Tension Reduction With Force Modulating Tissue Bridges Reduces Wounds in Breast Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Tension on healing wounds increases the risk of dehiscence and poor or pathologic scar formation. Force modulating tissue bridges (FMTBs) represent a new class of wound closure and support devices designed to offload tension on healing wounds to improve wound healing and scar outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of FMTBs to reduce the risk of wound healing complications in elective breast surgery. METHODS: One hundred twenty-two consecutive patients undergoing bilateral aesthetic breast surgery underwent intraoperative placement of FMTBs on the vertical limb closure site. A matched case-control cohort of 121 consecutive patients was established for comparison. Wounds were considered significant if larger than 3 mm in diameter. The primary outcome of breast wounds >3 mm was reported with a relative risk, and all outcomes were framed with number needed to treat. RESULTS: The control and intervention cohorts had similar demographics, comorbidities, type of operation, and incision pattern utilized. Within the FMTB group, 96.7% (n = 118) patients completed treatment per protocol. Significant wounds occurred in 1.7% (n = 2) of patients in the tissue bridge vs 15.2% (n = 19) in controls on a per patient/per protocol basis (89% reduction, P < .001). Statistically significant improvements were maintained on sensitivity analyses with intention to treat, even when minor wounds were included. There were no complications noted related to FMTBs. CONCLUSIONS: FMTBs are safe and highly effective at reducing the risk of wound formation in elective breast surgery. Results are consistent with sensitivity analyses based on clinical and methodological factors. Further research will assess long-term scar outcomes.

Aesthetic Surgery in Plastic Surgery Academia.

BACKGROUND: Aesthetic surgery is a critical component of academic plastic surgery. As institutions are placing increased focus on aesthetic surgery, there is an opportunity to identify factors that facilitate the creation and maintenance of successful aesthetic plastic surgery programs. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to conduct a national survey to evaluate the current state of academic aesthetic surgery and to identify factors that contribute to success. METHODS: A REDCap 122-question survey was developed and validated by members of the Academic Aesthetic Surgery Roundtable (AASR). The national survey was distributed to department chairs and division chiefs with active ACGME-approved plastic surgery programs (n = 92). Responses underwent Pearson's chi-squared, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and postselection inference analyses. AASR members convened to interpret data and identify best practices. RESULTS: Responses were received from 64 of 92 queries (69.6%). The multivariate analysis concluded traits associated with successful academic aesthetic surgery practices included the presence of aesthetic surgery-focused, full-time faculty whose overall practice includes >50% aesthetic surgery (P = 0.040) and nonphysician aesthetic practitioners who provide injection services (P = 0.025). In the univariate analysis, factors associated with strong aesthetic surgery training programs included resident participation in faculty aesthetic clinics (P = 0.034), aesthetic research (P = 0.006), and discounted resident aesthetic clinics (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The growth of academic aesthetic surgery practices represents a significant opportunity for advancement of resident training, departmental financial success, and diversification of faculty practices. By identifying and sharing best practices and strategies, academic aesthetic surgery practices can be further enhanced.

Force Modulating Tissue Bridges for Reduction of Tension and Scar: Finite Element and Image Analysis of Preclinical Incisional and Nonincisional Models.

BACKGROUND: Force modulating tissue bridges (FMTB) represent a new class of combined wound closure and scar reduction device designed to optimize the tension milieu of the healing wound. OBJECTIVES: Engineering analysis and testing in both intact skin and incisional models was undertaken to assess changes in tissue tension associated with device placement and compare to standard suture closure. METHODS: Nonlinear, large deformation finite element analyses (FEA) were performed to compare the strains applied to tissues with sutures and FMTB. In the incisional model, a freshly euthanized Yorkshire pig received full thickness cutaneous incisions followed by alternating closure with sutures and FMTBs. FMTBs were also applied to intact adult human skin after pattern application. In each of the experiments, photographs were taken preapplication and postapplication and the resultant dot grid pattern changes were analyzed by image recognition algorithms to calculate applied strains. RESULTS: FEA indicate compressive stresses at the tissue:suture interface on the order of 4000 mmHg and 20 mmHg at the tissue:FMTB interface. Strain analysis of the sutures and FMTBs applied in the incisional lab testing indicated imposed strains on the tissues of around 40%, with FMTBs providing 10% more compression than sutures and 25% more compression between the applied devices (P = 0.000057). In the longitudinal study, tension reduction of the order of 30% was maintained over the treatment period of 10 days to verify device efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: FMTBs provide wounds while simultaneously modulating skin tension and thus have the potential to improve scar appearance.

Lessons Learned After 15 Years of Circumferential Bodylift Surgery.

Circumferential bodylift is a powerful procedure for achieving dramatic and natural body contouring changes in the massive weight loss patient. The care of these patients has raised our awareness of several important issues including safety, nutritional status, skin quality, recurrent laxity, surgical steps, and postoperative scars. Integration of this knowledge with various technical modifications over the last 15 years has improved our care for this cohort. We have not only seen a rise in the number of surgeries performed, but also the development of principles, techniques, and details that the authors feel necessary to share to achieve improved contour and more predictable outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4: Therapeutic.

The Circumrotational Technique for Mastopexy.

Numerous combinations of pedicle design and incision patterns have been described for mastopexy, but upper pole volume deficiency, suboptimal shape, or recurrent ptosis are still undesired postoperative findings. The challenges of preventing such outcomes are amplified in the massive weight loss (MWL) patient population, where both the extent of morphologic deformation and alterations in tissue characteristics (ie, a materials failure) can be severe. To correct this problem, we propose a technique that combines breast circumference-reduction with maximal glandular rotation and superomedial repositioning: the circumrotational technique. The technique reduces the circumference of the breast base, enhances anterior projection, and defines the lateral breast border by maximal glandular rotation and elevation, reorienting and engaging lax structural elements within the parenchyma. It also recruits ptotic lateral breast tissue into the upper pole, maximizing volume. This technique proposes an initial glandular hyperelevation, upper pole tissue "stacking," and broad peripheral fixation of the breast-to-chest wall to support the breast during the healing period and combat the propensity for recurrence. The circumrotational technique has been mostly used for mastopexy after MWL, but can also be used for typical mastopexies in non-MWL patients with grade 2 or 3 breast ptosis.