Comparison of aesthetic outcome with round and three-armed star flap umbilicoplasty.

Background: The umbilicus is an indicative aesthetic component of the abdomen. Many umbilicoplasty techniques have been defined and the most commonly used method is the round incision technique. In this paper, we present a new umbilicoplasty technique involving the use of a three-armed star flap and compare it with the round technique. Methods: Forty-eight female patients who underwent umbilicoplasty during abdominoplasty and free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) procedures between February 2011 and December 2016 were included in the study. Twenty patients had round umbilicoplasty, whereas in the remaining 28 patients the three armed star flap technique was used. Aesthetic outcomes of both techniques were evaluated by a questionnaire which was completed by the patients and two independent surgeons. Results: The mean follow-up period was 22 months. Hypertrophic scarring was seen in one patient with the three armed star flap technique and in two patients with the round technique and a cicatricial ring formation occurred in one patient with the round technique. The patient and surgeon questionnaire scores were significantly higher in the 3-armed star flap group. (p < .05) Conclusion: In this study, round umbilicoplasty technique has been compared with the three armed star flap technique. Patient satisfaction surveys and evaluation by two independent surgeons revealed better cosmetic results with the new technique. We believe that this new technique could be preferred over the round technique since it prevents stenosis, circular scar contraction and provides a natural contour between the umbilicus and abdomen.

Comparison of piezosurgery, percutaneous osteotomy, and endonasal continuous osteotomy techniques with a caprine skull model.

BACKGROUND: Osteotomy is a crucial step in rhinoplasty, which can have a significant impact on the outcome. In addition to previous percutaneous (external perforating) and endonasal (internal) approaches, piezosurgery has been used in rhinoplasty practice since 2007. This experimental model was planned to compare the three osteotomy techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed on a caprine skull osteotomy model. Three groups were created from 12 animals, namely, endonasal continuous, external perforating, and piezosurgery groups. All the groups were evaluated for bone gaps, comminuted fractures, and nasal mucosa damage. RESULTS: There were no comminuted fractures and mucosal defects in any of the samples in the piezo osteotomy group. The average amount of bone gap at the osteotomy site and the nasal mucosa damage was lower in the piezo group than in the other groups. The time required for the osteotomy was shorter in the endonasal group, similar to that in the external and piezo groups. CONCLUSION: New techniques are constantly being developed to achieve better results in rhinoplasty. As a natural consequence to technological developments, new devices are being introduced to rhinoplasty practice. Piezo is one such device. We have found that piezo osteotomy has resulted in lower amounts of nasal mucosal damage and comminuted fractures. We believe that piezo can safely be used in rhinoplasty practice until newer and more reliable technologies are being developed.

A New Technique in Management of Depressed Posttracheostomy Scars.

BACKGROUND: The goals of tracheostomy scar revision are filling of the depressed area, providing easy sliding of skin over the trachea. There are various techniques described to correct this situation. In this article, a modification of split sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle flap used in the correction of posttracheostomy defects is described. METHODS: Thirteen patients who had depressed scars after tracheostomy are included in this study. The mean patient age was 44 years (range, 27-56 years). All patients who suffered from tracheal tug, dysphagia, and bad appearance are included in the study. The area with the depressed scar is de-epithelialized after incising around the depression. Bilateral SCM muscles are split in the coronal plane toward superior half of the muscle while leaving the posterior part of the muscle attached to the bone. After elevation, both SCM muscle flaps are overlapped in the midline. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period of the patients was 11 months (range, 5-20 months). Tracheal tug and dysphagia complaints were resolved in all patients. The depressed area due to the scar was either reduced or completely recovered in all the patients. Apart from 1 hematoma case, none of the early or late complications such as infection, wound dehiscence, skin necrosis, seroma, recurrence, or neck contracture was seen. CONCLUSIONS: We think that this technique, which gives functionally and aesthetically satisfying results, can be used safely in depressed scars formed after tracheostomy and treatment of functional impairment due to this procedure.

