Nasal Hump Treatment With Cartilaginous Push-Down and Preservation of the Bony Cap.

BACKGROUND: Classic nasal hump reduction based on partial resection of the cartilage and bones in the nose may lead to dorsum deformities such as an inverted-V deformity, irregularities, and an open roof. Techniques that preserve the nasal dorsum (namely the push-down and let-down) avoid these problems, but may not always be indicated for very large, broad, or deviated noses, whereas cartilaginous push-down is also indicated for large and deviated humps. Because only the cartilaginous portion of the hump is preserved in the cartilaginous push-down, a rough area may remain where the bony portion is resected. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a variation of the cartilaginous push-down technique which includes a bony cap to preserve the smoothness of the keystone area during nasal hump treatment. METHODS: Forty-eight consecutive patients with indication for nasal hump treatment who underwent cartilaginous push-down procedures with bony cap preservation between August 2018 and October 2019 were studied. RESULTS: We observed related complications in 2 patients (4.2%); in 1 patient (2.1%) the bony cap was lost during the rasping of the nasal bones and the surgery was altered to utilize only the cartilaginous push-down. Another patient (2.1%) experienced a mild hump recurrence during the early weeks following the procedure. All of the remaining patients had their nasal humps treated adequately. CONCLUSIONS: The nasal hump was adequately corrected in most of the study patients (95.8%). Preserving the bony cap while performing the cartilaginous push-down may prevent complications related to the osseous resection of the keystone area.

Homozygous truncating PTPRF mutation causes athelia.

Athelia is a very rare entity that is defined by the absence of the nipple-areola complex. It can affect either sex and is mostly part of syndromes including other congenital or ectodermal anomalies, such as limb-mammary syndrome, scalp-ear-nipple syndrome, or ectodermal dysplasias. Here, we report on three children from two branches of an extended consanguineous Israeli Arab family, a girl and two boys, who presented with a spectrum of nipple anomalies ranging from unilateral hypothelia to bilateral athelia but no other consistently associated anomalies except a characteristic eyebrow shape. Using homozygosity mapping after single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array genotyping and candidate gene sequencing we identified a homozygous frameshift mutation in PTPRF as the likely cause of nipple anomalies in this family. PTPRF encodes a receptor-type protein phosphatase that localizes to adherens junctions and may be involved in the regulation of epithelial cell-cell contacts, peptide growth factor signaling, and the canonical Wnt pathway. Together with previous reports on female mutant Ptprf mice, which have a lactation defect, and disruption of one allele of PTPRF by a balanced translocation in a woman with amastia, our results indicate a key role for PTPRF in the development of the nipple-areola region.

Analysis of the strength of the abdominal fascia in different sutures used in abdominoplasties.

BACKGROUND: Protrusion of the abdominal wall secondary to abdominoplasty may occur in patients with weakness of the aponeurotic structures. The anterior layer of the rectus abdominis muscle consists of fibers that are transverse rather than vertical. Based on this anatomical feature, vertical sutures are suggested for the correction of diastasis recti, since they include a greater amount of fascial fibers and thus would be more resistant to tensile strength than horizontal ones. METHODS: The anterior layers of the rectus abdominis muscles of 15 fresh cadavers were dissected. Two vertical lines were marked on each side of the linea alba, corresponding to the site where plication is usually performed in abdominoplasties. Three abdominal levels were evaluated: the supraumbilical, umbilical, and infraumbilical levels. A simple suture was placed in the vertical direction in one group and in the horizontal direction in the other group, at each of the three levels previously described. These sutures were connected to a dynamometer, which was pulled medially toward the linea alba until rupture of the aponeurosis occurred. RESULTS: The mean strength required to rupture the aponeurotic structures in which the vertical sutures had been placed was greater than for the horizontal ones (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The vertical suture of the rectus abdominis sheaths was stronger than the horizontal suture because of the more transversal arrangement of its aponeurotic fibers. Thus, routine use of the vertical suture in plications of the aponeurosis of the rectus abdominis muscles is suggested.

Importance of lateral row perforator vessels in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap harvesting.

