LYMPH-Q translation, cultural adaptation and validation in Italian language: A prospective PROMs-based study on breast cancer-related arm lymphedema for patients' education.

BACKGROUND: Upper Extremity Lymphedema following oncological breast surgery affects not only the patient's physique, but also the patient's psychological sphere. One of the best known PROMs-based questionnaires for investigating the condition is the LYMPH-Q. The study aimed to perform the Italian translation and cultural adaptation of the LYMPH-Q and to assess if, independently from disease evolution, arm sleeve improves QoL in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Translation included 4 steps: Forward translation, Back translation, Back translation review and Patient interviews. The questionnaire was administered to 50 female patients older than 18 years of age with UEL who received a prescription for daily use of a compression sheath. A second administration took place 30 days after. Forty-four patients completed the study (Group 1: 26 patients with indication to use compression sleeve who wore it; Group 2:18 patients who despite the prescription did not want to wear it. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed with Prism 9 software. RESULTS: T-tests showed statistical significance for changes in "Symptoms," "Function," "Appearance" and "Psychological" scales. There were no statistically significant changes for "Information scale" in Group 1 and for all scales in Group 2. CONCLUSION: Data from this observational study show that HR-QOL analyzed from the patients' perspective also tends to improve in terms of symptoms, function, appearance, and psychological sphere in patients with BCRL when using a compression sheath. The Lymph-Q has proven to be a valuable ally of the physician attempting to improve treatment approaches for BCRL based not only on scientific evidence but also on PROMs.

Innovative Application of GalaFLEX Poly-4-Hydroxybutyrate Scaffold in Breast Reduction/Mastopexy with Inferiorly Based Dermo-adipose Flap.

Breast reduction is one of the most required plastic surgery procedures worldwide, improving significantly the quality of life for patients with macromastia and gigantomachia. Despite various proposed approaches aiming to yield more stable results postreduction, no single technique has demonstrated unequivocal superiority. Recurrence ptosis at 6-12 months postoperative remains a challenging concern. To improve this issue, the authors propose a novel application of the poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) scaffold on the anterior surface of the Ribeiro dermo-adipose flap. The primary aim was to establish a durable and resilient biological connection between the mammary gland and the flap, thereby promoting long-lasting outcomes in breast reduction procedures. The P4HB scaffold is a monofilament, single-layer, biologically derived, fully resorbable, rapidly integrating within breast tissue; this biological process stimulates the formation of freshly vascularized connective tissue up to a thickness of 2-3 mm. Within 18-24 months, the scaffold undergoes gradual resorption through hydrolysis-based mechanism, providing enhanced strength and resistance to the native tissue, as shown in animal model. A key innovation proposed by the authors involves the division of a 15 × 20 cm rectangular sheet of the P4HB scaffold along its diagonal, resulting in two right triangles. This modification ensures increased height of the device if compared with the traditional splitting technique of the scaffold. The strategic establishment of a biological bridge between the mammary gland and flap through the implementation of the P4HB scaffold could potentially enhance the longevity and aesthetics of breast reduction outcomes.

Is the Severity of Preoperative Eyelid Dermatochalasis Directly Correlated with Patient Satisfaction After Upper Blepharoplasty? A Prospective Study Based on PROMs.

INTRODUCTION: Facial ageing, particularly in the periorbital region, is a growing concern in contemporary culture. Upper blepharoplasty, a widely performed cosmetic surgery, addresses both aesthetic and functional issues related to eyelid dermatochalasis. This study aims to investigate patient satisfaction, the relationship between satisfaction and preoperative dermatochalasis severity, and the functional impact of preoperative skin excess. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted from April 2022 to April 2023, evaluating primary upper blepharoplasty outcomes. Patient-reported outcomes were measured using the FACE-Q questionnaire, assessing quality of life and satisfaction. Preoperative symptoms were evaluated using a functional questionnaire. Dermatochalasis severity was classified into three groups. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients met inclusion criteria. Postoperative FACE-Q results demonstrated significant improvements in upper eyelid appraisal and satisfaction with eyes. Functional questionnaire results indicated an overall clinical improvement (p < 0.01). Visual field tests showed statistically significant improvement in group 3. No correlation was found between preoperative dermatochalasis severity and postoperative aesthetic satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The study emphasizes the importance of validated questionnaires, particularly FACE-Q, in evaluating patient satisfaction and discomfort with upper lid ageing. Regardless of functional impairments, any degree of dermatochalasis may warrant treatment to ensure patient satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome. On the other hand, the functional benefits and improvements in the visual field also support the impact that the procedure has beyond purely aesthetic aspects. 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 .

