Measuring Patient-Reported Outcomes After Facial Paralysis Reconstruction Surgery Using the FACE-Q.

Background: Patients affected by facial paralysis often experience significant psychosocial impairment, it is, therefore, essential to incorporate their perspective when assessing surgical outcomes. Objective: To study the effect of various patient- and treatment-specific factors on patient satisfaction after facial paralysis reconstruction as measured by FACE-Q. Methods: Seventy-two patients who underwent facial paralysis procedures by our senior author from 2000 to 2020 received the FACE-Q by email. Patient characteristics, duration of paralysis before surgery, type of surgery, complications, and secondary procedures were recorded. Results: Forty-one patients successfully completed the questionnaire. We found that men were significantly more satisfied with the decision to undergo surgery, older patients had significantly lower satisfaction scores with their face and psychosocial well-being, and uninsured patients had higher satisfaction scores with their face and their social and psychosocial well-being, whereas those items were significantly lower in patients with a long-standing facial paralysis. No differences were found between static and dynamic techniques, the presence of complications or the need for secondary procedures. Conclusions: This study found that decreased patient satisfaction was associated with older age, female sex, insured patients, and longer duration of the paralysis before treatment for facial paralysis reconstruction.

Breast Implant Capsule: A Murine Model Comparing Capsular Contracture Susceptibility Among Six Breast Implants Available in the Market.

BACKGROUND: Breast implant capsule development and behavior are mainly determined by implant surface combined with other external factors such as intraoperative contamination, radiation or concomitant pharmacologic treatment. Thus, there are several diseases: capsular contracture, breast implant illness or Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), that have been correlated with the specific type of implant placed. This is the first study to compare all major implant and texture models available in the market on the development and behave of the capsules. Through a histopathological analysis, we compared the behavior of different implant surfaces and how different cellular and histological properties give rise to different susceptibilities to develop capsular contracture among these devices. METHODS: A total of 48 Wistar female rats were used to implant 6 different types of breast implants. Mentor®, McGhan®, Polytech polyurethane®, Xtralane®, Motiva® and Natrelle Smooth® implants were employed; 20 rats received Motiva®, Xtralane® and Polytech polyurethane®, and 28 rats received Mentor®, McGhan® and Natrelle Smooth® implants. The capsules were removed five weeks after the implants placement. Further histological analysis compared capsule composition, collagen density and cellularity. RESULTS: High texturization implants showed the highest levels of collagen and cellularity along the capsule. However, polyurethane implants capsules behaved differently regarding capsule composition, with the thickest capsules but fewer collagen and myofibroblasts than expected, despite being generally considered as a macrotexturized implant. Nanotextured implants and microtextured implants histological findings showed similar characteristics and less susceptibility to develop a capsular contracture compared with smooth implants. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the relevance of the breast implant surface on the definitive capsules' development, since this is one of the most differentiated factors that determine the incidence of capsular contracture and probably other diseases like BIA-ALCL. A correlation of these findings with clinical cases will help to unify implant classification criteria based on their shell and their estimated incidence of capsule-associated pathologies. Up to this point, the establishment of additional groups is recommended as nanotexturized implants seem to behave differently to pure smooth surfaces and polyurethane implants present diverse features from macro- or microtextured implants. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. 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 .

An Experimental Murine Model to Assess Biofilm Persistence on Commercial Breast Implant Surfaces.

