A Novel Approach to Reduce Lid Weight in the Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty: Split-Thickness Excision of the Palpebral Part of Orbicularis Oculi Muscle.

OBJECTIVES: With the effect of advancing age and environmental factors, excess skin and muscle start to weigh on the eyelids and cause a tired facial expression. The prevailing opinion is that by partially excising muscle in surgical treatment, this load on the eyelid will be reduced, and more successful results will be obtained. Using a classic strip orbicularis oculi excision, the integrity of the muscle is disrupted, and morbidities such as lagophthalmos and edema increase. In this paper, we share our clinical experiences regarding the split excision of the palpebral part of the orbicularis oculi muscle and the subsequent process. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients who applied to our clinic to undergo blepharoplasty were operated on under local anesthesia. The orbicularis oculi muscle was split-excised together with the skin from the marked areas. RESULTS: The split excision of the orbicularis oculi muscle did not cause prolonged edema. The general appearance of the eyelid and face of the patients was observed to have significantly improved in the third month after surgery compared with the preoperative period. No complications such as wound healing, hypertrophic scar, asymmetry, or infection were observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The split excision of the orbicularis oculi muscle can be considered a new and effective method in cases in which a muscle excision is planned as part of blepharoplasty. Prolonged edema due to the strip muscle excision is not observed clinically. This technique can eliminate the negative effects of excess muscle tissue on the eyelid without disrupting the integrity of the muscle. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Evidence Based Medicine Level V.

A Novel Approach to Provide Long-Term Tip Projection and Rotation Stability: Lateral Columellar Strut Graft.

ABSTRACT: One of the methods applied to ensure the long-term continuity of the desired result in rhinoplasty is to detect it by placing columellar strut between the medial crus. Columellar strut helps to increase tip support and projection. However, the placement of the strut between the medial crus can disrupt the divergence angle and prevent the tip rotation to be at the desired level due to the interaction of the septum with the caudal. in this study, the data obtained by fixing the columellar strut to the lateral faces of the medial crus are shared. in 51 primary rhinoplasty patients who underwent open rhinoplasty, the medial crus was dissected and released. The distance between the footplates and the new domes was measured and the length of the columellar struts was determined. Grafts obtained from cartilage septum were shaped. After symmetry was achieved between the medial crus, the prepared grafts were fixed to the lateral face of the medial crus. Preoperative and postoperative 12th month images were transferred to computer- aided program and nasolabial angles were measured. The obtained data were transferred to SPSS 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA) program and statistical comparisons were made. Fifty one patients were included in the study. Thirty eight of the patients were female and 13 were male. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 29.2 years. The mean preoperative nasolabial angle was 90.2 degrees postoperatively, and the average nasolabial angle was 104.2 degrees at 6 months. A statistically significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative measurements (P  < 0.05). Lateral columellar strut is an effective and reliable and novel method for increasing the stability of medial crus, maintaining tip support in postoperative period and increasing tip rotation.

Description and Outcomes of Three Different End-to-Side Microsurgical Techniques for the Anastomosis of Accessory Renal Artery With the Dominant Renal Artery in Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we compared the outcomes of three different surgical microscope-assisted end-to-side anastomosis techniques between the dominant and accessory renal arteries during living donor kidney transplant. METHODS: The demographics, serum creatinine levels, warm and cold ischemia times, rate of complications, and incidence of delayed graft function of 135 kidney recipients were analyzed according to the type of arterial anastomosis. Group A (n = 98) had one dominant renal artery (DRA) with one end-to-side anastomosis to the external iliac artery (EIA) using a surgical microscope. Group B (n = 17) had one DRA plus one accessory renal artery (ARA) with two separate end-to-side anastomoses to the EIA using a surgical microscope. Group C (n = 20) had one DRA with end-to-side anastomosis to the EIA and one ARA with an ex vivo on-bench end-to-side anastomosis to the DRA using a surgical microscope. RESULTS: Compared with groups A and B, the cold ischemia time and the rate of delayed graft function were significantly higher in group C (P ≤ .001). At 6 months after transplant, group B demonstrated a higher creatinine value (2.40 ± 3.41 mg/dL) than group A and group B (P = .032). Also, the decrease in creatinine at postoperative month 6 was limited in group B as compared with groups A and C. CONCLUSIONS: An end-to-side anastomosis between ARA (group B) and DRA (group A) of the kidney graft using a surgical microscope on the bench ex vivo results in superior outcomes. Single arterial anastomosis techniques are associated with a better function in a 6-month follow-up than two separate arterial anastomoses.

Cartilage-Sparing Otoplasty: The Effects of Adipo-Perichondrial Flap-Assisted Posterior Auricular Muscle Complex Flap Technique on the Repair of Prominent Ear Deformities.

