Comparison of otoplasty results using different types of suturing techniques.

BACKGROUND: Prominent ears are a common congenital deformity. Numerous techniques have been developed for the treatment of protruding ears, indicating that there is no single widely-accepted procedure. Modern otoplasty techniques fall into of two main surgical categories, (1) cartilage sparing (Mustardé & Furnas), and (2) cartilage cutting (Chongchet & Stenström). This study compares an antihelixmastoid suture technique with the normal Mustardé & Furnas technique. METHODS: Within a 5-year period (between 2005 and 2009), 78 patients (mean age 27 years; range 7 to 46) underwent otoplasty performed by the senior author (in a private plastic surgery center), employing the posterior suturing technique (Mustardé & Furnas). Of these 78 patients, 44 underwent otoplasty which combined the usual posterior suturing technique with modification we have developed (antihelixmastoid sutures). Depending on the suture technique used, the patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (Mustardé & Furnas sutures), Group 2 (Mustardé & Furnas sutures with extra modification). Patients were invited for follow-up examinations 1 month and 1 year after surgery, and all of them attended both these follow-up checks, where recurrence and suture extrusion were evaluated. RESULTS: Group 1: the clinical recurrence rate was 4.55% (3 ears). The suture extrusion rate was 7.6% (5 ears). Group 2: the clinical recurrence rate was 1.25% (1 ear). The suture extrusion rate was 7.5% (6 ears). Patients were generally satisfied with the results in terms of shape and symmetry. There were no complications such as haematoma, ear deformity and skin necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior suturing with conchomastoid and modification of Mustardé sutures is a simple operation which can be performed quickly. It appears to be effective in terms of recurrence rate (especially in the upper segment) and patient satisfaction.

Representations in plastic surgery: the impact of self-image and self-confidence in the work environment.

BACKGROUND: This research was initiated by the authors' conviction that many people currently pay great attention to their personal appearance, which is directly linked to their self-confidence. The external image of individuals appears to have a decisive influence on their behavior and personal choices regarding both their personal and professional lives. Accordingly, it can be assumed that appearance influences professional choices and development. Moreover, individuals associate increased self-confidence with positive social images. Therefore, the main variables used in this study were self-image, self-confidence, and work environment. METHODS: For the purpose of this study, the authors developed a questionnaire and distributed it to a sample of 100 women who had undergone aesthetic plastic surgery. The aim of the questionnaire was to discover the opinion of these women concerning the aforementioned assumptions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: After the data processing and analysis, the authors concluded that the aforementioned variables are statistically significant and correlated.

Reconstruction of facial burn sequelae utilizing tissue expanders with embodiment injection site: case report.

Although highly specialized burn centers have significantly reduced mortality rates following extensive total body surface area burns, survivors are often left with grotesque facial disfigurement. Hypertrophic scars and tissue defects are the most common cause of functional and aesthetic problems in the head and neck region. Plastic surgeons use full-thickness or split-thickness skin grafts, pedicled flaps, free flaps, transplantation of bone or cartilage and tissue expansion. The authors present a case of a patient who suffered from third-degree flame burns to the face. Prior skin grafting procedures left him with severe scar deformity of the face. The patient was treated utilizing multiple tissue expansion. Facial animation has retained and facial integrity has been aesthetically restored and, with the use of make-up, it is near normal in social settings at conversational distances. The tissue expansion technique is advantageous in facial reconstruction because it makes it possible to resurface even wider defects with neighboring skin, similar in colour and texture, and superior to skin obtained elsewhere.

Cranioplasty: a review of 10 cases.

Cranial defects can be the result of trauma or neoplasia. The need for repair of these defects has led to the development of many reconstructive techniques. Ten cases of cranial defects treated by various methods of cranioplasty are reported. Of the ten cases, four were treated by bone grafts, three by silastic plates, two by acrylic plates and one by a metal plate. The indications for and contra-indications to each technique are discussed.