Ethanol Embolotherapy for Cutaneous Erythema of High-Flow Vascular Malformations in the Head and Neck.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous erythema is one of the most common signs of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the head and neck region, influencing aesthetic appearance. Surgical resection of AVMs may lead to cicatrization of the skin or aggravation of the lesion. Laser treatment, although effective in improving superficial vascular lesions, cannot prevent deep AVMs from further development. OBJECTIVE: The authors propose an absolute ethanol embolization therapy that can effectively and safely eradicate the nidus with a favorable aesthetic outcome. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective observational study of 14 AVM patients with distinct cutaneous erythema in the head and neck region undergoing embolotherapy in a single primary care center. Symptoms before and after treatment, complications, and degree of devascularization were recorded and assessed. Changes in cutaneous redness were evaluated using a previously reported quantitative measurement. RESULTS: Complete symptomatic relief was observed in 5 patients, and major improvement was observed in 9 patients. The mean Δ a * value of the color change had a significant reduction of 6.50 ± 4.04, p < .001, indicating a remarkable remission of cutaneous erythema. CONCLUSION: Ethanol embolization is an effective and safe treatment for head and neck AVMs with excellent aesthetic outcomes and might become a potential treatment method for other superficial vascular anomalies.

Treatment of Challenging Extracranial Arteriovenous Malformations: A Single-Center Experience and Literature Review.

ABSTRACT: Extracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a high-flow congenital vascular malformation, where direct communication between the arteries and veins impedes perfusion of capillary beds and causes disfigurement of the affected tissue. Surgery and endovascular therapy are currently the main treatment for extracranial AVMs. Nevertheless, management of complex cases is sometimes challenging because of severe complications such as refractory ulceration, life-threatening bleeding, and even cardiac insufficiency. Here, we reviewed the development and potential treatment for extracranial AVMs and shared our single-center experiences of diagnosis and treatment of this challenging disease.

Optimal Timing of Laser Hair Removal in Expanded Forehead Flap in the Reconstruction of Facial Defects: During or After Tissue Expansion?

Background: The optimal timing of laser epilation with expanded forehead flaps in facial defect reconstruction remains undetermined. Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of hair removal during or after flap expansion. Methods: This prospective exploratory study included 15 (11 women and 4 men, 16.47 ± 16.331 years of age) and 26 (19 women and 7 men, 10.69 ± 10.899 years of age) patients who underwent 755 nm long-pulsed alexandrite laser epilation during flap expansion and after surgery, respectively. Facial reconstruction was performed in these patients because of congenital melanin nevus, scar or port-wine stains. Evaluation included hair reduction rate, patient satisfaction, and adverse events. Results: The median number of laser sessions for hair removal during flap expansion was significantly lower than that after surgery (2.00 vs. 3.00, p < 0.01), and the hair reduction rate was also significantly higher during flap expansion (79.5% ± 21.93% vs. 68.3% ± 17.44%, p < 0.05). No severe adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Laser hair removal is safe and efficient when performed both during flap expansion period and after surgery, but its efficacy was significantly higher, and fewer sessions were required when performed during tissue expansion. Clinical trial registration information: ChiCTR1900026090.

Does Oral Propranolol Improve the Final Outcome of All Involuted Infantile Hemangiomas? A Matched Retrospective Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Oral propranolol can effectively activate and accelerate infantile hemangioma (IH) involution; however, could the final outcome of oral propranolol treatment for IHs commensurate that of spontaneous involution? OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the long-term therapeutic effect of oral propranolol for IHs. METHODS: We present an individual matching comparative study with (1) oral propranolol therapy for mixed and deep IHs on the lips, nose, and parotid and (2) lesion type- and lesion location-matched untreated IHs as controls. Patients' follow-up photographs were assessed by 3 surgeons blinded of their treatment. Outcome measures were the quantification of the degree of sequelae ranging from 1 to 4 and the age at which IH achieved involution arrest. RESULTS: Ten groups of oral propranolol and untreated patients with matched lesions were assessed. Average age at which lesions stabilized and reached no change in appearance was 1.7 years old and 6.3 years old for propranolol group and untreated group ( t = 5.663, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the quantified degree of sequelae for oral propranolol group and untreated group upon follow-up (1.60 vs 1.40, respectively; t = 1.259, P = 0.240). CONCLUSIONS: Oral propranolol therapy accelerates IH involution but does not have a superior effect than spontaneous involution on the overall outcome of problematic IHs.

