Comprehensive Comparison Between Shaped Versus Round Implants for Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic breast reconstruction has been gaining popularity and a variety of implant options are currently available. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the safety and efficacy of newly developed shaped implants compared with those of conventional round implants. To date, few studies have investigated the outcomes of breast reconstruction with shaped versus round implants. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to comprehensively compare, via meta-analytic methodology, shaped and round breast implant reconstruction in terms of complication profiles and aesthetic satisfaction. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Ovid, and Cochrane databases were searched to identify relevant studies presenting the complication rates for shaped and round implant groups. The relative risks of the following complications between the groups were calculated: infection, seroma, capsular contracture, rupture, rippling, reconstruction failure, and implant exchange or removal. Outcomes of aesthetic satisfaction included aesthetic results and patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of 8 retrospective cohort studies, representing 2490 cases of implant-based breast reconstruction, was performed. There were no significant differences in the risks of infection, seroma, capsular contracture, and reconstruction failure between the 2 groups. The risks of implant rupture and rippling were significantly reduced with shaped implants. In a subgroup analysis of shaped/textured and round/smooth implants, the risk of infection was significantly enhanced in the former, whereas incidences of other complications, including capsular contracture and reconstruction failure, were similar. Aesthetic satisfaction analysis of the 2 groups demonstrated similar outcome scores with favorable overall results. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that both shaped and round implants might provide favorable breast reconstruction outcomes with similarly low complication rates and aesthetic results.

Maximizing Thread Usage for Facial Rejuvenation: A Preliminary Patient Study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical facial rejuvenation techniques with thread lifting have gained popularity. To effectively rejuvenate an aging face, it is necessary to perform both soft tissue envelop repositioning and volume restoration procedures. With the trend toward less invasive techniques and long-lasting results with minimal complications, many surgeons have continued changing the techniques. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we developed the 4 M (Multi-target, Multi-vector, Multi-layer, Multi-material) thread lift technique for long-lasting results. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 73 patients who underwent the 4 M thread lifting procedure between January 2016 and February 2018. To evaluate the surgical outcomes objectively, two plastic surgeons compared photographs using a 5-point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Based on the GAIS objective assessment, in most patients (85%) experienced better than 3 score ("improved") changes. Approximately 42.5% of the patients experienced better than 4 score ("much improved") changes. The mean GAIS grade improved significantly (p < 0.005) without decline throughout a period of 12 months. No serious adverse complication was observed except one patient, who experienced skin irregularities and dimpling for up to 9 months after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: This 4 M thread lifting is the multiple layer lifting and rejuvenation using different materials in addition to the multiple targets. Using the concepts of structural rejuvenation, the 4 M thread lifting technique presented modest to significant improvement, maintaining good results at 12 months after procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Nontraumatic Subperiosteal Orbital Hematoma in a Patient With Behcet Disease.

Orbital subperiosteal hematomas are commonly caused by facial trauma. Nontraumatic subperiosteal orbital hematomas (NTSOHs) are rare but may occur in patients with underlying medical diseases. A 71-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a 5-day history of left periorbital pain and proptosis. She was known to have Behcet disease and presented with no recent trauma. Clinical features and computed tomography findings aided in establishing the diagnosis of an NTSOH. The hematoma was evacuated via sub brow incision. After surgery, the patient's clinical symptoms resolved and did not recur during the 12-month follow-up period. On the basis of the findings of this case, the authors conclude that patients diagnosed with diseases such as bleeding disorders or autoimmune vasculitis should consider visual symptoms as a sign of an NTSOH. Patients who diagnosed with disease experience visual disturbance, periorbital pain, or periorbital swelling should undergo early surgical treatment for spontaneous NTSOH to avoid permanent visual loss.

Malignant melanoma on a thermal burn scar.

Chronic burn scars often cause various skin malignancies at rates of up to 2%. These lesions are usually squamous cell carcinomas, but rarely, malignant melanoma is reported. We report a 67-year-old male with a malignant melanoma on a burn scar with regional metastasis. This patient presented an ulcerative lesion only in 2 weeks. After histopathological diagnosis, we performed only palliative surgery on patient's demand, and followed up the subsequent deterioration course. Our case reemphasizes the need for rapid diagnosis and treatment when suspect lesions are present on chronic burn scar. Also, physician should be in mind and inform the patient about malignant melanoma and its aggressive course.

