Fontes de energia externa no contorno corporal / External energy sources in body contouring

Durante a 39a Jornada Sulbrasileira de Cirurgia Plástica, em abril de 2024, um debate acalorado surgiu em torno da divulgação do uso de tecnologias para cirurgia de contorno corporal nas redes sociais. Um importante questionamento foi feito: elas estão sendo divulgadas prematuramente nas redes sociais antes de serem rigorosamente avaliadas? A frase do Dr. Ian Malcolm, célebre criação de Michael Chrichton, "Vou te dizer o problema com o poder que você está usando aqui, ele não exigiu nenhuma disciplina para obtê-lo" se aplica perfeitamente a essa situação. A divulgação de técnicas em redes sociais deveria exigir a mesma disciplina rigorosa que a pesquisa científica. A ausência de protocolos de pesquisa aprovados pelo Conselho Nacional de Ética em Pesquisa e de publicações de alto nível de evidência em revistas revisadas por pares levanta preocupações. O poder de aprimorar nossos resultados com o uso dessas fontes de energia externa é real e seu uso consiste em um grande avanço dentro da cirurgia plástica. No entanto, é imperativo que os cirurgiões plásticos exerçam cautela ao promover novas tecnologias. A disciplina científica deve ser o alicerce de qualquer avanço, e a divulgação responsável deve preceder a popularização. Somente assim, poderemos garantir que os pacientes se beneficiem de tratamentos seguros e eficazes, sem comprometer a integridade da nossa especialidade.

During the 39th South Brazilian Plastic Surgery Conference, in April 2024, a heated debate arose regarding the promotion of the use of technologies for body contouring surgery on social media. An important question was raised: are they being prematurely promoted on social media before being rigorously evaluated? The quote from Dr. Ian Malcolm, a famous creation of Michael Chrichton, "I'll tell you the problem with the power you're using here, it didn't require any discipline to attain it" applies perfectly to this situation. Promoting techniques on social media should require the same rigorous discipline as scientific research. The absence of research protocols approved by the National Research Ethics Council and high-level evidence publications in peer- reviewed journals raises concerns. The power to enhance our results using these external energy sources is real, and its use represents a significant advancement within plastic surgery. However, it is imperative that plastic surgeons exercise caution when promoting new technologies. Scientific discipline should be the foundation of any advancement, and responsible disclosure should precede popularization. Only then can we ensure that patients benefit from safe and effective treatments without compromising the integrity of our specialty.

Is autologous platelet-rich plasma capable of increasing hair density in patients with androgenic alopecia? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials⋆.

FUNDAMENTALS: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been progressively more used in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). OBJECTIVES: The authors aimed to evaluate PRP efficacy compared to placebo in AGA. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across seven databases, until 01/04/2023. Randomized clinical trials focusing on AGA and PRP use to increase hair density were included. Patients aged between 15 and 63 years, diagnosed with AGA characterized by Norwood I‒VII and Ludwig I‒III scales, were included. Studies with a sample size <10, lacking PRP processing method, focusing on complementary therapies or other alopecias, were excluded. The authors conducted subgroup analysis for activator, spin method, study design, risk of bias, and gender. Meta-regression was conducted for activator, spin method, design, and gender. The authors used GRADEpro to assess evidence certainty and the RoB-2 tool for risk of bias. Asymmetry was measured through a Funnel plot followed by Egger's test. The protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023407334). RESULTS: The authors screened 555 registers and included fourteen studies involving 431 patients for qualitative synthesis, with 13 studies included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis demonstrated a mean difference of 27.55 hairs/cm2 and 95% CI (14.04; 41.06), I2 = 95.99%, p < 0.05. Hair diameter meta-analysis presented a mean difference of 2.02 µm, 95% CI (-0.85 µm; 4.88 µm), and I2 = 77.11% (p = 0.02). That is, low quality evidence. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY: Studies were highly heterogeneous, of low quality, and presented evident publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: Highly heterogeneous studies with publication bias suggest PRP effectively increases hair density in AGA, so further high-quality randomized clinical trials are recommended to strengthen the evidence.

Redefining Abdominal Contours: An Analysis of Medium Definition Liposuction Abdominoplasty.

