"Brazilian Butt Lift" Performed by Board-Certified Brazilian Plastic Surgeons: Reports of an Expert Opinion Survey.

BACKGROUND: Gluteal fat augmentation has increased worldwide, and so have major complications. Brazilian plastic surgeons have been performing this procedure for more than 30 years, and more often every year. Therefore, the authors performed a study among board-certified plastic surgeons, members of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, to evaluate their techniques; identify their preferences, complications, and outcomes with this procedure; and make some recommendations. METHODS: An anonymous Web-based survey consisting of 16 questions was sent to 5655 members in July of 2017. A supplementary survey was subsequently sent to obtain more information about major complications. RESULTS: A total of 853 responses were analyzed. The highest percentage of responses in the different categories were as follows: fat decantation for processing, injection with a 3-mm-diameter cannula, use of superior incisions, subcutaneous fat grafting only, and with a volume of 200 to 399 ml of fat per buttock. The majority of surgeons received training in this procedure during residency. The most common complications were contour irregularities. The estimated mortality rate was one in 20,117 cases, and the rate of nonfatal fat embolism was one in 9530. The risk of death was 16 times greater when fat was injected intramuscularly. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this survey, the authors recommend injecting fat only subcutaneously, by means of superior incisions, using cannulas 3 mm in diameter or more. They find that by following these recommendations, this procedure can be as safe as any other. More research to establish guidelines and increase its safety is necessary.

Implante submuscular em duplo bolso para mastopexias de aumento / Submuscular implant in double pocket for augmentation mastopexy

Introdução: A utilização de implantes mamários vem aumentando. O posicionamento do implante na literatura é relatado como subglandular, subfascial, submuscular total e parcial, cada qual com suas indicações, limitações e complicações. Métodos: Este trabalho mostra uma manobra para cobertura do implante e sua sustentação utilizando dois retalhos musculares. Entre novembro de 2009 e abril de 2012, foram analisados 80 casos de pacientes submetidas à inclusão de implantes em posição submuscular em duplo bolso, independentemente da via de acesso, do grau de flacidez e ptose. Resultados: A versatilidade desta manobra permite que seja utilizada em uma ampla variedade de mamas, desde aumento sem flacidez a mamopexia com implante, podendo ser realizada por via periareolar, inframamária ou aberta. Foi utilizada em cirurgias primárias e secundárias, com ou sem uso de retalho de tecido mamário e retirada de pele. Conclusões: A cobertura do implante com o músculo peitoral pela técnica de duplo bolso demonstrou ótimos resultados, com baixo índice de complicações e reintervenções. Esta técnica está sendo utilizada em uma maior casuística e um seguimento mais longo tem sido feito para confirmar os resultados obtidos até o momento.

Introduction: The use of implants is steadily increasing. Reports have been published of implants in the subglandular, subfascial, total, and partial submuscular positions each with its indications, limitations, and complications. Methods: This study presents a technique to cover the implant and support it using two muscle flaps. Between November 2009 and April 2012, 80 patients who submitted to inclusion of implants in the submuscular position in double pocket were analyzed, regardless of the access route, the degree of flaccidity, and ptosis. Results: The versatility of this maneuver allows it to be used in a wide variety of breasts, from breast augmentation without flaccidity to mastopexy with implant, and may be carried out via the periareolar, inframammary, or open access routes. It was used in primary and secondary surgeries, with or without the use of breast tissue flap and removal of skin. Conclusions: The coverage of the implant with the pectoral muscle by the double pocket technique displayed excellent results, with a low rate of complications and reinterventions. This technique is being studied in a larger sample with a longer follow-up to confirm the results obtained so far.

Augmentation Gluteoplasty: A Brazilian Perspective.