Use of Roof-Shaped Costochondral Cartilage for Correction of Saddle Nose Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Cartilage grafts are routinely used in secondary and posttraumatic rhinoplasty. However, in most cases, there are weak areas in the nasal bones and upper lateral cartilages. The purpose of this study was to seek a solution for the keystone area and dorsum of the nose in revision and posttraumatic rhinoplasty cases, and reconstruction of saddle nose deformity including upper lateral cartilage with a roof-shaped graft. METHODS: A retrospective review of reconstructive rhinoplasties performed for saddle nose deformities was conducted. A part of the costochondral graft was carved and thinned (roof graft) for reconstruction of the keystone area and upper lateral cartilages, and another portion was used for making a neoseptal (reconstructed septum) graft and strut graft. The roof graft was capped onto the neoseptal graft with sutures, and this cartilage framework was adapted with fitting the cranial edge of the neoseptal cartilage between the nasal bones. Finally, the strut graft was fixed to the cartilage framework. RESULTS: A significant improvement in nasal shape and overall appearance was achieved in all cases, and 71.42 percent of patients recovered from nasal obstruction. No gross absorption, graft exposure, or recurrence of deformities was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical correction of a saddle-shaped nose should be an acceptable and uncomplicated technique, and the cosmetic result should be totally acceptable. There are many management options for a saddle-shaped nose. Use of roof grafts (shrunk gull-wing grafts) with neoseptal and strut grafts enables simulation of the internal nasal valve and results in a natural nasal position. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Oncoplastic Breast Conserving Surgery: Aesthetic Satisfaction and Oncological Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Oncoplastic breast conserving surgery (BCS) involves radical excision of tumors while maintaining the natural breast contours. In this study, we present the results of the oncoplastic BCS surgeries performed in our clinic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 13 breast cancer patients who had undergone oncoplastic BCS were included in this retrospective study. Postoperative photographs and retrospective chart reviews were used to evaluate the results. Aesthetic satisfaction level was verbally obtained from the patients. RESULTS: Oncoplastic BCS was performed using superomedial, superolateral, superior and inferior pedicles. All the patients were highly satisfied with the final aesthetic results and tumor free at the postoperative 12 months. CONCLUSION: Oncoplastic BCS can achieve favorable results regarding the final aesthetic appearance and tumor control.

Use of Turn-in Skin Flaps for Nasal Lining Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the nasal lining is the most difficult part of complex nasal reconstruction because the mucosa has a unique texture and fineness. Many techniques, ranging from skin grafts to local flaps, have been applied for the reconstruction of the mucosa. In some cases, even free flaps have been used. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to discuss the feasibility of using turn-in flaps in nasal reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with full-thickness nasal defects underwent reconstruction with turn-in flaps. In all the patients, the bone structure was formed using cartilage grafts, and the skin defects were reconstructed using paramedian forehead flaps. A rhinoplasty procedure was added in 10 of the patients. RESULTS: Necrosis was not observed in any of the flaps, and the results were satisfactory for all the patients. CONCLUSION: This technique provided enough support for the onlay cartilage grafts, and the flap was thin enough to avoid any nasal airway obstruction. In selected patients, this technique can also be used in conjunction with a rhinoplasty procedure.

Preventing Suture Extrusion and Recurrence in Mustarde and Furnas Otoplasties by Using Laterally Based Postauricular Dermal Flap, Long-Term Results.