Refinements in Elevation of the Reconstructed Auricle: The "Zigzag Incision".

OBJECTIVE: Auricular elevation with superficial temporal fascia and skin graft is widely used in microtia reconstruction using costal cartilage. However, in some patients, there has been occurrence of contraction of skin graft, which led to insufficient projection of the elevated auricle and diminished auriculocephalic angle with unfavorable long-term results. In this article, the authors introduce their multiple triangular flaps with zigzag incision to maintain stable projection and natural retroauricular sulcus appearance in auricular reconstruction patients. METHODS: The authors have designed zigzag incision along the lateral margin of the ear framework to prepare triangular flaps targeting the root of the helix or inferior half of the auricle. Depending on the extent of remnant skin coverage, the number of triangular flaps is varied. The posterior raw surface of the ear framework was covered with triangular flaps and full-thickness skin graft. RESULTS: Zigzag incision was conducted in 22 microtia patients who underwent auricular elevation using superficial temporal fascia and skin graft. Mean follow-up period was 2 years and there were no reports of occurrence of surgery-related complications, specifically skin necrosis, infection, or hematoma. The auricular projections were well maintained and auriculocephalic angle of the constructed auricles was similar to the healthy ears. CONCLUSIONS: The author's method comprises comparatively easy techniques and leads to good projection of the auricular angle. A zigzag incision using the triangular flaps could be an attractive surgical option for preventing shrinkage of grafted site and in achieving sufficient projection in autologous reconstructed auricle.

Aesthetic Penoscrotal Resurfacing: Creating Propeller Flaps from Gluteal Folds.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of extensive penoscrotal defects is a surgical challenge. Resurfacing defects in highly complex three-dimensional structures and restoring their function are an essential part of the reconstruction of penoscrotal regions. OBJECTIVE: We describe a technique using internal pudendal artery perforator (IPAP) pedicled propeller flaps created from the gluteal fold. This could be a reliable surgical option that maintains a natural looking scrotal pouch with minimal donor site morbidity and optimal sexual activity. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We retrospectively reviewed data for 10 consecutive patients who had undergone penoscrotal reconstruction using IPAP pedicled propeller flaps between January 2011 and March 2015. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: The IPAP was identified using a hand-held Doppler ultrasound device. This was the pivot around which the flap was internally rotated more than 90° in a tension-free manner. The long axis of the flap was centred on the gluteal fold to provide a better-orientated donor site scar. MEASUREMENTS: Complications and patient satisfaction with respect to size, colour match, scar appearance, and sexual activity were evaluated. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Anatomic and aesthetic penoscrotal reconstruction was performed without any major complications in the follow-up period (mean, 19.7 mo). The mean width of the IPAP pedicled propeller flaps was 6.7cm, and the mean length was 11.7cm. Partial distal flap necrosis occurred in only one case, and healed spontaneously. All of the patients were satisfied with the cosmetic and functional results. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of reliable perforators, donor site morbidity, flap thickness, and a better orientated scar, our technique using IPAP pedicled propeller flaps created from the gluteal fold could be a reasonable surgical option for extensive penoscrotal reconstruction. PATIENT SUMMARY: The creation of pedicled propeller flaps using an internal pudendal artery perforator could be a reliable surgical option for reconstruction of extensive penoscrotal defects. The approach yields functional and aesthetically acceptable surgical results.

Pyogenic Granuloma: A Retrospective Analysis of Cases Treated Over a 10-Year.

BACKGROUND: Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a benign vascular lesion of the mucosa and skin. Recent studies of the epidemiology of PG are rare. We aimed to retrospectively analyze characteristics of PG cases in South Korea. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 155 patients treated for PG between March 2005 and May 2014. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.2 (70 males, 85 females). The mean age of patients was 35.3 years. RESULTS: A high occurrence was observed in the first and third decades in males, and the fourth to fifth decades in females. There was a statistically significant difference between genders according to age group (p<0.05). The average lesion diameter was 0.84±0.46 cm (long axis). The most frequently involved site was the face (n=47). Bleeding was the primary complication (n=41). PG was mostly treated with excisional biopsy (n=74). The recurrence rate was 7.7% (n=12). CONCLUSION: We concluded that most common site of PG was the face, the age of female with PG is higher than previous studies, and finger is associated with trauma more than other sites. The most recent epidemiological information on PG of this study will support the treatment and diagnosis of PG and future research objectives.

