Morphological aspects of dorsum and sacrum skin as related to liposuction.

Analysis of the dorsum's skin and sacrum region allowed the authors to evaluate regional characteristics of cutaneous skin integument, taking into consideration the age group most subjected to liposuction. Thus, it was attempted to establish rules to facilitate, in a comparative form, the evaluation of results related to cutaneous retraction in plastic surgery.

The thigh's lateral skin (saddle bags): histomorphometric study of interest to liposuction.

Study of the thigh's lateral skin ("saddle bags") in cadavers made it possible to evaluate its regional characteristics. Sex or race were not reported but the age group most appropriate to liposuction was considered. In this way, authors believed that as per standards established at the time, results as to the skin retraction in liposuction, will be able to be analyzed in a comparative way in the future.

Brachioplasty technique with the use of molds.

Over previous years many surgical techniques have been developed to correct lipodystrophy and brachial skin laxity while providing a natural, discreet contour and symmetrical scars, a goal that has not always been achieved. In this study, the authors classify the alterations of the arm into three degrees and propose a different surgical treatment, to be used alone or associated with another procedure, for each classification. They developed a new technique that uses a mold to mark the incision in an italic double S-shape. From 1996 to 1998, 20 patients who underwent this surgery showed symmetrical and smaller scars with better results and minimal complications.

Injection of vitamin A acid, vitamin E, and vitamin C for treatment of tissue necrosis.

Experimental studies concerning All-Trans Retinoic acid 0.1% with the antioxidant action of the Vitamin E (tocopherol acetate 0.20%) and Vitamin C (coated ascorbic acid 0.20%) efficacy in both the vascular neoformation induction and cellular membrane stabilization have been conducted by us to improve skin necrosis regression after routine plastic surgeries. Patients after rhytidectomy, breast reduction, and abdominoplasty with localized skin flap necrosis, were submitted to daily intradermic injections for a period of 15 days and had their skin healed by the effects of these vitamins.

Anatomy of the median part of the septum depressor muscle in aesthetic surgery.

When a person smiles and talks, everyone in his or her own specific way, it can be noticed that the tip of the nose drops and the upper lip shortens, making the nasolabial angle more acute. The importance of the upper lip in the dynamics of the nose makes necessary a more detailed study of the morphology and anatomical relations of the median part of the nasal septum depressor muscle, contributing in this way to new techniques in plastic surgery. The authors proposed to study the anatomy of the nasal septum depressor muscle and its relationship with the dermocartilaginous ligament of Pitanguy and the upper lip, important components of the nasal dynamics of facial expression. In this way they seek to contribute to the treatment of the nasal tip in aesthetic rhinoplasties.

Breast reduction: shortening scars with liposuction.

The authors describe a mammaplasty reduction technique they believe is safe due to modern cutaneous resection and adequate areolar nourishment. It is made possible by maintaining a large pedicule which is also versatile since it can be used on all kinds of breasts. Good results can be reproduced by other surgeons.

Superficial liposuction.

Over a period of 12 years, the authors have seen that skin retracts after the judicious treatment of deep and superficial layers of fat tissue, laying to rest what has been one of the biggest fears of this treatment of lipoaspiration, namely cutaneous flaccidity. The adequate and judicious approach to these two layers, along with the increasing use and help of lipo-injection, permits the lessening of irregularities such as undulations and/or depressions.

A new methodology in abdominal aesthetic surgery.

This article presents a personal methodology for the surgical planning of abdominoplasties with the goal of obtaining the best aesthetic result with the minimum of scars. With a thorough physical examination, the abdomens are classified into different groups and surgery is planned accordingly. The authors use liposuction in association with dermolipectomy and introduce a new approach to treating supraumbilical muscle diastases. The results obtained have been good, with a smooth recovery and better scars.

Dermoadipose and adenadipose flaps in mammoplasty.

After the follow-up of breasts operated on using several breast reduction techniques that resect the glands removing its central section, we noted in the last postoperative period that with the passage of time, these breasts developed a depression on the upper pole causing a somewhat ungraceful profile and the visual impression that the breast was ptotic. It was noted that the techniques used were most concerned with mammary gland removal, without specific regard to the upper pole of the breast. Searching for an aesthetic solution for the construction and maintenance of the upper pole of the breast, we have developed two techniques in which fixation of mammary tissue flaps to the third costal arch assures both a graceful breast and pexis of the breasts. This report presents an analysis of the results of the author's experience.

Importance of cervicomental complex treatment in rhytidoplasty.

The classic rhytidoplasty does not resolve the problems of excessive submental fat and muscular flaccidity with ptosis of the supporting muscles of the bottom of the mouth associated with facial aging. Therefore, we have used a technique of submental fat curettage followed by total undermining of the platysma muscle, submental medial myoraphy, and suspension of the submental soft parts in association with rhytidoplasty. Seventy-five patients have undergone this combination technique. Some patients reported constriction in the neck and some difficulty in swallowing for about 2 weeks after surgery, but there were no late or long-term complications.