Absence of nasal air flow and maxillary sinus development.

UNLABELLED: Paranasal sinuses development mechanisms are not well known. Nasal air flow, according to one of the proposed theories, would be fundamental to the growth and healthy development of paranasal sinuses. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the maxillary sinus growth and health in the presence and absence of postnasal air flow through a unique model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of a series of cases; preoperative CT scans of 7 patients with unilateral choanal atresia, average age was 16.28 years (+/- 5.024). This study was done in a tertiary hospital, with patients treated between 1994 and 2004. The area of the maxillary sinuses was measured with the aid an Auto-Cad software. Kruskal-Wallis test was used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Symmetrical or even bigger maxillary sinuses were found in the same side of the choanal atresia in 85.71% of the cases. There was no significant statistic difference between compared sides. CT Scan signs of sinus disease were not seem in these patients. DISCUSSION: These findings oppose the commonly accepted theory about the role of nasal air flow in health and development of paranasal cavities.

Update on brow and forehead lifting.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to provide the latest findings in the constantly changing field of brow and forehead lifting. Significant articles published in the last 24 months are reviewed and discussed based on the personal experience of the senior author (F.P.). RECENT FINDINGS: Important anatomical findings have been made over the last few years which will have an impact on plastic surgery of the upper third of the face, with new ligamentous structures of the forehead and more precise landmarks of the supraorbital neurovascular bundle being described. The short-term efficacy of a new device for periosteal fixation has been evaluated and new data have been collated about the time required for forehead periosteal readhesion. SUMMARY: In the last few years there have been important anatomical findings which will allow the development of more detailed and safe techniques for forehead lift surgery. New absorbable materials are available that allow efficient mechanical fixation of the soft tissues. The senior author of this review has extensive personal experience involving more than 400 cases. In addition to commenting on recent articles, we detail the methods we have used over the last 8 years, especially regarding the fixation technique.