Experience with specially designed pored polyacetal mold dressing method used in McIndoe-style vaginoplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Appropriate postoperative care and prolonged use of the mold are prerequisites for achieving successful results in McIndoe-style vaginoplasty. OBJECTIVE: We introduce a specially designed pored polyacetal mold to maintain the reconstructed vagina, with favorable long-term results allowing drainage of the serous and bloody discharge without removal of the mold, and reduction of infection rate and the chance of skin graft shearing in McIndoe vaginoplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data of 10 consecutive patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome who underwent McIndoe vaginoplasty between March 2010 and January 2014. We used a specially designed pored polyacetal mold (Figure) in all reconstructed vaginal wounds. The anatomical surgical success was evaluated by physical examination and functional success, which was defined as satisfaction with sex evaluated by patient self-assessed questionnaire. RESULTS: The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 3.5 years. The postoperative mean vaginal length was 9.5 cm in nine patients who used the mold regularly. In all cases in which a pored polyacetal mold was used, skin engraftment was successfully maintained without partial skin graft loss or infection. The subjective patient self-assessed satisfaction evaluation reported a high satisfaction rate. DISCUSSION: The multi-holed polyacetal vaginal mold was designed to perform vaginal irrigation without removal of the mold, allowing drainage of the serous and bloody discharge. This makes it possible to reduce infection rate and maintain successful skin engraftment by reducing the chance of skin graft shearing. The characteristics of polyacetal make it useful as a vaginal mold material as it is lightweight to use, easy to manufacture in accordance with the dimensions of the neovaginal space, and cost-effective. Although a constant follow-up evaluation is required, the pored polyacetal mold is an attractive vaginal mold dressing material to maximize the initial graft uptake, and it can be individually tailored in patients undergoing McIndoe-style vaginoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: The specially designed vaginal mold made up of pored polyacetal is a proper vaginal mold, which could maximize the initial graft uptake, decrease the risk of wound infection, and, therefore, decrease contracture of the neovagina in patients undergoing McIndoe vaginoplasty.

Modified Direct-Type Septal Extension Grafts: Their Stability and Usefulness in Asian Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: In Asian rhinoplasty, many autogenous cartilage grafts are required for correction of the nasal tip and columella, but the amount has limitations. A modified direct-type septal extension graft, in continuity with the entire caudal border of the septal cartilage with an edge-to-edge coaptation, can effectively and concomitantly correct the nasal tip and columella deformities using a limited amount of septal cartilage graft. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term cosmetic outcomes and stability from the modified direct extension grafts. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients with a follow-up of more than 1 year were enrolled in the study. A total of 11 measurement items were evaluated from basal and right lateral views by photogrammetry using standardized clinical photographic techniques. RESULTS: The overall mean follow-up period was 20.4 months. When comparing the preoperative and postoperative values, the nasal tip projection, nasal bridge length, nasal tip angle, height of nose, and the columellar labial angle increased significantly; additionally, the soft nose width index, width between ac-ac index, nostril axis inclination, columellar length (Rt-Lt), and the alar length (Rt-Lt) decreased significantly. No resorption, buckling, or displacement of the graft was observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The modified direct extension graft demonstrated a marked aesthetic improvement in the nasal tip and columella, and it provided long-term stability. Therefore, the modified direct extension graft is useful for correction of the nasal tip and columella in Asian rhinoplasty.

A Prospective evaluation of outcomes for midface rejuvenation with mesh suspension thread: "REEBORN lift".