Capsular contracture is the most frequently associated complication following breast implant placement. Biofilm formation on the surface of such implants could significantly influence the pathogenesis of this complication. The objective of this study was to design an experimental model of breast implant infection that allowed us to compare the in vivo S. epidermidis ability to form and perpetuate biofilms on commonly used types of breast implants (i.e., macrotexturized, microtexturized, and smooth). A biofilm forming S. epidermidis strain (ATCC 35984) was used for all experiments. Three different implant surface types were tested: McGhan BIOCELL® (i.e., macrotexturized); Mentor Siltex® (i.e., microtexturized); and Allergan Natrelle Smooth® (i.e., smooth). Two different infection scenarios were simulated. The ability to form biofilm on capsules and implants over time was evaluated by quantitative post-sonication culture of implants and capsules biopsies. This experimental model allows the generation of a subclinical staphylococcal infection associated with a breast implant placed in the subcutaneous tissue of Wistar rats. The probability of generating an infection was different according to the type of implant studied and to the time from implantation to implant removal. Infection was achieved in 88.9% of macrotextured implants (i.e., McGhan), 37.0% of microtexturized implants (i.e., Mentor), and 18.5% of smooth implants (i.e., Allergan Smooth) in the short-term (p < 0.001). Infection was achieved in 47.2% of macrotextured implants, 2.8% of microtexturized implants, and 2.8% of smooth implants (i.e., Allergan Smooth) in the long-term (p < 0.001). There was a clear positive correlation between biofilm formation on any type of implant and capsule colonization/infection. Uniformly, the capsules formed around the macro- or microtexturized implants were consistently macroscopically thicker than those formed around the smooth implants regardless of the time at which they were removed (i.e., 1−2 weeks or 3−5 weeks). We have shown that there is a difference in the ability of S epidermidis to develop in vivo biofilms on macrotextured, microtextured, and smooth implants. Smooth implants clearly thwart bacterial adherence and, consequently, biofilm formation and persistence are hindered.

Masseteric nerve transference with sling tendon for symmetry in the restoration of facial paralysis: An effective combination of dynamic and static correction.

Masseteric nerve transposition has shown to be an effective technique for the treatment of facial paralysis. Due to its low morbidity at the donor site, its consistent anatomy, and one-stage operation, it constitutes a reliable option for both complete and incomplete facial paralysis. Masseteric nerve transference has proven to achieve good commissural excursion and dynamic symmetry. However, some patients with heavy faces and complete facial paralysis recover incompletely after surgery characterized by an asymmetrical smile with asymmetry at rest, affecting the cosmetic appearance. For these patients, we propose a novel combination of masseteric nerve transposition for the dynamic rehabilitation of the smile with a tendon sling suspension to create symmetry at rest. A detailed description of the surgical technique is given and results after using it with eight patients show good functional and aesthetic satisfaction. A combination of both dynamic and static techniques for complete facial paralysis rehabilitation may provide adequate symmetry with the contralateral healthy side both at rest and when smiling.

The Impact of Adjuvant Radiotherapy on Immediate Implant-based Breast Reconstruction Surgical and Satisfaction Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Adjuvant radiotherapy could be a necessary step in the oncological treatment for breast cancer. However, radiotherapy may have negative effects on implant-based immediate breast reconstruction. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of adjuvant radiation therapy on surgical results and patient-reported satisfaction outcomes in women undergoing immediate implant-based breast reconstruction. METHODS: A systematic search in PubMed was conducted on September 2019 and updated on April 2021. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Form for Observational Studies. RevMan 5 was used for statistical analysis. We obtained relative risks to determine the complication incidence and mean differences for 2-year BREAST-Q scores. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included. A total of 11,958 implant-based immediate reconstructions were performed, 2311 received postmastectomy radiation therapy, and 9647 were considered as control group. Surgical complications, reoperation rates, and reconstruction failure were significantly higher among irradiated breasts. Significantly lower BREAST-Q scores were reported by irradiated women receiving radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis combines reconstruction complication rates with aesthetic and patient-reported satisfaction outcomes. Adjuvant radiotherapy is consistently associated with greater complication rates and poorer aesthetic and satisfaction outcomes. The magnitude of association is significantly lower when the reconstruction is based on autologous tissues.

Maximizing the Smile Symmetry in Facial Paralysis Reconstruction: An Algorithm Based on Twenty Years' Experience.

