underwent a concomitant facelift. Facial contouring was achieved using a subcutaneous laser fiber with the wavelengths 1064 nm and 1320 nm. After the laser treatment, fat injections were performed with 1-mL syringes and small injection cannulas. Standard surgical facelifts with were then performed. Results showed excellent improvement in perioral, periorbital, and cheek rejuvenation with excellent fat retention in the temples at 2 years.In conclusion, laser fiber contouring with autologous facial fat injections represents an excellent therapy for facial contouring and can be used safely and effectively in combination with facelifts.

Conditioned Media From Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Accelerates Healing in 3-Dimensional Skin Cultures.

Wound healing involves a number of factors that results in the production of a "closed" wound. Studies have shown, in animal models, acceleration of wound healing with the addition of adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSC). The cause for the positive effect which these cells have on wound healing has not been elucidated. We have previously shown that addition of ADSC to the dermal equivalent in 3-dimensional skin cultures accelerates reepithelialization. We now demonstrate that conditioned media (CM) from cultured ADSC produced a similar rate of healing. This result suggests that a feedback from the 3-dimensional epithelial cultures to ADSC was not necessary to effect the accelerated reepithelialization. Mass spectrometry of CM from ADSC and primary human fibroblasts revealed differences in secretomes, some of which might have roles in the accelerating wound healing. Thus, the use of CM has provided some preliminary information on a possible mode of action.

Steroid atrophy scarring treated with fat grafting in a patient with complex regional pain syndrome: A case report.

Subcutaneous atrophy is a known complication of steroid injections. Excellent results with fat grafting for the treatment of steroid atrophy have been documented. However, the benefit of treating steroid-induced subcutaneous atrophy in an extremity diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) has not been described. CRPS, known formerly as reflex sympathetic dystrophy or RSD, causalgia, or reflex neurovascular dystrophy, is a severe, progressive musculoskeletal pain syndrome characterized by pain which is disproportionate to the severity of the inciting event, edema, or skin changes. Common treatment modalities include pharmacotherapy, physical therapy, and nerve blocks-each therapy producing varying results. We present a literature review of CRPS and the case of a 15-year-old female who developed CRPS of the left lower leg after arthroscopic debridement with retrograde drilling of an osteochondral lesion. Steroid atrophy of the involved area following a saphenous nerve block complicated the patient's treatment course. The area of atrophy was treated with autologous fat grafting. Following the adipose injection procedure, the patient experienced almost complete resolution of her CPRS-associated pain symptoms, along with improved cosmetic appearance of the area.

Combination treatment of CO2 fractional laser, pulsed dye laser, and triamcinolone acetonide injection for refractory keloid scars on the upper back.

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are common lesions, which typically present as a cosmetic concern; however, they also can cause significant pruritus and pain. These lesions pose as a particular therapeutic challenge among clinicians due to a lack of complete knowledge of the formation of keloids and hypertrophic scars. Multiple treatments are widely accepted, yet all have shown limited benefit. In this case, we describe the treatment combination of the Affirm CO2 fractional laser (10 600 nm, Cynosure), Cynergy Pulsed dye laser (585 nm, Cynosure), and triamcinolone acetonide injection for keloids refractory to solitary treatments of triamcinolone acetonide injection and other laser modalities.

Adipose-derived stromal cells accelerate wound healing in an organotypic raft culture model.

Adipose tissue is a known reservoir of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells, which can be manipulated in culture to produce cells with different phenotypes. The goal of this study was to determine whether the addition of these multipotential cells to organotypic, human skin equivalent cultures would accelerate wound healing after laser injury. For our initial studies, we were able to obtain 3-dimensional raft cultures from adult skin explanted directly onto the dermal equivalent containing human fibroblasts with or without adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs). Two days after laser injury, the raft cultures of skin explants that contained ADSCs had a completely healed multilayered epidermis, whereas the control raft culture without the adipose-derived cells still had areas of injury. With this encouraging outcome, these experiments were then repeated in a raft culture system initiated from dissociated primary adult human keratinocytes on the humanized dermal equivalent. Again, the cultures containing ADSCs healed faster than the control cultures. In conclusion, these data provide support to our hypothesis that ADSCs are an excellent and readily available source of factors necessary for accelerated wound healing and tissue regeneration.

Smartlipo MPX™ sculpting of the body and face.

Liposculpting of the body and face with the Smartlipo MPX™ has given excellent, predictable and long-lasting results. Since June 2009, a total of 72 patients have undergone liposuction with the Smartlipo MPX. Of these, the Smartlipo MPX has been used on the abdomen in 17 cases, on the thighs in 15, on the neck and jowls in 25, on the cheeks in six and has also been used on the arms, buttocks, and breasts. Results have been favorable and long-lasting with up to 17 months' follow-up. Laser sculpting of the face has significantly decreased the jowling seen with aging.

