Three Pedicles-Based Nipple-Sparing Skin-Reducing Mastectomy (TP-NSSRM) combined with Pre-Pectoral Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and immediate breast reconstruction have demonstrated positive aesthetic outcomes and high patient satisfaction. However, challenges arise when performing NSM on patients with large and ptotic breasts due to the higher risk of nipple-areolar complex (NAC) necrosis. This study proposes a new technique: the three pedicles-based nipple-sparing skin-reducing mastectomy (TP-NSSRM), combined with direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction, aimed at reducing complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022, enrolling patients with large and drooping breasts requiring mastectomy for breast cancer treatment or risk reduction. Patient selection criteria included a sternal notch to nipple distance of ≥ 23 cm, Grade 3 ptosis, and eligibility for immediate prepectoral DTI breast reconstruction. Patient satisfaction was assessed using BREAST-Q modules. RESULTS: Seventy-two TP-NSSRM procedures combined with immediate DTI-based breast reconstruction were performed on a total of 45 patients. High patient satisfaction was observed, and statistically significant improvements were noted in postoperative BREAST-Q scores (p=0.001). The complication rate was low, and preservation of the nipple-areolar complex was achieved in all cases. CONCLUSION: The TP-NSSRM technique offers a potential solution for patients with large and drooping breasts undergoing NSM. It aims to minimize complications and achieve satisfactory outcomes. This study demonstrates favorable results in terms of patient satisfaction and quality of life. Further research and long-term follow-up are necessary to validate these findings and evaluate the long-term outcomes of this technique.

Interindividual and Intraindividual Variations of Breast Sensitivity Before and After Breast Reduction: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: More than 300,0000 breast plastic surgery procedures are performed annually worldwide, of which more than 100,000 are reduction mammoplasties carried out in the United States. Although most patients tend to be satisfied with the immediate outcomes of this procedure, there is increasing concern among surgeons as well as patients with regard to breast sensibility and the postoperative recovery.The objectives of this study were to assess the variation in the sensibility in patients undergoing hypertrophic breast surgery by quantification of the impact of various variables and to evaluate its progression from before the surgery to between 3 and 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. METHODS: We carried out a nonrandomized, monocentric, prospective study. All of the patients were examined by the same evaluator using a set of 20 von Frey monofilaments on the day before the surgery and at 3 to 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. The breast skin, areola, and nipple sensibilities were tested. Age, body mass index, tobacco use, and the breast volume were recorded. RESULTS: We did not find any significant effect of the body mass index, tobacco use, or age on breast sensibility. The nipple and areola complex (NAC) sensibility was inversely correlated with the degree of hypertrophy before the surgery, but this difference disappeared in the postoperative evaluations. After the surgery, the NAC sensibility decreased at the first follow-up at 4.5 months and returned to normal after 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: The inverse relationship between breast volume and sensibility in the preoperative evaluation disappeared after mammaplasty reduction. In the early postoperative period, the sensibility decreased on the NAC but returned to normal after 1 year.

A prospective comparison of breast sensibility after reduction mammoplasty: Superior versus superomedial pedicle.

BACKGROUND: Breast sensitivity is a significant issue in preoperative consultation prior to reduction mammoplasty. Although a range of techniques is used, recovery of sensation is usually evaluated using the inferior pedicle. Our objective was to evaluate and compare the change in breast sensitivity using the superomedial versus the superior pedicle. METHODS: We performed a non-randomized, monocentric, prospective study. Thirty-six patients were examined by a single evaluator with von Frey monofilaments on the day prior to the surgery, at 3-6 months, and at 1 year postoperatively. The breast skin, areola, and nipple sensitivity were tested. The breasts were classified into two groups depending on whether the superior pedicle (S) or the superomedial pedicle (SM) technique was used. RESULTS: The differences between the two groups indicate that the SM group had better sensitivity at 4.5 and 12 months postoperatively. The thresholds for the size filaments that could be felt at the first follow-up on the skin, the areola, and the nipple for the S group vs. the SM group were 2.55 vs. 2.41 (p = 0.41), 4.57 vs. 4.45 (p = 0.28), and 4.17 vs. 3.81 (p = 0.04) size units, respectively. At 1 year postoperatively, the respective values were 2.62 vs. 2.52 (p = 0.49), 4.28 vs. 4.05 (p = 0.04), and 3.63 vs. 3.38 (p = 0.10). CONCLUSION: The nerve fibers appear to be better preserved in the superomedial pedicle than in the superior pedicle. However, these differences were not clinically relevant. The choice of the technique should be made on the basis of the size and the shape of the breast, the patient morphology, and the operator's preference rather than being on the basis of the recovery of sensitivity.