INTRODUCTION: This study elucidates the application of Medium Definition Liposuction Abdominoplasty, a novel technique for achieving well-defined abdominal contours. The technique focuses on revealing the patient's inherent muscular volume and form by creating thinner flaps compared to traditional liposuction methodologies. METHODS: Objective evaluations of the abdominal wall's configuration were systematically executed both pre- and post-intervention for each participant. Digital image measurements facilitated by an image software constituted the basis for these assessments. The Body Fat Index was computed using precise measurements from seven distinct anatomical sites, with two measurements taken at each site and subsequently averaged. RESULTS: Over a span of 63 months, 300 patients underwent this combined procedure, resulting in discernible enhancements in the configuration of their abdominal walls in 97.6% of cases. However, complications such as partial diminution of tension in the muscular wall (2%), distal flap necrosis (0.6%), and minor muscular hernia (0.3%) were observed. CONCLUSION: The employment of combined muscle plication emerges as an efficacious methodology in meticulously rectifying alterations inherent within the muscular aponeurotic abdominal wall. This technique ensures the preservation of the original anatomical structure and functional dynamics, thereby circumventing the manifestation of local distortions that may arise from inadequate or excessive corrections. BULLET POINTS: The study introduces a novel technique, Medium Definition Liposuction Abdominoplasty, for achieving well-defined abdominal contours. This technique focuses on revealing the patient's inherent muscular volume and form by creating thinner flaps compared to traditional liposuction methodologies. Objective evaluations of the abdominal wall's configuration were systematically executed both pre- and post-intervention for each participant. The Body Fat Index was computed using precise measurements from seven distinct anatomical sites. Over a span of 63 months, 300 patients underwent this combined procedure, resulting in discernible enhancements in the configuration of their abdominal walls in 97.6% of cases. This technique ensures the preservation of the original anatomical structure and functional dynamics, thereby circumventing the manifestation of local distortions that may arise from inadequate or excessive corrections. 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 .

Breast fat grafting and cancer: a systematic review of the science behind enhancements and concerns.

Background: Autologous fat transfer (AFT) is gaining popularity in breast surgery, offering a natural-looking and minimally invasive approach for augmentation, reconstruction, and contouring. However, concerns about its impact on breast cancer necessitate an understanding of the interplay between transplanted adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and the breast tissue microenvironment. Renowned for regeneration, ADSCs raise questions about their role in cancer promotion. This systematic review delves into the complex relationship between AFT and breast cancer, exploring how ADSCs may influence development, growth, and metastasis. Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and BVS was conducted to identify relevant studies. The search strategy employed a combination of keywords, including "breast augmentation", "fat grafting", "breast enhancement", "mammoplasty", "cancer", "neoplasm" and related terms. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts. Full-text articles were then retrieved for further evaluation based on their potential contribution to the review objectives. Results: Two hundred and forty records were identified. Among these, 104 duplicates were removed, resulting in 136 reports available for title and abstract screening. Subsequently, 54 papers were deemed potentially eligible for inclusion, and all reports were retrieved. Conclusions: In vitro studies reveal ADSCs dual role in breast cancer, influencing proliferation, migration, and drug resistance through complex signaling pathways. Animal studies highlight distinct ADSC subpopulations impacting tumor growth via direct interactions and extracellular vesicle cargo. In vivo, ADSC-enriched fat grafting is generally safe, showing no increased cancer recurrence risk compared to other methods. Notably, cases of invasive breast carcinoma warrant special attention. ADSC-enriched fat grafts exhibit potential benefits in graft retention and survival rates. Despite promising evidence, further studies are needed to comprehensively understand the intricate relationship between ADSCs and breast cancer for optimized clinical applications and potential therapeutic innovations.

Impacto de fatores psicológicos no fracasso da cirurgia bariátrica / Impact of psychological factors on the failure of bariatric surgery / Impacto de factores psicológicos en el fallo de la cirugía bariátrico

Cirurgia bariátrica é um tratamento eficaz para obesidade mórbida. Alguns fatores psicológicos podem impactar no resultado pós-operatório relacionado à perda de peso. Investigar a influência das expectativas e as motivações pré-operatórias, assim como a presença de outros transtornos psicológicos que têm potencial de estarem ligados ao desfecho desfavorável foi o objetivo desta pesquisa. Este estudo caso-controle retrospectivo considerou 44 casos de fracasso para 88 controles de sucesso em uma amostra randomizada de pacientes operados em um serviço de referência de um hospital escola. Os resultados revelaram que expectativas relacionadas à diminuição do preconceito social e à melhoria da capacidade e condições de trabalho estão associadas à resposta insatisfatória na perda do excesso de peso esperada neste procedimento cirúrgico. Falhas em tratamentos prévios para controle da obesidade foram apontadas como indicador favorável relacionado ao sucesso na perda de peso pós-cirurgia. E não houve associação de outros transtornos psicológicos com o resultado de fracasso

