A Surgical Conundrum: Addressing a Large Nasal Defect Following Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

Managing large nasal defects following Mohs surgery presents complex reconstructive challenges due to the nose's prominent and visible nature. These cases require a careful balance of preserving structural integrity, optimizing cosmetic outcomes, and maintaining vascular health. In situations where primary closure is impractical due to defect size and location, innovative techniques like the double rhomboid transposition flap offer versatile solutions, addressing both aesthetic concerns and functional requirements. The double rhomboid flap allows surgeons to achieve continuity of surrounding tissue, ensuring aesthetically pleasing texture, color, and thickness while minimizing complications like skin tension and potential airway issues. This case highlights the reconstructive challenges faced in managing large nasal defects following Mohs micrographic surgery for basal cell carcinoma. An 84-year-old male presented with a significant nasal defect following Mohs surgery that involved the dorsum, sidewall, tip, and ala, complicating primary closure due to skin tension and cosmetic concerns. Utilizing a double rhomboid transposition flap technique allowed for effective aesthetic and structural reconstruction, addressing skin tension and preserving nasal symmetry. This case emphasizes the importance of tailored reconstructive strategies to achieve optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes in complex nasal Mohs defects.

Zoom Boom or Bust? Understanding Post-Pandemic Interest in Facial Plastic Surgery via Google Trends.

OBJECTIVE: To understand post-pandemic interest in plastic surgery procedures via Joinpoint analysis of Google Trends search data. METHODS: Google Trends was used to quantify search volumes from January 2019-December 2022 for select cosmetic face and body procedures in the United States. A keyword analytic tool (Keywords Everywhere) extracted absolute search volumes (average monthly searches). Joinpoint analysis assessed search trends over time reported as monthly percentage change (MPC). RESULTS: All procedures queried, including a non-cosmetic control (cataract surgery), demonstrated expected declines at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Blepharoplasty, face lift, neck lift, and Botox demonstrated statistically significant increase in search volumes that remained elevated relative to pre-pandemic levels. Rhinoplasty, fillers, and abdominoplasty interest increased initially followed by return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022. The remainder of search terms did not show a clear temporal associated with COVID-19 lockdowns. CONCLUSION: The "Zoom Boom" appears to be a real phenomenon reflected by sustained increase in public interest in relation to facial plastic procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 2024.

Age-Related Patterns of Traumatic Facial Fractures in the Appalachian Tri-state Area: A Five-Year Retrospective Study.

Introduction Traumatic facial injuries, leading to facial fractures represent a significant subset of traumatic events, with age emerging as a crucial determinant influencing both their etiology and outcomes. Understanding the age-related patterns of traumatic facial fractures is essential for developing targeted prevention and management strategies. In this context, the Appalachian tri-state area stands as an underexplored region concerning this issue, necessitating comprehensive research to elucidate the nuances of age-related traumatic facial fractures within this geographic context. Methods This retrospective study delves into the age-related patterns of traumatic facial fractures within the Appalachian tri-state area, drawing upon patient records from Cabell Huntington Hospital and Saint Mary's Medical Center spanning a five-year period. The study cohort encompasses 623 patients categorized into three age groups: individuals aged <22 years, those aged 22-65 years, and individuals over 65 years. Data analysis involves meticulous examination of mechanisms of injury, injury severity scores (ISSs), hospital length of stay, and the prevalence of surgical interventions across different age cohorts. Results Out of 623 patients, 104 (16.7%) were under 22 years old, 367 (58.9%) were between 22 and 65 years old, and 152 (24.4%) were over 65 years old. The majority were male (70%). Falls were the most common cause of facial fractures in patients over 65 (78%), while assaults were predominant in the 22-65 age group (24%), and motor vehicle collisions (MCVs) in those under 22 (34%). The median ISS and hospital stay durations were similar across age groups. 28% of patients underwent surgery, with significant variation among age groups (p<0.001): 38% for <22 years, 33% for 22-65 years, and 11% for >65 years. Mandibular fractures were more prevalent in younger patients, with rates of 12% for <22 years compared to 5.3% for >65 years. Logistic regression analysis revealed that patients aged 22-65 had 4.10 times higher odds (95% CI=2.38, 7.45, p<0.001) of undergoing surgery, while those under 22 had 5.14 times higher odds (95% CI=2.73, 10.0, p<0.001) compared to those over 65. Significant associations were found for mandibular and bilateral mandibular outcomes in patients aged 22-65 years. Discussion These findings underscore the imperative for tailored prevention strategies and age-specific treatment protocols to optimize patient outcomes. Fall prevention initiatives for the elderly and interventions addressing sports-related injuries for younger individuals are paramount. Moreover, the study highlights the necessity of specialized care protocols for elderly patients to minimize hospital stay durations and manage age-related comorbidities effectively. Moving forward, further research should address limitations, validate findings, and explore the efficacy of specific interventions, thereby paving the way for enhanced preventive measures and management strategies tailored to the diverse age cohorts affected by traumatic facial fractures in the Appalachian region.

