Predicting the expansion of the lower pole of the breast following smooth breast implant augmentation: A novel shear wave elastography study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to educate and demonstrate how the use of shear wave elastography (SWE) can be used to determine the elasticity of patient tissues preoperatively, which can then be used to predict the level of lower pole expansion postoperatively, following breast augmentation surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study evaluated 60 breasts in 30 patients that were divided in 3 equal groups (n = 20) according to their predefined elastography criteria measured via SWE (loose, moderate, and tight tissue elasticity). All measurements were taken under maximum stretch between the inferior border of the nipple alveolar complex (NAC) and inframammary fold (IMF) using a measuring tape in millimetres (mm). The follow-up appointments for routine assessments and measurements were done at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. RESULTS: The study engaged 38 patients over 4 years, but only 10 patients in each group attended all the appointments. Statistical analysis showed the elastic skin types (loose, moderate, and tight) had significantly different rates of lower pole expansion, and the rate of expansion increased significantly after 6 months postoperatively, whereas prior to 6 months, the rates were comparable (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The results showed that increasingly elastic skin types have a greater rate of lower pole expansion. This is important for the operating surgeon to be aware of as looser skin types will be more prone to lower pole expansion, and thus, a higher surgical IMF suture may be advised to manage patient expectations. CONCLUSION: This study can be used as a guideline for surgeons, which will allow for a more predictable surgical planning system that will ultimately lead to fewer revisions and risks for patients worldwide.

Reconstruction of lower half defects of the nose with the lateral nasal artery pedicle nasolabial island flap.

BACKGROUND: The superiorly based nasolabial flap is a well-known procedure. However, random pattern or subcutaneous pedicle flaps are insufficient for reconstruction of large defects. Artery pedicle flaps have a satisfactory blood supply, and for that reason, the required tissue can be raised for reconstruction of large defects of the nose. METHODS: Twelve cases were operated on with this technique. Reconstruction was performed with a lateral nasal artery pedicle island flap. The mean age of the patients was 68.4 years. Three patients required cartilage grafts for alar rim support. The cartilage grafts were harvested from the auricular conchal bowl. The follow-up period ranged from 15 to 33 months. RESULTS: There was no partial or total loss of the flap. There was no distortion on the face caused by smiling and pursing of the lips observed. Donor and reconstructed areas have an excellent appearance in all cases. The aesthetic results were satisfying for all patients as well. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' flap can be used for reconstructing large defects of the lower half of the nose, and reconstruction with a single stage yields a fast and satisfactory result. The authors advocate that the lateral nasal artery pedicle nasolabial island flap is an excellent choice for reconstruction of large defects in the lower half of the nose.

Rhinoplasty and hemophilia A.

Major surgical procedures can be performed safely for hemophiliacs provided the clotting factors are adequate. However, rhinoplasty, an elective facial procedure, has not yet been evaluated in this group of patients. The authors present a hemophilia A patient who underwent rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons.

Reconstruction of the anterior surface of the ear using a postauricular pull-through neurovascular island flap.

The auricular conchal cavity is a shallow structure in the central part of the ear. It is not only 3-dimensional, but it is a gateway to the external ear canal. Many methods have been described for reconstruction of the defect of concha-antihelix: split- or full-thickness skin grafts, regional skin, chondrocutaneous and musculocutaneous flaps, but none of the authors have described this flap with neurovascular pedicle. We used postauricular neurovascular pedicle island flap for conchal and periconchal areas of anterior surface of the external ear because it matches to the skin color, thickness and texture; scars are well hidden, and there is no donor-site morbidity. Moreover, it has a constant and reliable neurovascular pedicle. The flap edema which was present in the early postoperative period began to resolve gradually after 3 weeks and disappeared in a few months. The esthetic results were excellent in all of the patients and very satisfying for the patients, too. The sensibility was positive by light touch, pin-prick, temperature and static 2-point discrimination in the postoperative control. The static 2-point discriminations in the transferred flap and in the other ear, which corresponds to the same area, were measured. The results were nearly the same as normal values. We advocate postauricular neurovascular pedicle island flap for conchal and periconchal areas of anterior surface of the external ear because it matches the skin color, thickness and texture; scars are well hidden, and there is no donor site morbidity. Moreover, it has a constant and reliable neurovascular pedicle.