BACKGROUND: Prominent ear deformity (PD) is an unacceptable condition of pinna that affects 5% of the population and is associated with emotional stress, behavioral disturbances, and social restrictions in relationships. Conchal hypertrphy, inadequate formation of antihelical fold, earlobe placement ahead than it should be, or various combinations of these changes are main characteristics of PD. Many surgical techniques have been described for the PD.The authors' aim was to present laterally based postauricular dermal flap combination with cartilage-sparing methods and effectiveness of this technique in suture extrusion prevention and reducing the rate of recurrence with long-term results. METHODS: Forty-one patients had bilateral and 6 patients had unilateral PD, a total of 47 patients with a mean age of 14.48 were operated by using this combined procedure. A laterally based supraperichondrial dermal flap was prepared from a deepithelized elliptical postauricular incision. Mustarde and Furnas suture techniques were used solely for PD correction. The dissected laterally based dermal flap was fixed to the mastoid bone with sutures in stretched position after reshaping the auricular cartilage with sutures. RESULTS: The average helix-mastoid distance was (mm) 16.28 ±â€Š2.36, concha-mastoid angle was 25.71 ±â€Š0.96° on 12-month measurements. The helix-mastoid distance showed an increase of 1 to 3 mm, in the concha-mastoid angle measurements of 1° to 2°. Statistically significant changes were observed between the average preoperative, postoperative 1. month, postoperative 12. month helix-mastoid distances (mm), and month concha-mastoid angle (°) measurements (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The laterally based postauricular dermal flap technique is an effective method to prevent suture extrusion and recurrence which are the most important complications of otoplasty procedure and easy to apply.

Calf restoration with asymmetric fat injection in polio sequelae.

BACKGROUND: Many things cause leg asymmetry and sequelae seen after poliomyelitis infections are still a cause of leg deformities. In this study, lipofilling and liposuction combinations are performed on patients with poliomyelitis sequelae. Volume deficiency is not the only leg problem with polio sequelae, leg length is also a problem. For this reason, the length deficiency must be addressed in order to achieve the desired symmetry. The aim of this study is correcting limb asymmetry by a method addressing both limb length deficiency by heel raise and volume deficiency by injection of fat based on corrected limb length. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2011 through 2013, 10 female patients who had unilateral leg atrophy as a result of paediatric polio infections were included in our study. All of the patients were treated with liposuction and lipofilling combinations. During planning, a ridge was placed under the affected leg in order to equalize the lengths of both legs. The fat injection sites on the affected leg were marked to mimic the unaffected leg. RESULTS: All the patients stated that they were satisfied with the results. Transient hypoesthesia was seen in only one patient, but this was spontaneously resolved six months later. CONCLUSION: The study results indicate that the asymmetric fat injection procedure can be a good technique to use with patients who have polio sequelae, both with short legs and volume deformities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

The Effects of Mucoperichondrial Flap Elevation on Septal L-Strut Cartilage: A Biomechanical and Histologic Analysis in a Rabbit Model.

BACKGROUND: The harvesting of septal cartilage following mucoperichondrial flap elevation has almost become a standard step in rhinoplasty. However, the strength of the remaining septum has not yet been evaluated. In the current experimental study of a rabbit rhinoplasty model, the remaining septum following a graft harvest was analyzed both biomechanically and pathologically. METHODS: Forty New Zealand rabbits were classified into four equal groups. Group 1 consisted of the animals in which unilateral elevation of the mucoperichondrial flaps was undertaken before the graft harvest, group 2 consisted of the animals in which bilateral elevation was undertaken, group 3 included the animals where the septum was exposed and left untouched after a bilateral mucosal flap elevation, and group 4 was designated as the control group. Specimens were analyzed under light microscopy for multiple parameters. Biomechanical analyses were performed with a universal testing device at the Department of Engineering, Biomechanical Laboratories, Istanbul Technical University. RESULTS: Biomechanical analysis in terms of maximum tension revealed significant results among the groups (p = 0.008). Although insignificant results were observed overall using a pathologic analysis, the amount of chondrocytes was lower in group 2 than in group 1 (p = 0.099). The amounts of matrix collagen (p = 0.184) and fibrosis were (p = 0.749) higher in group 2 than in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: From these data, the authors conclude that mucoperichondrium integrity plays a crucial role in the biomechanical strength of the septum. More sophisticated studies with further pathologic analysis are required to determine the exact mechanism of strength loss observed with mucoperichondrial flap elevation.

A Rare Complication of Composite Dual Mesh: Migration and Enterocutaneous Fistula Formation.

