Three-dimensional Evaluation of Results After Dual-Plane Breast Augmentation with and Without Internal Suture Mastopexy.

BACKGROUND: In patients with breast atrophy and ptosis, it is necessary to correct both problems simultaneously. This study aimed to analyze breast morphological changes with a three-dimensional (3D) scanning technique to demonstrate the improvement effect of dual-plane breast augmentation combined with internal suture mastopexy. METHODS: 3D breast surface scans were performed preoperatively and postoperatively in 24 patients (n = 35 breasts) undergoing internal suture mastopexy combined with prosthetic augmentation through the periareolar approach and 24 patients (48 breasts) undergoing simple dual-plane breast augmentation. Changes in linear distance, breast volume and volume distribution, breast projection, and nipple position were analyzed to assess the breast morphology. RESULTS: Compared with simple breast augmentation, augmentation combined with internal suture mastopexy was associated with a higher upper pole volume increase and greater medial and upward nipple displacement. After the surgery, the upper pole volume increased by an average of 10.6% in combined augmentation group and decreased by an average of 2.2% in the simple breast augmentation group. The measured breast projections were 24.8 ± 2.2% lower than expected in the combined group and 23.1 ± 4.1% lower than expected in the simple group, based on implant parameters recorded by the manufacturer. The nipple moved 0.2 ± 0.5 cm laterally, 1.6 ± 0.6 cm upward, and 2.8 ± 0.7 cm anteriorly in the combined group and 0.9 ± 0.5 cm laterally, 0.7 ± 0.6 cm upward, and 3.0 ± 0.6 cm anteriorly in the simple group. CONCLUSIONS: Dual-plane breast augmentation in addition to internal suture mastopexy appears to reposition breast tissue from the lower pole to fill in the deficient upper breast, pull the nipple medially and superiorly, and ultimately correct mild to moderate breast ptosis. 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 .

A Case Study: Comprehensive Approach for Treating Horizontal Neck Wrinkles Using Hyaluronic Acid Injections and Thread-Lifting.

BACKGROUND: Horizontal neck wrinkles develop during the aging process. AIMS: This study assessed the effectiveness of a comprehensive approach to treating horizontal neck wrinkles using non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid injection and smooth absorbable PPDO (Poly p-dioxanon) thread insertion. METHODS: Ten patients with horizontal neck wrinkles were treated with hyaluronic acid injection and thread-lifting. The clinical outcomes were evaluated six months after treatment. RESULTS: The median global aesthetic improvement scale scores evaluated by plastic surgeons and the patients were 4.3 ± 0.8 (3-5) and 4.1 ± 0.7 (3-5), respectively, at six months post-treatment. Five (50%) patients strongly agreed, and three subjects (30%) agreed that their horizontal neck wrinkles had improved following treatment. No serious adverse events, including infections, lumps, irregularities, or the Tyndall effect, occurred during treatment. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that a comprehensive approach using hyaluronic acid and thread-lifting provided satisfactory and effective clinical outcomes in treating horizontal neck wrinkles. 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 http://www.springer.com/00266 .

Internal Mastopexy: A Novel Method of Filling the Upper Poles During Dual-Plane Breast Augmentation Trough Periareolar Incision.

BACKGROUND: Breast ptosis is a deformity commonly found in patients seeking breast augmentation. Current mastopexy techniques rely on incisions on the breast to correct ptosis; nonetheless, they leave extensive scars. Having to opt for a visibly scarred breast over a ptotic breast can be a difficult choice. OBJECTIVES: We sought an innovative internal suture mastopexy for hypomastia of mild breast ptosis. METHODS: A procedure that left a tiny scar on the nipple-areolar complex was introduced. This method was safe and efficient when combining mastopexy with augmentation. RESULTS: Overall, 53 patients underwent this operation in the Plastic and Cosmetic Department of Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital from January 1, 2013, to June 30, 2017, with a mean follow-up of 38 ± 16 months. The pre-operation and post-operation SN-N lines (the distance from the sternal notch to the nipple) were 21.8 ± 1.2 cm and 20.7 ± 1.0 cm, respectively; the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The patients and surgeon expressed satisfaction with the procedure. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, which included more than 50 patients, we believe that internal suture mastopexy can be used as an effective alternative hypomastia in patients with mild breast ptosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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. .

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Age-Related Orbital and Midfacial Bone Remodeling in Asians.

BACKGROUND: Facial bony changes vary among races, yet few studies have been conducted in Asians. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the aging of orbital and midfacial bones in Asians. METHODS: Based on the two-dimensional data obtained from the computed tomography scanner of imaging department, 3D reconstructions were conducted to take measurements (orbital diagonal diameter, orbital width, orbital area, maxillary angle, midfacial height, pyriform angle, pyriform width, and pyriform area). RESULTS: In this retrospective study of 261 subjects, a significant decrease in the orbital diagonal diameter, orbital width, and midfacial height was found in men, whereas women displayed a significant increase in the pyriform width and a significant decrease in maxillary angle and midfacial height by three-dimensional analysis. CONCLUSION: This study verifies the minor female changes in the orbital region and less dramatic male changes in the midfacial region compared with that in Caucasians. Individualized treatment should be performed according to different genders and races. Further exploration of facial bone metabolism may have valuable implications for Asians.

Effect of filling pressure in jetting dispenser on the performance of blood glucose test strips using immersion gold-plated printed circuit board.

To ensure accurate glucose readings when dispensing glucose oxidase enzyme solution from a jetting dispenser onto glucose test strips fabricated from an immersion gold-plated printed circuit board, every drop of the enzyme solution needs to have nearly the same weight and to be dispensed on the reaction zone of the test strips. Experimental results in this study show that the filling pressure in the fluid reservoir containing the glucose enzyme solution to dispense onto the test strips significantly affect the glucose test results. A filling pressure of 12 psi produces test strips with lower coefficient of variation and standard deviation than 10 and 14 psi. Proper filling pressure for dispensing glucose enzyme onto glucose test strips needs to be determined for any enzyme compound formulation.