According to recent data, augmentation gluteoplasty continues to gain popularity in the United States and globally, especially in procedures involving fat grafts. However, serious concerns about its safety have been raised over the past 2 years. Will this trend continue or has it already reached its peak? The answer depends on how the technique is going to be performed hereafter. In this article, the following seven learning objectives for performing gluteal augmentation safely and effectively are covered: (1) the concept of what is a beautiful buttock and how to select the patients who will have better outcomes; (2) diagram each patient's needs for liposuction and graft; (3) use maneuvers for contouring and projection; (4) compare specific indications for fat graft and gluteal implants; (5) evaluate ptosis grade to indicate whether volume repositioning is sufficient; (6) formulate care protocols for risk management; and (7) develop lasting and high-satisfaction-rate results. It is pivotal to recognize each patient's body characteristics and ability to achieve a good result, and to work on her expectations preoperatively and accordingly to perform the procedure in the safest manner possible. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

Methylene blue reduces progression of burn and increases skin survival in an experimental rat model.

Following burn, increased nitric oxide (NO) combine with superoxide anion forming peroxynitrite. Methylene blue (MB) has NO blocking and antioxidant effects. Male Wistar rats (250g) were burned bilaterally in dorsum with a comb metal plate heated inside boiling water and applied during 30s, creating four rectangular 10×20mm full-thickness burned areas separated by three 5×20mm unburned interspaces (stasis zone). 30 rats were randomized into three groups (n=10): treated groups received one dose of intraperitoneal (IP) MB injections (2mg/kg), one or six hours after injury, and control group received saline. Seven days after injury, wounds were visually analyzed for interspaces necrosis; full-thickness sections were evaluated with Masson staining; tissue fragments were processed for nitrite/nitrate (NOx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) dosages. Photographic analysis: interspaces progression to necrosis were higher in control (64.8%) than in one (44.7%) and six (13.3%) hours MB groups (P=0.0060). Histopathology showed lower necrosis percentage in one (34.85%) and six (41.62%) hours MB groups than control (77.03%) (P=0.0034) and higher normal skin percentage in one (25.33%) and six (26.85%) hours MB groups than control (8.32%) (P=0.0037). Re-epithelialization skin areas were higher in both MB groups (39.94% for one and 31.89% for six hours) than control (14.63%) (P=0.0210). Interspace's NOx increased in both MB groups (P=0.0130) with no difference in burned areas. No MDA difference was observed. IP MB injection one or six hours after injury reduced necrosis progression in stasis area in the rat comb burn model suggesting an antioxidant effect reducing oxidative stress.

Does Postoperative Erythropoietin Reduce Transfusions and Hemodynamic Instability Following Liposuction, Either Alone or Associated with Abdominoplasty or Mammaplasty? A Comparative, Prospective Study of 50 Consecutive Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hematopoietic growth factor and an alternative to avoid blood transfusion in high-blood-loss surgeries. We evaluate EPO efficacy to reduce clinically relevant anemia and dehydration in patients undergoing liposuction. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 50 consecutive patients subjected to liposuction greater than 2.5 L and alternately assigned into two comparable groups (25 patients each), except for the postoperative administration of erythropoietin (4000 UI per day subcutaneously) during five consecutive days. Incidence data for blood transfusion or parenteral hydration were collected. Statistical analyses were performed with significance at p value <5%. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups related to any preoperative feature or the incidence of dehydration (p = 0.1099) or transfusion (p = 1.0). CONCLUSION: Postoperative erythropoietin administration was not effective in preventing blood transfusion for anemia or parenteral hydration for hemodynamic instability in patients undergoing major liposuction. 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 http://www.springer.com/00266.

Curbing Inflammation in Skin Wound Healing: A Review.

Wound healing is a complex regulated process that results in skin scar formation in postnatal mammals. Chronic wounds are major medical problems that can confer devastating consequences. Currently, there are no treatments to prevent scarring. In the early fetus wounds heal without scarring and the healing process is characterized by relatively less inflammation compared to adults; therefore, research aimed at reducing the inflammatory process related to wound healing might speed healing and improve the final scar appearance.