BACKGROUND: In the repair of prominent ear deformities, the main objectives are to recreate the antihelical fold, reduce projection in patients with a large concha, and normalize the distance between the ear and the cranium. This study evaluated the efficacy of the adipo-perichondrial flap-assisted posterior auricular muscle complex (PAMC) flap technique, which involves a new approach to the repair of prominent ear deformities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A medially based PAMC flap and a laterally based adipo-perichondrial flap were elevated in 22 patients with prominent ear deformities. In order to shape the ear, the PAMC flap was sutured to the transition zone between the helix and antihelix, and the adipo-perichondrial flap to the periosteum of the mastoid bone. The ear-cranium distances were measured preoperatively and at postoperative first and sixth months. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were female and 9 were male. The mean age of the patients was 19.4 years, and the mean follow-up period was 10.6 months. The ear-cranium distance significantly decreased in the postoperative first-month and sixth-month evaluations compared to the preoperative values (P < .05). No relapse, suture exposition, hematoma, keloid scar, or infection was observed. CONCLUSION: Posterior auricular muscle complex is a strong anatomical structure that includes the trapezius muscle, occipital muscle, extrinsic ear muscles, temporal fascia, and sternocleidomastoid fascia. By elevating this structure as a flap and combining it with an adipo-perichondrial flap, successful results can be achieved in the repair of prominent ear deformities, which prevents relapses and maintains the shape of the ear in the long term.

Effects of microneedle length and duration of preconditioning on random pattern skin flaps in rats.

To date, the surgical delay of skin flaps is the most common and reliable method that increases skin flap survival. In this study, we aimed to increase skin flap viability using preconditioning by microneedling. Seventy-two Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, surgical flap delay (SFD), and four microneedling groups (7 or 14 days of preconditioning with 0.5 mm or 1 mm needles). Modified McFarlane flaps were raised on the back of rats. In Group I, a caudal pedicled skin flap was raised and the flap survival rate was assessed on postoperative day 14. In the SFD group, a bipedicled flap was created and after 14 days of surgical delay, all skin flaps were raised. In the microneedling groups, 0.5 mm or 1 mm needles were used for 7 or 14 days. The flap survival rates of all microneedling and SFD groups were significantly higher than the control group. The plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) did not significantly differ between groups, but the VEGF level of skin samples in the SFD group was higher than the control group. The vessel counts of all microneedling and SFD groups were statistically higher than the control group in all skin samples taken before raising the flaps, but skin samples taken 14 days after raising the skin flap did not show any difference between groups. We showed that preconditioning by microneedling can be used to improve the viability of critical ischemic skin flaps at a level similar to surgical delay.

Recommended Surgical Margins for Basal Cell Carcinoma: Is 3 mm Safe Enough?

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the complete excision of the tumor. Reconstruction of the defect after surgical excision varies, depending on the location and size of the defect and the skin to be used in the reconstruction. In this study, investigators compared the rates of tumor positivity at the edges of BCC specimens excised with 3- or 5-mm surgical margins. METHODS: Researchers analyzed data related to 113 patients with a preliminary diagnosis of BCC between August 2016 and June 2018. In total, 99 lesions from 91 patients not exceeding 2 cm in size excised with 3-mm (n = 53) or 5-mm (n = 46) surgical margins were included. Statistical analysis was performed using the χ test. RESULTS: After histopathologic assessment, 3 of 53 lesions that were excised with 3-mm surgical margins had a positive surgical margin, whereas none of the 46 lesions excised with 5-mm margins indicated a positive tumor presence. However, there was no statistical difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: A 3-mm surgical margin may be sufficient and safe for BCC excision.

Basal Cell Carcinomas in Trauma-Related Scar Tissue: A Rare Case Series.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer type in humans. Various factors play a role in BCC occurrence, but sunlight exposure is the most common etiologic factor. This case series presents three patients who had scarring after severe traumas (a deep abrasion, burn, and puncture injury); a long time after the respective traumatic events, a BCC occurred in the scar tissue. The lesions were excised, and BCCs were diagnosed based on histopathology. Although several etiologic factors may play a role in trauma-related BCC, the main mechanism remains unclear. A correct diagnosis with biopsy and an assessment of the lymphatic system are crucial to prevent aggressive procedures, and BCC should be kept in mind when lesions are found in scar tissue.

Effects of Ultrasound-Assisted Preconditioning on Critically Ischemic Skin Flaps: An Experimental Study.

