New lift: the art of facial rejuvenation with minimal incisions rhytidectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The new lift is a procedure for facial rejuvenation with minimal incision, giving the patient a significant improvement of mid face and neck, with limited dissection and minimal scars. A further "One-stitch" of anchorage to the deep temporal fascia is required to hold tissues. By a minimal surgical access, we get a suitable cheek lift with the improvement of nose-labial folds, mandibular edge and neck contour. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 2009 and June 2012, 32 patients underwent facial rejuvenation surgery called new lift at a mean age of 46 years (range 35-55 years). Seven of the patients had a previous facelift. 12 out of 32 patients (37.5%) had concomitant eyelid surgery and 4 (12.5%) neck contouring procedure. RESULTS: The technique we used is a safe and effective procedure with a high satisfaction rate; 28 patients (89%) were very satisfied with their result at 24-months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical outcome was evaluated according to the analysis of photographs obtained before and after surgery and the analysis of pre- and postoperative measurements. Aesthetic results were evaluated also by patients themselves who indicated a high satisfaction rate at three months post-surgery questionary and by a surgeon not involved in the study using VAS (1-10) before and three months after surgery. Acquired data on the aesthetic result were statistically evaluated using Student t-test. This is a study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the new-lift technique for facial rejuvenation. Based on the results of our study, the new-lift is a very effective surgery for rejuvenation of the face with mild to moderate aging. All patients healed uneventfully without any major postoperative problems. This technique responds to an increasing demand from a wide range of patients for less invasive, less expensive operations with faster healing time and fewer potential complications.

Correction of tuberous breast with small volume asymmetry by using a new adjustable implant.

BACKGROUND: The tuberous breast syndrome is a rare anomaly of breast shape, which can be associated to volume breast asymmetry. We report our caseload in the correction of tuberous breasts with small volume asymmetry by using the Muti's technique associated to the implantation of a new adjustable implant. AIM: Purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of treating tuberous breast deformity with two different types of implants (a textured round high profile cohesive I implant in the larger breast and a Spectra™ implant in the smaller breast). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Since May 2008, patients affected by tuberous breast combined to small breast volume asymmetry were enrolled in a prospective study. After gland deformity correction, the adjustable implant was positioned in the smaller breast. A textured round implant was positioned in the contralateral breast. Standard pictures were taken before surgery and during follow-up visits over one year. A visual analogue scale (VAS) scale was used to evaluate patients' and external physicians' judgment. Standardized objective measurements of breast and chest were also taken. Statistical significance of any value variation was assessed with the Wilconxon's rank sum test. RESULTS: Eleven patients were treated with the proposed surgical approach. VAS scores from patients and external physicians were high. Deformity correction was obtained in all patients as evidenced by the significant modifications of objective measurements. No major late complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The new adjustable implant provides a reliable corrective option for hypoplastic tuberous breasts with small volume asymmetry. This device allows intra-operative modification of implant volume according to breast volume discrepancy. Although our findings are satisfying, a longer follow-up is required to evaluate long term results.

The use of botulinum toxin in the treatment of plunging nose: cosmetic results and a functional serendipity.

INTRODUCTION: Muscles of the nose are active in facial movements both with the other facial muscles. An active depressor septi muscle (DSN) can accentuate a drooping nasal tip and shorten the upper lip on animation, especially during smiling. Paralysis of the DSN allows the tip of the nose to be lifted up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January and June 2011 a double blinded, randomized study was performed on 40 patients for nasal defects as "plunging" tip. 20 patients underwent to Botulinum toxin injection (B), 20 patients were treated with placebo such as saline solution (S). Both aesthetic and functional results were evaluated using objective and subjective parameters at time 0, after 7, 15 and 30 days and values were compared using t Student test. RESULTS: S group results were not significant from an objective point of view. In botulinum group, patients showed an increase in columellar-lip distance. Satisfaction of the Group B patients was an average of 6.3 on VAS (range from 4 to 9). VAS mean values were studied with t-Student test and were found significant. DISCUSSION: Several authors recommend the incision of DSN muscle during rhinoplasty to correct the plunging tip. In patients with no needs for rhinoplasty this procedure is unnecessary and a quick and targeted injection of Botulinum toxin is the most convenient choice to improve aesthetic of the plunging tip.