Gluteoplasty with autologous fat tissue: experience with 106 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: The female waist-hip ratio of around 0.7 is reachable through liposuction and gluteal fat grafting. The authors evaluated the reliability of this technique. METHODS: Prospective evaluation was performed of all female patients subjected to gluteoplasty with autologous fat tissue between July of 2010 and July of 2013 without a weight change greater than 10 percent during follow-up. Results were evaluated through photographs. The degree of satisfaction (patient and surgeon) was assessed on a scale of 1 (poor outcome) to 4 (excellent improvement), and agreement was measured by Kappa statistics. The technique involved epidural anesthesia, tumescent infiltration, liposuction around the buttocks, fat decantation, and grafting with retrograde injection in different planes. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients were included. Patient age ranged between 18 and 62 years (mean, 33 years). The preoperative body mass index was between 19 and 31.6 kg/m (mean, 24.8 kg/m). The volume grafted to the buttocks ranged between 180 and 840 cc (mean, 505 cc). There were no medical complications. Five patients (4.7 percent) had seroma in the donor area, 103 patients felt satisfied (97.1 percent), scoring 3 and 4, one patient (0.94 percent) complained of volume resorption 4 months postoperatively, and two patients (1.88 percent) asked to diminish their lateral gluteal volume (score 2) and underwent revision surgery 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This gluteoplasty technique is simple and inexpensive, with minimal morbidity and excellent results. A good result depends on harmoniously combining fat elimination by liposuction and fat grafting for buttocks sculpting, with lasting results. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Mamoplastia após grande perda ponderal / Mammoplasty after massive weight loss

INTRODUÇÃO: Após perda ponderal maciça, as pacientes apresentam alterações mamárias, como flacidez, ptose em graus variados e polo superior vazio. Diferentes técnicas de mamoplastia são empregadas para dar forma ao cone mamário e reposicionar o complexo aréolo-papilar (CAP). Neste trabalho, avaliamos diferentes abordagens cirúrgicas preenchendo as necessidades de cada caso. MÉTODO: Vinte e cinco pacientes submetidas à gastroplastia antes da mamoplastia foram analisadas. As técnicas utilizadas foram (1) mastopexia sem prótese e retalho inferior; (2) mastopexia sem prótese e pedículo areolado inferior; (3) mastopexia com prótese com cobertura pelo retalho inferior; (4) mastopexia com prótese com plicatura de retalhos cruzados (jaquetão). RESULTADOS: A média do IMC antes da mamoplastia foi de 26,6 (variando de 21,6 a 31,2). Todas as pacientes submetidas à cirurgia consideraram o resultado bom ou ótimo. Em avaliação por observador cego às técnicas empregadas, os resultados foram considerados bons com relação à forma da mama, correção da ptose e preenchimento do polo superior. Uma paciente submetida à mastopexia com prótese com retalhos cruzados apresentou seroma e contratura capsular subsequente, necessitando capsulectomia. Oito pacientes apresentaram deiscências: sete, na junção dos retalhos cutâneos no sulco inframamário, e uma na vertical, unilateralmente, resolvidas por cicatrização por segunda intenção. Não houve caso de necrose ou epiteliólise do CAP. CONCLUSÃO: Empregando-se diferentes técnicas de mamoplastia, individualizadas caso a caso, foram obtidos resultados agradáveis, alcançando satisfação das pacientes. Fatores, como distância fúrcula-papila, necessidade de elevação do CAP, volume mamário pré-mamoplastia e desejo de aumento de volume pela paciente, influenciam a escolha da técnica cirúrgica.

INTRODUCTION: After massive weight loss, patients present with various mammary changes, such as sagging, different grades of ptosis, and empty upper pole. Different mammoplasty techniques are used to shape the mammary cone and to reposition the nipple-areolar complex (NAC). In this study, we evaluate how different surgical approaches can satisfy the requirements of each patient. METHOD: Twenty-five patients who underwent mammoplasty following gastroplasty were analyzed. The mammoplasty techniques used were (1) mastopexy without implant with inferior flap; (2) mastopexy without implant with inferior areolar pedicle; (3) mastopexy with implant and coverage by inferior flap; (4) mastopexy with implant and plication of cross flaps (jacket procedure). RESULTS: The average body mass index (BMI) before mammoplasty was 26.6 (ranging from 21.6 to 31.2). All patients who underwent this surgery rated the outcome obtained as good or great. In an evaluation carried out by an observer unaware of the techniques employed, the results obtained were considered to be satisfactory for breast shape, correction of breast ptosis, and filling of the upper pole. One patient who underwent mastopexy with implants and cross flaps developed seroma and subsequent capsular contracture, which required capsulectomy. Eight patients developed unilateral dehiscence: seven at the junction of skin flap in the inframammary fold, and one vertically, which were resolved with healing by secondary intention. No cases of necrosis or NAC epitheliosis were observed. CONCLUSION: Using different mammoplasty techniques, which were personalized and analyzed on a case-by-case basis, good outcomes and a high level of patient satisfaction were achieved. Various factors, such as the furcula-papilla distance, the need to lift the NAC, pre-mammoplasty breast volume and the patient's desire to increase breast volume, influence the choice of the surgical technique.