Scar Prevention With Prolonged Use of Tissue Adhesive Zipper Immediately After Facial Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Postsurgical scar management significantly affects patient satisfaction. However, reliable skin support options are limited. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of using tissue adhesive zippers in postsurgical scar prevention among patients undergoing surgical excision of the face. The primary outcome was a reduction in scar width, which was evaluated 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Scar width at Month 12 was considered the final outcome. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, controlled, rater-blinded trial. Sixty-four patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups (the zip group, defined as those using a tissue adhesive zipper for 3 months after surgery, and the control group). Outcomes were evaluated 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively based on scar width and Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale score. Skin irritation was monitored during the first 3 months after surgery. The incidence of hypertrophic scar formation was recorded at a 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: Scar width differed significantly between the zip (mean [standard deviation], 1.68 [0.45] mm) and control groups (2.15 [0.64] mm). The scars spread rapidly in the first month after surgery but slowed down and stabilized after 6 months. The Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale scores of the zip group were significantly lower than those of the control group. Neither group experienced significant complications. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged use of tissue adhesive zippers immediately after surgery reduced scar width and improved scar appearance without obvious side effects.

Cable-Stayed Face Lift: An Innovative Short-Scar Lift for Better Correction of Nasolabial Folds in East Asians.

BACKGROUND: The improvement of nasolabial folds by either lateral superficial musculoaponeurotic system rhytidectomy or minimal access cranial suspension lift alone is commonly performed, but patient satisfaction is often limited in East Asians. An innovative technique, termed the cable-stayed face lift, which combines the strengths of lateral superficial musculoaponeurotic system rhytidectomy and minimal access cranial suspension lift, was developed for improved results. METHODS: Between 2016 and 2019, 20 cable-stayed face lifts were performed in a single hospital. Two plastic surgeons independently evaluated postsurgery outcomes using a five-point Likert scale, where 5 = excellent, 4 = good, 3 = fair, 2 = no change, and 1 = worse. Patient satisfaction was assessed by relevant items from the FACE-Q questionnaire. RESULTS: Twenty patients with a mean age of 51 years underwent face-lift surgery. The mean follow-up ± SD was 11.3 ± 9.8 months. The five-point Likert scale score evaluated by surgeons was 3.65 ± 1.08. Patient-perceived age visual analogue scale (7.8 ± 4.4) exhibited a difference between preoperative actual age and postoperative apparent age. Patients demonstrated high satisfaction with outcome (67.5 ± 16.2) and satisfaction with lower face and jawline (76.2 ± 14.9). No major complication, hematoma, or seroma was observed. CONCLUSION: The authors' approach-cable-stayed face lift-offers a good alternative to provide a more effective effacement of nasolabial folds, by lifting the nasolabial folds with parallel vector and lower face and neck with the vertical vector. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Transconjunctival Lower Blepharoplasty Using Midcheek Spaces for Orbital Fat Transposition (S.O.F.T.).

BACKGROUND: The subperiosteum, supraperiosteum, and intrasuborbicularis oculi fat have been used as planes of dissection for orbital fat transposition in transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty. The steep learning curve due to the anatomic complexity in using any of the 3 planes may deter plastic surgeons from performing the procedure. We present the use of clear anatomical midcheek spaces, the premaxillary and prezygomatic spaces, as the plane for orbital fat transposition in transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 184 consecutive patients who underwent transconjunctival orbital fat transposition using the midcheek spaces from November 2013 to July 2019. Recorded data included the patient's age, duration of surgery, postoperative complications (chemosis; bleeding; lower eyelid swelling; orbital and/or lower eyelid infection; eye misalignment on primary gaze; binocular diplopia; numbness involving the lower eyelid, cheek, and upper lip; orbicularis oculi paralysis, inferior scleral show, and lower eyelid ectropion), aesthetic result, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The mean age is 35.48 ± 6.66 years. Significant aesthetic improvement was achieved not only for herniated orbital fat and prominent lid-cheek junction but also for midcheek depression over an average follow-up of 22.41 ± 16.04 months. The patient satisfaction score (98.91%) was high. No major complications occurred. The mean operating time was 46.74 ± 6.67 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The natural midcheek spaces could be used as an ideal plane for orbital fat transposition in transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty. By using the midcheek spaces, transconjunctival orbital fat transposition can become a safe and effective technique without the steep learning curve.

