Acute Diplopia Following Rhinoplasty: Clearing the Air.

Diplopia after rhinoplasty is a rare complication that requires immediate medical attention. Workup should include a complete history and physical examination, appropriate imaging, and consultation with ophthalmology. Diagnosis may be challenging due to the wide differential ranging from dry eyes to orbital emphysema to an acute stroke. Patient evaluation should be expedient, though thorough to facilitate time-sensitive therapeutic interventions. Here, we present a case of transient binocular diplopia presenting 2 days after closed septorhinoplasty. The visual symptoms were attributed to either intra-orbital emphysema or a decompensated exophoria. This is the second documented case of orbital emphysema after rhinoplasty presenting with diplopia. It is the only case with a delayed presentation as well as the only case that resolved after positional maneuvers.

La diplopie après la rhinoplastie est une complication rare qui exige des soins médicaux. Le bilan inclut une histoire complète et un examen physique, une imagerie appropriée et une consultation en ophtalmologie. Le diagnostic peut être difficile à poser en raison du vaste diagnostic différentiel, qui va de la sécheresse oculaire à l'emphysème orbitaire, en passant par l'accident vasculaire cérébral aigu. L'évaluation des patients doit être rapide, mais approfondie, pour favoriser des interventions opportunes. Les auteurs présentent un cas de diplopie binoculaire transitoire s'étant manifestée deux jours après une septorhinoplastie fermée. Les symptômes visuels étaient attribués à un emphysème intraorbitaire ou une exophorie décompensée. Il s'agit du deuxième cas répertorié d'emphysème orbitaire après une rhinoplastie démontrée par une diplopie. C'est le seul cas aux manifestations tardives, de même que le seul à s'être résorbé après des manœuvres positionnelles.

Obesity-induced lymphedema: clinical and lymphoscintigraphic features.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study was to characterize obesity as a novel cause of lower extremity lymphedema. Fifty-one patients with a body mass index greater than 30 kg/m(2) without any potential cause of lymphedema were evaluated with lymphoscintigraphy. Group 1 patients (n = 33) were at their maximum body mass index; individuals with lymphatic dysfunction had a greater body mass index (72.0 kg/m(2)) compared with subjects with normal function (37.7 kg/m(2)) (p < 0.0001). Body mass index predicted the lymphoscintigram result, which was abnormal if the body mass index was greater than 60 kg/m(2) and normal if it was less than 50 kg/m(2). Group 2 patients (n = 18) had lost weight and were not at their maximum body mass index: patients who reduced their body mass index from greater than 60 kg/m to less than 50 kg/m(2) had normal (n = 4) or abnormal (n = 3) lymphatic function. Patients with obesity-induced lymphedema, or who were at risk for the condition, were referred to a surgical weight loss center. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Management of Primary and Secondary Lymphedema: Analysis of 225 Referrals to a Center.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema is the chronic, progressive enlargement of tissue due to inadequate lymphatic function. Although lymphedema is a specific condition, patients with a large extremity are often labeled as having "lymphedema," regardless of the underlying cause. The purpose of this study was to characterize referrals to a center to determine if lymphedema should be managed by specialists. METHODS: Patients treated in our Lymphedema Program between 2009 and 2013 were reviewed. Diagnosis was determined based on history, physical examination, photographs, and imaging studies. Lymphedema type (primary or secondary), location of swelling, patient age, sex, and previous management were documented. The accuracy of referral diagnosis and the geographic origin of the patients also were analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-five patients were referred with a diagnosis of "lymphedema"; 71% were women and 29% were children. Lymphedema was confirmed in 75% of the cohort: primary (49%) and secondary (51%). Twenty-five percent of patients labeled with "lymphedema" had another condition. Before referral 34% of patients with lymphedema received tests that are nondiagnostic for the disease, and 8% were given a diuretic which does not improve the condition. One third of patients resided outside our local referral area. The average time between onset of lymphedema and referral to our Lymphedema Program was 7.7 years (range, 1-59 years). CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting to a center with "lymphedema" often have another condition, and may be suboptimally managed before their referral. Patients with suspected lymphedema should be referred to specialists focused on this disease.

The utility of outcome studies in plastic surgery.

SUMMARY: Outcome studies help provide the evidence-based science rationalizing treatment end results that factor the experience of patients and the impact on society. They improve the recognition of the shortcoming in clinical practice and provide the foundation for the development of gold standard care. With such evidence, health care practitioners can develop evidence-based justification for treatments and offer patients with superior informed consent for their treatment options. Furthermore, health care and insurance agencies can recognize improved cost-benefit options in the purpose of disease prevention and alleviation of its impact on the patient and society. Health care outcomes are ultimately measured by the treatment of disease, the reduction of symptoms, the normalization of laboratory results and physical measures, saving a life, and patient satisfaction. In this review, we outline the tools available to measure outcomes in plastic surgery and subsequently allow the objective measurements of plastic surgical conditions. Six major outcome categories are discussed: (1) functional measures; (2) preference-based measures and utility outcome scores; (3) patient satisfaction; (4) health outcomes and time; (5) other tools: patient-reported outcome measurement information system, BREAST-Q, and Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons; and (6) cost-effectiveness analysis. We use breast hypertrophy requiring breast reduction as an example throughout this review as a representative plastic surgical condition with multiple treatments available.