Introduction. Mesh is commonly employed for abdominal hernia repair because it ensures a low recurrence rate. However, enterocutaneous fistula due to mesh migration can occur as a very rare, late complication, for which diagnosis is very difficult. Presentation of Case. Here we report the case of an enterocutaneous fistula due to late mesh migration in a mentally retarded, diabetic, 35-year-old male after umbilical hernia repair with composite dual mesh in 2010. Discussion. Mesh is a foreign substance, because of that some of the complications including hematoma, seroma, foreign body reaction, organ damage, infection, mesh rejection, and fistula formation may occur after implantation of the mesh. In the literature, most cases of mesh-associated enterocutaneous fistula due to migration involved polypropylene meshes. Conclusion. This case serves as a reminder of migration of composite dual meshes.

How were lipofilling cannulae designed and are they as safe as we believe?

BACKGROUND: Most practitioners in plastic surgery believe that blunt tipped cannulae are safer. Interestingly, there is no study about their safety, and the problem is exactly this. As the use of blunt tipped cannulae is somehow difficult, some surgeons try other extreme alternatives, such as sharp and cutting tipped injection needles. But, they can cause complications such as vessel damage. According to these hypotheses, we tried to design a cannula which would ease the application of lipofilling and which would minimise the trauma. Contrary to the injection needle, the tips of the cannula would be blunter, and trauma would be diminished. OBJECTIVES: After designing such a cannula, we compared it with the most frequently used Coleman type cannulae with regard to ease in utilisation, and safety. We also tried to evaluate the potential for trauma, of the regularly used cannulae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the first part, the penetration capacity of all cannulae was measured and compared, and in the second part, the tissue damage was evaluated in an experimental model. RESULTS: According to the statistical and histological findings, the pointed-tip cannulae, blunted to a certain degree, can be applied easily through the tissues. The surgeon works more comfortably and we have noted that these cannulae cause less tissue damage.

Functional Sharing of the Upper Orbicularis Oris Muscle for the Reconstruction of the Lower Lip.

The lip reconstruction is a very controversial topic in plastic surgery and many flaps have been described for this purpose. Despite all of the interventions, some patients still have problems such as drooling and gingival show that decrease their quality of life. In this study, the authors report a patient whose lower lip was resected totally for squamous cell carcinoma. His lip was reconstructed with radial forearm flap and the patient was referred to our clinic with the aforementioned complaints. A portion of the orbicularis oris muscle of the upper lip was designed as a bipedicled flap, and it was transposed to the lower lip to make the initial flap functional. After the operation, the sphincteric function of the lip was better, and the problems as drooling and gingival show were absent. In conclusion, this flap can be a good option to make the initial nonfunctional flaps (such as radial forearm flap), functional in the aspect of lower lip reconstruction. It has a function, and it is concordant with the principle of "reconstructing like with like." The native muscle tissue of the upper lip can be transferred partially to maintain physiologic oral competency.

Key and Keyhole Model for Dorsal Onlay Cartilage Grafts in Correcting Nasal Deformities.

BACKGROUND: The shaping of the cartilage and keeping it in place is very significant for patients who need nasal reconstruction with costal grafts at traumatic or secondary rhinoplasties. In this study, a template is prepared during the surgery that shows the dorsal defect in a 3-dimensional manner and acts as a guide while shaping the cartilage. METHODS: Seventeen patients who required secondary rhinoplasties because of trauma or previous operations were included in this study. The patients were operated on between the years 2009 and 2013. The mean age of the patients was 24 years (19-38 years). According to the surgical technique, bone wax was placed in a sheath prepared from the finger of a sterile nylon surgical glove before the dorsal reconstruction. It was placed to the nasal dorsum and shaped over the skin with digital maneuvers. Afterward, the bone wax was stripped off the nylon glove, and it was used as a template to shape the cartilage graft. RESULTS: No need for revision rhinoplasties was seen in any of the patients during the mean follow-up period of 19 months. The patients stated that they were satisfied by both the functional and the aesthetic results. CONCLUSIONS: The bone wax template and the defect fit in a key and keyhole fashion. It is supported by multiple points on the nasal bone and the septum. Thus, it does not slide and its warping is avoided. We think that it gives satisfactory results and it shortens the learning process.