Fat Grafting the Male Face.

There are many developmental sexual dimorphisms of the human face, and thereby differences in aging based on sex. Sensitivity regarding the nature of the changes that are unique to the male face as well as understanding men's unique aesthetic goals will allow the skilled practitioner to tailor rejuvenating treatments accordingly. Fat grafting of the male face has not been extensively described but is an excellent tool for facial rejuvenation either as an adjunct or a stand-alone procedure. Each treatment area demands different techniques and special attention to avoid unintentional feminization.

Impact of COVID-19 on facial plastic surgery volumes: A large database analysis of pre- and post-pandemic trends.

Objective: During the COVID-19 pandemic, elective surgeries faced cancelations due to quarantine measures. The objective of this study was to assess facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS) volume before, during, and after the height of the pandemic on a national scale. Methods: The TriNetX Research Network identified 68,101,098 individuals aged 18+ with healthcare interactions from 2017 to 2022. Rates of common FPRS surgeries and procedures were compared during March-August of each year, aligning with the pandemic lockdown. Results: Compared to immediately before the pandemic in 2019, the 2020 pandemic peak saw an overall surgical volume reduction of -36.8%, with specific surgeries decreasing significantly: rhinoplasty (-28.6%), septoplasty (-34.0%), rhytidectomy (-54.9%), blepharoplasty (-40.7%), brow lift (-43.8%), ectropion/entropion repair (-35.6%), repair of blepharoptosis (-45.6%), correction of lagophthalmos (-29.9%), correction of lid retraction (-36.8%), and lipectomy (-41.8%) (p < .001). The procedural volume also decreased by 28.6%, encompassing reductions in various procedures: botulinum toxin A (-18.7%), facial filler (-40.7%), dermabrasion (-62.3%), chemical peel (-36.6%), and intralesional injection (-33.3%) (p < .001). In contrast to 2020, 2021 witnessed an increase of +75.0% in total surgical and +61.3% procedural volume: rhinoplasty (+81.0%), septoplasty (+74.7%), rhytidectomy (+143.4%), blepharoplasty (+81.7%), brow lift (+64.5%), ectropion/entropion repair (+55.2%), repair of blepharoptosis (+62.7%), correction of lagophthalmos (+39.0%), correction of lid retraction (+73.0%), lipectomy (+121.2%), botulinum toxin A (+52.4%), filler (+59.6%), dermabrasion (+91.8%), chemical peel (+78.8%), and intralesional injection (+67.3%) (p < .001). In 2022, rates of total surgeries (+8.5%) and procedures (+12.8%) surpassed pre-pandemic levels from 2019 (p < .001). Conclusions: FPRS experienced significant pandemic-induced decreases, followed by a notable recovery in subsequent years, with certain surgeries and procedures surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Level of Evidence: 4.