Refinamento da técnica de Mustardé para o tratamento das orelhas proeminentes / Refinement of the Mustardé technique for the treatment of prominent ears

Introdução: Tradicionalmente, múltiplas anomalias podem causar as orelhas proeminentes e foram desenvolvidas técnicas específicas para o tratamento de cada deformidade. Neste trabalho, testou-se uma abordagem única para alcançar resultados favoráveis. Método: Foram avaliados, retrospectivamente, os pacientes submetidos a otoplastia bilateral entre junho de 2010 e Dezembro de 2012, divididos em dois grupos: Grupo 1 - técnica convencional de Mustardé e Grupo 2 - Refinamento da técnica de Mustardé. Para comparação foram coletados os dados referentes às complicações precoces, tardias, à necessidade de reoperação e ao grau de satisfação do paciente. A análise estatística foi realizada através do teste exato de Fisher. Resultados: No Grupo 1 foram incluídos 9 pacientes tratados com a técnica tradicional de Mustardé. Houve um caso de extrusão de pontos (11,11%). Sete pacientes ficaram muito satisfeitos, um satisfeito e um insatisfeito por correção insuficiente, sendo reoperado. No Grupo 2 foram incluídos 19 pacientes submetidos a uma variação da técnica de Mustardé com 3 suturas no terço médio da orelha, rotacionando posteriormente o vértice da antélice. Houve um caso de infecção bilateral (5,26%). Dezessete pacientes ficaram muito satisfeitos, um satisfeito e outro insatisfeito por correção insuficiente, sendo reoperado. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos. Conclusão: A identificação da alteração básica relacionada com orelhas proeminentes permite uma abordagem única, de fácil aprendizado e execução, com resultados de aparência natural e elevado grau de satisfação do paciente.

Introduction: Traditionally, multiple abnormalities can cause prominent ears, and specific techniques have been developed for the treatment of each abnormality. In this study, we tested a single approach aimed at achieving satisfactory outcomes. Method: Patients submitted to bilateral otoplasty, between June 2010 and December 2012, were retrospectively evaluated and divided into two groups: group 1 ­ patients submitted to the conventional Mustardé technique and group 2 ­ those who underwent the modified Mustardé technique. For comparison, we collected data relating to early and late complications, requirement for a new surgery, and degree of patient satisfaction. Statistical analysis was performed with Fisher's exact test. Results: Group 1 included nine patients treated with the conventional Mustardé technique. A case of suture extrusion (11.11%) was observed. Seven patients reported to be very satisfied, one satisfied, and one dissatisfied because of insufficient correction and a subsequent need for a second surgery. Group 2 included 19 patients submitted to the modified Mustardé technique, which involved three sutures in the middle third of the ear and the posterior rotation of the vertex of the antihelix. One case of bilateral infection (5.26%) was observed. Seventeen patients reported to be very satisfied, one satisfied, and another dissatisfied because of insufficient correction, thus needing to undergo a second surgery. No statistical difference was observed between the two groups. Conclusion: The identification of the basic abnormality associated with prominent ears allows performing a single approach that is easy to learn and implement, in addition to providing good outcome (i.e., natural appearance) and a high degree of patient satisfaction.

Curbing inflammation in burn patients.

Patients who suffer from severe burns develop metabolic imbalances and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) which can result in multiple organ failure and death. Research aimed at reducing the inflammatory process has yielded new insight into burn injury therapies. In this review, we discuss strategies used to curb inflammation in burn injuries and note that further studies with high quality evidence are necessary.

Parotitis after epidural anesthesia in plastic surgery: report of three cases.