Could Abdominoplasty with Diastasis Recti Abdominis Correction Improve Stress Urinary Symptoms? A 1-Year Follow-up Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) indicates an abnormal separation of the rectus abdominal muscles from the midline, resulting in abdominal bulging. Recent literature shows a correlation between DRA and back pain, stress urinary incontinence. Primary goal of this study is to check the correlation between DRA correction in abdominoplasty and improvement of urinary symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study on patients with post-pregnancy rectus diastasis who underwent surgical correction of diastasis through conventional abdominoplasty. All patients were asked to complete the ICIQ-FLUTS questionnaire, which assesses urinary disorders, and the SF-36 questionnaire, aimed at quantifying health-related quality of life. The questionnaires were administered to patients the day before surgery and one year after surgery. RESULTS: The recruited patients (n = 51) were then stratified on the presence or absence of stress urinary incontinence. Of the 39 patients with preoperative incontinence, the average scores of the ICIQ-FLUTS were analyzed. In particular, for the questions relating to stress urinary incontinence a statistically significant difference was reported between the preoperative mean and the 1-year mean for all questions (p value<0.05). As regards quality of life, comparing the average scores of each question of SF-36 there is an improvement in the values of all the variables of the questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The strength of this study, which distinguishes it from other literature, is that the changes in abdominal pressure post-abdominoplasty which should lead to a worsening of stress incontinence, do not cause it. On the contrary, we have demonstrated the improvement of this symptom after conventional abdominoplasty surgery in most patients. 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.

Lower Abdominal vs. Lateral Thigh Perforator Flaps in Microsurgical Sarcoma Reconstruction: The Aesthetics of Donor Site Matters.

Introduction: Sarcoma resection often leaves patients with big defects only amenable through microsurgical reconstruction. In such cases, it is hard for the surgeon to uphold low donor-site morbidity with an aesthetic result. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome and the patient's perception regarding the donor site in a cohort of patients undergoing microsurgical reconstruction with lateral thigh and lower abdominal perforator flaps. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of all patients who underwent sarcoma reconstruction with flaps harvested from the lower abdominal region (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap, superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap) or lateral thigh region (anterolateral thigh perforator flap and its variations) was performed. Only patients with defects greater than 100 cm2 were included. Patient demographics and operative variables were recorded, together with complications. Patient satisfaction and quality of life with the donor site were registered using the SCAR-Q questionnaire, which was administered at least six months post-operatively. Results: Eighteen anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flaps and twenty-two deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) and superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap procedures were performed. The two groups were homogeneous for major post-operative complications (p > 0.999). Patient satisfaction with the donor site measured using the SCAR-Q questionnaire showed significantly higher scores in the DIEP/SCIP group when compared with the thigh group (p < 0.001), indicating a superiority of the lower abdominal area as an aesthetic donor site. Conclusions: The DIEP and SCIP flaps are a versatile option for reconstructing large soft-tissue defects following sarcoma resection. Therefore, flaps harvested from the lower abdomen yield a higher patient satisfaction with the donor site, which is a feature worth considering when planning a reconstructive procedure.