Bariatric surgery is an alternative for morbid obesity treatment. Some factors can impact the postoperative results related to weight loss. The objective of this research was to unveil the influence of preoperative expectations that have the potential to be linked to the unfavorable outcome. This retrospective, case-control study considered 44 cases of failure for 88 success controls in a randomized sample of patients operated on in a Brazilian School Hospital. The results revealed that expectations related to the reduction of social prejudice and the improvement of work capacity and conditions are associated with an unsatisfactory response to the expected excess weight loss in this surgical procedure. Failures in previous treatments for obesity control were identifi ed as a favorable indicator related to success in weight loss after surgery. And there was no association of other psychological disorders with the result of failure

Cirugía bariátrica es una alternativa para el tratamiento de la obesidad mórbida. Algunos factores pueden afectar el resultado postoperatorio relacionado con la pérdida de peso. El objetivo de esta investigación fue revelar la influencia de las expectativas preoperatorias que tienen el potencial de estar vinculadas al resultado desfavorable. Este estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles consideró 44 casos de fracaso para 88 controles de éxito en una muestra aleatoria de pacientes operados en un hospital escolar brasileño. Los resultados revelaron que las expectativas relacionadas con la reducción de los prejuicios sociales y la mejora de la capacidad y las condiciones laborales se asocian con una respuesta insatisfactoria al exceso de pérdida de peso esperado en este procedimiento quirúrgico. Los fracasos en tratamientos previos para el control de la obesidad se identificaron como un indicador favorable relacionado con el éxito en la pérdida de peso después de la cirugía. Y no hubo asociación de otros trastornos psicológicos con el resultado del fracaso

Explante de silicone mamário: um estudo longitudinal multicêntrico / Breast silicone explant: a multicenter longitudinal study

Introdução: Após a colocação de implantes mamários de silicone, algumas pacientes apresentam sintomas descritos como doença do implante mamário e buscam a cirurgia de explante. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar o histórico de sintomas e verificar as impressões dos pacientes submetidos ao explante mamário em três momentos distintos: antes de colocar os implantes mamários, enquanto estavam com os implantes e após a cirurgia de explante. Métodos: Essa pesquisa foi delineada como um estudo observacional longitudinal multicêntrico utilizando um questionário on-line de participação voluntária enviado por e-mail. Resultados: Foram analisados 156 pacientes, 84% apresentavam três ou mais sintomas e 66,1% destes obtiveram melhora de sua sintomatologia após o explante (p<0,001). Antes da colocação de silicone, a mediana de autossatisfação corporal era de 7, enquanto estavam com os implantes a mediana tornou-se 9 e após a cirurgia de explante a mediana se manteve em 9 (p<0,001). Grupos de apoio em redes sociais auxiliaram na decisão de fazer o explante em 87,2% das pacientes. Conclusão: Pacientes que têm sintomas após colocarem silicone apresentam melhora com a retirada dos implantes mamários. A autossatisfação corporal aumenta com a colocação de implantes mamários e permanece elevada após a retirada destes. Pacientes que fazem a cirurgia do explante costumam estar arrependidas de terem colocado silicone, muito satisfeitas com a decisão de removêlos e igualmente satisfeitas com o resultado da cirurgia de explante mamário. Grupos de apoio em redes sociais foram importantes na tomada de decisão destas pacientes.

Introduction: Following silicone breast implant placement, some patients present symptoms described as breast implant illness and seek explant surgery. This study aims to analyze the historical symptoms and ascertain breast explant patients' impressions at three different times: before breast implant placement while having the implants, and after the explant surgery. Methods: This survey was designed as a multicenter longitudinal observational study using an online voluntary participation questionnaire sent by e-mail. Results: 156 patients were analyzed, 84% had three or more symptoms, and 66.1% improved their symptoms after the explant (p<0.001). Before the placement of silicone, the median self-body satisfaction was 7, while with the implants, the median became 9, and after the explant surgery, the median remained up to 9 (p<0.001). Support groups on social networks helped in the decision to explant in 87.2% of the patients. Conclusion: Patients presenting symptoms after silicone placement show improvement with breast implant removal. Body self-satisfaction increases with the placement of breast implants and remains increased after their removal. Patients who undergo the explant surgery usually regret having implanted silicone; they are very satisfied with the decision to remove them and equally satisfied with the result of the breast explant surgery. Support groups on social networks were important in the decision-making of these patients.