Bilateral DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction to a Single Set of Internal Mammary Vessels: Technique, Safety, and Outcomes after 250 Flaps.

BACKGROUND: The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is considered the gold standard in autologous breast reconstruction. In bilateral cases, both flaps are often anastomosed to the internal mammary vessels on either side of the sternum. The authors propose a method in which both flaps are anastomosed to only the right side internal mammary artery and vein. METHODS: Between November of 2009 and March of 2018, 125 patients underwent bilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction with this technique. One flap is perfused by the anterograde proximal internal mammary artery and the second one by the retrograde distal internal mammary artery after presternal tunneling. Patient demographics and operative details were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty flaps were performed. One hundred fifty-two flaps were prophylactic or primary reconstructions (60.8 percent), 70 were secondary reconstructions (28 percent), and 28 were tertiary reconstructions (11.2 percent). Mean patient age was 46 years, and the mean body mass index was 25 kg/m. Sixty patients underwent radiation therapy or chemotherapy (48 percent). The authors encountered one significant partial failure (0.4 percent) and nine complete flap failures (3.6 percent). The authors did not see a statistically significant predisposition for failure comparing the retrograde with the anterograde flow flaps, nor when comparing the tunneled with the nontunneled flaps. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' results show that anastomosing both DIEP flaps to a single set of mammary vessels is safe and reliable. The authors conclude that the retrograde flow through the distal internal mammary artery is sufficient for free flap perfusion and that subcutaneous tunneling of a free flap pedicle does not predispose to flap failure. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

"The Evolution of Eyebrow Morphology: The Westmore Model Revisited".

BACKGROUND: The most widely recognized eyebrow model was described by Westmore in 1974. With the rapidly changing concept of beauty, an accurate up-to-date model is needed. METHODS: The Westmore model was tested on fashion models that were randomly selected from the covers of the 1965-1975 (group 1) and 2006-2016 (group 2) Vogue magazine. The eyebrows of fashion models, which represent the beauty ideals of these decades, were objectively measured and compared. We proposed a modified eyebrow model more adapted to the modern standards of beauty, applied it to group 2, and objectively compared it to the Westmore model. This new model was validated on a group of randomly selected Caucasian women. RESULTS: Thirty women were included in each group. The medial edge of the eyebrow was better defined by the Westmore model in group 1 compared to group 2. The lateral edge of the eyebrow was better defined by the Westmore model in group 2. The peak of the eyebrow was not well defined by the Westmore model in both groups. The new model was more adapted than the Westmore model for both the medial edge and the peak of the eyebrow in group 2. It was also accurate in non-model Caucasian women. CONCLUSION: Eyebrow morphology has evolved since the description of the Westmore model. Our model represents a simple way to accurately predict the eyebrow landmarks according to the modern ideals of beauty.

Labia Majora Augmentation Combined With Minimal Labia Minora Resection: A Safe and Global Approach to the External Female Genitalia.

