Measuring cosmetic facial plastic surgery outcomes: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To test 4 previously published outcomes instruments (the Facelift Outcomes Evaluation, the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation, the Blepharoplasty Outcomes Evaluation, and the Skin Rejuvenation Outcomes Evaluation) in terms of their reliability and validity in assessing patient-related outcomes of surgical intervention. DESIGN: A prospective pilot study of 78 patients in 3 similar private cosmetic surgery centers undergoing a total of 100 face-lift, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and skin rejuvenation procedures. Patients were evaluated at 2 preoperative and 1 postoperative time points and the instruments were analyzed with regard to their test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and responsiveness to change. RESULTS: All 4 outcomes instruments had excellent reliability, consistency, and validity scores. Test-retest reliability was 0.74 to 0.83 (Pearson correlation coefficients), internal consistency scores were.83 to.88 (Cronbach alpha), and responsiveness to change was statistically significant for each instrument tested (P< or =.001). In addition, patients experienced significant quality of life improvement, with overall satisfaction increasing on average from 37% to more than 84% after these procedures. CONCLUSIONS: These 4 instruments are reliable and valid and can be used to accurately assess patient-related satisfaction in studies of face-lift, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and skin resurfacing outcomes. These brief questionnaires provide the cosmetic surgeon with quantitative tools to evaluate otherwise subjective and purely qualitative outcomes and are recommended for use in future prospective studies.

Cost outcomes of facial plastic surgery: regional and temporal trends.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the geographic and temporal trends in cosmetic facial plastic surgery procedure costs and frequency during the last decade and to evaluate factors that may influence changes in the demand for cosmetic procedures. METHODS: A survey sent to every (N = 1727) active fellow, member, or associate of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery assessing the costs and frequency of 4 common cosmetic facial plastic surgery procedures (ie, face-lift, brow lift, blepharoplasty, and rhinoplasty) for 1999 and 1989. RESULTS: The annual frequency of the aging-face procedures (ie, face-lift, brow lift, and blepharoplasty) have increased 41% over the last decade while rhinoplasties have declined slightly (18%). Each of the procedures studied have increased in cost since 1989; however, only face-lifts have increased at a rate greater than inflation during this period (average surgeon's fees, $3154-$4582). Although the average cost of each of these procedures is stable across US geographic areas, there seem to be fewer aging-face procedures being performed in the East (represented largely by New England and the northeastern states) compared with the Midwest, South, and West (P< or = .03), while rhinoplasty frequency across these regions is essentially unchanged. In addition to variables such as age, years in practice, and degree of marketing, the strongest correlates with increased cosmetic procedure frequency were the costs of these procedures (P< or = .008). CONCLUSIONS: Although the cost and frequency of cosmetic facial plastic surgery procedures continues to rise across the United States, there are interesting differences in these trends between different regions and procedure type during the last decade. There also seems to be an association between increased cost and increased frequency of these cosmetic procedures.

Malar augmentation with self-drilling single-screw fixation.

Augmentation with malar implants has traditionally relied on fixation techniques such as creation of a precise pocket, external taping, and transcutaneous fixation techniques with bolsters. We present an alternate technique that fixates the implants to the rigid facial skeleton rather than to the dynamic active facial soft tissues. To avoid the use of expensive drills, we describe use of self-drilling screws for fixation of malar implants. The technique avoids transconjunctival incisions, allows wide exposure, and is presented as an alternative to traditional fixation techniques.

Face lift: the anatomic basis for a safe, long-lasting procedure.

This article summarizes our current face lift technique and its evolution over the last 20 years. Our goal has been to provide excellent results with as little risk as possible. Changes in technique have been motivated primarily by improved understanding of facial anatomy. In this article we discuss the anatomic concepts we have found most useful in developing a safe, precise procedure, and we present our current preferred techniques.

Osteotomy techniques to correct posttraumatic deviation of the nasal pyramid: a technical note.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Correction of the deviated nasal pyramid is frequently incomplete and may result in a sub-optimal surgical outcome. Precise anatomic analysis of the deformity and a thorough understanding of available techniques improve the surgical osteotomy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The advantages and disadvantages of the various osteotomy techniques are analyzed, based on the cadaver studies and clinical experience of the authors. The cadaver studies demonstrate the anatomic results when various osteotomes are used in specified ways. Clinical outcomes in the treatment of posttraumatic nose deviations correlate well with these results. RESULTS AND/OR CONCLUSIONS: A thorough understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of various osteotomy techniques enables the surgeon to apply them to specific anatomical deformities in posttraumatic nose deviations more precisely. In general, perforating osteotomies preserve more soft tissue support than the linear osteotomies. Sequential osteotomies, occasionally combined with intermediate osteotomies, are useful in straightening the extremely deviated nasal pyramid.

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty: the aging eyelid.