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In the evolution of facial rejuvenative methods, thread lifts have gained popularity among patients who require mild degree of cosmetic improvement. The REEBORN (PrestigeMedicare, South Korea, Gyeonggi-do) is a newly developed type of mesh suspension thread composed of implantable mesh and barbed thread. In this article, we presented our experience with midface rejuvenation using novel modified mesh suspension thread including reliable esthetic results and minimal complications. METHODS: Prospective record analysis was conducted for 20 female patients who underwent REEBORN thread Lifting. To validate acceptable surgical results, three physicians rated the severity of nasolabial folds and marionette lines of patients. The patients were also asked to complete a questionnaire about satisfaction with this procedure and following adverse effects. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 40 min, and surgery-related complications included two minor complications. Significant improvement in wrinkle severity was observed at 6 months after thread lifting (P < 0.0001). Patients showed high satisfaction with surgical results (≥90%) and procedure (≥80%). CONCLUSIONS: Although further follow-up and more studies are required to prove long-term efficacy of emerging technique, our early experience has been positive. We are expected to provide sufficient holding power apart from cogs; in addition, fixation mesh is ensured by the implantable distal mesh that provides long lasting maintenance in thread lifting rejuvenation.

Satisfactory surgical option for cartilage graft absorption in microtia reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: We routinely perform auricular elevation at least 6 months after implantation of framework in microtia reconstruction using costal cartilage. However, in a few cases, cartilage graft absorption has occurred, which has led to contour irregularity with unfavorable long-term results. In the present study, we recount the details of using additional rib cartilage augmentation to achieve an accentuated contour in cartilage graft absorption cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cartilage graft absorption was defined as contour irregularity or cartilage graft deformation as evaluated by the surgeon and patient. Depending on the extent of cartilage graft absorption, another rib cartilage framework was added to the previously implanted framework, targeting the absorption area. We used banked cartilage or harvested new cartilage based on three-dimensional rib computed tomography. RESULTS: Additional recontouring of framework was conducted in eight patients who were examined for cartilage graft absorption from 1.5 to 5 years after implantation of the framework. Four patients received additional rib cartilage augmentation and tissue expander insertion simultaneously prior to auricular elevation. Two patients underwent auricular elevation simultaneously. In another two patients, additional rib cartilage augmentation was performed before auricular elevation. The mean follow-up period was 18 months, and in all cases reconstructive results were acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: Although further follow-up evaluation is required, additional rib cartilage augmentation is an attractive surgical option for cartilage graft absorption cases.

Aesthetic auricular reconstruction with autologous rib cartilage grafts in adult microtia patients.

BACKGROUND: Cartilage calcification is an important factor in aesthetic auricular reconstruction using autologous rib cartilage grafts in adults, a technique that involves difficult manipulation and unexpected absorption. As a result, artificial implants or prosthetics are considered for auricular reconstruction in adult patients despite the limitations of artificial material. In this article, we present our experience with auricular reconstruction using autologous rib cartilage grafts in adult microtia patients with reliable aesthetic results and minimal complications. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for 84 microtia patients ranging in age from 21 to 56 (average: 29.9) years who underwent auricular reconstruction using autologous rib cartilage grafts from March 2001 to March 2013. To validate our acceptable reconstructive results, two independent observers performed postoperative photographic evaluation of two groups (adults and children) using non-inferiority tests in addition to patient questionnaires. RESULTS: The mean operation time for rib cartilage grafts was 3 h and 53 min, and the follow-up time for all patients ranged from 6 months to 8 years. Surgery-related complications occurred in only three cases. On objective photographic evaluation, the adult group was not inferior to the child group in auricular shape, location, or symmetry. The subjective patient satisfaction evaluation reported a high satisfaction rate. CONCLUSIONS: As this study shows, aesthetic auricular reconstruction using rib cartilage grafts in adult microtia patients is possible even in cases with advanced cartilage calcification. Modification of the fabricating framework, well-preserved flap vascularity, and complete understanding of physiological aspects of rib cartilage are essential for aesthetic auricular reconstruction.

Clover-shaped advancement flap for correction of short and broad columella in a patient with frontorhiny.