Risk Factors for Explantation of Breast Implants: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Explantation of breast implant surgery (EBIS) is an emerging surgical field. Precise information about patients undergoing EBIS is important for preoperative planning of breast, augmentation, complications management, and to address any medicolegal issues. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to further extend current knowledge of EBIS risk factors. METHODS: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted involving patients who had previously undergone cosmetic breast augmentation and were seeking EBIS. RESULTS: The study recruited 138 patients. The average time from implant placement and decision to explantation was 59.1 months. On average, each 1-year increase in age resulted in a 4% increase in the relative risk (RR) of explantation (confidence interval (CI), 1.07-1.21). Patients who were obese or overweight present a 1.5 times higher risk of EBIS (CI 95%, 1.03-2.29). On average, this RR was 40% lower (CI 95%, 0.33-0.91) in patients who never smoked compared with those with a history of tobacco use. Women with mastalgia had a 72% higher RR for EBIS (CI 95%, 1.11-2.65). The RR of EBIS was 5.6 times higher (CI 95%, 2.42-11.47) in patients presenting major Shoenfeld's criteria for autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). The RR of EBIS was 4.3 times higher (CI 95%, 1.96-8.63) in patients presenting minor Shoenfeld's criteria for ASIA. CONCLUSIONS: EBIS poses a higher risk to patients who are overweight/obese, have a history of tobacco use, suffer from mastalgia, or present Shoenfeld's criteria for ASIA. It is important to assess properly these individuals before performing implant surgery for breast augmentation.

Qual o papel dos testes rápidos de diagnóstico de COVID-19 IgM/IgG no pré-operatório de cirurgia plástica estética? / What is the role of rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19 IgM/IgG in the pre-operative period of cosmetic plastic surgery?

Introdução: A doença pelo novo coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) surgiu na China e se espalhou globalmente com transmissão mundial sustentada de humano para humano. Os testes de diagnóstico rápido COVID-19 IgM/IgG realizados no momento da admissão hospitalar, antes de cirurgia eletiva, estão entre os métodos de rastreamento pré-operatórios mais amplamente utilizados. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o papel do teste rápido de anticorpos COVID-19 como triagem em pacientes ambulatoriais em cirurgia plástica estética. Métodos: Uma revisão sistemática foi realizada para estudos publicados desde dezembro de 2019, com vários termos de pesquisa relacionados ao teste rápido de anticorpos para COVID-19 e SARS-CoV-2. Os artigos relevantes foram selecionados por meio da avaliação de títulos e resumos. Artigos pertinentes foram revisados. Dados sobre o nível de evidência, sensibilidade e especificidade foram coletados. Resultados: A estratégia de revisão produziu 409 manuscritos. Um total de 357 estudos foram duplicados ou mostraram-se não relevantes para a questão de pesquisa. Entre os artigos restantes, 28 eram estudos sem informações sobre precisão e 24 eram manuscritos descrevendo medidas de precisão. A sensibilidade variou de 18,4 a 100%, o valor preditivo positivo variou entre 19,7 e 100%, a especificidade variou entre 94 e 100%, e o valor preditivo negativo ficou entre 20 e 100%. Conclusão: Os testes de diagnóstico rápido COVID-19 IgM/IgG podem ser imprecisos. Não encontramos nenhuma evidência para apoiar o teste rápido de anticorpos COVID-19 ou SARS-CoV-2 para pacientes ambulatoriais em cirurgia plástica estética.

Introduction: The disease by the new coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in China and spread globally with sustained worldwide transmission from human to human. The COVID-19 IgM/IgG rapid diagnostic tests performed at the time of hospital admission, before elective surgery, are among the most widely used pre-operative screening methods. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the role of the rapid test of COVID-19 antibodies as screening in outpatients in aesthetic plastic surgery. Methods: A systematic review was carried out for studies published since December 2019, with several search terms related to the rapid antibody test for COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2. The relevant articles were selected through the evaluation of titles and abstracts. Relevant articles have been revised. Data on the level of evidence, sensitivity, and specificity were collected. Results: The review strategy produced 409 manuscripts. A total of 357 studies were duplicated or proved to be irrelevant to the research question. Among the remaining articles, 28 were studies without precision information, and 24 were manuscripts describing precision measures. The sensitivity varied from 18.4 to 100%; the positive predictive value between 19.7 and 100%; specificity between 94 and 100%; and the negative predictive value between 20 and 100%. Conclusion: COVID-19 IgM / IgG rapid diagnostic tests may be inaccurate. We found no evidence to support the rapid antibody test COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 for outpatients in cosmetic plastic surgery.