BACKGROUND: All the labia minora reduction techniques fail to treat the other component of the abnormally increased labia minora to majora ratio: the labia majora atrophy. The purpose of this study is to describe a technique of female genitalia beautification, which combines labia majora augmentation and conservative labia minora reduction. METHODS: The hypertrophied labia minora were first treated by a conservative inferior wedge excision with a superior flap. The conservative excision was done to obtain labia minora that would still protrude beyond the labia majora because it will be masked by the augmentation of the labia majora. Labia majora augmentation was done by autologous fat transplantation. The newly augmented labia majora completely masked the conservatively reduced labia minora. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients underwent surgery for labia majora augmentation and labia minora reduction. One patient (4.7%) had a small separation of the labial edge postoperatively that resolved with no additional interventions. There was no flap necrosis or infections. No patient reported pain or sexual dysfunction. Seventeen patients (81%) were satisfied or very satisfied with their results. CONCLUSIONS: Labia majora augmentation combined with a conservative labia minora reduction is an appealing procedure because it enhances the global aspect of the female genitalia while reducing the labioplasty complications.

Liposuction-assisted four pedicle-based breast reduction (LAFPBR): A new safer technique of breast reduction for elderly patients.

As older people increasingly care for their body image and remain active longer, the demand for reduction mammaplasty is increasing in this population. Only a few studies of reduction mammaplasty have specifically focussed on the outcomes in elderly women. We developed a new breast reduction technique: the Liposuction-Assisted Four Pedicle-Based Breast Reduction (LAFPBR) that is especially indicated for elderly patients. The aim of this paper was to describe the LAFPBR technique and to determine whether it could be considered a safer option for elderly patients compared to the superomedial pedicle (SMP) technique. A retrospective study included sixty-two women aged 60 years and over who underwent bilateral breast reduction mammaplasty. Thirty-one patients underwent LAFPBR and 31 patients were operated using the SMP technique. Complications and patient satisfaction in both groups were analysed. Patient satisfaction was measured using a validated questionnaire: the client satisfaction questionnaire 8 (CSQ-8). The LAFPBR technique required less operating time, and avoided significant blood loss. Six minor complications were observed in SMP patients. No LAFPBR women developed a procedure-related complication. Patient satisfaction was high with a mean score of 29.65 in LAFPBR patients and 28.68 in SMP patients. The LAFPBR is an easy procedure that appears safer than SMP and results in a high satisfaction rate in elderly women.

Lower Body Lift in the Massive Weight Loss Patient: A New Classification and Algorithm for Gluteal Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: An often-neglected part of the lower body lift procedure is the gluteal region. The objective of this study was to classify massive weight loss patients undergoing a body lift procedure and provide a safe, standardized approach for gluteal augmentation. METHODS: A retrospective review of all body lift procedures performed between January of 2012 and January of 2017 was conducted. Patients undergoing a lower body lift with or without gluteal augmentation were included for analysis. Patients were classified as follows: type I, minimal lower and upper back fat and deflated buttock; type II, substantial lower back fat, minimal upper back fat, and deflated buttock; type III, substantial lower and upper back fat and deflated buttock; and type IV, good buttock projection. Type I patients had gluteal implants, type II patients had autologous flap augmentation, type III patients had gluteal lipofilling, and type IV patients did not have any gluteal augmentation. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty patients were included for analysis. Two hundred thirty-eight underwent concomitant gluteal augmentation (85 percent): 213 had autologous flaps (76 percent), 13 had gluteal implants (5 percent), and 12 had large-volume lipofilling (4 percent). Forty-two patients underwent a body lift with no gluteal augmentation (15 percent). Gluteal augmentation did not increase the rate of complications. In both groups, no skin necrosis, venous thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism was reported. Patients who had a sleeve gastrectomy had significantly lower odds of complications compared with gastric bypass (OR, 0.45; p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: A standardized algorithmic approach for gluteal augmentation may optimize the result without increasing the complication rate. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Three-stage folded forehead flap for nasal reconstruction: Objective and subjective measurements of aesthetic and functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The three-stage folded forehead flap (FFF) proved to be a simple and readily available method of lining replacement. To date, no clinical trial has evaluated the outcomes of the FFF on the nose shape and function. METHODS: Patients undergoing a full-thickness unilateral alar reconstruction with a forehead flap between January of 2010 and December of 2015 were included for analysis. Patients were divided into two groups: The FFF group included patients that had a unilateral alar reconstruction using a three-stage FFF; the standard forehead flap (SFF) group included patients that had a reconstruction using a two-stage forehead flap in combination with another method for lining reconstruction. The following objective measurements were performed: the alar thickness, nostril and hemi-nose areas, and nostril height. Subjective evaluation of the results was performed using the NAFEQ score. Independent raters also evaluated the appearance of the nose. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were included: 15 in the FFF group and 16 in the SFF group. In both groups, the reconstructed ala was thicker than that on the normal side, the reconstructed nostril was smaller than the normal nostril, and the reconstructed hemi-nose was bigger than the normal side. Moreover, 84% of the patients were satisfied with their total nasal functioning. All the patients were satisfied with their total nasal appearance. CONCLUSION: The FFF showed objective, subjective, aesthetic, and functional results comparable to other lining reconstruction techniques.