A new association between hyaluronic acid and collagenase in wound repair: an open study.

BACKGROUND: Most ulcers occur with slough and need debridement treatment. Surgical treatment is usually performed but many patients need an additional chemical therapy to promote healing process. This type of wound bed preparation is slower than surgical one, but it is essential in those patients who are not eligible for surgery because of systemic diseases. A collagenase derived from the bacterium Clostridium hisolyticum is the most used. AIM: To evaluate the safety and the effectiveness of a new collagenase produced by Vibrio algynoliticum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients were enrolled and daily treated for five weeks with Bionect Start® ointment. Parameters took into account were fibrin degradation and pain relief. The same team carried out treatment during the study period of five weeks. RESULTS: 32 patients achieved a relevant reduction of the ulcer size, an improvement of the wound bed and a reduction of fibrin and exudates. Among of 32, 14 patients presented with a complete healing. Eight patients had mild or no improvements. The patients referred a remarkable pain reduction, 20 out of 40 patients reported a decrease in pain during treatment, 16 patients referred no pain at all and four patients had no significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: The application of this product on the lesions promotes vascularized granulation tissue and reduces formation of fibrin and exudate. Furthermore, a macroscopical margins proliferation is highlighted after a short time and an improvement of periwound skin is observed during the treatment period. Bionect Start® allowed easy removal of dressing, less pain for patient, reduction of dressing time.

Metatypical carcinoma of the head: a review of 312 cases.

BACKGROUND: Metatypical cell carcinoma (MTC) is a quite rare malignancy accounting for 5% of all non melanoma skin cancers, with features of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It can be described as coexistence of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma with no transition zone between them. AIM: Our review identified a correlation between gender and MTC affected region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 312 consecutive patients, diagnosed for MTC localized on face and scalp. Statistical analysis was made to determinate most affected areas, gender prevalence, average age, presence of ulceration and infiltration and peripheral clearance rate. RESULTS: A relevant difference came out between two genders. χ2 test emphasized a relation between males and the presence of carcinoma on the scalp. In addition a strong correlation between mixed subtype and ulceration was evident. A strong relation between intermediate subtype and positive surgical margin was found; this data could identify a more aggressive behavior of intermediate type. CONCLUSIONS: In our findings an important correlation between sun exposition and this tumor was found. Moreover, due to the difficulties that can occur in preserving the aesthetic subunits in the surgical treatment of these regions, the prevention of this pathology has an important role.

Nasal reconstruction with the two stages vs three stages forehead flap. A three centres experience over ten years.

INTRODUCTION: In nasal reconstruction all anatomic layers as cover, lining, and support, have to be replaced to restore proper aesthetics. Forehead skin has been acknowledged as the best donor site to resurface the nose. Traditionally forehead flap reconstruction is performed in two stages, but Millard described an intermediate third stage between flap transfer and pedicle division. This study compared the two methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study enrolled 31 patients undergoing total or subtotal nose reconstruction between January 2001 and January 2012. 20 patients underwent to the two-step technique (2S Group), and 11 the three-step technique (3S Group). Thickness of the flap was measured in three different areas. A plastic surgeon not involved in the study completed an evaluation questionnaire to assess aesthetic satisfaction (VAS = 1-10). RESULTS: The total number of procedures performed (including revisions) ranged from 3 to 6. The average number of procedures performed in group 2S patients was 4 (range: 3-6) in the group 3S was 3.46 (range: 3-5). VAS mean values were studied with t Student test and were found to be significant. DISCUSSION: The timing of thinning of the flap and detachment of the pedicle varies among Authors. There are generally two trends: defatting of the flap before the pedicle transection, performed usually 3 weeks from flap harvesting and defatting a few months after disconnection of the pedicle. We think this technique is suited for defects including underlying structures and particularly for all those defects located in the distal part of the nose (tip and nostrils).