Mechanically fragmented cartilage grafts in rhinoplasty: An up-to-date systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Grafts play key roles in functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty. Autologous grafts are generally preferred for their biocompatibility and less visibility when used in a fragmented fashion. The aim of this study was to review mechanically fragmented cartilage grafts techniques described in the literature, outlining indications, outcomes, and complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of articles published from 1999 until December 2022 was conducted, using the following key words: "rhinoplasty," "cartilage," and "graft." Studies were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were extracted and grouped for subgroup analysis. Rates of partial resorption, total resorption, surgical revision, and major and minor complications were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty eligible studies were included. Three cartilage fragmentation methods were identified: diced, shaved, and crushed. Cartilage grafts were further divided into injectable and noninjectable grafts. Diced cartilage was the most commonly used. Dorsal irregularities were the main indication. Overall, 1.68% of patients experienced partial resorption, 0.27% experienced total resorption, and 1.46% needed revision. The partial resorption rate in the diced group was significantly lower than that in the shaved group. Injectable grafts showed a higher rate of partial resorption. The revision rate was higher with noninjectable grafts. CONCLUSION: The partial resorption rate was lower in patients treated with diced cartilage. Injectable grafts are malleable and suitable for the correction of minimal irregularities, although they are affected by a higher rate of partial resorption. Wrapping materials may be used when significant augmentation is required.

Correlation Between General Satisfaction with the Breasts and Appearance of the Scars in Patients Undergoing Inverted T-Scar Reduction Mammaplasty: A Prospective PROMs-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Inverted-T scar reduction mammaplasty is still the most chosen technique for breast reduction even if scars are relevant. Sometimes, surgical scars may be esthetically unpleasant and may cause severe pain, tenderness, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression in these patients. This study aimed to assess any possible correlation between general satisfaction with the breast and appearance of the scars in patients who underwent inverted T-scar reduction mammaplasty. Secondary aim was to evaluate average variations of BREAST-Q and SCAR-Q at different postoperative times. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 121 patients who underwent breast reduction using Pitanguy technique with inferiorly based dermo-adipose flap according to Ribeiro were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. All patients filled the BREAST-Q REDUCTION and SCAR-Q questionnaires in paper form at 1, 6 and 12 months after surgery. BREAST-Q REDUCTION "Satisfaction with breast" scale was also administered preoperatively. Values were exported in Prism 9 for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Correlation index of Pearson between "Satisfaction with breast" and "Appearance of scar" was 0.09 at 1 month post-operative and - 0.07 and 0.21 at 6 and 12 months PO respectively. "Satisfaction with breast" mean value tends to rise over time. "Appearance of scar" mean value tends to decrease over time. CONCLUSION: No correlation at different postoperative times between the general satisfaction with the breast and appearance of the scars was found. Data showed that satisfaction with the breast and appearance of the scars in patients who underwent inverted T-scar reduction mammaplasty tend to improve over time. 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 .

Minimally Invasive Post-Acne Scars Treatment with the Hybrid Filler HArmonyCa™.

Acne, a chronic inflammatory condition of the pilo-sebaceous unit, often results in scarring with significant aesthetic and psychological consequences for patients. While various treatments exist, including surgical and non-surgical approaches, a combined method has shown promise in effectively addressing acne scarring. Lipofilling, with its adipose-derived stem cells, has emerged as a promising technique for volume restoration and collagen stimulation but may not be suitable for all patients, especially those who prefer non-surgical treatments. Recently, a novel approach involving simultaneous injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) and calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHa) has been introduced in the literature, showing lifting properties, improving dermal thickness and skin texture, and inducing neocollagenesis. HArmonyCa™ (Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie Company) is a hybrid filler combining HA (20 mg/mL) and CaHa 55.7% (microspheres 25-45 µm) with 0.3% lidocaine in a 1.25-ml syringe. It has demonstrated volumizing, lifting, and skin-tightening effects, along with increased fullness, elasticity, and turgor of the skin. It has also shown an increase in viscoelasticity, suggesting new collagen formation, making it suitable for treating conditions like solar elastosis. Compared to lipofilling, HArmonyCa™ offers a non-surgical alternative with comparable outcomes and patient satisfaction. These findings have led us to employ this hybrid filler for the treatment of post-acne scarring. We present a case of a 35-year-old woman with post-acne scarring, treated with HArmonyCa™ combined with Volite™ injections, CO2 laser resurfacing, and chemical peels. Significant improvement in skin texture, reduction of shadowing effect, and restoration of tissue elasticity were observed, resulting in high patient satisfaction. While HArmonyCa™ presents a promising solution for post-acne scarring, further research is needed to comprehensively evaluate its efficacy and suitability. This study contributes to the growing body of literature exploring the potential applications of hybrid fillers, particularly in addressing post-acne scarring.Level of Evidence V 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 .