Over the last two decades, the senior author (B.H.) has had an extensive experience with facial paralysis reconstruction. During this period, the techniques have evolved substantially based on the experience and after observing and analyzing the surgical outcomes. The purpose of this article is to relay the lessons learned from the 20 years' experience and suggest an algorithm. In this retrospective study, we have included 343 cases of facial paralysis cases. Complete facial paralysis cases were 285 and 58 were incomplete facial paralyses, both requiring surgical procedures. Complete facial paralyses were divided in to short term (n = 83) and long term (n = 202). In total, 58% of the patients were women and 42% were men. The age range was 6 to 82 years. The techniques employed were direct suture, nerve grafts, cross-facial nerve grafts (CFNGs), masseteric-to-facial nerve transference, hypoglossal-to-facial nerve transference, free muscle transplants, and lengthening temporal myoplasty to achieve the best symmetry after reanimation of unilateral, bilateral, complete, and incomplete facial paralysis. The type of paralysis, objective measurements, the personal patient's smile, and the gender are key concepts to be considered before scheduling a dynamic facial paralysis reconstruction. For unilateral facial paralysis, the time of onset, the type of paralysis, the patient's comorbidities, and the healthy side status are some of the determining factors when selecting the correct technique. The preferred techniques for unilateral facial paralysis are direct repair, CFNG, masseteric-to-facial transposition, and free gracilis transfer. For incomplete facial paralysis, the masseteric-to-facial nerve transference is preferred. In bilateral facial paralysis, bilateral free gracilis transfer is performed in two stages using the nerve of the masseter muscle as the source of innervation. The authors provide an algorithm which simplifies facial paralysis reconstruction to achieve the greatest facial symmetry while thinking about the potential comorbidities and developing spontaneity smile according to the gender of the patient.

Tips and Pearls for Recovering Symmetry After Facial Palsy Using a Tendon Sling: Our 20-Year Experience.

Background: In facial palsy reconstruction, static techniques with the use of slings can improve the appearance and functionality of the paralyzed face and may be used in patients who cannot undergo complex surgeries or as an ancillary procedure to a dynamic reconstruction. The objective of this study was to assess the improvement in facial symmetry and quality of life among older patients with flaccid facial palsy with the use of a plantaris tendon sling. Methods: A total of 46 patients who had undergone a static reconstruction with the plantaris tendon sling were studied. The surgical technique is detailed emphasizing the tips and pearls. Results: The displacement of the oral commissure was assessed with the FACIAL CLIMA demonstrating a mean elevation of 1.5 ± 0.4 cm and an improvement of 97 ± 7% in the recovery of oral commissure symmetry 2 years after the surgery, whereas the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System showed an improvement of symmetry at rest (-15 ± 5) at 2 years. The Facial Disability Score indicated an improvement of the physical disability (+73.5 ± 14) as well as the social impairment (+21 ± 7) at 1 year postoperatively. Patients were followed for a median of 2 years (range 2-6 years). Conclusions: The use of tendon slings for static facial paralysis reconstruction is a reliable technique with no functional sequelae and good long-term results.

Cross-Face Nerve Grafting versus Masseteric-to-Facial Nerve Transposition for Reanimation of Incomplete Facial Paralysis: A Comparative Study Using the FACIAL CLIMA Evaluating System.

BACKGROUND: Incomplete facial paralysis is still a challenge because we must restore what is missing without causing damage to what has recovered. The current literature is insufficient, with a small number of cases. The use of nerve transfers has gained recent popularity for reanimating facial palsy. The authors present a comparative study between cross-face nerve grafting and masseteric-to-facial nerve transposition for incomplete facial paralysis. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with incomplete unilateral facial paralysis were reanimated with either cross-face nerve grafting (group I, n = 10) or masseteric nerve transfer (group II, n = 18). Commissural displacement and commissural contraction velocity were measured using the FACIAL CLIMA dystem. Spontaneity of the movement and satisfaction were also assessed. RESULTS: When comparing the reconstructed and the healthy sides, statistical differences were found in group I but not in group II, suggesting that the resulting movement was symmetrical in group II but not in group I. Intergroup comparison showed that both commissural displacement and commissural contraction velocity were higher in group II. Spontaneity in group I was higher than in group II, but patients in group II showed more satisfaction, both without being statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Reanimation of incomplete facial paralysis can be satisfactorily achieved with both cross-face nerve grafting and direct masseteric-to-facial nerve transposition. However, with the masseteric nerve, better symmetry, a higher degree of recovery, and an increased level of satisfaction are achieved in a one-stage operation. Furthermore, both nerve sources are able to restore spontaneity in more than 50 percent of the patient's daily life, with no significant differences between them. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

The Relationship Between Patients' Personality Traits and Breast Reconstruction Process.

