Ocular Morbidity in the Correction of Orbital Hypertelorism and Dystopia: A 15-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Complex surgery for appearance change is controversial. Correction of orbital hypertelorism risks diplopia and loss of stereopsis for aesthetic gain. The risk-to-benefit ratio remains ill-defined. The aim of this study was to define specific ocular morbidity following orbital translocation. METHODS: The authors compared stable preoperative and postoperative orthoptic indices (i.e., angle of strabismus, ocular motility, and acuity) for 23 consecutive patients who underwent orbital translocation between 2000 and 2015 and noted the requirement for corrective surgery. RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent 33 box osteotomies (15 bilateral and three unilateral). Five patients underwent facial bipartition. Diagnosis was craniofrontonasal dysplasia in 11, frontonasal dysplasia in six, facial cleft in four, and Saethre-Chotzen syndrome in two cases. Median grade of orbital hypertelorism was III. Median age at surgery was 13 years (range, 5 to 17 years). Nontransient change (favorable or unfavorable) in angle of strabismus was noted in 14 patients. Ocular motility was altered in 12. Six patients had stereopsis preoperatively that was disrupted in two cases because of changes in ocular alignment and/or motility. There was one perioperative ophthalmic emergency (superior orbital fissure syndrome) and three acute reexplorations for external ocular muscle entrapment. Corrective surgery for strabismus was performed for four patients. Three required secondary canthopexy and three required surgery for blepharoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Orbital translocation is associated with ocular risks including changes to angle of strabismus, ocular motility, and (when present) loss of stereopsis. Secondary surgery to correct strabismus or eyelid malposition is common. Orbital translocation is an operative process, not a single procedure. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

The impact of endoscopic brow lift on eyebrow morphology, aesthetics, and longevity: objective and subjective measurements over a 5-year period.

BACKGROUND: The longevity of a brow lift, its morphology, and its contribution to overall facial aesthetics have not been addressed in previous studies using both objective measurements and validated subjective aesthetic scoring systems. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with a 5.4-year follow-up after subperiosteal endoscopic brow lift were assessed by (1) objective measurements using computer software, (2) validated regional aesthetic scoring systems, and (3) global aesthetic scoring systems. RESULTS: In part 1, objective measurements confirm a subtle elevation of the brows at less than 5 mm (p<0.001) that persisted at 5.4 years after surgery in all areas except the tail of the eyebrow. In part 2, subjective regional aesthetic scoring indicated that the dimensional change is small but apparent to observers, and is maintained at 5.4 years; that depressor muscle resection with a brow lift provides a statistically significant reduction in glabellar lines, which is maintained at 5.4 years; and that a brow lift provides temporary improvement in forehead lines but that this improvement relapses to baseline at 5.4 years. In part 3, global aesthetic scores suggest that 64 percent patients are still judged as appearing better 5.4 years after a brow lift than before surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to provide evidence from both objective measurements and validated subjective aesthetic scoring systems regarding the morphology, benefits, and longevity of endoscopic brow-lift surgery. This demonstrates that a brow lift produces a subtle elevation, with a natural eyebrow morphology close to the original, and with minimal long-term relapse except at the tail of the eyebrow. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

How long does a face lift last? Objective and subjective measurements over a 5-year period.