[Results of arthroscopic repair of triangular fibrocartilage complex peripheral tears (Palmer type 1B)]. / Triangular fibrokartilaj kompleks periferik (Palmer tip 1B) yirtiklarinda artroskopik tamir sonuçlari.

BACKGROUND: Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury is the major cause of wrist pain on the ulnar side. In this study, treatment outcomes of arthroscopically repaired peripheral TFCC tears (Palmer type 1B) were evaluated retrospectively. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients (30 males, 8 females; mean age 27.6; range 19 to 42 years) with TFCC tears (Palmer type 1B) who were treated arthroscopically between February 2007-July 2012 were evaluated retrospectively. The data were collected by Mayo wrist evaluation form and by preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: The results of the data collected by the Mayo wrist evaluation forms were perfect in 30 patients and good in 8 patients. Preoperative VAS was 6.53 (range: 4.5-8.2) and postoperative VAS was 1.48 (range: 0.3-3.1). DISCUSSION: With the arthroscopic technique, TFCC tears can be repaired with minimal harm and better visualization, and evaluation of all the structures of the wrist can be done. Outside-to-inside suturing technique, which is performed through the portal opened 1 cm inferior to the 6R portal, is the least traumatic technique and does not carry the risk of injury to the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve. With this technique, the complaints of preoperative pain can be eliminated significantly.

Beneficial effects of turnover orbicularis oculi muscle suspension flap for treating facial fractures via subciliary incision.

In patients with moderate lower lid laxity, the lower orbicularis oculi muscle becomes atonic or ptotic. Hence, in such patient populations, with periorbital fractures, additional vertical support endorsement either by lateral canthopexy or orbicularis oculi muscle suspension flap must accompany plate and screw fixations. In this report, we shared our experience in applying prophylactic suspension to the lower lid with turnover orbicularis oculi transposition muscle flap in zygomatic fractures treated by subciliary approach in 98 patients. Our results show that turnover orbicularis oculi muscle suspension flap avoids the rounding of the lateral canthal angle more successfully and prevents ectropion better than the resuspension orbicularis oculi muscle flap does. We advocate using this flap where zygomatic fractures are approached via the subciliary incision. We foresee that it is a reliable and easily executed technique especially in middle-aged patients with moderate lower lid laxity for the prevention of ectropion.

The free-nipple breast-reduction technique performed with transfer of the nipple-areola complex over the superior or superomedial pedicles.

BACKGROUND: Although the free-nipple breast-reduction technique is essentially an amputation, achieving aesthetic results still is important. The authors present their technique for free nipple-areola complex (NAC) transfer over the superomedial or superior pedicle full-thickness flaps in patients for whom a free-nipple technique is inevitable due to certain risk factors. METHODS: The study included 25 patients who underwent surgery with the aforementioned method for addressing severe gigantomastia. The patients had a mean age of 43 years (range 34-59 years) and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 35.8 kg/m(2) (range 28-42 kg/m(2)). During the operation, the NAC was elevated as a full-thickness skin graft, then transposed to the superior or superomedial pedicles, which had been planned previously. The subsequent stages of the operation thus became a Wise-pattern breast reduction. RESULTS: The mean resection per breast was 1,815 g (range 1,620-2,410 g). Breast projection, shape, and areolar pigmentation were assessed during the follow-up visit. One patient experienced a partial loss of the NAC graft, which healed secondarily, and three patients experienced a patchy hypopigmentation of the NAC. Breast projection and conical structure were observed to be preserved during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The modified free-nipple technique aimed to convert the reduction procedure to a technique similar to pedicle methods, yielding successful results during the early phases. The full-thickness flap constructed in this way provides more fullness and a maximum contribution to projection in patients who will inevitably undergo breast reduction with the free-nipple method. 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 .

Use of platelet-rich plasma solution applied with composite chondrocutaneous graft technique: an experimental study in rabbit model.