BACKGROUND: Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is a part of breast cancer treatment. There is a lack of data regarding the impact of reconstruction over psychological traits and quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate personality changes in patients who underwent reconstructive surgery. METHODS: Thirty-seven women underwent breast reconstruction. These women took the Crown-Crisp Experiential Index before and after the different procedures. The questionnaire analyzes: (a) the satisfaction level with personal relationships before and after surgery, and the level of satisfaction with surgical results and (b) personality index. Comparisons of preoperative and postoperative personality traits were made by using the Crown-Crisp test and analyzed by Chi-square test. Correlations between preoperative concerns and CCEI traits and correlations between physical aspects and Crown-Crisp, both preoperatively and postoperatively, were performed using the Spearman test. RESULTS: We found statistically significant differences in the following traits: anxiety anticipating possible technique failures (p = 0.01); cancer recurrence (p = 0.04); dissatisfaction with results (p = 0.02); phobic anxiety for possible technique failure (p = 0.03); obsessionality with possible technique failure (p = 0.01); preoccupations around cancer recurrence (p = 0.01) and dissatisfaction with results (p = 0.03); somatic of technique failure (p = 0.05); and finally, depression and hysteria traits in response to surgical procedures except anesthesia. CONCLUSION: This prospective study suggests that personality traits define perceptions of body image, which has an influence over quality of life and satisfaction with results. 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 .

Analysis of satisfaction after breast reduction comparing vertical scar versus inverted T-shaped technique using the Breast-Q questionnaire. Is patient satisfaction influenced by the amount of tissue removed?

BACKGROUND: Breast reduction is a procedure with a high rate of patient satisfaction. Many techniques can be used for this type of surgery; patient satisfaction can vary from one technique to another. The main aim of this study was to use Breast-Q for initial evaluation of patient satisfaction after breast reduction by either vertical or inverted-T technique and then determine if the quantity of breast tissue removed had any influence on patient satisfaction. METHODS: Eighty-four out of 288 patients operated on between 2000 and 2013 anonymously completed the post-operative version of Breast-Q Reduction/Mastopexy. Inverted T technique: 55 patients; vertical technique: 29 patients. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Comparison of mean scores of all Breast-Q scales showed no significant differences between the two techniques. With regard to satisfaction and quantity of removed tissue, statistically significant differences were observed in some scales, with positive correlations in the inverted T and negative correlations in the vertical technique, as more tissue was removed. Back pain is associated with inverted T technique as more tissue was removed. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques were similar regarding satisfaction. In this study, patients with large resection and high BMI more often had the inverted T technique and were just as happy as those with smaller resections, who more often had the vertical techniques.

Reconstrucción mamaria terciaria con tejido autógeno tras reconstrucción fallida con implantes / Tertiary breast reconstruction with autologous tissue after failed reconstruction with implants

Objetivo: Analizar nuestra experiencia en la reconstrucción mamaria terciaria tras el fracaso de procedimientos basados en implantes. Material y métodos: Entre 2005 y 2014, los autores (BH y CA) realizaron reconstrucción mamaria terciaria en 17 casos utilizando el colgajo de perforantes de arteria epigástrica inferior profunda (DIEP). Se revisaron en forma retrospectiva las fichas clínicas de dichas pacientes, registrando edad, comorbilidades, índice de masa corporal (IMC), presencia de cicatrices abdominales, historia de radioterapia y quimioterapia. Asimismo, se registraron los detalles de las cirugías realizadas, tanto de la reconstrucción con implante como de la reconstrucción terciaria. Resultados: Las complicaciones más frecuentes que motivaron el cambio de estrategia reconstructiva fueron: contractura capsular, rotura, exposición/infección del implante, dolor crónico y el fracaso de la expansión de la piel. En la reconstrucción terciaria se utilizó el colgajo DIEP en todos los casos, presentando pérdida parcial del colgajo un solo caso, sin pérdidas totales del mismo. Conclusiones: Las opciones actuales en reconstrucción terciaria con tejido autógeno incluyen principalmente colgajos perforantes, siendo el colgajo DIEP el más utilizado. De acuerdo con los resultados de esta serie y lo reflejado en la literatura, creemos que la reconstrucción terciaria es un procedimiento seguro, con una tasa de complicaciones similar a las de reconstrucción primaria y secundaria, y que otorga una serie de beneficios a las pacientes afectadas.