BACKGROUND: The longevity of face-lift surgery is a key question that has not been adequately addressed by previous studies. No study has used standardized photographs, objective measurements, or validated subjective scoring systems. METHODS: From 2001 to 2011, photographs were standardized in this institution. Fifty primary face-lift patients were assessed 5.5 years after surgery using objective measurements from standardized photographs, a region-specific subjective assessment (Scale Summit II scores), and an overall subjective assessment (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scores). RESULTS: For the first outcome measure, the jowl elevated in vertical height by 6 mm after face-lift surgery, with a relapse of 21 percent at 5.5 years. Jowl correction was maintained at 5.5-year follow-up (p < 0.0001). Cervicomental angle decreased by 13 degrees after face-lift surgery, with partial relapse of 69 percent at 5.5 years. For the second outcome measure, scores showed significant improvement in all areas following a face lift (jowl, nasolabial, and marionette, p < 0.0001; neck, p = 0.0007). At 5.5 years, no subjective worsening of any area was noted except the neck. For the third outcome measure, scoring suggested that 76 percent of patients will still appear younger 5.5 years after a face lift than they did before the face lift. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that differential regional aging occurs after face lifting, with the jowl, nasolabial, and marionette areas remaining well corrected at 5.5 years but with partial relapse of neck correction. Long-term global aesthetic assessment remains positive in the vast majority of patients. This study provides strong evidence that face-lift surgery can provide significant long-term aesthetic gains. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Frontofacial monobloc distraction in the very young: a review of 12 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: Frontofacial monobloc advancement by distraction osteogenesis is now accepted as an effective treatment for children with syndromic and other complex forms of craniosynostosis because it combines cosmetic advantages with the ability to treat such complications as raised intracranial pressure, advancing exorbitism, and upper airway obstruction in one procedure. In the severely affected child, these complications may be present at an early age, but because of the scale of monobloc surgery, surgeons have been reluctant to perform it on very young children. METHODS: The authors report a series of 12 children younger than 30 months with various craniosynostosis-associated syndromes complicated by multiple functional problems--including raised intracranial pressure, exposure of the eyes, airway obstruction, and feeding problems--who underwent frontofacial monobloc surgery by distraction osteogenesis. RESULTS: The mean age at operation was 18 months. Mean advancement achieved was 16.6 mm for the upper face and 17 mm for the midface. Ocular protection and reduction of intracranial pressure (when raised) were achieved in all children. Airway improvement was achieved in all but one child. Although not the primary indication for surgery, there was also a marked improvement in every patient's appearance. Complications included two cerebrospinal fluid leaks, pin-site infections, frame slippage requiring replacement, and enophthalmos in one patient. CONCLUSION: The frontofacial monobloc advance incorporating distraction osteogenesis can be undertaken with acceptable morbidity even in the very young child and good functional outcomes achieved with one operation where previously more were required. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Unilateral isolated frontosphenoidal craniosynostosis causing frontal plagiocephaly.

Synostotic frontal plagiocephaly is most commonly caused by frontoparietal (unicoronal) synostosis, but may be caused by other fusions along the coronal hemiring. Frontosphenoidal synostosis is a rare cause of frontal plagiocephaly, with only five previously reported cases. We present the case of an 8-month-old male infant with frontal plagiocephaly caused by unilateral isolated frontosphenoidal synostosis mimicking frontoparietal (unicoronal) synostosis. The clinical and radiological features included flattened ipsilateral forehead, retruded ipsilateral maxilla, a midline chin, contralateral deviation of the nasal root and endocranial base, and anomalies of the bony orbit. Unilateral isolated frontosphenoidal synostosis may be misdiagnosed as unicoronal synostosis. Careful physical and radiological assessment is necessary to recognise this synostotic disorder of the coronal hemiring.

Raised intracranial pressure in Apert syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Raised intracranial pressure is a well-known complication of Apert syndrome. The current policy in the authors' unit is to monitor these patients and only perform surgery when raised intracranial pressure has been diagnosed. The authors present their experience with this protocol, as it allows a more accurate picture of the natural history of raised intracranial pressure in Apert syndrome. METHODS: The records of 24 patients, aged between 7 and 14 years, with Apert syndrome who had been managed expectantly (i.e., with no routine "automatic" early surgery) were reviewed. Data were collected on the incidence, timing, and management of raised intracranial pressure. RESULTS: Twenty of 24 patients (83 percent) developed raised intracranial pressure. The average age of the first episode was 18 months (range, 1 month to 4 years 5 months). Raised intracranial pressure was managed with surgery in 18 patients, including two patients who underwent shunt procedures for hydrocephalus. Two patients had their raised intracranial pressure treated successfully by correcting coexisting upper airway obstruction alone. Seven of the 20 patients (35 percent) developed a second episode of raised intracranial pressure, on average 3 years 4 months later (range, 1 year 11 months to 5 years 9 months). CONCLUSIONS: In Apert syndrome, there is a high incidence of raised intracranial pressure, which can first occur at any age up to 5 years and may recur despite initial successful treatment. Causes of raised intracranial pressure include craniocerebral disproportion, venous hypertension, upper airway obstruction, and hydrocephalus. Careful clinical, ophthalmologic, respiratory, and radiologic monitoring will allow raised intracranial pressure to be diagnosed accurately when it occurs and then treated most appropriately.