Health Disparities Research in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: Health disparities contribute significantly to disease, health outcomes, and access to care. Little is known about the state of health disparities in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS). This scoping review aims to synthesize the existing disparities research in FPRS and guide future disparities-related efforts. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science. REVIEW METHODS: We conducted a scoping review in adherence with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. Our search included all years through March 03, 2023. All peer-reviewed primary literature of any design related to disparities in FPRS was eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: Of the 12283 unique abstracts identified, 215 studies underwent full-text review, and 108 remained for final review. The most frequently examined topics were cleft lip and palate (40.7%), facial trauma (29.6%), and gender affirmation (9.3%). There was limited coverage of other areas. Consideration of race/ethnicity (68.5%), socioeconomic status (65.7%), and gender/sex (40.7%) were most common. Social capital (0%), religion, occupation, and features of relationships were least discussed (0.01% each). The majority of studies were published after 2018 (59.2%) and were of nonprospective designs (95.4%). Most studies focused on disparity detection (80.6%) and few focused on understanding (13.9%) or reducing disparities (0.06%). CONCLUSION: This study captures the existing literature on health disparities in FPRS. Studies are concentrated in a few areas of FPRS and are primarily in the detecting phase of public health research. Our review highlights several gaps and opportunities for future disparities-related focus.

Fresh Frozen Homologous Rib Cartilage: A Narrative Review of a New Trend in Rhinoplasty.

Background: Revision rhinoplasty is a technically demanding surgical procedure that can put every surgeon in trouble. The main issue of these cases is often an altered osteocartilaginous framework following over-resection during the first intervention. Moreover, the available septal or auricular cartilage for grafting is usually not enough. This review aims to examine contemporary advances in applications of fresh frozen cartilage in rhinoplasty. Methods: A structured review of the current literature (up to December 2023) was performed on four bibliographic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane and Medline. The search terms were combinations of "Rhinoplasty" and "Cartilage Graft", "Allograft" or "Fresh Frozen Cartilage". The citations of selected studies and review articles were also evaluated if present. Results: The research resulted in 152 articles, and only ten met the inclusion criteria: nine clinical articles and one in vitro study. One of the ten eligible articles was excluded. Conclusions: Fresh frozen rib cartilage proved to be a viable alternative to autologous rib grafts and irradiated homologous rib graft. Despite the higher costs, FFRG can provide a sufficient amount of tissue for grafting avoiding donor site complications and reducing the operative time and proved to have more chondrocytes and to be less prone to resorption compared to irradiated rib.

Efficacy of 24 hours versus 5 days of prophylactic antibiotics for the prevention of surgical site infection in outpatient elective facial plastic surgery.

Background: The discovery of penicillin marked a paradigm shift in medicine with the ability to treat previously life-threatening infections. Increasing antibiotic resistance as well as the risk of adverse reactions to antibiotics, however, creates pressures for judicious use. There continues to be debate about the role of prophylactic antibiotics in facial plastic surgery. This study explores the role of prophylactic antibiotic administration in elective outpatient facial plastic surgery by comparing 5 days versus 24 hours of antibiotic prophylaxis. Method: A retrospective cohort study of all consecutive patients undergoing cosmetic procedures at an outpatient facial plastic surgical center who received either 5 days or 24 hours of prophylactic antibiotics was performed. The primary outcome was the need for postoperative antibiotics within 6 weeks of surgery. Results: 204 patients met the inclusion criteria: 104 in the 5-day group and 100 in the 24-hour prophylaxis group. The overall infection rate was 3.4%: 3% in the 24-hour group and 3.8% in the 5-day group (p = 0.77). Subgroup analysis of clean-contaminated cases (n = 85) showed the rate of postoperative infections was 4.3%, all within the 5-day group. In clean cases (n = 119), the rate of postoperative infections was 4.2% (n = 5): 4.8% (n = 3) in the 24-hour group versus 3.5% (n = 2) in the 5-day group. Conclusions: The results show that decreasing the duration of antibiotics was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative infection. Given that antibiotics are an increasingly precious commodity with rising rates of resistance, this study supports the use of decreasing postoperative antibiotics to 24 hours.