Prolonged Usage of an Adhesive Wound Closure Device in Postoperative Facial Scar Management: A Split-Wound Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Additional skin support is promising in scar management, especially for wounds under high tension. Options for effective skin support are limited. This study aimed to determine whether prolonged use of an adhesive wound closure (AWC) device prevents scar spread and improves final appearance. Patients and Methods: This is a split-wound randomized evaluator-blinded study of 14 patients with facial wounds under high tension. After surgical closure, one half of each wound was randomly allocated to receive either standard care or additional 3-month treatment with an AWC device. Scar width, scar scale, and side effects were evaluated 12 months after surgery. Results: A significant difference was observed in scar width between the treated and nontreated sites at 12-month, with a mean difference of 1.024 (95% confidence interval, 0.347-1.700) mm in favor of the treated group. Scar widths in both groups increased rapidly in the first month after surgery and gradually increased until the sixth month. Scale for vascularization and relief were significantly lower in the treated sites. No significant differences were found in complications between two groups. Conclusions and Relevance: Prolonged usage of the AWC device prevented scar spread at 12 months and improved final scar scores in vascularization and relief. Clinical Trial Registration number: ChiCTR1900027155.

Reduction Malarplasty With Subperiosteal Lift Via a Single Limited Temporal Incision.

INTRODUCTION: Different from Western culture, prominent zygoma and rectangular facial contour are deemed as unaesthetic and masculine in Asians. To achieve an ideal oval facial shape, reduction malarplasty is often performed. METHODS: Twenty-two eligible patients who underwent reduction malarplasty between November 2008 and December 2018 were reviewed. The reduction malarplasty involved repositioning of the osteotomized zygomatic arch and subperiosteal lift via a limited temporal incision. Photographs were collected both preoperatively and postoperatively. Complications and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients underwent reduction malarplasty with subperiosteal lift between November 2008 and December 2018. Their mean age was 35 ± 2.30 years. Prominent zygoma and facial contour were significantly improved after surgery. Patients demonstrated satisfaction with outcome (73.77 ± 6.83) and with facial appearance (75.00 ± 5.60). No cheek drooping and major complications were observed during the long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Prominent zygoma treated with reduction malarplasty with subperiosteal lift via limited temporal incision has a stable and long-lasting effect. This approach can be regarded as a true alternative for facial contour reshaping.

Liposuction for large facial involuted infantile hemangiomas in children: clinical evaluation and management strategies.

BACKGROUND: Large involuted infantile hemangioma (IH) can cause facial disfigurement and functional impairment and constitute a major concern to children and parents. Liposuction for large involuted IH has been reported in some case reports. However, systematic study is seldom and the patient outcome is uneven. METHODS: Thirteen eligible patients who underwent liposuction treatment at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital between August 2016 and August 2018 were reviewed. IH lesions were evaluated according to their timing, components, involvement, and location. Liposuction was performed to address the volumetric residue. RESULTS: Between August 2016 and August 2018, 13 patients, four boys and nine girls, with an average age of 8 ± 4.4 years underwent the liposuction for large facial involuted IH. Clinical follow-up ranges from 3 to 18 months. In two cases, lipectomy and facelift were undertaken in conjunction with liposuction. One patient needs a secondary revision due to the residual facial asymmetry. All patients were satisfied with the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Liposuction for large involuted IH is reliable and underreported in the literature. With proper patient evaluation and good counseling on realistic expectations, liposuction for large facial involuted IH can be expected to achieve excellent results with a low complication rate in pediatric population.

A case series of tardive expansion congenital hemangioma: A variation of noninvoluting congenital hemangioma or a new hemangiomatous entity?

BACKGROUND: Congenital hemangiomas present fully grown at birth and share a remarkably similar lack of disproportionate or accelerated postnatal proliferation. OBJECTIVE: We report a series of unusual congenital hemangiomas that arise prenatally and initially exhibit a proportional growth pattern similar to that of noninvoluting congenital hemangioma. However, a tardive expansion of the lesion, similar to the proliferation phase of infantile hemangioma, occurs later during childhood. METHODS: A total of 11 unusual congenital hemangiomas were reviewed in regard to clinical presentation, imaging, and pathologic characteristics. RESULTS: The infants included 9 boys and 2 girls. The tumors were located in the head and neck (n=10) and abdominal wall (n=1). Spontaneous expansion began at the age of 12 months to 61 months, as determined from clinic notes and paired follow-up photographs. Uniform parenchymal masses and fast-flow vessels were confirmed by imaging examination. There are both histopathological overlap and distinction between these lesions and other congenital hemangiomas. LIMITATIONS: Only a small number of cases were identified. CONCLUSION: We propose that these lesions be denominated "tardive expansion congenital hemangioma (TECH)" to indicate their specific clinical and histological distinctiveness. Recognition of these distinct lesions will contribute to a better understanding of congenital hemangiomas.