BACKGROUND: Acute swelling of the parotid glands after general anesthesia has become known as anesthesia mumps. Its cause is unknown. Only one case of postsurgical parotitis without general anesthesia is reported. This report describes three cases in this setting after plastic surgery. CASE 1: A 37-year-old women underwent breast surgery and abdominoplasty with a dual thoracic/lumbar epidural block (bupivacaine 0.5 %). The operative time totaled almost 6 h. Subsequently, 4 h after surgery, the patient experienced painless bilateral parotid swelling without palpable crepitus. The edema resolved completely within 12 h under clinical observation and parenteral hydration. CASE 2: A 45-year-old patient received subglandular breast implants and body contouring with liposuction, all with the patient under a dual thoracic/lumbar epidural block with 0.5 % marcaine. The total surgical time was 5 h. Subsequently, 3 h after surgery, the patient experienced a similar clinical presentation. The problem resolved completely in 36 h with clinical observation and parenteral hydration. CASE 3: A 30-year-old patient received a subglandular breast implant and underwent liposuction of the outer thighs using a dual thoracic/lumbar epidural block with lidocaine 1 %. The duration of surgery was 1 h. Subsequently, 5 h postoperatively, the patient experienced a similar clinical presentation. Dexamethasone and parenteral hydration were administered. The problem resolved completely in 48 h without sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of parotitis in patients undergoing surgery under epidural anesthesia is a novel situation, which increases the range of possible etiologies for this little known condition. Dehydration leading to transient parotid secretion obstruction may play a significant role. Further reports of parotitis occurring in the regional anesthesia setting are expected to help elucidate its pathophysiology. 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 www.springer.com/00266 .

Effects of elevated perfusion pressure and pulsatile flow on human saphenous veins isolated from diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to determine high pressure and pulsatile flow perfusion effects on human saphenous vein (HSV) segments obtained from diabetic and non-diabetic patients. METHODS: The veins were perfused with oxygenated Krebs solution for 3 h, with a pulsatile flow rate of 100 mL/min and pressures of 250 × 200 or 300 × 250 mmHg. After perfusion, veins were studied by light microscopy; nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms, CD34 and nitrotyrosine immunohistochemistry and tissue nitrite/nitrate (NO(x)) and malondialdehyde (MDA) quantification. RESULTS: Light microscopy revealed endothelial denuding areas in all HSV segments subjected to 300 × 250 mmHg perfusion pressure, but the luminal area was similar. The percentage of luminal perimeter covered by endothelium decreased as perfusion pressures increased, and significant differences were observed between groups. The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) isoform immunostaining decreased significantly in diabetic patients' veins independent of the perfusion pressure levels. The inducible NOS (iNOS), neuronal NOS (nNOS) and nitrotyrosine immunostaining were similar. Significant CD34 differences were observed between the diabetic 300 × 250 mmHg perfusion pressure group and the non-diabetic control group. Tissue nitrite/nitrate and MDA were not different among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pulsatile flow and elevated pressures for 3 h caused morphological changes and decreased the eNOS expression in the diabetic patients' veins.

Tração cutânea intraoperatória para fechamento de ferida após mastectomia bilateral higiênica: relato de caso / Intraoperative skin traction for closure of hygienic bilateral mastectomy wound: case report

INTRODUÇÃO: As sequelas da parede torácica após mastectomia requerem reconstrução por meio de conduta segura e eficiente. Nos casos de recidiva local, sobretudo bilateral, a intervenção cirúrgica deverá ser indicada considerando o estado geral do paciente e a expectativa de vida. A tração intraoperatória é uma técnica de baixa morbidade e rápida execução, reduzindo as cicatrizes decorrentes da utilização de retalhos. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 45 anos que, após diagnóstico de recidiva tumoral em mama direita e novo tumor em mama esquerda, foi submetida à mastectomia bilateral higiênica com esvaziamento axilar à esquerda. Optou-se pela realização de tração cutânea intraoperatória dos bordos da ferida para fechamento primário da parede torácica devido ao estado geral da paciente. A tração foi realizada conforme a técnica de Góes et al., utilizando-se fios de prolene 2, tracionando a pele por dez minutos, com descanso de dois minutos, até que se obtivesse proximidade suficiente dos bordos das lesões para realização de sutura primária, o que foi alcançado após três ciclos de tração e relaxamento. O procedimento teve duração de duas horas, e foi colocado dreno portovac 3.2, que foi retirado após 7 dias. A paciente evoluiu sem queixas álgicas, sem deiscência ou qualquer outra complicação. CONCLUSÃO: A tração intraoperatória demonstrou ser uma técnica segura, funcionalmente eficaz, com menores custo e morbidade, para fechamento de ferida resultante de mastectomia bilateral higiênica.