Objective: Analyze our experience on tertiary breast reconstruction after failed implant-based procedures. Methods: Between 2005 and 2014, the authors (BH and CA) performed tertiary breast reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (DIEP) flap in 17 cases. The medical charts of these patients were retrospectively reviewed, registering age at tertiary reconstruction, comorbidities, body mass index (BMI), presence of abdominal scars and history of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Likewise, details from surgeries were also gathered, both form the implant-based procedures and tertiary autologous reconstruction. Results: Complications motivating the change of reconstructive strategy included capsular contracture, implant rupture, implant exposure/infection, chronic pain and failure of skin expansion. Regarding tertiary reconstruction, the DIEP flap was used in all cases with one partial flap loss and no total failures. Conclusions: Current options for autologous tertiary reconstruction include mainly perforator flaps with the DIEP being by far the most utilized. Additionally, tertiary reconstruction is a safe procedure, with a rate of complications similar to that of primary and secondary free flap breast reconstruction.

A Predictable Approach for Osteotomy in Rhinoplasty: A New Concept of Open External Osteotomy.

Nasal osteotomies are a cornerstone step for closing an open roof deformity after dorsal hump surgery. Notwithstanding, the optimal method of nasal osteotomy remains controversial, as evidenced by the variety of approaches with no consensus between authors. Moreover, the election of the technique responds to surgeon's preference. We proposed a new way to perform both medial and lateral osteotomies under direct vision. Direct vision of nasal osteotomies provides more predictable control and precision than blind procedures, making this procedure more reliable and easier for both novel and experienced surgeons. Other advantages include conservation of nasal muscle, angular vasculature, and periosteum, which allow less postoperative ecchymosis and edema and less risk of synechia and lacrimal sac injury.

Spontaneity of smile after facial paralysis rehabilitation when using a non-facial donor nerve.

INTRODUCTION: The current focus in dynamic reanimation of facial paralysis lies not only in restoring movement but also regaining smile spontaneity. It has been argued that a spontaneous smile can only be achieved using the contralateral facial nerve as donor via cross-face nerve grafting. Techniques based on the motor nerve to the masseter, however, have shown good rates of spontaneity as well. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with complete facial paralysis reanimated using free gracilis to masseteric nerve or masseteric-to-facial nerve transfer were included. Patients were grouped according to gender comparing the rates of spontaneous smile. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (17 women and 19 men) underwent gracilis innervated by the masseteric nerve whereas masseteric-to-facial nerve transfer was performed in 30 cases (14 women and 16 men). For both techniques, women showed significantly higher rates of spontaneity. Additionally, women recovered spontaneity earlier than men. CONCLUSIONS: Along with providing a strong and reliable commissural pull, the motor nerve to the masseter is able to restore spontaneity as well. Women seem more prone to achieving it. Brain plasticity and the close relationship between the cortical areas of the masseteric and facial nerves are most likely the mechanisms underlying smile spontaneity.

The effect of late infection and antibiotic treatment on capsular contracture in silicone breast implants: A rat model.

BACKGROUND: The effect of late infection on capsular contracture has yet to be established, leaving a gap in clinical guidelines for the treatment patients with breast implants. This trial is the first to assess if the treatment of these infections can reverse this effect in an in vivo rat model and whether late distant infections increase the incidence of capsular contracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three groups of female Wistar rats (n = 42) received two silicone implants in separate dorsal, subcutaneous pockets. All groups except control underwent injection of a human strain of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) at least 30 days after implantation, allowing for physiologic capsule formation. The infection group received a peritoneal injection, inducing a transient bacteremia, the treated group received a course of antibiotics following bacterial inoculation, and a final group received no intervention and served as control. RESULTS: Implants were removed 4 months after insertion, and capsules measured for thickness and sent for bacterial quantification. Compared to both the control and treated groups, capsule thickness in the infection group was statistically greater (p < 0.05), a difference not observed between treated and control groups. In addition, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between capsule thickness and bacterial count (R = 0.614, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The difference in thickness between the control capsules and those from the infection group is an indication that bacterial contamination of a capsule from a remote late infection may increase the incidence of capsular contracture suggesting that treating late infections could in fact prevent capsular contracture.