Secondary lipofilling after breast reconstruction with implants.

BACKGROUND: Several Authors have reported on the use of lipoinjection as a low-risk and low-morbidity procedure that gives good results for the correction of soft-tissue defects. AIM: The purpose of this study was to review our caseload of fat grafting after breast reconstruction with prosthesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and December 2011, 20 patients were treated for breast asymmetries with secondary autologous fat injection after nipple-sparing, skin-sparing and skin-reducing mastectomies breast reconstruction in our Departments. Exclusion criteria was postoperative radiotherapy. In order to assess aesthetic satisfaction, patients and an independent plastic surgeon filled an evaluation form (VAS = 1-10) preoperatively one and six months after surgery. RESULTS: In postoperative days no major complications occurred. Donor sites looks completely healthy and no scars were evident. The average values of aesthetic satisfaction in patients (VAS) were 5.2 (range 3-7) preoperatively, 7.9 (range 5-9) one month post-operatively and 7.2 six months postoperatively (range 5-9). Values reported by the surgeon team were an average of 4.9 (range 4-6) preoperatively, 7.6 after one month (range 6-9) and 7.1 after six months (range 5-9). CONCLUSIONS: Acquired contour deformities of the reconstructed breast are relatively common and independent from the technique used. Therefore, they present a frequent therapeutic challenge to reconstructive surgeons. Lipomodelling offers an "easy to perform" and predictable cosmetic solution to these patients. An objective examination of aesthetic results, in addition to our clinical analysis shows a significant improvement of cosmetic outcomes; moreover, all patients were satisfied for their final appearance.

Prognostic significance of tyrosinase expression in sentinel lymph node biopsy for ultra-thin, thin, and thick melanomas.

BACKGROUND: Investigate if the tyrosinase mRNA expression may be predictive of the outcome on ultra-thin, thin, and thick melanoma patients. AIM: In our study, we sought to correlate tyrosinase mRNA expression to the outcome in a group of 71 patients with thick, thin and ultra-thin melanomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 71 patients with melanomas underwent a SLNB (sentinel lymph node biopsy) at the "Sapienza" University of Rome. Among these, 38 patients had thin melanomas, while the other 33 patients had thick melanomas. In every patient's sample histology, immunohistochemistry and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was completed. We then correlated tyrosinase mRNA expression to the statistical analysis of the outcome of patients. RESULTS: Positivity of histology was found in one patient (1.4%), immunohistochemistry in five patients (7%), and tyrosinase in 52/71 (73.2%). Thickness and tyrosinase positivity were predictive for disease progression (p < 0.05). The median follow-up was 58.24 months. There were recurrences and/or deaths in both groups of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Nodal metastasis in melanoma is uncommon, especially in patients with thin melanomas. In this study, histology and immunohistochemistry were found to be non predictive for the risk of nodal metastases, while instead, tyrosinase m-RNA expression appeared to play a role in highlighting those patients with a risk of disease progression. Moreover, no differences among the thin melanoma groups of patients (0.30-0.75 mm and 0.76-1.00 mm) were observed.

An experience on primary thinning and secondary debulking of anterolateral thigh flap in head and neck reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: The antero-lateral thigh flap (ALTF) has become one of the workhorses of reconstructive procedures of the head and neck. The cosmetic result of this flap is uncertain during the main reconstructive procedure, so free flap contouring in head and neck reconstruction following cancer ablation is usually performed at the end of therapy. To obtain an adequate symmetry of the flap a safe thinning during the primary inset or a secondary defatting may be performed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study includes 45 patients underwent reconstruction with ALTF for head and neck tumors. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (20 patients underwent a primary thinning of the flap), Group 2 (25 patient underwent a secondary debulking of the flap). Patients were evaluated in terms of total number of cosmetic reconstruction procedures performed, hospital stay and aesthetic satisfaction. RESULTS: Epidemiological analysis showed an average age of 51 years old in patients. Patients were affected by squamous cell carcinoma in 33 cases. Within Group 1, 14 patients underwent surgery only once, 5 underwent surgery twice and one patient three times. In group 2, 8 patients underwent surgery once, 10 patients twice, 3 patients three times and 4 patients four times. Considering total of hospital stay, the average length of stay was 18.83 days in the group of patients subjected to primary debulking, versus 23.67 days in the group subjected to secondary defatting. CONCLUSIONS: The ALT flap is a safe and reliable free flap for head and neck reconstructive surgery. As showed in the study and in previous reports, the thinning of the flap is a safe procedure, without increasing the flap complications and allowing an immediate symmetry of the recipient site contour. Furthermore, ALTF thinning reduces major defatting revisions requiring general anesthesia and the total number of secondary procedures.