A treatment algorithm for hyaluronic acid filler related complications of the face.

BACKGROUND: Throughout the last decade, a notable increase in HA-filler-related complications have been observed, owing to the increase in demand for filler injections and availability of multiple products. OBJECTIVES: The aim is to provide practical advice on the best way to prevent and treat HA-filler-related complications. METHODS: Thirty patients who experienced visible and/or symptomatic complications localized within the facial area were treated according to our algorithm. Patients with inflammatory lesions underwent antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy, followed by hyaluronidase injections. Patients with abscesses were treated with antibiotics, incision, and drainage. Each patient completed the dermatology-specific quality of life questionnaire (DLQI) at the first and last examinations. RESULTS: Among the 29 patients who received antibiotic therapy, 3 healed without further treatment. However, 18 received hyaluronidase injections, 9 underwent incision and drainage, and 5 presented with fistulas and developed retracted scars. Moreover, 80% of the patients were completely healed, 13% significantly improved, and 3% did not show any improvement. The DLQI scores analysis showed a notable impact of patients' diseases on their quality of life, mainly in the terms of personal relationships and symptoms, with minor impacts on intimate relationships, ability to work, and study. We demonstrated that our algorithm resulted in a significant improvement in the overall quality of life at the last follow-up (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of filler injections requires caution and specific training because they can lead to serious complications. If these complications are recognized promptly, healing can be optimized. Our treatment algorithm demonstrated high rate of healing and significant improvement in the patients' quality of life.

Changing practices in septorhinoplasty: the Irish experience.

PURPOSE: Septorhinoplasty (SR) is one of the most complex surgical procedures of the head and neck. As an elective procedure aiming to enhance patient quality of life, it can be difficult to perform in single-payer healthcare systems due to capacity pressures from acute and oncological surgical demand. We aimed to review national trends in the practice of SR to inform future healthcare planning. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, population-based, longitudinal study of SR cases in Ireland's single-payer (public) healthcare system from 2005 to 2021. Time-series analysis using a linear regression model was performed to analyse trends by operation type, revision rates and length of stay. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and introduction of national surgical guidelines was analysed. RESULTS: 1952 SR were performed. Annual mean cases declined in both real (r = - 0.76, p < 0.01) and relative (r = - 0.87, p < 0.01) terms by 31% and 43%, respectively. Ambulatory SR, while initially rarely performed, increased to account for 55% of cases performed. The mean hospital length of stay declined significantly (r = - 0.84, p < 0.01) by 44%. CONCLUSIONS: SR increasingly struggles to find its place in Ireland's public healthcare system. New changes in SR practices including the rapid growth of ambulatory surgery and shorter lengths of hospital stay indicate positive responses to the mounting pressures faced by healthcare systems.

The future of artificial intelligence in facial plastic surgery.

The role of artificial intelligence is emergent in facial plastic surgery. It offers specialists a potentially precise and efficient method of understanding our technical skills and pathways, and their impacts on patient outcomes and error rates. Algorithms have given life to personalised pre-operative assessment, surgical planning and outcome simulation, and post-operative monitoring. Despite these benefits, limitations at this time include the ethical acquisition of large datasets, biases produced by human input and trust in novel technologies. Careful consideration should be given to the role artificial intelligence may play in shaping the patient-surgeon relationship in the near future.