Delayed hypersensitivity reaction to acellular dermal matrix in breast reconstruction: the red breast syndrome?

BACKGROUND: Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has become a valuable tool in reconstructive breast surgery, in part because it has been considered to be a non-reactive and non-immunogenic entity. However, some patients who undergo breast reconstruction with ADMs develop postoperative erythema overlying their ADM grafts. The etiology of this phenomenon is poorly understood. METHODS: In this article, we summarize clinical cases in which patients developed localized breast erythema following reconstruction with ADMs. We review what is known about postoperative breast erythema after ADM-based breast reconstructions and the possible antigenicity of biologic mesh implants. RESULTS: We report 4 implant-based breast reconstruction patients who developed erythematous reactions overlying the region where ADM was placed: one demonstrated a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction on punch biopsy of the affected skin, leading to removal of the biologic product; 2 others had a similar clinical presentation that responded to corticosteroids without removal of the biologic material, with 1 patient experiencing recrudescence of erythema that responded fully to a second course of corticosteroids; and a fourth showed erythema that was only moderately responsive to antibiotic therapy but which improved consistently after the patient initiated chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: We propose that the etiology of erythema overlying ADM grafts, and the so-called red breast syndrome, may in some patients be a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to the ADM product. Affected patients may benefit from treatment with corticosteroids or similar medications, and that such treatment may, in some cases, enable patients to retain the ADM grafts and enable salvage of the reconstructed breast.

The impact of living with severe lower extremity lymphedema: a utility outcomes score assessment.

BACKGROUND: Debilitating lower extremity lymphedema can be either congenital or acquired. Utility scores are an objective measure used in medicine to quantify degrees of impact on an individual's life. Using standardized utility outcome measures, we aimed to quantify the health state of living with severe unilateral lower extremity lymphedema. METHODS: A utility outcomes assessment using visual analog scale, time trade-off, and standard gamble was used for lower extremity lymphedema, monocular blindness, and binocular blindness from a sample of the general population and medical students. Average utility scores were compared using a paired t test. Linear regression was performed using age, race, and education as independent predictors. RESULTS: A total of 144 prospective participants were included. All measures [visual analog scale, time trade-off, and standard gamble; expressed as mean (SD)] for unilateral lower extremity lymphedema (0.50 ± 0.18, 0.76 ± 0.22, and 0.76 ± 0.21, respectively) were significantly different (P < 0.001) from the corresponding scores for monocular blindness (0.64 ± 0.18, 0.84 ± 0.16, and 0.83 ± 0.17, respectively) and binocular blindness (0.35 ± 0.17, 0.61 ± 0.28, and 0.62 ± 0.26, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We found that a sample of the general population and medical students, if faced with severe lymphedema, is willing to theoretically trade 8.64 life-years and undergo a procedure with a 24% risk of mortality to restore limb appearance and function to normal. These findings provide a frame of reference regarding the meaning of a diagnosis of severe lower extremity lymphedema to a patient and will allow objective comparison with other health states.

Acellular dermal matrices in breast surgery: a comprehensive review.

INTRODUCTION: Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have become increasingly popular for use in plastic surgery. There has been an increase in the number of products that have paralleled their usage in various clinical settings and specifically breast surgery. METHODS: A direct comparison of the most common ADMs used in breast surgery was performed including physical characteristics, level of sterility, maximum load sustained (N), stiffness (N/mm), and tensile strength (N/cm). A comprehensive review of the literature was also performed, detailing known results and complications. RESULTS: The direct comparison of most common ADMs is detailed along with a review of 26 series of breast reconstruction manuscripts involving the usage of ADMs. Specifically, Strattice and Permacol had the highest values of maximum loads sustained, stiffness, and tensile strength. CONCLUSIONS: ADMs have a role in breast surgery that continues to be defined. Future long-term follow-up remains crucial to the identification of the optimal biologic mesh.

