University of Wisconsin Guidelines for Treatment of Facial Trauma While Minimizing the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many practices to completely change the interface between health care providers and patients. Patients presenting with facial trauma present a special risk for COVID-19 transmission, as contact with respiratory and ocular secretions is common, and so special precautions must be taken in managing them. METHODS: We created guidelines and a triage/management algorithm for patients presenting with facial trauma to decrease the risk of COVID-19 transmission. CONCLUSIONS: In this paper, we present a set of guidelines and a triage algorithm we have successfully implemented to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 while managing facial trauma. We believe that these guidelines can help other providers restructure their practices during this pandemic.

The Traumatic Nasal Deformity.

One of the most challenging aspects of rhinoplasty is correction of the posttraumatic nasal deformity. This special set of cases included challenges in managing the difficult septum, complicated nasal bones, and special considerations such as the septal perforation.

The Revision Rhinoplasty Consult: The Art of Managing Expectations.

Rhinoplasty is widely acknowledged to be a challenging operation. The success of the operation has long been measured in anecdotal ways. As the surgeon-do I think the outcome is good? Does the patient tell me they are happy? At hand is an obvious issue with patients sometimes not returning to their original doctor. Other times they may have minor concerns that take minimal effort to correct. Does that constitute a revision? In most circles, the ultimate definition of revision rhinoplasty is a return to surgery with the intent to correct a functional or aesthetic concern that arose after the original procedure.

Perioperative Arnica montana for Reduction of Ecchymosis in Rhinoplasty Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Studies of homeopathic therapies to decrease postrhinoplasty ecchymosis have previously used subjective measurements, limiting their clinical significance. Recently, Arnica montana was shown to decrease postoperative ecchymosis after rhytidectomy, using an objective measuring tool. We believe that oral A. montana, given perioperatively, can be objectively shown to reduce extent and intensity of postoperative ecchymosis in rhinoplasty surgery. METHODS: Subjects scheduled for rhinoplasty surgery with nasal bone osteotomies by a single surgeon were prospectively randomized to receive either oral perioperative A. montana (Alpine Pharmaceuticals, San Rafael, Calif) or placebo in a double-blinded fashion. Ecchymosis was measured in digital "three-quarter"-view photographs at 3 postoperative time points. Each bruise was outlined with Adobe Photoshop (Adobe Systems Incorporated, San Jose, Calif), and the extent was scaled to a standardized reference card. Cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and luminosity were analyzed in the bruised and control areas to calculate change in intensity. P value of <0.1 was set as a meaningful difference with statistical significance. RESULTS: Compared with 13 subjects receiving placebo, 9 taking A. montana had 16.2%, 32.9%, and 20.4% less extent on postoperative days 2/3, 7, and 9/10, a statistically significant difference on day 7 (P = 0.097). Color change initially showed 13.1% increase in intensity with A. montana but 10.9% and 36.3% decreases on days 7 and 9/10, a statistically significant difference on day 9/10 (P = 0.074). One subject experienced mild itching and rash with the study drug that resolved during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Arnica montana seems to accelerate postoperative healing, with quicker resolution of the extent and the intensity of ecchymosis after osteotomies in rhinoplasty surgery, which may dramatically affect patient satisfaction.

Evidence-Based Medicine in Laser Medicine for Facial Plastic Surgery.

In the setting of rapidly changing technology tone must make a decision on whether he or she places a premium on being an "early adopter" of technology or delay purchasing decisions until there is adequate proof that a particular technology is useful. Laser devices are a significant capital expenditure, and therefore members of the second group who base their purchasing decisions on evidence-based medicine may be able to avoid deploying capitol into a purchase that becomes obsolete as quickly as it appeared.