This report describes a recessively inherited frontonasal malformation termed "frontorhiny" in recent literature. The authors developed a modified open rhinoplasty incision for correction of a broad, swollen columella due to frontorhiny. The clover-shaped flap was composed of a central V­Y advancement flap and bilateral folding flaps. This report relates the case of an 8-year-old girl with a broad columella and poor nasal tip development treated by a clover-shaped flap with dorsal onlay augmentation using autologous rib cartilage. This clover-shaped flap technique may be useful not only in frontorhiny cases but also in other cases of a short and broad columella. Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Muscle-chimaeric medial sural artery perforator flap: a new design for complex three-dimensional knee defect.

Reconstructions of composite and three-dimensional knee defects remain challenging. Gastrocnemius musculocutaneous flaps have been widely used for complex knee-defect reconstruction, but problems of donor-site morbidity and bulkiness of flaps remain. In the present study, we designed a new muscle-chimaeric medial sural artery perforator flap and applied the technique in a clinical case. A gastrocnemius muscle segment with sufficient pedicle length was obtained by intramuscular dissection of the vascular pedicle. The muscle segment was then utilised to fill the underlying dead space and the remaining soft tissue and skin defects were reconstructed with the perforator skin flap. The flap survived completely and wound healing progressed smoothly without infection, haematoma or seroma. Our patients were satisfied with their aesthetic outcomes and did not experience any donor-site morbidity. The muscle-chimaeric medial sural artery perforator flap is a valuable option for the reconstruction of composite and three-dimensional knee defects.

Aesthetic refinement of secondary cranioplasty using methyl methacrylate bone cements.

BACKGROUND: Cranioplasty using alternate alloplastic bone substitutes instead of autologous bone grafting is inevitable in the clinical field. The authors present their experiences with cranial reshaping using methyl methacrylate (MMA) and describe technical tips that are keys to a successful procedure. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent cranioplasty with MMA between April 2007 and July 2010 was performed. For 20 patients, MMA was used for cranioplasty after craniofacial trauma (n = 16), tumor resection (n = 2), and a vascular procedure (n = 2). The patients were divided into two groups. In group 1, MMA was used in full-thickness inlay fashion (n = 3), and in group 2, MMA was applied in partial-thickness onlay fashion (n = 17). The locations of reconstruction included the frontotemporal region (n = 5), the frontoparietotemporal region (n = 5), the frontal region (n = 9), and the vertex region (n = 1). The size of cranioplasty varied from 30 to 144 cm(2). RESULTS: The amount of MMA used ranged from 20 to 70 g. This biomaterial was applied without difficulty, and no intraoperative complications were linked to the applied material. The patients were followed for 6 months to 4 years (mean, 2 years) after MMA implantation. None of the patients showed any evidence of implant infection, exposure, or extrusion. Moreover, the construct appeared to be structurally stable over time in all the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Methyl methacrylate is a useful adjunct for treating deficiencies of the cranial skeleton. It provides rapid and reliable correction of bony defects and contour deformities. Although MMA is alloplastic, appropriate surgical procedures can avoid problems such as infection and extrusion. An acceptable overlying soft tissue envelope should be maintained together with minimal contamination of the operative site. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Minimizing surgical skin incision scars with a latex surgical glove.

BACKGROUND: The current trend in minimally invasive surgery is to make a small surgical incision. However, the excessive tensile stress applied by the retractors to the skin surrounding the incision often results in a long wound healing time and extensive scarring. To minimize these types of wound problems, the authors evaluated a simple and cost-effective method to minimize surgical incision scars based on the use of a latex surgical glove. METHODS: The tunnel-shaped part of a powder-free latex surgical glove was applied to the incision and the dissection plane. It was fixed to the full layer of the dissection plane with sutures. The glove on the skin surface then was sealed with Ioban (3 M Health Care, St. Paul, MN, USA) to prevent movement. The operation proceeded as usual, with the retractor running through the tunnel of the latex glove. RESULTS: It was possible to complete the operation without any disturbance of the visual field by the surgical glove, and the glove was neither torn nor separated by the retractors. The retractors caused traction and friction during the operation, but the extent of damage to the postoperative skin incision margin was remarkably less than when the operation was performed without a glove. CONCLUSION: This simple and cost-effective method is based on the use of a latex surgical glove to protect the surgical skin incision site and improve the appearance of the postoperative scar. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .