Micro-face-lift: A novel biplanar, composite, less-invasive procedure.

Background: Facial rejuvenation procedures have been in existence for over a century. Since its first introduction, it improved anatomical understanding and clinical implications and gave rise to numerous techniques and re-ideations of the original face-lift. The increase in popularity of face-lift procedures attracts patients of various ages and with different medical comorbidities. In this paper, we describe the less-invasive facelift procedure, termed the "Micro-Face-lift," with minimal complications, a short recovery period, and few contraindications. Materials and Methods: The authors retrospectively analyzed the medical files of 51 patients who underwent the "Micro-Face-lift" procedure between 2014 and 2019 by three independent surgeons. Results: Fifty-one patients met the inclusion criteria for the procedure. Forty-nine patients were women (96.1%) and the remainder were men (3.9%). The mean age at the time of the procedure was 60.8 years (range 45-87). Complications were encountered in five patients (9.8%): two hypertrophic scars (3.8%), one hematoma (2%), one surgical wound infection (2%), and one edema (2%), persistent for more than 2 weeks postoperatively. All complications resolved within 6 weeks of postoperatively. Thirty-five patients (68.6%) underwent additional procedures to maximize the aesthetic outcome. Thirty patients (58.8%) underwent submental liposuction and five patients (9.8%) underwent mid-face lipo-filling. The average satisfaction score on the self-reported "Likert" scale was 4.27 (range 1-5). All patients were followed for a minimum period of 18 months. Conclusions: The "Micro-Face-lift" is a less-invasive procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia and sedation in the outpatient setting. Complication rates and mortality are low, contraindications are rare, and the recovery period is short. In our experience, patient satisfaction is high with the Micro-Face-lift procedure, and the learning curve for the experienced practitioner is short.

The articulated dual-supply pedicle for reduction mammoplasty.

Breast reduction surgery achieves symptomatic relief and improved quality of life for patients with excessive breast enlargement. Reduction mammoplasty has evolved over the last century with the introduction of multiple new pedicles and skin excision patterns utilizing the ample blood supply of the breasts. The superior pedicle is a relatively safe technique in small resections, while the superomedial pedicle, supplied by the internal mammary perforators, serves as a proper alternative in broader resections. We aim to introduce the dual-supply pedicle technique, taking advantage of the two efficient workhorse pedicles-the superior and superomedial. A retrospective study of 48 bilateral reduction mammoplasty patients operated over a 2-year period between 2017 and 2019 by a single surgeon (Y.W). Patient characteristics and postoperative outcome data were collected and evaluated. The novel surgical technique showed compatibility with different types of patients and breasts, forming excellent aesthetic outcomes. Complication rates were comparable or lower than previously published series. Major complications requiring revision surgery were encountered in 2 patients (2.08%) and minor complications in 11 patients (11.5%); 4 moderate surgical wound dehiscence, 6 minor surgical wound dehiscence and 1 fat necrosis. The Dual-Supply Pedicle Reduction Mammoplasty is a safe, reproducible technique, with a short learning curve, excellent aesthetical results, and an acceptable complication rate. Level of Evidence is Level III.

Effect of testosterone replacement therapy on scar quality in gender-affirming mastectomies.

BACKGROUND: The term transgenders refer to people who sense discordance between their gender identity and the sex assigned to them at birth. Some transgenders receive hormonal therapy, which may lead to specific skin conditions. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether a causal relationship exists between hormonal therapy (specifically testosterone therapy) and unsatisfying surgical scarring, including hypertrophic and keloid scars. In addition, this study may serve as a basis for future studies, which may test means that aim to reduce such undesired effects. METHODS: In this retrospective, observational cohort study, data were collected regarding 170 patients who underwent mastectomy as a gender-affirming surgery by the senior author between 2003 and 2021. The medical records were analysed to obtain personal, medical (including the duration of testosterone treatment) and surgical information from the patients' medical files. A blinded evaluator assessed the surgical scars by reviewing the postoperative clinical pictures of the patients. The scars were rated using the validated Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES). The use of pictures to assess surgical scars is described in the validation study of the SBSES and is, therefore, accepted. RESULTS: In total, 63 patients were included in the testosterone group and 63 were included in the non-testosterone treated group. The averages of the SBSES score were 2.74 and 2.66, respectively. The difference between the two averages was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In our retrospective cohort study, we did not find the effect of testosterone therapy on post-operative surgical scars to be significant. EVIDENCE BASED MEDICINE (EBM) LEVEL: 3.

What Role does Marital Status Play in the Outcome of Abdominoplasties? A Single-Surgeon Experience With 712 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Marital status is a commonly reported demographic variable in scientific literature. Numerous reports suggested difference in the medical outcomes of patients when stratified based on marital status. Although many reports suggested that married patient exhibit improved survival when compared to their counterparts, other reports could not replicate similar conclusions. PURPOSE: determine whether marital status plays a role in the postoperative outcomes of elective abdominoplasty patients. METHODS: The medical records of all abdominoplasty patients operated by a single surgeon over the course of 20 years were reviewed. Information regarding the preoperative state of patients, surgical procedure, and postoperative outcomes was evaluated in respect to the patients marital status. RESULTS: Seven-hundred and twelve patients were included in this study, of whom 516 (%) were married. No difference in preoperative characteristics, medical background, surgical procedure or concomitant surgeries was found. Analysis of adverse events did not demonstrate a statistically significant association with marital status. Additionally, when all unwed patients were grouped together, the results did not differ. CONCLUSION: Marital status does not play a critical role in the postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing elective abdominoplasties for cosmetic indications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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 .

Should the Eigenfactor Replace the Impact Factor?: A Bibliometric Study of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery Journals.

BACKGROUND: Despite the global acceptance of the impact factor (IF) by researchers and academic institutions as one, criticism has been voiced regarding its effectiveness in evaluating the unbiased impact of a journal. To overcome the limitations and drawbacks of the IF that were presented by the scientific community, they introduced several other citation-based bibliometric indices. METHODS: All plastic and reconstructive surgery journals were analyzed, and bibliometric indices were extracted from the relevant source. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine correlations between the various indices. RESULTS: All correlations in between the various bibliometric indices were found to be positively and statistically significant, ranging from moderately highly associated for the IF and Eigenfactor (r = 0.632) to very strongly associated (r = 0.962) for the IF and the Article Influence Score. CONCLUSION: In the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, the Eigenfactor and its derivative, the Article Influence Score, could potentially serve as better indices than the IF in demonstrating the overall picture. This information is based on the inclusion of a greater number of journals in the calculation and subtraction of self-citations, without compromising their correlation with other indices.The use of Eigenfactor and other additional bibliometrics cooperatively with the IF could provide the most extensive evaluation of a journal's scientific impact.

Tranexamic Acid Irrigation in Liposuction: A Double-Blind, Half-Body, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Hematomas are common complications following plastic and esthetic surgeries. Large and complex hematomas might result in prolonged hospitalization, further interventions, additional expenses, and poor esthetic outcome. Tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent, has long been used to reduce blood loss. Its use in the field of plastic surgery has gained popularity recently. Several studies have presented the ability of TXA to reduce blood loss, hematomas, and ecchymoses after liposuctions. However, the proper dose and the route of administration remained controversial. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to quantify the effect of a low dose of TXA in an irrigation method in reducing hematomas and ecchymoses following liposuction. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. Following liposuction, 400 mg of TXA were administered in an irrigation protocol to one side of the body in each patient, while the other side was administered with saline. The patients were photographed on 1, 2, 4, and 11 post-operative days. Ecchymosis and hematoma were measured and rated. RESULTS: No statistical difference was observed between the intervention and control groups in terms of RBC in liposuction area (p = 0.11), RBC in lipoaspirate (p = 0.79), bruising size on days 1, 2, 4, and 11 (p = 0.68, 0.21, 0.42, and 0.75), and average ecchymosis score on the same days (p = 0.34, 0.72, 0.09, and 1) CONCLUSIONS: The use of a low-dose TXA irrigation solution did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in post-operative hematoma formations rates and subsequent ecchymosis size and scale. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: 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 .

Gender affirming surgery in non-binary patients: The importance of patient-centered care.

BACKGROUND: Gender-affirming mastectomies are a growing necessity for transgender and gender-diverse patients. The preoperative evaluation and surgical outcome must be tailored to the individual, taking into consideration previous medical history, medications, hormonal therapy, patient anatomy, and expectations. Although non-binary patients constitute a significant portion of patients referring for gender-affirming mastectomies, current literature rarely acknowledges them as a separate patient category from trans-masculine patients. METHODS: Retrospective cohort, demonstrating the single-surgeon experience with gender-affirming mastectomies over the course of 2 decades. RESULTS: A total of 208 patients were included in this cohort, patients identifying as "non-binary" in gender accounted for 30.8% of the cohort. Non-binary patients were found to be younger (P value<0.001) at the time of surgery, at the time of HRT initiation (P value<0.001), at the first feeling of gender dysphoria, coming out to society, and use of non-female pronouns (P value = 0.04,<0.001 and<0.001, accordingly). In the non-binary patient group, a shorter period of time passed from the first feeling of gender dysphoria to initiation of HRT and surgery (P value<0.001 and<0.001, accordingly). However, the average time from HRT initiation to surgery and from the first use of non-female pronouns to HRT initiation or surgery did not statistically differ (P value= 0.34, 0.06, and 0.08, accordingly). CONCLUSION: Non-binary patients demonstrate a significantly different timeline from trans-masculine patients in terms of gender development. In order to accommodate their needs, caregivers must take the information into consideration and develop appropriate guidelines and courses of action.

Implications of testosterone therapy on wound healing and operative outcomes of gender-affirming chest masculinization surgery.

The increased awareness of the transgender population and their medical needs has given rise to a wide array of gender-affirming surgeries and hormonal therapies. To better understand the implication of testosterone therapy on female-to-male gender-affirming mastectomies, we conducted a retrospective cohort study based on the medical histories of 170 transgender males operated on by a single surgeon over 18 years. One hundred and one (59.4%) patients received hormonal therapy. The average age of patients in the testosterone treatment group was 20.6 ± 5.3 (range 14-49) years. The median weight of resected breast tissue was 318 g (IQR 221-515) and 311.5 g (IQR 223-480) in patients treated with testosterone, compared to 380 g (IQR 225-735) and 370 g (IQR 240-700) in patients without testosterone treatment (for the right and left breast, respectively). Supplementary liposuction was performed in 35 patients, of whom 23 (64%) were treated with testosterone. Fifty-four patients (31.7%) experienced surgical complications, and 55.6% of complications were recorded in the group treated with testosterone. Forty-nine patients (28.8%) recorded their satisfaction using the Likert satisfaction scale; the average satisfaction was 4.86 ± 0.35 in the non-testosterone group and 4.63 ± 0.69 in the testosterone group. Opposing previous cohorts, we did not find a statistically significant association between testosterone and increased surgical complications in gender-affirming mastectomies. Possible explanations include our practice of avoiding testosterone therapy several weeks before the operation and vigorous hemostasis methods.

Age-related Outcomes of Chest Masculinization Surgery: A Single-surgeon Retrospective Cohort Study.

Many transmasculine individuals face chest dysphoria, an emotional distress associated with breast development. The definitive management for reduction of existing breast tissue and alleviation of chest dysphoria comes in the form of chest masculinization surgery. Over the years, a substantial increase in the number of youth seeking gender-affirming chest masculinization surgery was observed globally. The study was hypothesized to answer the question as to whether the age limit of chest masculinization surgery should be lowered to include adolescents. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, based on the experience of a single surgeon over a period of 20 years. Results: Two-hundred eight patients were included in this cohort. Patients were divided into two equal groups based on their age. No statistically significant differences between the groups were observed in terms of resected breast tissue (P = 0.62 and 0.30, for the right and left breast, accordingly), auxiliary liposuction (P = 0.30), liposuction volume (P = 0.20), procedure (P = 0.15), postoperative drains (P = 0.79), and surgery duration (P = 0.72). Statistically significant differences were found in the 18 years or younger group, with lower rates of complication (P < 0.001), lower rates of revision surgery (P = 0.025), and higher satisfaction rankings (P < 0.001). Apart from age, no other factors were found to potentially explain the different rates of complications between the age groups. Conclusion: Patients aged 18 or younger opting for chest masculinization surgery experience fewer complications and revision procedures while having higher satisfaction rates with the surgical outcome.

Techniques and Innovations in Flap Engineering: A Review.

Currently, the gold standard for complex defect reconstruction is autologous tissue flaps, with vascularized composite allografts as its highest level. Good clinical results are obtained despite considerable obstacles, such as limited donor sites, donor site morbidity, and complex operations. Researchers in the field of tissue engineering are trying to generate novel tissue flaps requiring small or no donor site sacrifice. At the base of existing technologies is the tissue's potential for regeneration and neovascularization. Methods: A review was conducted identifying relevant published articles in PubMed on the subject of flap engineering, with the focus on plastic surgery. This review article surveys contemporary technologies in flap engineering, including cell sheet technology, prefabricated flaps, and tissue engineering chambers. Conclusions: Some of the described procedures, though not yet ready for clinical use, are certainly ready for trial in large animal models and even human studies. Tissue engineering is a promising field for the handling of large and complex tissue defects.

The History of Plastic Surgery in Israel.

Today, plastic surgery is a well-known profession with highly respected surgeons from institutions all over the world. Over the last several decades numerous clinical and technological advances have been made, thanks to the dedication and hard work of these outstanding professionals; however, things were not always this way. At the turn of the 20 th century, Israel had yet to be introduced to the field of plastic surgery. However, this all changed with the War of Independence. Humanitarian aid by the prominent South African surgeon, Jack Penn, laid the foundation for the founding fathers of plastic surgery in Israel to establish a strong legacy of producing world-renowned surgeons and innovators. Through this paper, we hope to provide a brief overview of the history of plastic surgery in Israel and what transpired to give us the state of surgical practice we have today.

Biplanar Lipoabdominoplasty: Introducing the Subscarpal Lipo Aponeurotic System.

Preservation of Scarpa's fascia in abdominoplasty has been previously presented. Herein we introduce the subscarpal lipo aponeurotic system (SLAS) and the technique of preserving the SLAS and its tightening in lipoabdominoplasty. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent lipoabdominoplasty performed by a single plastic surgeon (YW) between 2014 and 2019 was conducted. We compared postoperative complications, aesthetic outcomes, and procedure lengths between standard and biplanar lipoabdominoplasty with SLAS tightening. Supra-scarpal fat and SLAS tissue specimens were obtained for histological analysis. RESULTS: In total, 179 patients underwent biplanar lipoabdominoplasty with SLAS tightening and were compared with a control group of 65 patients who underwent standard lipoabdominoplasty. Fifty-four patients (29.9%) underwent concomitant umbilical, epigastric, or postoperative ventral hernia (POVH) repair. No major complications were encountered other than one skin necrosis in a standard lipoabdominoplasty. Moderate complication rate was 10.05% in the biplanar group, compared with 16.92% in the standard lipoabdominoplasty. The average length of the procedure and overall aesthetic results were equivalent. CONCLUSIONS: The SLAS can be individually dissected and used during abdominoplasty. No statistically significant differences were found in complication rates, length of procedure, or aesthetic outcomes between standard and biplanar lipoabdominoplasty with SLAS tightening. Further investigation is needed. Nonetheless, we postulate that patients who would benefit the most from this procedure are those with weakening of the abdominal wall, and with some fullness of the hip line, as this technique adds reinforcement to the lower abdomen and "pulls in" the flanks.

Breaking the Binary: The Approach to Chest Masculinizing Gender-Affirming Surgery in Trangender Men.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of mastectomy for the transgender patient is to produce a masculine appearance of the chest. A number of algorithms have been proposed for selecting the surgical technique. A holistic and surgical approach to transgender men includes our experience-based classification system for selecting the correct surgical technique. OBJECTIVES: To present and discuss the Transgender Standard of Care and our personal experience. METHODS: Data were collected from the files of female-to-male transgender persons who underwent surgery during 2003-2019. Pictures of the patients were also analyzed. RESULTS: Until May 2021, 342 mastectomies were performed by the senior author on 171 patients. The 220 mastectomies performed on 110 patients until November 2019 were included in our cohort. Patient age was 13.5 to 50 years (mean 22.5 ± 6.1). The excision averaged 443 grams per breast (range 85-2550). A periareolar approach was performed in 14 (12.7%), omega-shaped resection (nipple-areola complex on scar) in 2 (1.8%), spindle-shaped mastectomy with a dermal nipple-areola complex flap approach in 38 (34.5%), and a complete mastectomy with a free nipple-areola complex graft in 56 (50.9%). Complications included two hypertrophic scars, six hematomas requiring revision surgery, three wound dehiscences, and three cases of partial nipple necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: A holistic approach to transgender healthcare is presented based on the World Professional Association for Transgender Health standard of care. Analysis of the data led to Wolf's classification for female-to-male transgender mastectomy based on skin excess and the distance between the original and the planned position of the nipple-areola complex.

Long Term Rigid Retained Foreign Object After Breast Augmentation: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Introduction: Retained foreign object (RFO) is a rare iatrogenic complication. This article presents an unprecedented case of a plastic RFO post-augmentation mammoplasty. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 32-year-old woman, 8 years after breast augmentation surgery, with a 4 year history of a palpable migrating mass in the superior lateral quadrant of her right breast with fluctuating levels of pain. Imaging studies included mammography tests, sonographic examinations, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan, and a Computed Tomography scan, all of which did not identify any pathological findings. Exploratory surgery discovered a syringe-tip cover in the implant pocket. Conclusion: Persistent complaints and symptoms accompanied by non-specific imaging studies warrant escalation of diagnostic methods, in line with a high awareness for the possibility of an RFO. As pocket lavage is a common practice in various surgeries, this report can serve as a valuable reminder for surgical teams to account for syringe covers and other disposable items at the end of all operations.

Myiasis in Neglected Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Review of Management and Current Protocol Recommendations.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a first-aid management protocol for myiasis in neglected cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the ED based on a recent literature review. DATA SOURCES: PubMed. STUDY SELECTION: Inclusion criteria were all series and case reports of primary/secondary cutaneous SCC with myiasis of the head and neck, including orbital SCC cases, published after 2005. DATA EXTRACTION: A total of 14 articles including 15 patients were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Demographics, socioeconomic situation, site of the lesion, larvae species with bacterial suprainfection, and first-aid treatment options were discussed. Two representative cases are described. CONCLUSIONS: Large, ulcerated, necrotic, myiasis-burdened SCC lesions in the head and neck area present a challenge for treatment, and to date, no consensus regarding first-aid management exists. The authors' proposed four-pillar first-aid management scheme may be a valid option to rapidly improve wound condition through disinfection, pain relief, and malodor and discharge eradication as a bridge to surgery.

Facilitated Umbilical Positioning in Abdominoplasty Using the 15/10 Rule and the "Flap Flipping" Technique.

First described by Gaudet and Morestin, abdominoplasty with umbilical preservation dates as far back as 1905. Navel position was described on the transverse axis by Rohrich, and on the median longitudinal axis, by Vernon, Baroudi and Pitanguy. The aim of this article is to validate the 15/10 rule of umbilical positioning in abdominoplasty with the "flap flipping" technique, as an intraoperative aid to simplify umbilical repositioning. Between October 2019 and March 2020, 18 consecutive patients underwent full abdominoplasty, using the 15/10 rule for umbilical positioning. Patients' average age was 47.9, with body mass index 27.5 kg/m2 and height 1.63 m. An "expected zone" of umbilical position was delineated by 2 horizontal lines, 15 cm from the bra line and 10 cm from the pubic level. The umbilicus was accurately positioned by using the flap flipping technique before closure of the inferior abdominal incision line. It was then examined to determine whether the umbilicus was situated in the expected zone. In 14 of 18 patients, intraoperative and postoperative measurements of umbilical position were in the expected zone. An average 15.19 cm was measured between the bra line and the new umbilical positioning, and 12.02 cm from the new umbilicus to the pubic inferior suture line. We find that the 15/10 rule of umbilical positioning with the flap flipping technique is an important, intuitive, and easy-to-use guide for precise umbilical positioning in abdominoplasty.

Classification of Transgender Man's Breast for Optimizing Chest Masculinizing Gender-affirming Surgery.

The purpose of mastectomy for the female-to-male transgender patient is to produce a masculine appearance of the chest. A number of algorithms have been proposed for selecting the surgical technique; these have generally been based on the degree of breast ptosis and the quality and elasticity of the skin. We present a series of subcutaneous mastectomies operated on by 1 surgeon during the last 2 decades. Based on our experience, we suggest a classification system for selecting surgical technique. METHODS: Data were collected from the files of female-to-male transgender persons who underwent surgery during 2003-2019. The data included background and surgery information. Pictures from the clinic's archive of the patients before, during, and after surgery were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 220 mastectomies were performed on 110 patients aged 13.5-50 years (mean 22.5 ±6.1). The excision averaged 443 g per breast (range: 85-2550). A periareolar approach was performed in 14 (12.7%), omega-shaped resection (nipple-areola complex on scar) in 2 (1.8%), spindle-shaped mastectomy with a dermal nipple-areola complex flap approach in 38 (34.5%), and a complete mastectomy with a free nipple-areola complex graft in 56 (50.9%). Complications included 2 hypertrophic scars, 6 hematomas requiring revision surgery, 3 wound dehiscences, and 3 cases of partial nipple necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the data led to a proposed classification for female-to-male transgender mastectomy (Wolf's classification), based on skin excess and the distance between the original and the planned position of the nipple-areola complex.

[PLASTIC SURGERY - RESTORING CONTOUR, FUNCTION AND HAPPINESS].

INTRODUCTION: Plastic surgery history denotes two forefathers: Sushruta Samhita, who dates back to the 6th century BC with the Sanskrit surgical handbook, composed mainly by him, and Sir Harold Delf Gillies who is considered the father of modern plastic surgery due to his pioneer work during World War I.