Nasal tip volume analysis after butterfly graft.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate postoperative changes of the nasal tip in patients who underwent internal nasal valve reconstruction with the auricular cartilage butterfly graft. It is believed that this graft may alter the nasal tip appearance, potentially limiting the technique's broad use despite its proven efficacy. METHODS OR DESIGN: A retrospective chart and photograph review, between 2005 and 2009, identified 157 patients who underwent butterfly grafting without other tip modifications at a single institution by 1 surgeon. Changes in supratip projection were measured in the lateral view, and changes in tip width were measured in the frontal view from preoperative to 3-month postoperative photographs. RESULTS: For 21 subjects (12 female and 9 male), the change in tip width ranged from -10.2% to +15.7% (absolute mean 6.4%), and the change in supratip projection ranged from -23.4% to +15.0% (absolute mean 8.5%). Nine subjects with increased projection showed a mean increase of 7.0%, and a mean decrease of 9.7% was found in the 12 subjects with decreased supratip projection. CONCLUSIONS: The butterfly graft for internal nasal valve dysfunction results in cosmetic alteration to nasal tip width with a mean change of 6.4%. The change in supratip projection showed greater variability possibly related to purposeful cosmetic changes. Depending on the patient's level of nasal dysfunction, the 6.4% mean change in nasal tip width may be more or less personally significant.

Rhytidectomy: current concepts, controversies and the state of the art.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To evaluate the current evidence-based medicine for rhytidectomy. Specific techniques and their scientific rationale are explored. The authors' practice modifications based on this evidence will be reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS: The utilities of short scar facelift techniques are validated. Specific indications for the deep plane technique are also discussed. SUMMARY: The reader will understand the rationale for choosing specific rhytidectomy techniques for young patients, older patients and specific anatomic findings.

The use of autologous fat for facial rejuvenation.

Adding volume to the aging face is a notion that has come into vogue as of late but is, however, not a new idea. With the advent of miro-liposuction techniques, there is renewed interest in the use of aspirated fat. Commercial fillers have a valuable place in the cosmetic surgeon's armamentarium and offer immediate volume correction with a more modest financial commitment. Nevertheless, the standardization of fat grafting techniques marks an exciting shift in facial aesthetics with the ability to correct all aspects of the aging face with safe, natural, and lasting results.

International interdisciplinary rhytidectomy survey.

Facial rhytidectomy is a complex and multi-faceted operation performed by different methodologies between practitioners. This study elucidates current international trends in facelift surgery, including patient selection, operative technique, and postoperative care. A 43-item questionnaire was sent electronically to 7247 members of the following societies: ASPS, ISAPS, CSPS, IFFPS, and the AAFPRS. The survey focused on 3 main areas: (a) background information, (b) intraoperative technique, and (c) postoperative care. The response rate was 11.4%. The majority of our population was from the United States (US) (73%). Most (85%) of the respondents have practices where over 50% of their procedures are considered aesthetic surgery. Statistical differences between the uses of minimally invasive adjuvant treatments (thread lifts, endotine mid-face devices, superficial and deep skin resurfacing procedures) were found between plastic surgeons (PS) and facial plastic surgeons (FPS), as well as between US, Canadian, and international surgeons. Suture imbrication (42%) was the most common way of handling the submuscular aponeurotic system. International surgeons were more likely (49.6% vs. 37.7%, P < 0.05) to use this technique than US or Canadian surgeons. Difference in handling patients who smoke and postoperative management differences were also found between the groups queried. No differences were found between FPS and PS in the handling of the submuscular aponeurotic system, treatment of platysmal bands, treatment of ptotic submandibular glands, or treatment of submental fat deposits (P > 0.05). Differences exist between FPS and PS, and between US, Canadian, and international surgeons with regard to facelift techniques and perioperative management. These differences need to be addressed in order to measure outcomes across specialties and between techniques. This data will additionally be helpful for less experienced and younger surgeons who wish to define best practice patterns.