Reverse-Muscle Sling Reduces Complications in Revisional Mastopexy-Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous augmentation-mastopexy is a particularly tricky operation with a considerable reoperation rate. The pectoralis muscle sling has proven to be a suitable alternative technique for long-term results in breast parenchyma suspension without silicone implants. This study aims to propose a promising approach to simultaneous augmentation-mastopexy revisional surgery using an inverted dual-plane technique acting as a muscular sling. METHODS: A 10-year historic cohort was conducted to obtain the following variables from our preexisting database: age, preoperative measurements, operative technicalities, implant details, time from procedure to revision, complications, and outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients assessed after the initial postoperative year were analyzed. Review of this series of patients revealed a revision rate of 3.8% and overall rate of morbidity of 11.5%. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous augmentation-mastopexy using an inverted dual-plane technique acting as a muscular sling is a reliable and safe procedure. Review of this series of patients revealed low rates of morbidity and reoperation need. 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 .

Uso de digitalizador e impressora doméstica em 3 dimensões em rinoplastia / Domestic three-dimensional scanner and printer in patients undergoing rhinoplasty

Os princípios para uma rinoplastia bem-sucedida incluem consulta e planejamento pré-operatório e uma análise clínica abrangente que defina as metas da cirurgia. Mais recentemente, a digitalização e a impressão doméstica em 3 dimensões tornaram-se disponíveis. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever um método de digitalização em 3 dimensões e de impressão doméstica da anatomia real do paciente para ser usada como ajuda intraoperatória. Nós apresentamos uma forma de uso desta tecnologia no transoperatório, auxiliando o cirurgião a comparar os resultados obtidos após suas manobras, verificar a sua adesão ao plano cirúrgico previamente estabelecido e melhorar a sua tomada de decisão durante a cirurgia. Em conclusão, a aplicação da impressão doméstica em 3 dimensões demonstra um efeito positivo sobre o tratamento de alterações estéticas do nariz.

The principles for a successful rhinoplasty include preoperative consultation and planning, as well as a comprehensive clinical analysis and defining rhinoplasty goals. Three-dimensional domestic scanning and printing have recently become available. We sought to objectively describe this method as an intraoperative aid in patients' anatomy. This method can be used trans-operatively to help surgeons compare the results of his or her technique, check adherence to the surgical plan, and improve his or her surgical decision-making. We found that the application of 3-dimensional printing had a positive effect on the treatment of patients with aesthetic nose disorders.

Validation of a Method for Estimation of Facial Age by Plastic Surgeons.

IMPORTANCE: Within cosmetic facial plastic surgery, there is considerable difficulty in producing high-quality scientific publications because of the lack of scientific tools that serve to transform sensations, such as more beautiful or rejuvenated, into numbers capable of being used in statistical analysis. OBJECTIVE: To validate an objective evaluation method that can be used to define the perception of facial age in scientific studies. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This is a cross-sectional, observational study of evaluation by plastic surgeons of 70 photographs of patients from a private care hospital performed from March 1, 2015, through April 30, 2016. When evaluating the photographs, 7 plastic surgeons wrote down the perceived age of each patient. The photographs of each patient were randomly presented twice to each evaluator (photograph 1 and photograph 2) and analyzed singly using a trimmed mean. Three evaluators were randomly chosen for further statistical analysis in an attempt to make the assessment technique more practical. EXPOSURES: Usual aging process. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Estimated mean age and chronological age. RESULTS: Photographs of 70 patients were evaluated (mean [SD] age, 41.5 [13.8] years; 48 women [68.6%]; and mean [SD] body mass index, 22.5 [2.7]). No significant differences were observed between photographs 1 and 2 for any of the evaluators. A significant difference in the mean ages was not observed when comparing evaluators. For photograph 1 (evaluated by only 3 evaluators), the difference was 0.16 years (P = .52). For photograph 2, the difference was 0.05 years (P = .86). The difference between the mean perceived age for the 3 evaluators and the chronological age was only 0.8 years (<10 months). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The intraevaluator and interevaluator agreement suggests that 3 plastic surgeons can estimate the age of a person with a margin of error of 10 months by analyzing a photograph. This article is important to facial plastic surgeons because it reveals how the results of rejuvenation procedures can be assessed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