The use of acellular dermal matrices in revisional breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The use of acellular dermal matrices in breast surgery has become popular in the last two decades, with a corresponding increase in experience and literature. The authors reviewed the literature and summarize key technical points regarding use of acellular dermal matrices in reconstructive breast surgery. METHODS: Current applications have emphasized both primary and secondary breast reconstruction. Newer approaches focus on breast revisional surgery, especially when matrix material is used to correct deformities commonly arising after breast implant placement. In these situations, matrices have widened the indications and improved results by providing additional support to the lower pole, extending the pectoralis major muscle, and smoothing surface irregularities. Increased use of these products has also spurred our understanding of their biological properties of cell infiltration, tolerance, and inflammation. RESULTS: Acquired deformities, such as symmastia, rippling, malposition, and lower pole bottoming out, that were previously difficult to treat are significantly improved by placement of acellular dermal matrix in the affected area. Although most of the available studies demonstrate short-term results (1 to 2 years of follow-up), our technical ability to treat complications after breast augmentation and mastopexy has expanded. Use of onlay grafts of matrix in areas of capsulectomy and capsulorrhaphy, placement of grafts of varying thickness for thinned tissues, and the wide variety of shapes and sizes of product available are reducing unfavorable aesthetic results. CONCLUSIONS: Increased complications, including seroma formation, infection, wound dehiscence, and implant exposure, remain challenging problems. Long-term studies will be needed to prove the durability of acellular dermal matrices in breast revisional surgery.

The impact of living with a functional and aesthetic nasal deformity after primary rhinoplasty: a utility outcomes score assessment.

BACKGROUND: Revision rhinoplasty for functional deformities can be both an aesthetic and reconstructive surgical challenge. We set out to quantify the health state utility assessment of living with the physical appearance of nasal asymmetry along with having nasal obstruction. The use of utility scores has helped to establish the health burden of living with various medical conditions. We sought to quantify living with a health state of nasal asymmetry with nasal obstruction after primary rhinoplasty using utility outcome scores. METHODS: We used previously validated utility outcome measures to quantify the health burden of this clinical scenario in 128 prospective subjects. These subjects were from a sample of the population and medical students recruited to complete a survey to determine the utility outcome score of revision rhinoplasty using visual analog scale (VAS), time trade-off (TTO), and standard gamble (SG) tests to obtain utility scores for revision rhinoplasty. Linear regression and Student t test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: All measures (VAS, TTO, and SG) for functional nasal deformity (0.80±0.13, 0.90±0.12, and 0.91±0.13, respectively) of the 128 prospective subjects participating in this online study were significantly different (P<0.005) from the corresponding scores for monocular blindness (0.63±0.15, 0.85±0.16, and 0.85±0.19, respectively) and binocular blindness (0.38±0.18, 0.66±0.25, and 0.69±0.24, respectively). Being white was inversely related to the VAS utility scores for rhinoplasty (P<0.05). Additionally, female sex was positively correlated to the TTO score. Age, income, and education were not predictors of utility scores. CONCLUSIONS: In a sample of the population and medical students, VAS, TTO, and SG utility scores for revision rhinoplasty were determined and can be compared objectively with other health states and diseases with known utility scores. In a preoperative setting, women were objectively willing to potentially "trade" more years of life to treat a functional nasal deformity. If faced with a deformed nose after primary rhinoplasty, our sample population would consent to undergo a revision rhinoplasty procedure with a theoretical 9% chance of mortality and were willing to trade 3.6 years of their remaining life.

Acellular dermal matrices in breast surgery: tips and pearls.

Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have been used for postmastectomy breast reconstruction, primary and secondary breast augmentation, and reduction mammaplasty. In postmastectomy breast reconstruction, ADMs can be used to either create an implant pocket in single-stage reconstruction or to create the inferolateral portion of the tissue expander pocket in two-stage reconstruction. Specific deformities after cosmetic breast augmentation such as contour irregularities and implant malposition can be addressed with ADMs. The use of ADMs is a safe alternative for the correction of breast deformities after reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery.

Utility outcome assessment of the aging neck following massive weight loss.

OBJECTIVE: The authors set out to quantify the health state utility assessment of living with the physical appearance of the aging neck following massive weight loss. Described utility scores may help to establish the health burden of the aging neck in the growing bariatric patient population. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort observational study. SETTING: Tertiary referral medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Three validated tools were used to determine utility scores for living with an aging neck: visual analog scale (VAS), time trade-off (TTO), and standard gamble (SG). A 5-point Likert scale was used to evaluate the subjects' ease of understanding. A prospective sample of volunteers from the general population and medical students was used for this assessment. RESULTS: In total, 118 prospective volunteers were included in the survey. All measures (VAS, TTO, SG); (0.89 ± 0.07, 0.94 ± 0.08, and 0.95 ± 0.10, respectively) varied (P < .0001) from the corresponding ones for monocular blindness (0.62 ± 0.18, 0.87 ± 0.15, and 0.85 ± 0.20, respectively) and binocular blindness (0.32 ± 0.18, 0.66 ± 0.25, and 0.64 ± 0.28, respectively). CONCLUSION: The authors objectified the health state of living with an aging neck in the massive weight loss patient with utility scores (TTO, 0.94) comparable with those living with obstructive sleep apnea. This sample population, if faced with an aging neck following massive weight loss, would undertake a neck rejuvenation procedure with a theoretical 5% chance of mortality and would be willing to trade 2.1 years of remaining life-years to attain this procedure.