Functional and anatomical basis for brain plasticity in facial palsy rehabilitation using the masseteric nerve.

Several techniques have been described for smile restoration after facial nerve paralysis. When a nerve other than the contralateral facial nerve is used to restore the smile, some controversy appears because of the nonphysiological mechanism of smile recovering. Different authors have reported natural results with the masseter nerve. The physiological pathways which determine whether this is achieved continue to remain unclear. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, brain activation pattern measuring blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal during smiling and jaw clenching was recorded in a group of 24 healthy subjects (11 females). Effective connectivity of premotor regions was also compared in both tasks. The brain activation pattern was similar for smile and jaw-clenching tasks. Smile activations showed topographic overlap though more extended for smile than clenching. Gender comparisons during facial movements, according to kinematics and BOLD signal, did not reveal significant differences. Effective connectivity results of psychophysiological interaction (PPI) from the same seeds located in bilateral facial premotor regions showed significant task and gender differences (p < 0.001). The hypothesis of brain plasticity between the facial nerve and masseter nerve areas is supported by the broad cortical overlap in the representation of facial and masseter muscles.

Masseteric-facial nerve transposition for reanimation of the smile in incomplete facial paralysis.

Incomplete facial paralysis occurs in about a third of patients with Bell's palsy. Although their faces are symmetrical at rest, when they smile they have varying degrees of disfigurement. Currently, cross-face nerve grafting is one of the most useful techniques for reanimation. Transfer of the masseteric nerve, although widely used for complete paralysis, has not to our knowledge been reported for incomplete palsy. Between December 2008 and November 2013, we reanimated the faces of 9 patients (2 men and 7 women) with incomplete unilateral facial paralysis with transposition of the masseteric nerve. Sex, age at operation, cause of paralysis, duration of denervation, recipient nerves used, and duration of follow-up were recorded. Commissural excursion, velocity, and patients' satisfaction were evaluated with the FACIAL CLIMA and a questionnaire, respectively. The mean (SD) age at operation was 39 (±6) years and the duration of denervation was 29 (±19) months. There were no complications that required further intervention. Duration of follow-up ranged from 6-26 months. FACIAL CLIMA showed improvement in both commissural excursion and velocity of more than two thirds in 6 patients, more than one half in 2 patients and less than one half in one. Qualitative evaluation showed a slight or pronounced improvement in 7/9 patients. The masseteric nerve is a reliable alternative for reanimation of the smile in patients with incomplete facial paralysis. Its main advantages include its consistent anatomy, a one-stage operation, and low morbidity at the donor site.

Effect of P144® (Anti-TGF-ß) in an "In Vivo" Human Hypertrophic Scar Model in Nude Mice.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic scars are one of the most important complications in surgery due to their cosmetic and functional impairments. Previous studies in tissue fibrotic disorders have shown promising results by inhibiting the biological activity effect of Transforming Growth Factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1). The aim of the current study was to determine the clinical effect of the inhibition of TGF-ß1 signaling in human hypertrophic scars implanted in nude mice by topical application of an inhibitor of TGF-ß1 (P144®). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 human hypertrophic scars were implanted in 60 nude mice. The animals were divided in two groups, group A (placebo) and group B (treatment). Group C (basal) was considered as the preimplanted scar samples and they were not implanted in the nude mice. After the shedding period, topical application of a lipogel containing placebo (group A) or P144 (group B) was daily administered during two weeks. The animals were sacrificed upon completion of the study. Total area, thickness and collagen fibers area were measure and compared across all groups. Immunohistochemistry was also performed in order to quantify collagen type I and type III and elastic fiber expressions present in the dermis. RESULTS: Successful shedding was achieved in 83,3% of the xenografts. The mean time for shedding was 35±5.4 days. Statistically significant differences were found in the total area, collagen fibers area and thickness between the groups. Increased elastic fibers and decreased collagen I were found in the P144-treated group compared to the basal group. CONCLUSION: Topical application of an inhibitor of TGF-ß1 may promote scar maturation and clinical improvement of hypertrophic scar morphology features in an "in vivo" model in nude mice after two weeks of treatment.