Augmented and Virtual Reality Applications in Facial Plastic Surgery: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVES: Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are emerging technologies with wide potential applications in health care. We performed a scoping review of the current literature on the application of augmented and VR in the field of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS). DATA SOURCES: PubMed and Web of Science. REVIEW METHODS: According to PRISMA guidelines, PubMed and Web of Science were used to perform a scoping review of literature regarding the utilization of AR and/or VR relevant to FPRS. RESULTS: Fifty-eight articles spanning 1997-2023 met the criteria for review. Five overarching categories of AR and/or VR applications were identified across the articles: preoperative, intraoperative, training/education, feasibility, and technical. The following clinical areas were identified: burn, craniomaxillofacial surgery (CMF), face transplant, face lift, facial analysis, facial palsy, free flaps, head and neck surgery, injectables, locoregional flaps, mandible reconstruction, mandibuloplasty, microtia, skin cancer, oculoplastic surgery, rhinology, rhinoplasty, and trauma. CONCLUSION: AR and VR have broad applications in FPRS. AR for surgical navigation may have the most emerging potential in CMF surgery and free flap harvest. VR is useful as distraction analgesia for patients and as an immersive training tool for surgeons. More data on these technologies' direct impact on objective clinical outcomes are still needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A Laryngoscope, 2023.

Anesthesia for office-based facial plastic surgery procedures.

Objective: The objective of this study is to provide a state-of-the-art review on the use of anesthetics for in-office facial plastic procedures. Methods: A search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Review using the keywords "anesthesia," "office-based procedures," "local anesthesia," "facial plastics," "oral sedation," "moderate sedation," and "deep sedation." Results and Conclusions: Over the past few decades, the shift toward in-office invasive procedures has increased patient convenience and decreased hospital resource utilization. Many tools exist to reduce patient anxiety and discomfort in an office-based setting. With proper patient selection and technique, facial plastic surgeons can adequately anesthetize patients to perform Mohs reconstruction, cutaneous excisions, blepharoplasty, face-lifts, and other in-office procedures.

Cost and value of office-based facial plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures.

Introduction: This chapter will provide an overview of factors affecting the cost of office-based procedures in Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery (FPRS), and will discuss the value of office-based interventions. Material and Methods: An in-depth literature review was conducted using multiple primary and secondary sources. Literature from multiple disciplines was included in the review, including otolaryngology, anesthesiology, surgery, public health, and economics. Discussion/Conclusions: A wide variety of procedures can be performed in an FPRS office. Large upfront costs to the office include laser, electrocautery and surgical equipment. These investments will yield an initial negative cost margin until sufficient case volume is achieved. It is often in the best interest of the patient to perform a procedure in-office and avoid the facility and anesthesia fees associated with a surgical center or hospital. Costs and reimbursements vary greatly across regions and facilities. Additionally, overall cost depends on payer mix, procedures performed, and productivity of the practice. The scarcity of literature on this topic as it applies specifically to FPRS indicates that further research is needed to elucidate the value of common facial plastics procedures in an office-based setting.

Aesthetician Role in Facial Plastic Surgery and Systemic Therapy for Healthy Skin.

Non-surgical services are an important part of many facial plastic surgery practices and can improve patient satisfaction as well as bring new patients to the practice. An aesthetician can help to prepare patients for surgery and non-surgical procedures as well as optimize skin care during the recovery period. The scope of practice of aestheticians varies widely between states. Facial plastic surgeons who are delegating procedures to an aesthetician need to be familiar and comply with the state regulations and be up to date on ongoing changes. The connection between nutrition, skin, aging, and recovery from surgical procedures is a current topic of interest. Multiple studies suggest that nutraceuticals can provide clinically significant benefits for skin, wound healing, and hair.