Interim results of bleomycin-polidocanol foam sclerotherapy as a highly efficient technique for venous malformations.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to retrospectively review the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients with venous malformations (VMs) treated with bleomycin-polidocanol foam (BPF) sclerotherapy. METHODS: The Institutional Review Board waived ethical approval for this retrospective review in which 55 patients (31 female and 24 male patients; mean age, 18.8 years; range, 2-60 years) were treated with BPF sclerotherapy. The stability (half-life) of BPF compared with polidocanol foam was studied. Standard sclerotherapy techniques were used. A total of 111 sclerotherapy sessions were performed, with a mean of 2.0 treatments per patient (range, 1-6). An average of 10 mL of BPF was used per procedure, with the total amount ranging from 2.5 to 30 mL. Symptoms before and after treatment, follow-up time, complications, and volume reduction on magnetic resonance imaging were recorded. RESULTS: The median half-lives of the BPF and polidocanol foam were 238.25 ± 3.86 seconds and 194.33 ± 3.5 seconds, respectively. A t-test indicated significant differences between the groups (P < .01). The mean follow-up was 14 months (range, 6-24 months). All 55 patients (100%) reported improvement in symptoms. The total excellent and good response rate was 94.6%. An excellent response was achieved in 32 cases (58.2% [32/55]), a good response in 20 cases (36.4% [20/55]), and a poor response in 3 cases (5.4% [3/55]). Postprocedural magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated volume reduction of treated lesions in 54 of 55 patients (98%), with a mean lesion volume reduction of 84.6%. Postprocedure complications were minor in 13 of 111 procedures (12%) that were performed on 10 of 55 patients (18.2%), and no major complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: BPF sclerotherapy of VMs is safe and effective. BPF sclerotherapy can be a promising first-line treatment of VMs.

Retrospective study of photodynamic therapy for pulsed dye laser-resistant port-wine stains.

Pulsed dye laser-resistant port-wine stains present a therapeutic challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy for treating these lesions. A total of 67 patients with pulsed dye laser-resistant cervicofacial port-wine stains were retrospectively assessed after undergoing photodynamic therapy mediated with a combination of hemoporfin and 532-nm light. For objective evaluation of photodynamic therapy efficacy, first, the colorimetric changes in the port-wine stain lesions were evaluated according to the L*a*b* color coordinate system, then the values of color changes (ΔE) and blanching rate were calculated. For subjective evaluation of improvement, photographs taken before and after photodynamic therapy were evaluated by three independent assessors blindly. Patient satisfaction was also used as a factor in the subjective evaluation. Adverse events were recorded after treatment. The median ΔE decreased significantly from the pretreatment value of 13.42 to 9.90 at the 2-month follow up (P < 0.001). The median blanching rate of port-wine stains was 28.04% after an average of 1.21 sessions of photodynamic therapy. Based on the overall visual assessment, 46.2% patients showed excellent or good levels of improvement (>50% color blanching). Adverse events were minimal, transient and self-limiting. In conclusion, photodynamic therapy serves as an alternative means to treat pulsed dye laser-resistant port-wine stains.

Nasolabial Flap Based on the Upper Lateral Lip Subunit for Large Involuted Infantile Hemangiomas of the Upper Lip.

BACKGROUND: Large involuted upper lip infantile hemangioma is a challenge for plastic surgeon because of high visibility of disfigurement. To achieve an optimal reconstruction with matched color and texture, nasolabial flap based on the upper lateral lip subunit is used for the upper lip reconstruction. METHODS: Records of 8 patients who underwent upper lip reconstruction from 2014 to 2018 at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital were reviewed. After flap design according to the contralateral upper lip subunit, nasolabial flap was dissected and rotated to the defect. The donor site was subsequently closed by extensive undermining cheek skin tissue. The incisions were hidden in the border of lateral upper lip subunit. RESULTS: There were a few deformities observed, including scar hypertrophy (4/8), alar flaring (2/8), and lower lid bulking (1/8). Five patients received following trimming procedures because of residual scars or deformity. All the patients were satisfied with the postoperative results. No obvious complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The nasolabial flap based on the upper lateral lip subunit is a safe, effective, and reliable technique for correction of severe upper lip defect caused by large involuted infantile hemangioma. Although subsequent trimming procedures are required in some complicated cases, satisfactory results can still be achieved.

Clinical Course of Extracranial Arteriovenous Malformations.