Smartphone-Based Patient Education in Plastic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Internet use for health information has dramatically increased in the past decade. Mobile medical applications (MMAs) could be a useful tool to improve postoperative patient education and care. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of an MMA on patient care in plastic surgery. METHODS: An MMA was developed to improve postoperative plastic surgery patients care. All patients who underwent surgery at our plastic surgery department between August and November 2014 and were willing to download the MMA were included. Two to 4 weeks after the procedure, the patients were asked to fill a questionnaire that assessed the content, design, and efficacy of the application. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included. The patients reported that their questions regarding the postoperative management were addressed by the application with a mean score of 4.1 over 5. Most patients would recommend the application to other plastic surgery patients with a mean score of 4.6 over 5. The application prevented 12 patients (20%) from calling the plastic surgeon or the emergency department. CONCLUSIONS: A smartphone application can optimize the plastic surgery patient care. It can provide additional information allowing the patients to get involved in their own medical care.

Labia Majora Augmentation: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no standardized approach for labia majora augmentation and controversies still exist regarding this subject. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to assess the evidence in the literature regarding labia majora augmentation. METHODS: On November 20, 2016, we conducted an online search of published articles in the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases. All articles describing labia majora augmentation were included in this review. RESULTS: Nine studies were selected for inclusion in the systematic review. Only 2 studies were prospective trials. The most commonly used technique was fat grafting with a total of 4 articles and 183 patients. The mean total injected fat volume ranged from 18 mL to 120 mL per session. Two articles described hyaluronic acid injection techniques. The total injected volume of hyaluronic acid ranged from 2 to 6 mL per session. Three articles used surgical techniques for labia majora augmentation. All included articles did not report any major or life-threatening complications. All techniques demonstrated high satisfaction rates. CONCLUSIONS: Labia majora augmentation appears to be a safe, efficient technique with a high satisfaction rate and no reported major complications. However, further randomized controlled trials are warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Botulinum Toxin for Eyebrow Shaping: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no standardized approach for eyebrow shaping with botulinum toxin, and controversies still exist regarding this subject. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to summarize and compare all the published data regarding eyebrow shaping with botulinum toxin. METHODS: On March 10, 2017, an online search of published articles in the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were conducted. All articles that used objective measurements to quantify the eyebrow changes after botulinum toxin injection were included in this review. RESULTS: Eleven studies were selected for inclusion with a total of 585 patients. All the included studies used onabotulinumtoxin A. Seven studies injected both the lateral and the medial eyebrow depressors, 2 studies injected the lateral depressors alone, and 2 studies injected the medial depressors alone. The highest elevation was observed in the lateral brow (0.4-4.8 mm). Bruising and headache were the most frequently reported complications, and only 5 cases of eyelid ptosis were noted. CONCLUSION: Botulinum toxin injection for eyebrow shaping is a noninvasive, safe, and reproducible procedure. Eyebrow reshaping can be achieved by targeting different muscle groups. However, further randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Use of the retrograde limb of the internal mammary vein to avoid venous congestion in DIEP flap breast reconstruction: Further evidences of a reliable and time-sparing procedure.