Arterial Embolism After Facial Fat Grafting: A Systematic Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: While autologous fat grafting of the face is considered a generally safe procedure, severe complications such as arterial embolism (AE) have been reported. OBJECTIVE: To summarize data on injection-related visual compromise, stroke, and death caused by arterial embolism after facial fat transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plastic surgery societies were contacted for reports on AE after autologous facial fat injection. In addition, a systematic literature review was performed. Data extracted included study design, injection site/technique, symptoms, management, outcome, and etiology. RESULTS: 61 patients with a mean age of 33.56 ± 11.45 years were reported. Injections targeted the glabella or multiple facial regions (both n = 16/61, 26.2%) most commonly, followed by injections in the temples (n = 10/61, 16.4%) and the forehead (n = 9/61, 14.8%). The mean volume injected was 21.5 ± 21.5 ml. Visual symptoms were described most frequently (n = 24/58, 41.4%) followed by neurological symptoms (n = 20/58, 34.5%), or both (n = 13/58, 22.4%). Ophthalmic artery (OA, n = 26/60, 43.3%), anterior or middle cerebral artery (CA, n = 11/60, 18.3%) or both (n = 14/60, 23.3%) were most frequently occluded. Outcome analysis revealed permanent vision loss in all patients with OA occlusion (n = 26/26, 100%), neurological impairment in most patients with CA occlusion (n = 8/10, 80%), and vision loss in most patients suffering from both OA and CA occlusion (n = 7/11, 63.6%). Six patients died following embolisms. CONCLUSIONS: AE causes severe complications such as blindness, stroke, and death. Due to a lack of high-quality data, no evidence-based treatment algorithms exist. To increase patient safety, a database collecting cases and complications should be established. 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 .

Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Interest in Plastic Surgery.

Introduction: Due to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, many elective surgeries were canceled, including most aesthetic plastic surgery procedures. Although studies have shown COVID-19's effect on plastic surgery in the United States, no study to date has examined the international interest in plastic surgery procedures after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, we sought to find this effect using the Google Trends tool. Material and Methods: The most common cosmetic procedures and top countries with the highest plastic surgery volume were selected from the International Society of Plastic Surgeons report and used as the search terms for Google Trends. Weekly search data from each procedure and country were collected from March 18, 2018 to March 13, 2022, split into 2 periods according to the start of the US COVID-19 lockdown, and compared. Results: Among the countries, the United States had the most plastic surgery interest after the COVID-19 pandemic, with India and Mexico closely following. On the other hand, Russia and Japan had the fewest changes in procedure interest. Regarding specific procedures, interest in breast augmentation, forehead lift, injectable filler, laser hair removal, liposuction, microdermabrasion, and rhytidectomy increased in all countries after the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: After COVID-19, there has been increasing interest in almost all plastic surgery procedures globally, especially nonsurgical procedures and facial plastic surgery, with the greatest increases in the United States, India, and Mexico. These results can help inform plastic surgeons which procedures to focus on and which devices or technologies to invest in that are specific to their country.

Evaluation and Treatment Planning for the Aging Face Patient.

Facial aging is a multifactorial process that occurs due to alterations in the skin, soft tissue, and bony skeleton. When considering treatments for the aging face and neck, a multifaceted approach targeting each of these areas should be considered. Although surgical intervention remains a key component to the holistic care of the aging face patient, a multitude of minimally invasive techniques is now available to optimize the care of the patient seeking rejuvenation. Proper patient evaluation and counseling on realistic expectations are critical and will be discussed here. A brief overview of common minimally invasive treatments will be presented.

A comparison of ear amputations replantation techniques.

BACKGROUND: The management of traumatic ear amputations remains a rare and difficult occurrence for surgeons. This is due to the fact that the chosen replantation technique must ensure the best vascular supply and the surrounding tissues have to be preserved as to not jeopardize a future auricular reconstruction in the event of replantation failure. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review and synthesize the literature about the different surgical techniques described to date in the management of traumatic ear amputations (partial or total). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant articles were searched on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library databases in accordance with the PRISMA statement guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 67 articles was retained. When possible, microsurgical replantation enabled the best cosmetic result but required important care. CONCLUSION: Pocket techniques and local flaps should not be performed because of the lower cosmetic result and the use of the surrounding tissues. However, they could be reserved for patients without access to advanced reconstructive techniques. When possible, microsurgical replantation can be attempted after patient consent for blood transfusions, postoperative care and hospital stay. Simple reattachment for earlobe amputations and ear amputations up to one third is recommended. When microsurgical replantation cannot be attempted, and if the amputated segment is viable and bigger than one third, simple reattachment may be attempted with an increased risk of replantation failure. In case of failure, an auricular reconstruction by an experienced microtia surgeon or prosthesis may be considered.