Tyndall, Rayleigh, Mei, and Raman scattering: Understanding their role in aesthetics.

The role of various light scattering phenomena in aesthetics and clinical practice is explored in this review. Four main types of light scattering, Tyndall, Rayleigh, Mie, and Raman, are discussed. Each type is explained in terms of its physical principles and its applications in aesthetic medicine. Tyndall scattering is relevant in understanding the blue appearance of certain dermal fillers. Rayleigh scattering contributes to skin tone perception and plays a role in certain laser treatments. Mie scattering is important in laser hair removal and the appearance of skin conditions like melasma. Raman scattering, while primarily used in research, shows promise for non-invasive skin analysis, personalized skincare, treatment monitoring, and early skin cancer detection. It is important to understand these scattering phenomena for optimizing light-based aesthetic procedures and developing effective treatments. Properly applying the appropriate scattering theory based on relative particle size is crucial in clinical aesthetic practice.

Mammaplasty: the 'Modified Benelli' technique with de-epithelialisation and a double round-block suture.

Benelli in 1990 demonstrated the round-block technique in mammaplasty to confine the scar in the areola. However, problems of scar widening and changes in areola shape represent a common problem with this technique. We present a modification to the technique that preserves the shape of the areola without the need for a non-absorbable suture. This technique may also be used to reduce the areola diameter.

A modified electroshave technique for the treatment of rhinophyma.

Rhinophyma is commonly treated by shaving the involved florid tissue with a scalpel. A technique using a modified electrocoagulation handset, which was used on 11 patients, is described. This technique allows the operator to sculpt the shape of the nose in a relatively bloodless field. The results in 10 of the 11 patients were good to excellent and the rate of complications was both small and avoidable.

Performance indicators in surgery.

Performance indicators are of vital importance to surgeons today. Many different examples from industry are being utilized by present management in the NHS, but surgeons and most medical professionals remain sceptical. This article introduces some of the performance indicators in use and examines concepts in the context of surgical practice.

Fasciocutaneous blood supply in below-knee amputation.

Skin cover after below-knee amputation has been extensively discussed. We describe the flaps which are commonly used and discuss their vascular basis in the context of the current knowledge of the fasciocutaneous system. An understanding of this vascular system will enable surgeons to plan and shape flaps for surgical exposure and coverage.

Eusol: the plastic surgeon's choice?

Many products are currently promoted for use on wounds. Edinburgh University Solution of Lime (Eusol) has recently received adverse publicity regarding its use in wound management. One hundred and twenty-four consultant plastic surgeons were surveyed regarding their use of Eusol. Ninety-five replies were obtained (77%); of those who replied, 78 (82%) still use Eusol, while nine out of 17 who do not are prevented from using it as they are unable to obtain necessary supplies. In plastic surgery, Eusol is still being used by plastic surgeons in specific situations.

The pulsed tuneable dye laser as an aid in the management of postburn scarring.

Permanent erythematous scarring following burns is a common problem which may be disfiguring and distressing for the patient. In this case the pulsed tuneable dye laser (585 nm) was used to treat the areas of scarring and also used prophylactically on an active scar.

Letters.

SYSTEMIC HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY HYPOCHLORITE SOLUTIONS.

Human intervertebral disc: structure and function.

This review begins with a brief introduction in which the development, blood supply and innervation of the intervertebral disc is considered, particularly as these may influence the following sections on structure and function. The three regions within the disc--that is, the nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and cartilage end plates--are considered in some detail. There appears to be no distinct border between the central nucleus pulposus and the outer annulus fibrosus, the main difference being in their fibrous structure. The fluid space is important in the nutrition of the disc, showing plastic deformation and recovery characteristics. The structural elements, both macroscopically and microscopically, together with the biochemical elements, are intimately related to function. The intervertebral disc should not be though of as a homogeneous and static structure; it has a heterogeneous composition and responds dynamically to applied loads. Neither should it be considered as an isolated structure because it interacts with the vertebral bodies, together constituting the vertebral unit. Furthermore, changes within the disc can, and do, have dramatic effects on vertebral column kinematics. The intervertebral disc is not inactive; it is capable of self-maintenance; in injury it can repair itself and has considerable regenerative properties.

Absent patella and contralateral patella alta observed with scoliosis.

A combination of vertebral column and lower limb abnormalities was observed during routine dissection in an 85 year old female cadaver. The combination of musculoskeletal anomalies reported here has many close parallels with other reported conditions.