AIM: Venous congestion is a common cause of DIEP flap failure. When identified intraoperatively, an additional venous anastomosis can improve the venous outflow and prevent flap failure. The aim of this study was to assess if the retrograde limb of the internal mammary vein (IMV) could be considered a good recipient vessel to be used when persistent flap congestion is present, and a second venous anastomosis is required. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 74 patients who had undergone DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Patients were classified into two groups: SVA (single venous anastomosis) and DVA (dual venous anastomosis). In the SVA group (n = 38), the IMV antegrade limb was used for venous drainage. A single DIEV (Deep Inferior Epigastric Vein) was anastomosed to the superior arm of the IMV. In the DVA group (n = 36), both the antegrade (superior) and retrograde (inferior) stumps of the IMV were used, connecting the larger DIEV to the antegrade IMV and the other DIEV or the SIEV (Superficial Inferior Epigastric Vein) to the IMV retrograde limb. RESULTS: No venous congestion or flap loss was observed when two venous anastomoses were performed using both the IMV antegrade and retrograde limbs (P = 0.3271). In the DVA group, no major complication occurred (P = 0.0453). Operative explorations were significantly reduced in the DVA group (P = 0.0242). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that when an additional venous outflow is required, the use of the IMV retrograde limb may help to avoid flap venous congestion. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:447-452, 2016.

Modified Antia-Buch flap for the reconstruction of helical rim defects.

BACKGROUND: The Antia-Buch flap is a sophisticated one-stage procedure using two chondrocutaneous flaps to reconstruct the ear helix. Because tissue laxity is largely conferred by the inferior flap, relative to the less mobile superior flap, chondrocutaneous resection of scapha is required for closure. This results in loss of ear height and limits morphologic outcome. We describe a modification of the Antia-Buch flap, which may avoid such drawbacks. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We conducted a retrospective review of patients (n = 15), each undergoing our modified Antia-Buch flap between 2010 and 2014. All procedures were performed under local anesthesia as outpatient procedures. Data on magnitude of resections, procedure durations, related complications, and aesthetic outcomes were collected. RESULTS: The mean size of resection was 25 mm (range, 20-30 mm). The modification improved the mobility of the upper chondrocutaneous flap, eliminating the need to resect the scapha. All wounds healed uneventfully, with no skin necrosis. The morphologic outcome was satisfactory or very satisfactory in all patients, preserving the shape, height, and width of the ear. CONCLUSIONS: Our modification changes the upper flap from an advancement flap to a transposition flap, enhancing its mobility and preempting the resection of the scapha. Thus, anatomic landmarks, aesthetic subunits of the pinna, and ear height are maintained for highly satisfactory morphologic results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Pacemaker endocarditis caused by Propionibacterium acnes: a case report.

A 74-year-old man, with a permanent pacemaker placed 2 years ago for high-grade atrioventricular block, was admitted for worsening fatigue, confusion, and thrombocytopenic purpura without fever. White blood cell count and C-reactive protein were elevated, and echocardiography revealed a 6 × 3-cm echogenic mass surrounding the pacemaker leads. Multiple blood cultures were performed, and only 1 bottle grew Propionibacterium acnes at 93 hours. The patient underwent surgery, and 16S rRNA gene polymerase chain reaction amplification confirmed the presence of P. acnes in the removed vegetation. Patients with late-onset, device-related endocarditis often present with vague symptoms and fever may be absent, obscuring the clinical diagnosis. Blood cultures and transesophageal echocardiography are key diagnostic tests. As a slow-growing, low virulent, and common human skin germ, P. acnes can be wrongly considered as a blood culture contaminant.