Social Perception of External Laryngeal Anatomy Related to Gender Expression in a Web-based Survey.

OBJECTIVE(S): To quantify the effect of laryngeal prominence size on socially perceived attributes relating to gender expression. Chondrolaryngoplasty ("tracheal shave") is a common procedure performed for transgender women to feminize neck appearance. The extent of thyroid cartilage resection needed to convey socially-perceived feminine gender expression without destabilizing the voice is incompletely understood. METHODS: Cross-sectional evaluation of a randomized allocation of images of varying laryngeal prominence to a non-repeated, random sample from November 2021 to December 2021. Photos of laryngeal prominence were isolated against a constant neck baseline with lateral, oblique, and frontal views. The images were embedded into a web-based survey with visual analog scales to capture perceived scaled gender expression (masculinity, femininity) and social traits (e.g., attractiveness, friendliness, leadership). We performed bivariate and multivariate analyses relating the laryngeal prominence to perceived gender expression and social traits. RESULTS: The analytic sample included 1,026 respondents. Laryngeal grades similar to the demonstrated "grade M" in this study and smaller demonstrated similar perceptions of increased femininity and decreased masculinity. Grades larger than M demonstrate significantly increased perceived masculinity and significantly decreased perceived femininity. The lateral and oblique views of the neck appear to be the most gender-informative. CONCLUSION: This crowd-sourced analysis of external laryngeal anatomy by a large population of observers provides clear, reproducible insights into social perceptions of gender identity and specifically femininity. These data will meaningfully inform patient counseling and surgical planning for gender-affirming interventions by establishing normative data representing the general public's perceptions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 133:2292-2300, 2023.

The Bilobe Flap for Nasal Reconstruction.

Repair of nasal defects is technically challenging due to inelastic nasal skin and unforgiving nasal geometry. The bilobe flap is a double transposition flap that can transpose skin from cephalad to caudad to repair defects of the lower third of the nose. However, pincushioning may complicate this flap, yielding untoward aesthetic outcomes. We review our single surgeon series of patients who underwent bilobe flap reconstruction of nasal defects, and describe our surgical technique to minimize pincushioning and poor aesthetic outcomes. This was a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent bilobe flap reconstruction of nasal defects at a tertiary referral facial plastic and reconstructive surgery clinic between January 1, 2010 and February 12, 2019. All postoperative clinic notes were analyzed for complications, reports of unfavorable cosmetic outcome, and rates of revision procedures. Surgical technique is described. In the analysis, 125 patients were included, of whom 84 (67%) patients were women, and the mean (standard deviation) age was 60.7 (12.5) years. Complications were reported in 20 (16%) patients, including scars, pincushioning, and nasal obstruction. Five patients underwent revision surgery (4%), including scar revision and z-plasty. Pincushioning was reported in four patients (3.2%), of whom three underwent scar revision procedures. One patient had alar notching requiring correction. There was no statistically significant association between ear cartilage graft and complications (p = 0.84) or requirement of intervention (p = 1.0). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression did not show statistically significant association between size of the defect and the presence of complications (p > 0.05). The bilobe flap is an excellent transposition flap for the repair of small nasal tip defects. By adequately thinning the transposition flap of excess subcutaneous tissue prior to inset, rates of poor aesthetic outcomes, revision procedures, and pincushioning are minimized.

Analysis of Nasal Obstruction Patterns Following Reductive Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Cosmetic rhinoplasty has been linked to iatrogenic breathing disturbances using clinical tools. However, few studies have evaluated outcomes using validated, patient-centered instruments. OBJECTIVE: We aim to determine the incidence and severity of nasal obstruction following cosmetic rhinoplasty as measured by patient-centered, disease-specific instruments. DESIGN: This is a retrospective review of adult patients who underwent cosmetic rhinoplasty at Stanford Hospital between January 2017 and January 2019. General demographic as well as Nasal Obstruction and Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS) questionnaire data were included. Scores were tracked across postoperative visits and compared to the preoperative state. Patients were subdivided into dorsal hump takedown, correction of the nasal tip, and both. RESULTS: Of the 68 included patients, 56 were women, and the mean age was 30.6 years. Although mean SCHNOS and NOSE scores increased at the first postoperative interval, mean scores decreased on each subsequent visit. There were no significant increases in SCHNOS or NOSE scores for either dorsal hump takedown, tip correction, or both. There were only two patients who recorded NOSE scores higher than baseline at most recent postoperative visit. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate reductive rhinoplasty is not associated with a greater risk of breathing obstruction when performed with modern airway preservation techniques. The initial increases in obstructive symptoms we observed on the first postoperative visit likely represent perioperative swelling given the improvement on follow-up visits. Both the NOSE and SCHNOS are patient-centered questionnaires capable of evaluating nasal obstruction following cosmetic rhinoplasty. 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.