Permanent Facial Fillers: Addressing Complications and Advancing Solutions.

Soft tissue augmentation with fillers has witnessed a surge in popularity for rejuvenating facial features, offering solutions for wrinkles, volume loss, and contour irregularities. Non-biodegradable fillers like silicone, polyacrylamide hydrogel, and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) have been introduced, promising enduring results. However, reports on silicone filler usage have highlighted a spectrum of adverse events, ranging from erythema and edema to more severe complications like infection, vascular occlusion, and inflammatory nodules. The adverse effects of non-resorbable facial fillers can manifest even years post-procedure, resulting in significant discomfort and dissatisfaction for patients. Consequently, the literature is focusing on potential treatments for these outcomes, including systemic antibiotics, corticosteroid injections, surgical drainage, and excision. Despite these options, consensus on optimal treatment modalities remains elusive. Surgical excision is the definitive method for removing permanent fillers, albeit with the risk of post-removal irregularities. Fat grafting has emerged as a viable solution, allowing for the correction of volume deficits and asymmetries. Utilizing the patient's own tissue, fat grafting reduces the risk of adverse reactions and rejection. It offers targeted volume enhancement, restoring facial symmetry and proportion, and promoting tissue healing and regeneration through the presence of stem cells. After permanent filler removal, further filler injections are not advisable. In such cases, fat grafting offers several advantages, including reduced risk and targeted enhancement. Facial fat grafting effectively restores facial volume and symmetry, with stem cells aiding in tissue regeneration for long-term skin health. In essence, while the demand for aesthetic procedures continues to rise, there's a shift toward absorbable fillers like hyaluronic acid-based ones, favored for their safer outcomes. Evidence-based practices and ongoing research are crucial for ensuring the safety and efficacy of aesthetic procedures, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and confidence.Level of Evidence V 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 .

Risks and Complications Rate in Liposuction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to remove localized excess adipose tissue. According to The Aesthetic Society's latest annual report, liposuction is the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure. Despite its popularity, the existing literature lacks a unified understanding of the risks associated with liposuction. The aim of this study was to measure complications of liposuction. A systematic review and meta-analysis was reported according to PRISMA guidelines and registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42023471626). The primary outcome was overall complication rate. The absolute risk for individual complications was also assessed. From 2957 articles, 39 studies were selected for analysis. In total, 29,368 patients were included, with a mean age of 40.62 years and mean BMI of 26.36 kg/m2. Overall, the rate of any complication was 2.62 (95% CI, 1.78-3.84). The most common complication was contour deformity, with a prevalence of 2.35% (95% CI, 1.05%-5.16%). The prevalence of hyperpigmentation was 1.49% (95% CI, 1.12%-1.99%), seroma 0.65% (95% CI, 0.33%-1.24%), hematoma 0.27% (95% CI, 0.12%-0.60%), superficial burn 0.25% (95% CI, 0.17%-0.36%), allergic reaction 0.16% (95% CI, 0.050%-0.52%), skin necrosis 0.046% (95% CI, 0.013%-0.16%), generalized edema 0.041% (95% CI, 0.0051%-0.32%), infection 0.020% (95% CI, 0.010%-0.050%), venous thromboembolism 0.017% (95% CI, 0.0060%-0.053%), and local anesthesia toxicity 0.016% (95% CI, 0.0040%-0.064%). Liposuction is a safe procedure with low complications, of which contour deformity is the most common. Raising awareness of specific risks can enhance surgical outcomes and improve patient-physician understanding.