Free flaps based on perforator vessels, and in particular the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, are currently being applied in abdominal reconstruction. However, one of the main disadvantages is the operative complexity. Through anatomical study and clinical experience with the DIEP flap in breast reconstruction, the intramuscular path of the perforator vessels was comparatively studied, to establish the main anatomical parameters that favor procedure planning. Thirty DIEP flaps from 15 fresh cadavers were used. The number, location, and intramuscular course of the perforator vessels were determined. In addition, an initial clinical study was performed in 31 patients using 35 DIEP flaps in breast reconstruction. The number, location, and the intramuscular course of the perforators were assessed. In the cadaver study, 191 perforator vessels were detected (6.4 vessels per flap). Thirty-four percent were located in the lateral row, and the rectilinear course was observed in 79.2 percent of these vessels. In the medial row, only 18.2 percent of the perforator vessels presented this configuration (p = 0.001). Thirty-one patients underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction, with 26 immediate and four bilateral reconstructions. In 22 of 35 flaps (62.9 percent), two perforators were used. In 25 flaps (71.4 percent), the lateral row perforators with a rectilinear course were observed. Mean operative time was 7 hours and 37 minutes. Two total flap losses and two partial necroses were observed. The majority of the lateral row perforators presented a rectilinear intramuscular course, which was shorter than that of the medial row perforators. This anatomical characteristic favors dissection with reduced operative time and vascular lesion morbidity, resulting in an important anatomical parameter for DIEP flap harvesting.

Perforator flap breast reconstruction using internal mammary perforator branches as a recipient site: an anatomical and clinical analysis.

A variety of useful recipient sites exist for breast reconstruction with free flaps, and correct selection remains a significant decision for the surgeon. Among the main pedicles, the disadvantages of the internal mammary vessels are the necessity of costal cartilage resection and the impairment of future cardiac bypass. This study was designed to reduce morbidity and to seek alternative recipient vessels. In the anatomical part of the study, 32 parasternal regions from 16 fresh cadavers were used. The locations and components of internal mammary perforator branches were measured and a histomorphometric analysis was performed. In the clinical part of the study, 36 patients underwent 38 deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap and two superior gluteal artery perforator flap breast reconstructions (31 immediate and four bilateral). The recipient vessels were evaluated. In the anatomical study, there were 22 perforating vessels, with 14 (63.6 percent) on the second intercostal space and 11 (50 percent) with one artery and vein. The average (+/-SD) internal and external perforator artery diameters were 598.48 +/- 176.68 microm and 848.97 +/- 276.68 microm, respectively. In the clinical study, 13 successful anastomoses (32.5 percent) were performed at the internal mammary perforator branches (second and third intercostal spaces) with 12 DIEP flaps and one superior gluteal artery perforator flap (all performed as immediate reconstructions). One case of intraoperative vein thrombosis and one case of pedicle avulsion during flap molding were observed. The anatomic and clinical studies demonstrated that the internal mammary perforator branch as a recipient site is a further refinement to free flap breast reconstruction. However, it is neither a reproducible technique nor potentially applicable in all patients. Preoperative planning between the general surgeon and the plastic surgeon is crucial to preserve the main perforator branches during mastectomy. The procedure was not demonstrable in late reconstructions. The main advantages of internal mammary perforator branches used as recipient sites are sparing of the internal mammary vessels for a possible future cardiac surgery, prevention of thoracic deformities, and reduction of the operative time by limited dissection. Despite this, limited surgical exposure, caliber incompatibility, and technical difficulties have to be considered as the main restrictions.

Power instrumentation for shaping the nasal cartilages.

The cartilaginous structures of the nose play an important role in nasal esthetics and function. The handling of these structures has always been very treacherous, and long-term follow-up quite often has shown unexpected results. Based on Gibson's studies, we propose the use of abrasion treatment of the nasal cartilages with the burr power drill. This device can produce controlled weakening on determined regions of the nasal cartilages. If this weakening is done on just one side, the cartilage will bend to the opposite side. On the septal cartilage, this method can be used to straighten it by abrasion on its concave portion. To correct the alar cartilages, the burring is done either to enhance curvatures or to change the conformation of the alar cartilage itself. This method was used in 67 patients with satisfactory results, permitting corrections of septal deviations with very little resections of the septal cartilages and corrections of various tip deformities, with almost no resections at all of the alar cartilages.

Aesthetic refinements in breast augmentation with deep inferior epigastric perforator flap: a case report.

The principle of free flaps based on perforator vessels and the development of deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) is currently used in reconstructive microsurgery. Clinical experience and research have shown that perforator flaps provide numerous advantages over the conventional myocutaneous flaps and combine muscle preservation and sequel minimization at the donor site. Clinical use of autogenous tissue or perforator flaps in aesthetic breast surgery or augmentation mammaplasty is not a common practice. The authors indicate the use of the DIEP flap to correct severe hypomastia after bilateral breast augmentation with silicon implants, followed by infection and implant extrusion. Using the DIEP flap is a new option for patients who have had complications from breast augmentation with implants or severe hypomastia and have excess tissue in the lower abdomen. Additional studies and clinical research are necessary to evaluate the real benefits as compared to silicone implants, such as operative time, the recovery period and financial implications.