INTRODUCTION: The post-mastectomy chest wall defects require reconstruction by a safe and efficient procedure. In cases of local recurrence, especially bilateral, surgical intervention should be indicated given the patient's general condition and life expectancy. The intraoperative traction is a technique with low morbidity and rapid execution, reducing the scars from the use of flaps. CASE REPORT: Female patient, 45 years old, after diagnosis of recurrence in right breast and a new tumor in left breast, was submitted to hygienic bilateral mastectomy with dissection of left axillary lymph nodes. Opted for intraoperative skin traction of the chest wall wound edges for primary closure due to the general state of the patient. Traction was performed according to the Góes et al. technique, using prolene 2 sutures, stretching the skin for ten minutes, resting for two minutes, until they gain sufficient proximity of the edges of the wound to perform primary suture. This was achieved after three cycles of tension and relaxation. The procedure lasted two hours and was used aspiratory drainage with portovac 3.2 drain, which was removed after 7 days. The patient had no pain complaints, suture without dehiscence or any other complication. CONCLUSION: The intraoperative traction proved to be a safe, functionally efficient, with lower costs and lower morbidity, to close wounds resulting from hygienic bilateral mastectomy hygienic.

Técnica cirúrgica alternativa no tratamento do blefaroespasmo essencial / Alternative surgical technique in treatment of essential blepharospasm

Introdução: Blefaroespasmo essencial é bilateral, progressivo e pode levar a cegueira funcional. Predomina em pacientes do sexo feminino e sua causa é desconhecida. Relato do Caso: Paciente de 52 anos, com espasmos palpebrais progressivos em dois anos de evolução, recebeu cinco aplicações de toxina botulínica, com resposta apenas após as primeiras infiltrações. Na avaliação inicial, apresentava fenda palpebral com abertura voluntária máxima de 2 mm. Foi submetida à ressecção de um fuso de pele da pálpebra superior contendo o músculo orbicular e, pela mesma via de acesso, foram ressecados os músculos corrugadores, com preservação dos nervos supra-orbitários e supratrocleares. No pós-operatório, evoluiu com abertura voluntária máxima da fenda palpebral de 12 mm. Com cinco meses de pós-operatório, houve recidiva parcial, com fenda palpebral de 8 mm. Submetida a tratamento com toxina botulínica, em menor dose, apresentou abertura de 10 mm. Conclusão: Esta técnica cirúrgica alternativa para o tratamento do blefaroespasmo demonstrou resultado semelhante às técnicas descritas na literatura, porém ressecando os músculos orbiculares apenas superiormente e os corrugadores pela mesma via de acesso palpebral, preservando a inervação da região frontal.

Background: Essential blepharospasm is bilateral, progressive and can lead to functional blindness. It predominates in female patients and its cause is unknown. Case report: A52-year patient, with progressive eyelid spasms along two years of evolution, received five applications of botulinum toxin, responding only to the first ones. In the initial evaluation she showed a palpebral fissure of 2 mm with maximum voluntary opening. She was submitted to resection of an ellipse of skin of upper eyelid along with the orbicular muscle and, by thesame surgical access, the corrugators muscles were resected, with preservation of the supra-orbitaland supra-trochlear nerves. In the postoperative period, she evolved with maximum voluntary opening of the palpebral fissure of 12 mm. With five months postoperatively, there was partial recurrence, with palpebral fissure of 8 mm. Receiving botulinum toxin on lower dose, she presented opening of 10 mm. Conclusion: This alternative surgical technique for treatment of blepharospasm showed a similar result to the techniques described in the literature, however resecting the orbicularis muscle only superiorly and the corrugators by the same surgical approach, preserving the innervations of the frontal region.

The use of quilting suture in abdominoplasty does not require aspiratory drainage for prevention of seroma.