PURPOSE: Composite chondrocutaneous grafts have been used widely for patients with cleft lip nasal deformity, alar defects, and septal perforations; however, the graft viability can be easily compromised. The aim of the present study was to extend the safe length of the composite chondrocutaneous grafts by enhancement of angiogenesis and re-epithelialization through platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and to investigate the changes that occur when PRP is administered to the graft and the recipient site. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Composite grafts of critical sizes (1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 cm) were planned on the rabbit ears on 1 side. Group A consisted of grafts pretreated with PRP, group B consisted of recipient beds pretreated with PRP, and group C was the control group in which defects 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 cm in size were formed on the right ears of the rabbits. On postoperative day 7, matching size chondrocutaneous grafts were adapted to the defect areas without PRP. In all groups, graft viability was evaluated 7 days after graft adaptation in group C and 14 days after PRP administration in groups A and B. Wound healing was scored histopathologically and immunohistologically using hematoxylin and eosin, CD34, and smooth muscle actin staining. The terminal transferase fluorescein-dUTP nick end labeling assay was performed to quantitatively demonstrate the apoptosis ratio among the groups. RESULTS: In groups A, B, and C, the mean graft survival of the 2.0-cm equilateral triangle-shaped composite grafts was 65.43% ± 15.7%, 78.12% ± 12.8%, and 41.31% ± 37.4%, respectively (P = .0364). CONCLUSIONS: PRP pretreatment accelerated composite graft survival in the 2.0-cm equilateral triangle grafts by increasing epithelial regeneration and fibrosis, inducing neovascularization, and ameliorating apoptosis rates.

New otoplasty approach: a laterally based postauricular dermal flap as an addition to Mustarde and Furnas to prevent suture extrusion and recurrence.

Prominent ear is the most common deformity of the external ear. The major causes can be an underdeveloped antithetical fold, concha hypertrophy, and prominence of the ear lobule. Since Ely's first aesthetic correction of the prominent ear in 1881, more than 200 different techniques have been described, but the choice of procedure still remains the surgeon's preference. This report presents the laterally based posterior auricular dermal flap technique as an adjunct to the conventional cartilage-sparing otoplasty. An elliptical skin incision was planned according to the classic prominent ear correction technique. Instead of the excision, skin was deepithelialized. From the inferior border of the incision, the dermal flap was incised and elevated in a medial-to-lateral direction. The posterior auricular dermal flap was used to support and cover the suture material. This method was used in the treatment of 17 consecutive patients. After a follow-up period of 6-32 months (mean 16 months), the patients were evaluated in terms of the recurrence and suture line problems. No suture line problems or recurrences were observed at the end of the follow-up period. Use of the posterior auricular dermal flap both prevents suture extrusion and decreases recurrences. Level of Evidence V 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 .

Using a capsule flap for the reconstruction of a partial auricular defect.

In this article we describe the capsular flap for covering the posterior surface of cartilaginous framework in ear reconstruction. This technique has not been previously described in the published literature.

Predicting skin deficits through surface area measurements in ear reconstruction and adult ear surface area norms.

Ear reconstruction is one of the most challenging procedures in plastic surgery practice. Many studies and techniques have been described in the literature for carving a well-pronounced framework. However, just as important as the cartilage framework is the ample amount of delicate skin coverage of the framework. In this report, we introduce an innovative method of measuring the skin surface area of the auricle from a three-dimensional template created from the healthy ear.The study group consisted of 60 adult Turkish individuals who were randomly selected (30 men and 30 women). The participant ages ranged from 18 to 45 years (mean, 31.5 years), and they had no history of trauma or congenital anomalies. The template is created by dividing the ear into aesthetic subunits and using ImageJ software to estimate the necessary amount of total skin surface area required.Reconstruction of the auricle is a complicated process that requires experience and patience to provide the auricular details. We believe this estimate will shorten the learning curve for residents and surgeons interested in ear reconstruction and will help surgeons obtain adequate skin to drape over the well-sculpted cartilage frameworks by providing a reference list of total ear skin surface area measurements for Turkish men and women.