Análise morfométrica do lábio superior e da ação do envelhecimento / Morphometric analysis of the upper lip and the action of ageing

A pleasant smile depends on harmonious relationships between the teeth, gums, and lips. The present study measured upper lip changes related to ageing using a morphometric analysis. Methods: Forty six Caucasian women at least 15 years of age were selected and divided into four groups: 15 - 30 years old, 31 - 45 years old, 46 - 60 years old, and > 60 years old. Frontal photographs with closed lips and parted lips were taken. The following measurements were performed: upper lip height, upper vermilion height in parted and closed lips positions, and exposure of the central upper incisors in the relaxed position. Results: Upper lip height increased with age. The average upper lip height in the closed lips position was 13.75 mm in the youngest age-range (15 - 30 years old). The upper lip height gradually increased with age until reaching an average of 19.24 mm was observed in the > 60 years old group. The opposite result was observed in upper vermilion height, which decreased with increasing age. The average vermilion height in the parted lips position was 7.09 mm in the youngest age-range (15-30 years old) and decreased to 4.58 mm in the oldest group (> 60 years old). Teeth exposure decreased with age. The average upper teeth exposure was 3.55 mm in the youngest group and decreased to 0.40 mm in the oldest group. Conclusion: The upper lip height increases, while the upper vermilion height and exposure of the upper teeth decrease with age...

Um sorriso considerado agradável envolve relações harmônicas entre os dentes, gengivas e lábios. O presente estudo mediu as alterações no lábio superior, relacionadas ao envelhecimento, utilizando análise morfométrica. Método: Foram selecionadas 46 mulheres caucasianas com idade mínima de 15 anos e divididas em quatro grupos: 15-30 anos, 31-45 anos, 46-60 anos e > 60 anos. Foram tiradas fotografias frontais com a boca fechada e na posição de repouso. As seguintes medidas foram realizadas: altura do lábio superior, altura do vermelhão do lábio superior nas posições repouso e fechada, e exposição dos dentes incisivos superiores centrais na posição repouso. Resultados: A altura do lábio superior aumentou com a idade. A média da altura do lábio superior com a boca fechada foi 13,75 mm na faixa etária mais nova (15-30 anos). A altura do lábio superior gradualmente aumenta com a idade até atingir uma média de 19,24 mm, observada no grupo > 60 anos. O resultado oposto foi observado na altura do vermelhão superior, que diminuiu com o aumento da idade. A altura média do vermelhão com a boca em repouso foi 7,09 mm na faixa etária mais nova (15-30 anos) e diminuiu para 4,58 mm no grupo mais velho (> 60 anos). A exposição dos dentes diminuiu com a idade. A exposição média dos dentes superiores foi de 3,55 mm no grupo mais jovem e diminuiu para 0.40 mm no grupo mais velho. Conclusão: A altura do lábio superior aumenta, enquanto a altura do vermelhão superior e a exposição dos dentes superiores diminuem com a idade...

Retalho lateral da coxa baseado na artéria genicular lateral superior: estudo anatômico, histomorfométrico e aplicações clínicas / Lateral genicular artery flap: anatomical and hystomorphometrical study and clinical applications

O retalho cutâneo lateral da coxa baseado no pedículo da artéria genicular lateral superior(AGLS) localiza-se na face lateral e distal da coxa e pode ser utilizado para reparação do revestimento cutâneo do joelho e da região proximal da perna. Nesse trabalho foi realizado estudo anatômico e histomorfométrico em 18 cadáveres, totalizando 36 peças anatômicas. O objetivo foi determinar os parâmetros de dissecção do retalho e suas características anatômicas. A sua aplicação clínica foi demonstrada em quatro pacientes. O pedículo vascular representado pela artéria genicular lateral e duas veias comitantes esteve presente em 100 por cento dos casos, com trajeto intramuscular em 40 por cento das vezes. Em relação ao côndilo lateral do femur está a uma distância média de 7,40 ± 2,77 cm tendo um trajeto no trígono delimitado anteriormente pelo músculo vasto lateral, posteriormente, pelo músculo bíceps femoral e distalmente, pelo próprio côndilo lateral do fêmur. O comprimento médio do pedículo foi de 6,09 ± 1,91 cm . O estudo demonstrou que o retalho apresenta anatomia constante e tem arco de rotação suficiente para as reconstruções do joelho e da região proximal e lateral da perna, conferindo revestimento cutâneo delgado com qualidade de pele semelhante à região adjacente.