The aging process affects the underlying structural integrity of the eyelids as well as the overlying skin, muscle, and fat. Gravitational descent of the deep supporting soft tissues of the eyelid complex coupled with skin texture changes exemplified by loss of skin elasticity, solar actinic changes, and dynamic and static rhytids result in the aged eyelid. Surgery of the lower eyelid on the youthful face usually involves excisional fat sculpting without skin removal. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty performed on the mature face often requires excision of periorbital fat combined with some treatment of the lower eyelid skin. In the aging eyelid, the surgeon must also be prepared to address lower eyelid laxity to prevent the potential complications of lower eyelid retraction or scleral show.

Isolated nasalis muscle reconstruction in secondary unilateral cleft lip nasal reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Reconstruction of the nasalis muscle in the unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity improves surgical results. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of a series of 112 consecutive procedures. METHODS: Chart review and analysis of standardized preoperative and postoperative clinical photographs. RESULTS: Patients treated with this technique had improved contour of the alar base compared with historical controls. CONCLUSION: Nasalis muscle reconstruction should be considered in the repair of the moderate to severe unilateral cleft nose deformity.

Safety and efficacy of high fluence CO2 laser skin resurfacing with a single pass.

BACKGROUND: Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser skin resurfacing has nearly replaced more traditional methods of superficial skin rejuvenation. Post-treatment erythema is the most common side effect of this method of skin resurfacing. Sublethal thermal damage to the dermis has been proposed as an etiology for post laser erythema. Recent developments in laser resurfacing technology have aimed at minimizing thermal damage to the dermis. OBJECTIVE: To determine depth of skin ablation, extent of thermal injury, and ideal laser parameters for the FeatherTouch laser system. To assess the safety and efficacy of laser resurfacing at high energy fluences with a single pass. DESIGN: Laser resurfacing was performed in the preauricular skin of five patients undergoing rhytidectomy. A total of 60 sites were tested with fluences of 7 to 17 Joules/cm2. Histologic evaluation of excised skin showed maximal thermal injury to be restricted to 60 microns in the papillary dermis. The reticular dermis showed no evidence of injury. Based on these findings, laser resurfacing at 17 J/cm2 (70 watts) was performed on 30 patients (in the periorbital area, a maximum of 9 J/cm2 or 36 watts was used). Follow up ranged between 12 and 18 months. RESULTS: Based on histologic comparison of average and high fluence laser resurfacing, high fluence laser resurfacing did not cause added thermal damage to the reticular dermis. In the clinical group, no major complications such as scarring, scleral show, infection or ectropion were encountered. Transient hyperpigmentation was noted in three patients. Overall patient satisfaction was good to excellent. Post-treatment erythema lasted an average of 4 weeks. CONCLUSION: We conclude that CO2 laser resurfacing of the face (excluding the periorbital region) can be performed safely and effectively, with the FeatherTouch laser, at 17 J/cm2 with one pass. In our group of patients, laser resurfacing with a single pass at 17 J/cm2 caused less post-operative erythema than two or more passes at 9 J/cm2.

Mandibular reconstruction with transforming growth factor-beta1.

HYPOTHESIS: Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) plus demineralized bone matrix (DBM) will reconstruct a critical mandibular defect devoid of periosteum in a canine model. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, prospective animal pilot study. METHODS: Canine critical mandibular defects devoid of periosteum were reconstructed with DBM (group 1, n = 3) and DBM plus TGF-beta1 (250 microg TGF-beta1/g DBM) (group 2, n = 3). Radiologic, histologic, and biomechanical testing was performed on the test group and control group specimens at 12 weeks after implantation. RESULTS: A palpable bone bridge was present in the group 2 subjects 5 to 6 weeks after implantation and was never present in the group 1 subjects. Radiologic and histologic examination at the time of harvest (12 weeks after implantation) demonstrated a solid bone bridge in the group 2 subjects and a fibrous union in the group 1 subjects. Group 2 specimens demonstrated failure in four-point bending testing at an average maximum moment of 9.9 +/- 2.2 N-m. This value was 9.4% of the maximum moment of the contralateral nonoperated side. Group 1 specimens were palpably flexible on plate removal and had a biomechanical strength of 0. The difference in strength between group 1 and group 2 was statistically significant (P < 0.02), supporting the hypothesis that the addition of TGF-beta1 to the DBM carrier resulted in the formation of significantly stronger bone in the critical gap. CONCLUSION: The addition of TGF-beta1 to DBM results in healing of a critical bone defect devoid of periosteum in a higher mammalian model.