Volumetric short scar rhytidectomy--indications, technique and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Procedures combining a short scar with superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) manipulation are increasingly popular for patients with early signs of mid- and lower-facial laxity seeking rhytidectomy. We present the senior author's experience with a short scar volumetric malar imbrication rhytidectomy, which avoids post-auricular incisions and sub-SMAS dissection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2004 and April 2007, 54 patients underwent a short scar volumetric rhytidectomy (9.6% of all facelifts). These procedures were primary in 38 and secondary in 16 patients, at a mean age of 49 years (range 35-77 years). Average operating time was 90 min. Resultant vertical and horizontal skin movement at the helical root was recorded. Concurrent procedures included blepharoplasty, canthoplasty, endoscopic forehead rejuvenation and fat grafting. Minimum follow up was 3 months. Pre- and 3 month postoperative photographs of 25 randomly selected patients were rated by three independent surgeons. A seven-point scale was used to grade the improvement in the malar eminence, melolabial fold, jowls and cervicomental angle. The overall aesthetic result was assessed using the MDACS grading system. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-tests and general estimation equations where appropriate. RESULTS: There were no significant complications. Three patients developed minor cheek swellings which all settled with antibiotics. Mean postoperative aesthetic outcomes were rated as 'Good' using the MDACS scale (mean score 0.64), with no 'Poor' results. Vertical skin lifting was significantly greater than the horizontal skin lifting (P<0.001). Mild postoperative improvements were noted in the malar eminence soft tissue volume, nasolabial fold diminishment, jowl diminishment and cervicomental angle. CONCLUSION: In the appropriately selected face, short scar volumetric malar imbrication rhytidectomy is a straightforward, safe and effective procedure for improving the early signs of ageing.

Functional outcomes in monobloc advancement by distraction using the rigid external distractor device.

BACKGROUND: Craniofacial dysostosis syndromes produce multisutural synostoses combined with severe midfacial retrusion. This may cause serious functional problems, including airway obstruction, exposure of the eyes, visual pathway dysfunction, and raised intracranial pressure. Early midface advancement may be necessary to address these issues. Distraction osteogenesis has provided the facility to achieve significant advances safely and is often in excess of that which is achievable by conventional means. METHODS: A retrospective study of 20 patients with craniofacial dysostosis and severe midface hypoplasia who underwent monobloc advancement osteotomies using the rigid external distractor system principally for functional reasons was undertaken. The multidisciplinary management and outcome measures of these patients were recorded. RESULTS: The midface was distracted an average of 16.4 mm, with a range of 12 to 22 mm. Ocular protection was achieved in all patients with preoperative exposure keratopathy and/or globe subluxation. Improvements in optic disc swelling and pattern visually evoked potentials were seen in those patients with threatened visual impairment. Improvement in airway obstruction was seen in those patients with abnormal polysomnography. Decannulation was achieved in five of the seven patients with tracheostomies. Fifty percent had a reduction in hyponasality, and the visual appearance of speech was improved. Complications included persistent cerebrospinal fluid leakage, acquired hypernasality in 25 percent, cranial bone loss, and sinus formation requiring surgical revision. CONCLUSIONS: Monobloc distraction osteogenesis results in good aesthetic and functional outcomes. The relatively high rate of complications remains a concern, and further adaptations of technique are needed to reduce the risks of this procedure.

Relapse following frontofacial advancement using the rigid external distractor.

Multisutural synostosis may result in frontofacial hypoplasia. The aesthetic and function problems arising from this can be corrected by frontofacial advancement, either by monobloc or bipartition osteotomy. Significantly larger, safer advancements can be achieved using distraction osteogenesis when compared to conventional osteotomy. However, the stability of this technique has been questioned. A retrospective study of 21 patients with craniofacial dysostosis who underwent frontofacial advancement osteotomies using the rigid external distractor system was undertaken. Twelve were distracted on protocol 1 (24 hours after surgery at 1.5 mm/d). Nine were distracted on protocol 2 (7 days after surgery at 1 mm/d). A 6-week consolidation period was used. Changes in frontofacial advancement in the sagittal plane were measured preoperatively, immediately, at 6 months, and where possible thereafter annually using lateral cephalograms and three-dimensional computed tomography scans. The midface was distracted an average of 16.4 mm with a range of 12 to 22 mm as measured in the sagittal plain. Relapse was seen only in 3 of 21 patients, and all of these patients were distracted using protocol 1. Distraction osteogenesis of the frontofacial skeleton using the rigid external distractor frame is generally stable. In this series, a longer latency period and reduced distraction rate resulted in greater stability. Overdistraction in the growing infant is recommended to allow for completion of growth. Overdistraction is not needed to compensate for potential relapse.