Safety of Concurrent Endoscopic Browlift and Blepharoplasty.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical safety of endoscopic browlift alone or in combination with blepharoplasty as a treatment for the aging face. This is a retrospective comparative study from 2007 to 2016 at a single tertiary care center. A consecutive sample of patients undergoing surgery for aging of the upper face was included in the study. Surgeries deemed to be inclusive were endoscopic browlift, upper blepharoplasty, and lower blepharoplasty. In total, 46 patients undergoing endoscopic browlift with concurrent blepharoplasty were included. Patient demographics, past medical history, follow-up, and any complications related to their surgery were studied up to 90 months postoperatively. Combination of endoscopic browlift with blepharoplasty did not increase the risk of complications on univariate analysis (p = 0.735). There were no differences in complication rates on univariate analysis of patients with a smoking history, diabetes, or autoimmune disease (p = 0.111, p = 0.575, p > 0.999, respectively). Furthermore, there was no difference between groups in complication rates, smoking history, diabetes, or autoimmune disease (p = 0.735, p = 0.181, p = 0.310, p = 0.218, respectively). Smoking had an insignificant increased risk of complication as compared with nonsmokers on multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 4.526; p = 0.073). Increasing age was slightly associated with fewer complications on multivariate analysis in this patient cohort (OR = 0.939; p = 0.048). By combining endoscopic browlift with a concomitant blepharoplasty, the goals of the patient and the standards of the surgeon can be effectively and safely achieved. Analysis of complications from 46 combined cases at our institution asserts that this is a safe operation. Smoking status was the only observed predictor for postoperative complications. This was a level of evidence 3, retrospective comparative study.

A Bioabsorbable Lateral Nasal Wall Stent for Dynamic Nasal Valve Collapse: A Review.

Nasal obstruction is one of the most common clinical problems encountered by otolaryngologists and facial plastic surgeons. Lateral wall insufficiency (LWI) is a key anatomic contributor to nasal obstruction. Traditional techniques for correcting LWI include alar batten grafts, bone-anchored sutures, and lateral crural strut grafts. Latera is an absorbable nasal implant that can be inserted in the office or the operating room as an adjunctive procedure for LWI. The purpose of this review is to discuss Latera, a novel bioabsorbable implant to improve the nasal airway.

Thermistor-controlled subdermal skin tightening for the aging face: Clinical outcomes and efficacy.

OBJECTIVE: Patients are increasingly seeking nonsurgical treatment for the aging face. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and outcomes of a thermistor-controlled subdermal skin tightening device (ThermiTight) as a treatment modality for the aging face. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 12 patients was completed on patients having undergone ThermiTight for midface and neck skin tightening. Only five patients had a greater than 1 year follow-up and were included in the study. Two blinded reviewers assessed photographs taken pre-procedure and 1 year post-procedure using a standardized skin laxity scale. Patient charts were reviewed to assess for complications up to 12 months post-treatment. RESULTS: The mean age of included patients was 57 years, and all five patients were female. One (20%) patient treated with ThermiTight was also treated with injectables (Botox, Juvéderm) simultaneously. One (20%) patient developed a wound complication. One (20%) patient complained of incisional site pain at her first postoperative visit that subsequently self-resolved. On a five-point scale to assess facial skin laxity, there was an average improved score of 0.85 per patient (P < .001) at one year post-procedure. Two blinded reviewers correctly categorized photographs as either being "baseline" or "post-procedure" 100% of the time. There was no significant difference between the skin laxity scores by the blinded reviewers (P = .05). CONCLUSION: ThermiTight is a new technology used for nonsurgical treatment of the aging face. Long-term outcomes demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the procedure. Complications are rare, but possible, in the use of ThermiTight. Level of Evidence: 3.

Management of Forehead Scars.

This article provides an overview of scar management within the forehead region. It addresses the unique challenges specific to the treatment of forehead wounds. A logical, stepwise approach is used. A subsite based treatment algorithm is provided along with a review of current best practices. Pertinent case examples are included for demonstration purposes.