Suspended circummandibular wire fixation for mixed-dentition pediatric mandible fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce and evaluate the technique of cirummandibular wires with piriform rim suspension (CMW-PRS) combined with arch bars and a fracture site bridle in the treatment of mixed-dentition pediatric mandible fractures. DESIGN: Five male patients (mean age, 8.2 years [age range, 7-10 years]) with an isolated mixed-dentition mandible fracture were treated with the CMW-PRS technique at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, from 1985 to 1987 and at the University of Missouri, Columbia, from 1992 to 1995. Clinical and radiographic fracture healing, somatosensory status, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients demonstrated clinical union to their preinjury occlusion by 3 or 4 weeks. They remained without complications until they were no longer available for follow-up. Panoramic radiographs supported the findings of clinical examinations throughout the study, and no radiographic abnormalities were found. There were no somatosensory disturbances of the lingual or mental/inferior alveolar nerves. One patient required a tracheostomy unrelated to the procedure. CONCLUSION: The CMW-PRS technique combined with arch bars and a fracture site bridle wire achieved equivalent historical results when compared with the dental splint. The potential advantages and disadvantages of the CMW-PRS technique compared with those of monocortical bone plating, as well as the significant advantages of the CMW-PRS over the dental splint, are discussed in the text.

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene augmentation of the lower face.

Most options for rejuvenation of the lower face use soft-tissue fillers that augment the appropriate sites. Each of these options has associated risks and benefits. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (E-PTFE) as a soft-tissue filler in the face. From January 1991 through December 1993, the authors used E-PTFE soft-tissue patches for lower facial augmentation in 41 patients at 115 implant sites. Postsurgical follow-up has ranged from 2.5 to 4.5 years; during this time, complications have occurred in 4 patients. One implant had to be removed because of a seroma (1 patient), 4 implants required further secondary augmentation (2 patients), and 1 implant required revision because of malposition (1 patient). There have been no cases of implant infection, extrusion, long-term inflammation, or capsule formation. In this article, the authors review the technical aspects of E-PTFE use and discuss issues relating to the long-term efficacy of this new option for soft-tissue augmentation. The technique is also compared with other options for rejuvenation of the lower face.

Vascular anatomy of the nose and the external rhinoplasty approach.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the venous, lymphatic, and arterial blood supply of the nose and determine the effect of the external rhinoplasty approach on this vasculature. We hypothesized that dissection in the areolar tissue plane below the musculoaponeurotic layer of the nose will preserve the nasal vasculature and minimize postoperative nasal tip edema. DESIGN: The study included preoperative and postoperative clinical evaluation, cadaver dissection, and histologic examination. In the clinical section, lymphoscintigraphy was performed before and after rhinoplasty using the endonasal (transnostril) or external (open) approach. Additionally, nasal tip edema was subjectively quantified at specified interval after surgery. In the cadaver dissection section, 15 fresh cadavers were dissected to identify the venous and arterial vasculature. In the histology section, fresh nasal tissue was examined by light microscopy to verify the anatomy of arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels. SETTING: Subjects for the clinical section of the study were volunteers undergoing primary rhinoplasty surgery at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago. PATIENTS: Lymphoscintigraphy was performed on nine patients who underwent rhinoplasty surgery. Seven of these patients underwent postoperative lymphoscintigraphy. INTERVENTIONS: The rhinoplasty procedures included three different methods of exposure of the nasal structures. Two patients underwent an endonasal (transnostril) nondelivery approach using a transcartilaginous incision. Five patients underwent the external approach with three receiving dissection in the areolar tissue plane below the musculoaponeurotic layer (preserving major nasal vasculature) and two undergoing dissection above the musculoaponeurotic layer (disrupting nasal vasculature). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In the clinical section of the study, the outcome measures were tracer flow as seen on lymphoscintigraphy and tip edema scores subjectively quantitated on a scale from 1 (none) to 4 (maximal). RESULTS: Clinical Section: Lymphoscintigraphy revealed flow of tracer along the lateral aspect of the nose (cephalic to lateral crura) to the preparotid lymph nodes. Postoperative scans revealed preservation of flow of tracer with the endonasal (transnostril) approach and the external approach with submusculoaponeurotic areolar tissue plane dissection. There was loss of normal flow of tracer with the external approach using dissection that disrupted the musculoaponeurotic layer with supratip debulking. The nasal tip edema scores for the transnostril and external approach using areolar plane dissection were significantly lower than the external approach with disruption of the musculoaponeurotic layer. Cadaver Dissection Section: Other than the lateral nasal veins, the major arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels ran superficial to the musculoaponeurotic layer of the nose. The lateral and dorsal nasal and the columellar arteries comprise an alar arcade that provides the major blood supply to the flap elevated in the external rhinoplasty approach. Histologic Section: Light microscopy of plastic resin sections verified the lymphoscintigraphic and cadaver dissection findings. The lymphatic vessels were located primarily in the reticular dermis above the muscle layer. CONCLUSIONS: The major arterial, venous, and lymphatic vasculature courses in or above the musculoaponeurotic layer of the nose. In the external rhinoplasty approach, dissection in the areolar tissue plane below the musculoaponeurotic layer will minimize tip edema and protect against skin necrosis by preserving the major vascular supply to the nasal tip.