Prospective and Bidirectional Cross-Sectional Associations between Body Mass Index and Physical Activity following Liposuction: A Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: It has been speculated that the immediate decrease in body fat following liposuction may affect body composition by feedback mechanisms of body fat regain. Physical activity has both short- and long-term impacts on health. Although the lay public often associates higher levels of physical activity with body fat distribution changes, studies on the association between physical activity and body fat distribution present inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to investigate the cross-sectional and prospective associations between physical activity and body mass index following liposuction. METHODS: This is a prospective, bidirectional, cross-sectional study, including 526 liposuction patients, who were followed up at a mean of 11.7 and 24.3 months after surgery. RESULTS: The sum of skinfolds at 11.7 months was highly correlated with skinfolds at 24.3 months (rho = 0.74, p < 0.001). More than 85 percent of participants remained in the same quintile or changed by not more than one quintile during the 13.6-month period. Tracking of physical activity was considerably lower but still significant; the correlation was 0.24 (p < 0.001), and 61.4 percent of the patients moved one or less quintiles. In fully adjusted models, no significant cross-sectional or longitudinal associations were found between physical activity and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: The authors provide evidence of tracking of physical activity and particularly body mass index following liposuction. The authors' results do not support the hypothesis that physical activity and fatness are strongly related following liposuction.

Relationship between Vitamin D Status and Striae Distensae: A Case-Referent Study.

Vitamin D (VD) plays a role in the skin regulation. Striae Distensae (SD) are manifestations of epidermal atrophy that occurs after tissue tearing due to overstretching or rapid growth. The objective of this study was to investigate the relation between serum VD and occurrence of SD in women who had undergone mammaplasty with silicone implants. A case-referent study was conducted. The blood values of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) were measured before the surgery. For each patient postoperatively diagnosed with SD, four other participants submitted to the same surgery, without the development of SD, were enrolled as the healthy controls. 67 women with SD after the surgery entered the study. 268 formed the control group. In the serum of healthy controls 25OHD mean was 27 ng/mL, and SD cases presented 20 ng/mL (P = 0.01). Scarce values of VD have been observed in 56.71% of the cases presenting SD and in 39.91% without SD (P = 0.002). Chance of having VD values lower than 20 ng/mL amongst cases with SD is 2.38 (P = 0.0001). Lower serum levels of VD are linked to a higher occurrence of SD.

Telemedicine and Plastic Surgery: A Pilot Study.

Background. Telemedicine can be defined as the use of electronic media for transmission of information and medical data from one site to another. The objective of this study is to demonstrate an experience of telemedicine in plastic surgery. Methods. 32 plastic surgeons received a link with password for real-time streaming of a surgery. At the end of the procedure, the surgeons attending the procedure by the Internet answered five questions. The results were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results. 27 plastic surgeons attended the online procedure in real-time. 96.3% considered the access to the website as good or excellent and 3.7% considered it bad. 14.8% reported that the transmission was bad and 85.2% considered the quality of transmission as good or excellent. 96.3% classified the live broadcasting as a good or excellent learning experience and 3.7% considered it a bad experience. 92.6% reported feeling able to perform this surgery after watching the demo and 7.4% did not feel able. 100% of participants said they would like to participate in other surgical demonstrations over the Internet. Conclusion. We conclude that the use of telemedicine can provide more access to education and medical research, for plastic surgeons looking for medical education from distant regions.

Venous Thromboembolism following Elective Aesthetic Plastic Surgery: A Longitudinal Prospective Study in 1254 Patients.

Background. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a disorder with short-term mortality and long-term morbidity. Healthy patients submitted to elective aesthetic plastic surgeries (EAPS) have risk factors to develop VTE not well established yet. The objective of this study was to examine the incidence and risk factors for VTE in these patients. Methods. Longitudinal, prospective (minimum follow-up of 3 months), observational study. Comprehensive information on patient characteristics and surgeries performed was obtained. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risk factors were analyzed for their association with VTE. Results. A total of 1254 patients were included in the study. Postoperative VTE occurred in 17 (1,35%) of patients. VTE was more frequent in patients more than 40 years old (82.3%). Smoking, patients with 2 or 3 pregnancies, and hormone replacement therapy, and oral contraceptives use presents higher levels of VTE. In this study we have not found any correlation between liposuction, augmentation mammoplasty, mastopexy, and rhinoplasty as an isolated risk factor for VTE. Conclusions. The incidence of VTE in patients undergoing EAPS was 1.35%. Patients with more than 40 years of age, tobacco users, patients with 2 or more pregnancies, and hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives use presents higher levels of VTE.