Cost analysis of implant-based breast reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix.

A comparative cost analysis of breast reconstruction using acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and traditional tissue expander-/implant-based techniques was carried out. Medicare reimbursement costs were calculated for tissue expander/implant alone (TE/I), TE/I with ADM (TE/I + ADM), and single-stage implant (SSI) with ADM (SSI + ADM). The most expensive procedure at baseline was TE/I + ADM ($11,255.78), followed by TE/I alone ($10,934.18), and SSI + ADM ($5,423.02). Incorporating the probability of complications as derived from the published literature into the cost analysis resulted in an increase in the excess cost of ADM-based procedures (TE/I + ADM, $11,829.02; TE/I, $11,238.60; SSI + ADM, $5,909.83). Although SSI + ADM have the lowest cost, not all patients are suitable candidates for this type of procedure. With increasing focus on healthcare expenditure, it is important that plastic surgeons are aware of the cost implications of using ADM products.

Long-term Outcome After Surgical Treatment of Lipedema.

Lipedema is a condition characterized by abnormal deposition of adipose tissue in the lower extremities leading to circumferential bilateral lower extremity enlargement typically seen extending from the hips to the ankles. Diagnosis of the condition is often challenging, and patients frequently undergo a variety of unsuccessful therapies before receiving the proper diagnosis and appropriate management. Patients may experience pain and aching in the lower extremity in addition to distress from the cosmetic appearance of their legs and the resistance of the fatty changes to diet and exercise. We report a case of a patient with lipedema who was treated with suction-assisted lipectomy and use of compression garments, with successful treatment of the lipodystrophy and maintenance of improved aesthetic results at 4-year postoperative follow-up.

The lateral chest wall: a separate aesthetic unit in breast surgery.

BACKGROUND: The lateral chest wall is an aesthetic unit often overlooked in breast surgery. Abnormalities are often seen in candidates for aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery and in the massive weight loss population. Preoperative evaluation of the lateral chest wall is necessary to address this area properly. These deformities are intimately associated with the final outcome of any breast operation. METHODS: To better define deformities of the lateral chest wall, a series of 522 patients who had aesthetic or reconstructive breast surgery was reviewed retrospectively. The preoperative and postoperative photographs were evaluated by two surgeons independently. Any surgical approaches used to correct lateral chest wall deformities were documented. RESULTS: In evaluating the lateral chest wall, the authors identified three subunit areas that need to be addressed to maximize aesthetic result: the axilla, the lateral breast, and the chest wall. Deficiency and excess of skin and fat contribute to any deformities in this region; deficiency or excess was found in 39 percent of patients. These deformities, when identified, were surgically addressed in 40 percent of patients, as management strategies included transfer of autologous tissue, fat injection, liposuction, or direct excision. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral chest wall deformities are often found among breast surgery candidates and can affect the final outcome. This area should be treated as a separate aesthetic unit from the breast. Patients with deficiency or excess should be counseled appropriately, as proper treatment may require procedures in addition to the primary breast procedure. The classification system presented can serve as a guideline for management of deformities in this region.

The use of human acellular dermal matrix for the correction of secondary deformities after breast augmentation: results and costs.

BACKGROUND: Secondary breast deformities following breast augmentation constitute some of the most challenging and difficult problems to correct. Although the application and efficacy of human acellular dermal matrix in breast reconstruction has been previously reported, there is little information in the literature relating to its indications, results, or cost in aesthetic breast surgery. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed a single surgeon's experience in correcting secondary deformities with human acellular dermal matrix after breast augmentation from 2005 to 2009. A total of 23 patients (38 breasts) were included in the study. RESULTS: There were 28 breasts with surface irregularities and 22 breasts with implant malposition (12 had both). On average, 1.13 sheets of human acellular dermal matrix were used per breast per operation. At the authors' institution, this material equates to a cost to the patient of $3536 to $4856 per breast (depending on sheet size and thickness). Twenty of 23 patients (87 percent) [32 of 38 breasts (84 percent)] had improvement in their breast deformity after breast revision surgery. Three patients (six breasts) needed another cosmetic breast operation before the end of the follow-up period: two because of persistent surface irregularities and one with a request for larger implants. One patient (3 percent) had an infection in one breast, requiring removal of the human acellular dermal matrix. CONCLUSIONS: Human acellular dermal matrix is a useful and safe adjunct for correction of contour deformities after breast augmentation. Its high cost, however, may be a deterrent to widespread use in self-pay patients.