This study evaluates the effect of ultrasound-assisted preconditioning on critically ischemic flaps. Ninety-eight Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into eight groups. Control, surgical delay, ultrasound and sham groups were designed. Modified McFarlane flaps were raised on the back of rats, and flap survival rate was assessed on post-operative day 14 in control, ultrasound and sham groups. Bipedicled flaps were created in the surgical delay group, and 14 d after delaying, all skin flaps were elevated. Statistically, flap survival rates of all ultrasound groups were significantly higher than the control group. Plasma vascular endothelial growth factor levels were increased in all ultrasound groups. Vessel counts did not show any difference between the groups. This study shows that the preconditioning by ultrasound can be used to improve the viability of ischemic skin flaps almost at a level close to the surgical delay.

Modified Cartilage Sparing Tip Plasty Technique for Extra Projection: Hemitransdomal Suture With Submucosal Dissection: A New Approach to Nasal Tip Dynamics.

The nasal tip projection and rotation to be obtained with tip plasty play a key role in achieving successful results. Cartilage sparing techniques provide extra ease to reshape the cartilage in revision rhinoplasty. Freed dome cartilage eliminates the restricting forces of mucosa. The authors recommend to free the dome cartilage from mucosa during the tip plasty which ensures the desired dome shape and extra projection. A total of 218 patients who were operated between the dates of January 2017 and August 2018 were included in this study. About 3 mm parts of the marked domes toward medial and lateral crurae were dissected from the mucosa. New domes were created with bilateral hemitransdomal sutures. The outcome of the operation was asked to the patients verbally and answers were recorded. Of 218 patients who were included in the study, 182 were females and 36 were males. Patients had a mean age of 26.5 years. The length of follow-up was 11.8 months. About 205 patients had primary rhinoplasty while 12 patients had secondary rhinoplasty and 1 patient had revision rhinoplasty. Of the patients, 89.9% (196/218) were very satisfied with the result and 7.4% (16/218) were satisfied, whereas 2.7% (6/218) were dissatisfied. Only 5 patients who were dissatisfied with the result underwent revision rhinoplasty operation. The combination of the modified free dome suture with the mucosal dissection in dome area provides achieving the desired tip projection and symmetry.

A Reliable Technique in the Reconstruction of Large Penoscrotal Defect: Internal Pudendal Artery Perforator Flap.

OBJECTIVE: To reconstruct the defect secondary to Fournier's gangrene, which is an infection localized in the perineum and the lower abdominal region, characterized by large tissue loss following debridement. A large tissue loss caused by Fournier's gangrene brings with repair problems. The primary goal is to achieve cosmetically and functionally successful results. The purpose of this article is to share the results of reconstruction of large penoscrotal defects with internal pudendal artery perforator (IPAP) flap. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of 13 patients, who were operated with the diagnosis of Fournier's gangrene between October 2014 and September 2018, and whose resulting large scrotal defect repair was carried out with IPAP flap, were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The age of the patients ranged from 32 to 80 years (mean 54.3 years). The smallest flap area was 84 cm2 and the largest flap area was 171 cm2 (mean 120 cm2). The mean follow-up time was 26 months. One patient developed hematoma and 1 patient developed limited necrosis. The remaining defect was repaired primarily in the second surgery. CONCLUSION: The goal of the repair of the scrotal region is to obtain successful results that will please the patients both cosmetically and functionally. The IPAP flap is close to the defect area and is an easy-to-perform technique. The most important advantages are that it does not require dissection in the muscle tissue, and that successful results can be achieved in the reconstruction of large scrotal defects.

A decision-making guide for the closure of myelomeningocele skin defects with or without primary repair.

OBJECTIVE The closure of the skin defect in myelomeningocele (MMC) repair is an essential step that determines the quality of the surgical result. The success of surgical results is related to the decision to use the most suitable techniques, namely flaps or primary closure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a decision-making guide to determine whether to use primary repair or a flap for the closure of skin defects that occur in MMC. METHODS Fifty patients underwent surgery after neurosurgical repair and closure of the placode. A simple guide was generated according to the defect height/width and posterior axillary lines/defect width ratio. These 2 ratios were considered to determine which closure technique (with or without primary repair) should be used for the MMC defect reconstruction. RESULTS By using this decision-making guide, 20 of the defects were repaired with various flaps, and those of the remaining 30 patients were repaired with primary closure. In all patients, a successful tension-free 1-stage closure was obtained. Except for 4 patients who had flap reconstruction with partial flap necrosis or minimal flap tip necrosis, healing was uneventful without any complications. There were no additional wound complications during the mean follow-up of 6.8 years (range 5 months to 14 years). CONCLUSIONS Because of various defect sizes and patient characteristics, no single protocol exists for the reconstruction of MMC defects. The guide suggested here might be effective in deciding which method is suitable for closure of MMC skin defects.