Topical Therapies for Refractory Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

Topical therapy has become an important tool in the otolaryngologist's armamentarium for refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Daily high-volume sinonasal saline irrigation and standard metered-dose topical nasal steroid therapy are supported by the most evidence. Nonstandard topical sinonasal steroid therapies are a potential option for refractory CRS. Current evidence recommends against the use of topical antifungal therapy and topical antibiotic therapy delivered using spray and nebulized techniques in routine cases of CRS. Stents are a new modality with preliminary data showing they are an option when traditional treatment has failed. Further research with long-term effects and outcomes studies for refractory CRS are needed.

Rare Parotid Gland Diseases.

The differential diagnosis for "rare" parotid gland diseases is broad and encompasses infectious, neoplastic, autoimmune, metabolic, and iatrogenic etiologies. The body of knowledge of parotid gland diseases has grown owing to advances in imaging and pathologic analysis and molecular technology. This article reviews rare parotid diseases, discussing the respective disease's clinical presentation, diagnosis, imaging, pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis.

Delayed complications after anterior craniofacial resection of malignant skull base tumors.

Objective To report complications occurring at least 6 months after completion of treatment for patients with anterior skull base malignancy undergoing anterior craniofacial resection (CFR). Design Retrospective review of medical records of all patients undergoing traditional CFR for treatment of anterior skull base malignancy from 2002 through 2011. Setting Massachusetts General Hospital/Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Cranial Base Center. Participants Thirty-one consecutive patients who had at least 18 months of follow-up for analysis were reviewed. All patients underwent traditional CFR. A total of 28 patients received postoperative proton beam radiation therapy. Eleven patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. Main Outcome Measures A delayed complication was any complication occurring at least 6 months after the completion of treatment. Results Seventeen patients had delayed complications. Orbital complications were the most common type (13 patients) followed by issues with wound healing (6 patients). The most common orbital complication was epiphora (7 patients). The most common wound complication was a nasocutaneous fistula (5 patients). Conclusions Patients with anterior skull malignancy can develop complications months to years after the completion of treatment. Therefore, it is important to continue to follow and report complications for several years when deciding on the optimal approach for treatment of these patients.

Economic impact of a head and neck oncologic surgeon: the case mix index.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck oncologic surgery is a time-consuming specialty that requires extensive resources and manpower. Case mix index (CMI) is used in evaluating the complexity and economic impact of surgeons. Head and neck oncologic surgeons generate significant revenue for hospitals, yet compensation is relatively low. METHODS: Retrospective review of a tertiary hospital's case mix data for 605 otolaryngology admissions from 2009 to 2011 was performed. CMI comparison for head and neck oncologic surgeons versus general otolaryngology was performed. RESULTS: In an otolaryngology department of 9 surgeons; there was a significant difference (p < .01) in the CMI and a significantly greater chance to have a "good CMI" (CMI >1) favoring head and neck oncologic surgeons. CONCLUSION: Head and neck oncologic surgeons increase the CMI for hospitals and ultimately influence the hospital's reimbursement. There is a need for increased collaboration between hospitals and departments in fostering and furthering their head and neck surgical oncology programs by taking CMI into consideration.

Patient preferences in print advertisement marketing for plastic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Plastic surgeons are competing for their share of a growing but still limited market, thus making advertising an important component in a successful plastic surgery practice. OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluate the variables, characteristics, and presentation features that make print advertisements most effectively pique the interest of individuals selecting a plastic surgeon. METHODS: An online survey was administered to 404 individuals with active interest in plastic surgery from 10 major metropolitan areas. Participants were presented with 5 different advertisements from plastic surgeons throughout the country and were asked a series of both closed- and open-ended questions to assess verity, quality, and marketability of each advertisement. Reponses to open-ended questions were analyzed using the Wordle program (www.wordle.net). RESULTS: The most frequent themes identified for all 5 ads were "Being beautiful is possible" (41%), "I could be beautiful" (24%), "Some people need surgery to be beautiful" (16%), and "Being beautiful is important" (14%). Advertisement 1-featuring 3 women and no pre- or posttreatment photography, no physician photography, and a listing of the 3 physicians' credentials but not a list of the services provided-received the highest overall preference rating. CONCLUSIONS: Factors including emotions felt while reading, unique qualities of the advertisement, list of procedures performed, use of models versus actual patients, and pictures of the plastic surgeons were found to contribute to the respondents' overall perception of advertisements used to market a plastic surgery practice.