The efficacy of surgical drainage in cervicofacial rhytidectomy: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative drainage is often used instinctively in face lifting on the assumption that it may reduce the likelihood of complications. This potential benefit should be balanced against cost, discomfort, and the possibility of provoking bleeding and hematoma on removal. Evidence-based decisions on drainage are problematic, since no prospective studies have examined its role. This study was designed to address this issue directly. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients undergoing face lift over a 3-month period were randomized to drainage of one side of the face only, with the contralateral side serving as a paired control. Bruising, swelling, and hematoma or seroma were assessed objectively, independently of the operating surgeon and subjectively by the patients. RESULTS: Postoperative hematoma and edema were not influenced by the use of drains (p > 0.5). Patients reported no difference between the two sides with respect to swelling (p = 0.6) or discomfort (p = 0.5). However, drains produced a statistically significant reduction in postoperative bruising both on clinical assessment (p = 0.005) and patient assessment (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: This article represents the first prospective, randomized, controlled trial assessing the use of postoperative drainage in facial rejuvenation surgery. Surgical drains do not influence postoperative complications, but they do significantly reduce bruising and so may facilitate the patient's return to normal activity.

Endoscopic brow lift: a personal review of 538 patients and comparison of fixation techniques.

Since the introduction of endoscopic brow lifting in the mid-1990s, it has become widely accepted as a method for rejuvenation of the upper third of the face. Despite the multitude of brow fixation techniques, there are few long-term studies providing accurate analysis of outcome. The aims of this investigation were to evaluate the long-term objective results of endoscopic brow lifting and to establish whether the technique of fixation altered the longevity of aesthetic outcome. The outcome of endoscopic brow lifts carried out on 538 consecutive patients over a 6-year period was assessed. For each patient, midpupil-to-brow distance was measured preoperatively and at intervals postoperatively. Two different fixation methods were compared: fibrin glue (n = 189, group 1; 104 records available) and polydioxanone sutures tied through bone tunnels (n = 349, group 2; 220 records available). In 214 patients, an upper lid blepharoplasty was performed simultaneously (85 in group 1 and 129 in group 2). At 1 month postoperatively, each fixation technique had produced a significant change in mean pupil to brow height (5.93 mm in group 1 and 6.21 mm in group 2, with no significant difference between the two methods; p = 0.17). However, when measurements were compared more than 3 months postoperatively (mean, 9.4 months), there was a significant difference, with some relapse in the patients treated with fibrin glue (p < 0.01). However, in group 2 (tunnel fixation), measurements remained stable, with 6.21 mm at 1 month compared with 6.16 mm long term (no significant difference, p = 0.34). In contrast, in group 1 (fibrin glue), measurements showed significant reduction, with a 1-month result of 5.93 mm and a long-term outcome of 3.79 mm (p < 0.01). Upper lid blepharoplasty had no effect on the long-term outcome of either group (p > 0.3 in group 1, p > 0.4 in group 2). Complications were few in both groups. In group 1, there was one infection, two instances of significant alopecia (both temporary), and one reoperation for relapse. In group 2, four patients required minor surgical revision of a lateral port scar and three minor areas of temporal alopecia, which recovered in less than 3 months. One patient had a paresis of the frontal branch that had recovered after 4 months. The endoscopic brow lift is therefore a safe and effective technique for increasing mean pupil to brow height. Fixation with polydioxanone sutures tied through bone tunnels produces a significantly more stable result than fibrin glue, without greater risk. This lends weight to experimental evidence that periosteal fixation must be maintained for at least 6 weeks to be secure.

Avoiding hematoma in cervicofacial rhytidectomy: a personal 8-year quest. Reviewing 910 patients.