PURPOSE: Despite many advances in the knowledge of vascular malformations, extracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) remain an enigma and are usually misdiagnosed and mismanaged due to their associated rare morbidity. This study aimed to describe the clinical course and emphasize the progressive nature of AVMs through a retrospective study of 446 patients. METHODS: Patients with cutaneous and soft-tissue AVMs presenting to our Vascular Anomalies Center between March 2011 and March 2017 were reviewed. Medical records were examined for disease course, age at first presentation at our institution, distributions and locations of lesions, clinical staging, progression, and previous treatments. Progression was defined as advancement to a higher Schobinger stage from a lower stage. RESULTS: A total of 446 patients (mean age, 25.6 ±â€Š14.0 years) were enrolled in this study, including 232 (52.0%) males (gender ratio, 1.08:1). Arteriovenous malformations lesions in 76.7% (342/446) of the patients were located in the head and neck. Children with Stage I AVMs had a 41.9% risk of progression before adolescence and an 80.0% risk of progression before adulthood. Nearly all patients (96.2%) showed progression in adulthood. Diffuse lesions were more likely to progress than localized lesions (P < 0.05) in childhood and adolescence. Lesions in the head and neck regions were less likely to progress than those in other regions in childhood (P = 0.005). A total of 216 (48.4%) patients had undergone previous treatments. Among these patients, bleomycin showed an unintentional positive effect in the treatment of AVMs. CONCLUSIONS: Extracranial AVMs have a continuously progressive nature. A full understanding regarding the progressive course of AVMs can lead patients and physicians to attach importance to early diagnosis and management. Meanwhile exploring innovative treatments should be focused in the future to prevent potential destructive progression.

Forehead deformities after tissue expansion: Retrospective analysis and recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Tissue expanders can lead to bone deformity as well as bone resorption. Not all changes in the cranial bone can be completely normalised after tissue expander extraction. This study aimed to investigate the potential factors for persistent forehead deformities after tissue expansion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cases of forehead tissue expansion performed from 2011 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Two plastic surgeons (Y.Q. and C.Q.) evaluated changes in the forehead by comparing preoperative and most recent postoperative photographs. The Fisher exact, chi-square and Student t tests, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed in this study. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients underwent forehead expanded flap reconstructions and continuous follow-ups were done in the outpatient service. The mean duration of the follow-ups after expander removal was 33.86 months. Overall, 28 (41.8%) patients had forehead changes. Age, sex, indications for tissue expansion and follow-up time were not associated with forehead changes. There were significant differences in the total injection volume and expansion period between patients with forehead changes (41.8%) and those without (58.2%). No significant negative correlation was found between the duration of pressure bandage usage post-operatively and the occurrence of forehead changes. CONCLUSIONS: Our recommendations for performing tissue expansion in the skull area are as follows: (1) always choose expanders with the largest base dimension; (2) perform tissue expansion as quickly as possible and (3) do not cause overexpansion. In addition, there was no proven benefit of using pressure bandages when skeletal changes occurred.

Extracranial arteriovenous malformations: from bedside to bench.

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is defined as a fast-flow vascular anomaly that shunts blood from arteries directly to veins. This short circuit of blood flow contributes to progressive expansion of draining veins, resulting in ischaemia, tissue deformation and in some severe cases, congestive heart failure. Various medical interventions have been employed to treat AVM, however, management of which remains a huge challenge because of its high recurrence rate and lethal complications. Thus, understanding the underlying mechanisms of AVM development and progression will help direct discovery and a potential cure. Here, we summarize current findings in the field of extracranial AVMs with the aim to provide insight into their aetiology and molecular influences, in the hope to pave the way for future treatment.

A 7-year follow-up study on untreated deep or mixed facial infantile hemangioma in East-Asian patients: When propranolol was not yet an option.

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a type of benign tumor that develops during infancy and spontaneously involutes after 1 year of age. Before the introduction of propranolol in 2008, some patients with IH were instructed to wait for the involution without treatment. This long-term follow-up study was conducted to assess the prognosis of East-Asian children with untreated deep or mixed facial IH. Skin sequelae were assessed by comparing images obtained during the patients' first and last visits in our clinic. Possible factors were assessed for their association with IH prognosis. The mean follow-up time was 7.4 years. Among the 48 patients with deep or mixed facial IH, 26 (54%) achieved complete involution without sequelae and 22 encountered various sequelae, including telangiectasia (36.3%), fibrofatty residue (68.2%), and scars (4%). The complete regression rate of deep or mixed IH occurring in the central facial region was significantly lower than for those in the perifacial region (33.3% vs 66.7%, respectively, χ2 , P = 0.025). Further, the most common sequelae in this area are fibrofatty residue.