BACKGROUND: The formation of seromas after abdominoplasty is a highly prevalent complication that disturbs both the patient and the surgeon. Aspiratory drainage and adhesion sutures (Baroudi suture) are widely used to prevent this complication. This study evaluated the effectiveness of drains in preventing seromas. METHODS: This retrospective study investigated women submitted to classic abdominoplasty with adhesion sutures. The women were divided into two groups. Group 1 comprised 28 individuals who received no drains, and group 2 consisted of 32 patients that had drains placed. Clinical evaluation of the patients was performed 7 days, 14 days, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis was accomplished via Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Group 1 had one case of seroma (3.5%), clinically detected between the first and second postoperative months, whereas group 2 had one case (3.12%) detected 14 days postoperatively. Fisher's test showed a P value of 1.000 (not statistically significant), for a 95% confidence interval of 0.05 to 14.08 and an odds ratio of 0.8387. Clinical evaluation showed no statistical difference in the incidence of seromas after abdominoplasty with adhesion sutures between the patients who received drains and those who did not. CONCLUSION: The use of adhesion sutures is an effective measure for preventing seromas with no need for additional surgical measures.

Há necessidade de drenos para prevenir seroma em abdominoplastias com pontos de adesão? / Is there need for drains to prevent seroma in abdominoplasty with adhesion suture?

Introdução: A formação de seroma pós-abdominoplastia é uma complicação que incomoda paciente e cirurgião. O uso da drenagem aspirativa e a utilização de pontos de adesão (“Pontos de Baroudi”) são estratégias utilizadas para prevenir essa complicação. Este trabalho avalia a necessidade de drenos na prevenção do seroma em abdominoplastias com pontos de adesão. Método: Avaliação de todas as pacientes submetidas à abdominoplastia clássica com pontos de adesão, entre janeiro de 2006 e dezembro de 2007. Grupo 1 composto de 28 indivíduos nos quais não foram utilizados drenos; grupo 2 constou de 32 pacientes nos quais foram empregados drenos. A avaliação clínica dos pacientes foi realizada aos sete dias, duas semanas, um mês, dois, quatro e seis meses de pós-operatório. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do teste exato de Fisher. Resultados: No grupo 1, houve um (3,5%) caso de seroma, clinicamente detectado entre o primeiro e o segundo mês pós-operatório, enquanto que no grupo 2, houve um (3,12%) caso diagnosticado aos 14 dias de pós-operatório. O teste de Fisher mostrou um valor de p de 1,000, estatisticamente não significativo para um intervalo de confiança de 95% (0,05-14,08), e odds ratio de 0,8387. A avaliação clínica não demonstrou diferença estatística entre a utilização de drenos ou não na incidência de seroma em pacientes submetidos à abdominoplastia com pontos de adesão. Conclusão: A utilização dos pontos de adesão é uma medida eficaz para prevenir a formação de seroma, sem a necessidade de medidas cirúrgicas adicionais.

Introduction: The formation of seroma in post-abdominoplasty is a highly prevalent complicationthat upsets both the patient and the surgeon. Aspiratory drainage and adhesion suture(“Baroudi suture”) are widely employed strategies for prevention of this complication. This study evaluates the need for drains in the prevention of seroma in abdominoplasty with adhesion suture. Method: Evaluation of all patients who underwent classic abdominoplasty with adhesion suture between January 2006 and December 2007. Group 1 comprised 28 individuals with whom no drains were used; group 2 consisted of 32 patients for whom drains were employed. Clinical evaluation of the patients was performed seven days, two weeks, one month, two, four and six months postoperatively. Statistical analysis was accomplished by means of the Fisher exact test. Results: In group 1 there was one (3.5%) case of seroma, clinically detected between the first and second postoperative month, whereas in group 2 there was one (3.12%) case detected 14 days postoperatively. Fisher’s test showed a p valueof 1.000, not statistically significant for a confidence interval of 95% (0.05-14.08), and odds ratio of 0.8387. Clinical evaluation revealed no statistical difference between the use of drains or not in the incidence of seroma in patients submitted to abdominoplasty with adhesion suture. Conclusion: The use of adhesion suture is an effective measure to prevent the formation of seroma, without the need for additional surgical measures.