Analysis of patient-determined preoperative computer imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To compare patients' goals in aesthetic rhinoplasty with aesthetic ideals by analyzing changes requested through computer imaging during the initial consultation. METHODS: The frontal and lateral views of 20 consecutive female rhinoplasty patients were analyzed retrospectively before and after using image manipulation software. Indexes from the frontal view included the ratio of alar base width to dorsal length and the ratio of alar base width to interpupillary distance. On the lateral view, parameters included the nasolabial angle, nasofacial angle, and tip projection (Goode ratio). Ideal parameters were based on descriptions by Powell and Humphreys. RESULTS: The ideal and patient-determined proportions were compared using a paired 2-tailed t test. The mean nasolabial angle falls within the ideal range before and after image manipulation. However, the Goode ratio and the ratio of alar base width to interpupillary distance were statistically similar to ideal values only after image manipulation. The nasofacial angle and the ratio of alar base width to dorsal length showed a trend toward the ideal ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' preferences were similar to the ideal in 3 of 5 parameters, and the remaining parameters approached the ideal. These parameters are useful in creating satisfying proportions in aesthetic rhinoplasty and reconstructive surgery within our population. Rather than population-based normative data or ideals based on fashion models or Greek statuary, these are proportions requested by patients. Computer imaging software, used by a growing number of aesthetic surgeons, holds a wealth of data regarding common patient preferences.

Correction of internal nasal valve stenosis: a single surgeon comparison of butterfly versus traditional spreader grafts.

Nasal obstruction due to internal nasal valve (INV) collapse is relatively common. This article evaluates 2 different methods repairing the INV.Our subject population is a single-surgeon group of 82 patients who underwent a septorhinoplasty for nasal airway obstruction. Patients received either a spreader graft or butterfly graft. There are 30 patients who received spreader grafts and 52 patients who received a butterfly graft. All patients had a minimum of 3 months follow-up. All patients were evaluated with standardized questionnaire. Participants were asked to evaluate improvement in their nasal airway on an analog scale of 1 to 5. Participants were also asked to comment on changes in pre and postoperative snoring and sleep habits. Lastly, participants were queried regarding the ear cartilage harvest and if this bothered them.Patients undergoing both procedures demonstrated an overall improvement in their nasal breathing. Significant differences in improvement were observed for patients in the categories of postoperative snoring, sleep, and continuous positive airway pressure use. Patients were not bothered by the ear cartilage harvest.In select patients, the butterfly graft is a useful solution for INV collapse correction.

The utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy in head and neck melanoma in the pediatric population.

Intraoperative lymph node mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy have proven beneficial techniques in staging adult patients with melanoma of the head and neck, where there is great variability in lymphatic drainage. This technique has also been applied to pediatric patients with truncal cutaneous melanomas in an effort to determine nodal status without the morbidity associated with complete lymph node dissection. Nevertheless, the utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy in head and neck melanoma in the pediatric population has not been established. The objective of the authors' study was to determine the clinical utility of intraoperative lymph node mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy of head and neck melanoma in the pediatric population. The authors reviewed the records of seven pediatric patients with head and neck melanoma or borderline melanocytic proliferations of unknown biologic potential who underwent intraoperative lymph node mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy between 1998 and 2001. All sentinel lymph node specimens were examined by a melanoma dermatopathologist for the presence of metastatic melanoma. The mean operative time for each case was 3 hours, 8 minutes (range, 2 hours, 15 minutes to 3 hours, 50 minutes). All seven pediatric patients who underwent extirpation of a primary head and neck melanoma and preoperative lymphoscintigraphy had unique and identifiable basins of drainage to regional nodal groups. Four of seven patients had at least one positive sentinel lymph node. Overall, five of 19 sentinel nodes (26 percent) resected had evidence of metastatic melanoma. Of the patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes, two of the primary lesions were diagnosed as melanoma while two were initially considered atypical melanocytic proliferations of uncertain biologic potential with melanoma in the differential diagnosis. Sentinel lymph nodes in pediatric patients with melanoma of the head and neck can be successfully mapped and biopsied, as in adult patients. In addition, this procedure can provide critical diagnostic information for those pediatric patients with diagnostically challenging, controversial, or borderline melanocytic lesions.