Augmentation Rhinoplasty and Centrofacial Lipofilling: Our Experience (ARCL).

Introduction: Augmentation rhinoplasty traditionally represents a serious challenge for plastic surgeons. The association with centrofacial lipofilling is a great approach to achieve harmonious, aesthetic results. The aim of this article is to describe our personal association between Augmentation Rhinoplasty and Centrofacial Lipofilling (ARCL) in non-Caucasian patients. Materials and Methods: In this study, we retrospectively reviewed patients treated with ARCL at our institution between January 2019 and December 2023. We described our personal approach and technique. At a minimum follow-up time of one year, post-operative pictures were taken, and patients were reassessed, evaluating aspects such as global symmetry, shape and contour of the nose, and facial harmony and rejuvenation; finally, patients' satisfaction was investigated according to the ROE questionnaire and the modified S-GAIS. Results: A total of 307 patients were included in the study. They reported a significant satisfactory aesthetic result in nasal image and facial harmony, as the mean postoperative ROE and S-GAIS score show. None of the grafts extruded or collapsed. Wounds healed without reported major infection. Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that ARCL is a safe approach that contributes to improve functional and aesthetic outcomes, has a high patient satisfaction rate, and limited post-operative complications.

ALAR BASE LINING GRAFT (ABLG): A NEW TECHNIQUE TO PREVENT AND CORRECT ALAR RETRACTION IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY RHINOPLASTY.

INTRODUCTION: rhinoplasty traditionally represents a difficult challenge for plastic surgeons. The aim of this article is to describe our personal new graft ABLG (Alar base lining graft) in augmentation rhinoplasty, to treat and prevent alar retraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: in this study, we retrospectively reviewed patients treated with ABLG at our institution between July 2019 and April 2022. We described our personal technique and graft. At a minimum follow-up time of one year, post-operative pictures were taken, and patients were reassessed, evaluating aspects such as global symmetry, shape and contour of the nose, Finally, patients' satisfaction was investigated according to ROE questionnaire. RESULTS: a total of 42 patients were included in the study. They reported a significant satisfactory aesthetic result in nasal image, as the mean postoperative ROE score shows. The alar contracture in secondary rhinoplasty was successfully treated. None of the grafts was extruded or collapsed. Wounds healed without reported major infection. CONCLUSION: this study has demonstrated that ABLG is a safe graft that contributes to improved functional and aesthetic outcomes, has a high patient satisfaction rate, and a low rate of post- operative complication.

Ethnic rhinoplasty: Preliminary results of our technique in the pursuit of the harmonious nose.

INTRODUCTION: According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, cosmetic surgery procedures for "ethnic patients" are annually increasing. Ethnic rhinoplasty traditionally represents a difficult challenge for plastic surgeons. Herein, we describe our personal technique to ethnic rhinoplasty to achieve a harmonious nose maintaining the characteristics of individual ethnicity and identity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we retrospectively reviewed ethnic patients treated with rhinoplasty at our institution between January 2019 and October 2022. We described our personal rhinoplasty technique step by step. At a minimum follow-up time of six months, postoperative pictures were taken, and patients were reassessed, evaluating aspects such as global symmetry and shape and contour of the nose. Finally, patient satisfaction was investigated according to rhinoplasty outcomes evaluation (ROE) questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 1321 patients were included in the study. They reported a significant satisfactory aesthetic result in nasal image, as indicated by the mean postoperative ROE score (92.12). No cases of nasal contracture were recorded. None of the grafts was extruded or collapsed. Wounds healed without reported major infection. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that our approach is a safe procedure that contributes to improved functional outcomes with a high patient satisfaction rate and a low rate of postoperative complication. The creation of a solid base structure, nasal skin preparation, and an integrated patient approach are key elements of this surgery.

Helix Thigh Lift. A Novel Approach to Severe Deformities in Massive Weight Loss Patients.