Successful treatment of malar dermal melasma with a fractional ablative CO2 laser in a patient with type V skin.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Melasma is a common disorder of hypermelanosis, and although numerous treatment modalities have been employed, many cases are refractory to treatment or the improvement after therapy is temporary. METHODS: The clinical files, treatment parameters, and photographs of a 59-year-old female with black skin with refractory malar dermal melasma treated using a fractionally ablative CO2 laser (Affirm 10,600 nm) for seven sessions were carefully reviewed. RESULTS: After treatment, clinical improvement was achieved. CONCLUSION: The fractional ablative CO2 laser is a potentially safe and effective modality for the treatment of dermal melasma in Fitzpatrick type V skin.

Skin tightening with fractional lasers, radiofrequency, Smartlipo.

Skin tightening occurs with the use of fractional lasers, radiofrequency, and Smartlipo. The fractional lasers Fraxel (1550 nm; Solta Medical, Inc., Hayward, CA) and Affirm (1440 nm, 1320 nm) (Cynosure, Westford, MA) when used in combination tighten skin and lessen solar keratoses, and improve acne scars. With radiofrequency, further tightening occurs. Smartlipo (Cynosure, Westford, MA) (1064 nm or the newer MPX with combined 1064 nm and 1320 nm) results in skin tightening and has been very helpful in improving skin tightness and smoothness on the neck either singularly or in combination with the above procedures; and with the addition of the Affirm fractional CO2 laser (Cynosure, Westford, MA), further skin improvement and tightening occurs.

Fraxel skin resurfacing.

Fractional photothermolysis is a new skin resurfacing laser technology for treating wrinkles, melanocytic pigmentation, scars, and photodamaged skin. Treatment with the Fraxel laser (Reliant Technologies, Inc.) creates microzones of injury in the skin that are surrounded by normal intervening skin that rapidly heals the injured tissue. From June to November of 2005, 70 patients underwent 2 to 6 treatments with the Fraxel laser (Reliant Technologies, Inc.) on the face and/or extremities for abnormal pigmentation, wrinkles, and scars. Treatments were 1 to 3 weeks apart. Clinically, the patient experienced little downtime other than erythema and edema for a few days followed by light skin exfoliation for a few days. After treatment, skin color and texture were more homogeneous with a decrease in the unwanted melanocytic pigmentation. The skin showed a decrease in rhytids. In summary, fractional photothermolysis improved skin color and texture and decreased fine wrinkles and melanocytic pigmentation with minimal downtime for the patient.

Aesthetic eyelid ptosis correction: a review of technique and cases.

Upper eyelid ptosis can present both functional and aesthetic problems. Because proper correction of ptosis can be difficult to achieve, numerous surgical procedures have been developed. Plication of levator aponeurosis can be combined with aesthetic blepharoplasty and facial rejuvenation procedures to successfully address ptosis. The authors assessed the effectiveness of levator aponeurosis plication for correction of acquired upper eyelid ptosis in patients presenting for concomitant cosmetic facial procedures. The medical records of 74 consecutive patients (68 women and six men) who had upper eyelid ptosis correction in conjunction with cosmetic facial procedures from January of 1994 to January of 2000 were reviewed. During this period, 400 endoscopic forehead lifts and 479 face lifts were performed. The correction was performed through an external upper blepharoplasty approach removing an ellipse of skin and orbicularis muscle. Once the orbital septum was opened, a plication of the levator aponeurosis was accomplished by one or more horizontal mattress sutures of 6-0 clear nylon (with the first bite placed at or just medial to the vertical level of the pupil). The average follow-up period was 14 months. Long-term correction of the ptosis was excellent. The complications were minor, with the most common occurrence being asymmetry. Revisions were performed on only four patients. Correction of ptosis can be performed safely and effectively in conjunction with periorbital and facial rejuvenation. The technique described is simple, reliable, and reproducible.

Nondébridement of laser char after two carbon dioxide laser passes results in faster reepithelialization.

Skin repair following laser injury can be accelerated by using techniques that promote rapid reepithelialization. In this article, the benefit of intraoperative nondébridement of laser debris after two laser passes is discussed. After carbon dioxide laser resurfacing of the face, skin specimens were examined using indirect immunofluorescence with antibodies to specific epidermal and basement membrane proteins. Biopsy specimens obtained immediately after resurfacing showed a greater injury to epidermal and basement membrane proteins when skin was wiped with saline-soaked gauze after laser passes than when there was no débridement after two passes. Later examination of skin specimens obtained from nine patients 2 days after carbon dioxide resurfacing showed that nondébrided, occluded skin had faster reepithelialization than the other treatments. Nondébridement of the skin at the time of resurfacing along with the use of postoperative occlusive dressings led to the rapid reestablishment of a multilayered epidermis only 2 days after resurfacing. Nondébridement along with occlusive dressings results in rapid reepithelialization of the skin after two carbon dioxide laser passes for skin rejuvenation.