Hematoma remains the most common complication of rhytidectomy and can lead to prolonged facial edema and skin necrosis. A number of ancillary procedures have been suggested to reduce hematoma, including dressings, drains, fibrin glue, tumescence, and adrenaline. The aim of this study was to investigate the statistical effect of these parameters on hematoma incidence in a large series of face lifts. Over an initial 6-year period, 678 consecutive face lifts were performed and included in the first part of the study. The effect of dressings, drains, fibrin glue, and tumescence on hematoma rate was investigated retrospectively. In the second part of the study, the specific effect of adrenaline was analyzed while all other parameters were kept constant. The 229 patients with adrenaline-containing infiltrations were compared with the 232 patients whose infiltration had no adrenaline. Retrospective analysis of both groups was performed using Fisher's exact test. In the first part of the study investigating 678 consecutive face lifts, no difference in hematoma rate (4.4 percent overall) was observed with the use of dressings (p > 0.5), drains (p > 0.4), fibrin glue (p > 0.6), or tumescence (p > 0.5). In the second part of the study, the specific effect of withdrawing adrenaline in a comparative group of 461 face lifts significantly reduced the incidence of hematoma requiring surgical evacuation (p < 0.0001). There was also a significant reduction in the incidence of minor hematoma requiring only aspiration (p = 0.02). There was no change in the incidence of any other face lift complications observed during this part of the study. This study found a significant reduction in the incidence of hematoma following face lifting. Although many of the suggested ancillary methods used to reduce hematoma did not produce any statistical reduction in the incidence of this complication, the exclusion of adrenaline had a profound effect. The technique and implications with respect to safety and outcome are described.

Reducing complications in cervicofacial rhytidectomy by tumescent infiltration: a comparative trial evaluating 678 consecutive face lifts.

Tumescent infiltration has been widely used in body-contouring surgery to facilitate dissection and reduce blood loss. Although its use in facial surgery has been suggested, there are presently no comparative studies of its efficacy. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcome in a large series of consecutive face lifts performed with and without tumescence. During a 6-year period, 678 consecutive face lifts were performed: 449 without tumescence and 229 with tumescent infiltration using 200 ml on each side of the face. The spectrum of techniques included the extended superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) procedure, the lateral SMASectomy, the extended supraplatysmal plane lift, and the cutaneous face lift. Complications, such as hematoma, skin necrosis, alopecia, and scar quality, were compared between groups using Fisher's exact test. The use of tumescent infiltration facilitated dissection, particularly in the neck. Postoperative swelling and bruising were reduced in the tumescent group. In comparisons of major complications between groups, no difference was seen in hematoma rate (p > 0.5), although the incidence of other complications was significantly reduced by tumescent infiltration. Significant reduction was observed in the rate of skin necrosis (p = 0.03), alopecia (p = 0.006), hypertrophic scarring (p = 0.001), stretched scarring (p = 0.003), and scar revision (p < 0.001). This is the first comparative study of tumescent infiltration in facial rejuvenation surgery. Tumescence made dissection easier and significantly reduced the incidence of troublesome complications. The surgical technique and aesthetic implications for rejuvenation surgery are discussed.

Toward pathogenesis of Apert cleft palate: FGF, FGFR, and TGF beta genes are differentially expressed in sequential stages of human palatal shelf fusion.

OBJECTIVE: Critical cellular events at the palatal medial edge epithelium (MEE) occur in unperturbed mammalian palatogenesis, the molecular control of which involves a number of growth factors including transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF beta 3). Apert syndrome is a monogenic human disorder in which cleft palate has been significantly correlated to the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 2-Ser252Trp mutation. We report the relative expression of these genes in human palatogenesis. METHODS: The expression of the IgIIIa/b and IgIIIa/c transcript isoforms of FGFR2 and the proteins FGFR1, FGFR2, and FGFR3 was studied in situ throughout the temporospatial sequence of human palatal shelf fusion and correlated with the expression of TGF beta 3. In addition, the immunolocalization of the ligand FGFs 2, 4, and 7 was undertaken together with the intracellular transcription factor STAT1, which is activated by FGFR signaling. RESULTS: FGFRs are differentially expressed in the mesenchyme and epithelia of fusing palatal shelves, in domains overlapping those of their ligands FGF4 and FGF2 but not FGF7. Coexpression is seen with TGF beta 3, which is implicated in MEE dynamics and FGF and FGFR upregulation, and STAT1, an intracellular transcription factor that mediates apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: The coregulation of molecules of the FGFR signaling pathway with TGF beta 3 throughout the stages of human palatal fusion suggests their controlling influence on apoptosis and epitheliomesenchymal transdifferentiation at the MEE. Experimental evidence links FGFR2-IgIIIa/b loss of function with palatal clefting, and these correlated data suggest a unique pathological mechanism for Apert cleft palate.