BACKGROUND: After massive weight loss, the severe gynoid body contour deformities are not always faceable with optimal results. The thigh is one of the most demanding area to address; therefore, the approach should be virtually individualized. The authors describe the helix thigh lift: A novel technique that combines vertical with horizontal axis of pull. The goal of this ultimate customization is to dramatically impact physical functioning and esthetics of this patient population. METHODS: Thigh lift patients from 2016 to 2019 were assessed retrospectively; fourteen patients were selected for helix thigh lift procedure. Preoperative markings, surgical technique and outcomes were described. The mean follow-up time was 14.8 ± 3.2 months. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate the results. RESULTS: Fourteen female patients (mean age, 42 ± 4.8 years) underwent helix thigh lift after massive weight loss. The overall complication rate was 36 percent. They were all minor complications and were treated in an outpatient setting. Seroma formation was the most frequent, at 29 percent. No skin necrosis was reported. Complication development was straight related to the age of the patient (p = 0.0455). The patients were very satisfied with the overall outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Helix thigh lift effectively addresses the severe gynoid body contour deformities. The high satisfaction and the reasonable complication rate suggest that this is a safe and effective technique. The age of the patient was significantly associated to complication development. A dramatic improvement of ease in performing activities of daily living along with reduction of the skin problems leads to significant improvement of the quality of life.

Coxoplastia oblíqua em pacientes após grandes perdas ponderais / Oblique thighplasty in patients after massive weight loss

INTRODUÇÃO: As alterações tróficas da pele com o avançar da idade são observadas com maior frequência nas coxas e nos braços, quando comparadas às demais regiões do corpo. Nos pacientes com grandes perdas ponderais após cirurgia bariátrica, as consequências são muito mais evidentes, com aspectos pouco estéticos, combinados a desconforto, dificuldade de deambulação e problemas de higiene. A proposta cirúrgica visa a reverter esses efeitos mediante a ressecção dos excessos cutâneos. MÉTODO: Foram selecionados 30 pacientes previamente submetidos a cirurgia bariátrica, com grandes perdas de peso. Todos os pacientes foram também submetidos a abdominoplastia e/ou abdominoplastia combinada com braquioplastia, no mesmo tempo ou em tempos operatórios diversos. A orientação da ressecção cutânea realizada determinou uma linha oblíqua e sinuosa ao longo da face anterior das coxas, na projeção do trajeto do músculo sartório. Todos os pacientes foram seguidos pelo período mínimo de 6 meses de pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: A cirurgia possibilitou significativa melhora do contorno interno das coxas, assim como da qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Entre os pacientes avaliados, 4 apresentaram pequenas deiscências de sutura e 2, linfocele. Não foram observados hematoma, infecção ou distorções na genitália externa. CONCLUSÕES: A ressecção oblíqua dos excessos cutâneos tem sido aplicada especificamente em pacientes que apresentaram grandes perdas de peso após cirurgia bariátrica. A técnica possibilitou redução significativa do volume de cada coxa, com readequação do contorno, sem aumentar a morbidade.

BACKGROUND: Trophic skin alterations that occur during aging are observed more often in the thighs and arms than in other body regions. Patients experiencing substantial weight loss after bariatric surgery exhibit more evident problems, including unsightly appearance, discomfort, difficulty walking, and hygiene problems. The present surgical approach aims to reverse these effects by means of resection of the cutaneous excess. METHODS: Thirty patients who previously underwent bariatric surgery and experienced substantial weight loss were selected. All patients also underwent abdominoplasty with or without brachioplasty simultaneously or at different times. The cutaneous resection was oriented along an oblique and sinuous line along the anterior face of the thighs in the projection of the sartorius muscle route. All patients were monitored for a minimum period of 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The surgery significantly improved the internal contours of the thighs, improving the patients' quality of life. Four patients had small suture dehiscences, and 2 had lymphocele. No hematomas, infection, or distortions in the external genitalia were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The oblique resection of cutaneous excesses was applied specifically in patients who experienced substantial weight loss after bariatric surgery. This technique significantly decreased the volume of each thigh and readjusted contours without increasing morbidity.