Contralateral spinal accessory nerve: a suitable "new" donor nerve for heterotopic nerve transfer in total brachial plexus palsy.

Patients with complete brachial plexus palsy with avulsion of 4-5 roots often have a paucity of suitable donor nerves to provide for a proper functional recovery of the upper extremity. The spinal accessory nerve is routinely employed ipsilaterally for nerve transfer to the suprascapular nerve. The purpose of this paper is to describe the clinical use of the contralateral spinal accessory nerve as a donor nerve for brachial plexus surgery. Since 2005 the contralateral spinal accessory nerve has been used for neurotization of the axillary nerve in selected cases of total brachial plexus injuries. In this paper total plexus palsy surgical strategies, technical details and preliminary functional outcomes of a group of 6 consecutive patients with a minimum follow-up of 30 months (76-31, average 55) are described. The preliminary results are encouraging: the functional outcome of the deltoid muscle, evaluated according to the British Medical Research Council grading system, was M4 in 1 patient, M3 in 1 patient, M2 in 2 patients, M1 in 1 patient, and M0 in 1 patient. In conclusion, the use of the contralateral spinal accessory nerve shows good results in terms of functional recovery and the simplicity of the procedure.

Customized mini-plate for scaphoid fractures and nonunions.

Scaphoid fractures detected in the subacute stage require a more meticulous and prompt approach to prevent chronicity and regain wrist function. Oblique-type scaphoid fractures are potentially unstable and may result in detrimental sequelae. Aim of this study is to suggest an easy surgical approach to restoration of the oblique-type scaphoid fractures or nonunions by using of a customized mini-plate, italic-S shaped. This surgical intervention is associated with promising outcomes and at long-term follow-up showed to avoid the development of a carpal collapse with concomitant arthritis of the radiocarpal joint.

A single blind controlled comparison of tramadol/paracetamol combination and paracetamol in hand and foot surgery. A prospective study.

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and effectiveness between an analgesic combination of tramadol/paracetamol (37.5+325 mg), and paracetamol monotherapy (1000 mg) for acute postoperative pain after hand and foot surgery. The study design was a single blind randomized controlled trial. A total of 114 patients who underwent hand and foot surgery under brachial plexus block were randomized to receive either paracetamol monotherapy (group P, n=57) or tramadol/paracetamol (group TP, n=57) postoperatively. The number of patients who required an extra-dose of analgesic pain score, and adverse affects were compared between the two groups. Analgesic requirement was significantly lower in those in the TP group when compared with the P group. In the TP group, the pain score after surgery was significantly lower than in the P group. Adverse effects did not significantly differ between the two groups. There were no serious adverse events in either group. The association of tramadol and paracetamol appears to have more efficacy when compared with paracetamol monotherapy for acute postoperative pain after hand and foot surgery.

Treatment of persistent radial nerve palsy through "tendon minimal transfer" technique.

Palliative tendon transfer procedures for radial nerve palsy are continuing to evolve. This paper reports outcomes of 10 patients with isolated and traumatic radial nerve palsy underwent "minimal transfer". All patients improved functionally and could attend their routine activities. The flexor carpi ulnaris and palmaris longus tendon transfer has some advantages in terms of simplicity, shorter operative time, less morbidity, better wrist and finger extension and thumb extension and abduction.