Eating Disorders and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Eating disorders (ED) and plastic surgery are two areas of healthcare that have gained significant attention in recent years. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the existing literature concerning the interplay between ED and aesthetic surgery, identifying existing questionnaires and providing suggestions for the future research on the psychological aspects of these group of patients. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review on PubMed. We included studies that examined the type of ED, surgical procedure, outcome measures used, patients' motivations as well as physical and psychological outcomes of individuals with ED seeking or undergoing aesthetic surgery. Three independent reviewers examined each potential study. RESULTS: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies involved 5510 patients, addressing a spectrum of ED such as Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa, and Binge eating. The primary focus was on body contouring procedures like liposuction, breast surgery, and abdominoplasty. The assessment tools employed in these studies for evaluating ED included the Eating Attitude Test (EAT), Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), Eating Disturbance Scale (EDS), Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire-Eating Disorder (SATAQ-ED), and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: There is a complex interplay between ED and aesthetic surgery, underscoring the significance of comprehending and dealing with the psychological and sociocultural factors that impact patients in this context. The optimal management for these patients and the most effective tool for plastic surgeons to assess their psychological condition remain unclear. It is, therefore, crucial to standardize the evaluation and approach to this patient subgroup, closely aligned with psychological support, to achieve the best outcomes. 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 .

"Extra-anatomical Pedicle Rerouting" An alternative technique to obtain new recipient vessels for microsurgical reconstruction in unfavorable clinical situations.

BACKGROUND: Lack of adequate recipient vessels in certain anatomically unfavorable locations or in complex clinical situations is still a limitation to successful microsurgical transfer. To address such complex cases, advanced microsurgical techniques should be applied. In this paper, the authors describe their experience with the Extra-anatomical Pedicle Rerouting (EPR) technique, an alternative approach that was used in selected cases throughout the body to obtain healthy recipient vessels for microsurgical reconstruction in unfavorable clinical situations where suitable recipient vessels were difficult to find. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with defects of variable etiology (oncological resection, trauma, previous surgeries) located in the trunk or upper and lower extremities received EPR free flap reconstruction at our Institution. Operative data, postoperative course, and complications were recorded. Clinical and photographic follow-ups were also documented. RESULTS: A total of 15 flaps (6 antero-lateral thigh (ALT), 6 latissimus dorsi/thoracodorsal artery perforator flap (LD/TDAP), 3 deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (DIEP)) were transferred adopting the EPR technique for oncological (11) and post-traumatic (4) defects. According to the different clinical scenarios, the rerouted vessels were the thoraco-acromial, posterior circumflex humeral, thoracodorsal, deep inferior epigastric, lateral circumflex femoral, anterior tibial, and medial sural pedicles. Mean length of the rerouted vascular conduits was 6.53 cm. Mean operative time was 420 minutes. No major complications were registered. Minor wound dehiscence was observed and managed conservatively in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The EPR technique proved to be useful in a reliable and reproducible manner in different regions of the body as an alternative solution to obtain healthy recipient vessels in anatomically and surgically unfavorable clinical situations.

Fresh Frozen, In-Alcohol, or Autologous Costal Cartilage? Analysis of Complications in Over 650 Revision Rhinoplasties.

BACKGROUND: When autologous septal cartilage is not enough or even not disposable for graft sculpting in revision rhinoplasty, valid alternatives have to be found. Both autologous and homologous costal cartilage usage has been described in scientific literature. As there is no universally accepted consensus on the cartilage choice to use in these cases, the experiences with the different types of cartilage usage assume significant importance in the rhinoplasty learning process. OBJECTIVES: This multicenter prospective study outlined an overview of the authors' experience regarding short-term and long-term complications following revision rhinoplasty procedures in which either fresh frozen (FFCC), in-alcohol (IACC) or autologous costal cartilage (ACC) was used. METHODS: 671 patients undergoing revision rhinoplasty from June 2015 to September 2020 were divided into three groups according to the type of cartilage used (Group1/FFCC with 212 patients, group2/IACC with 239 patients and group3/ACC with 202 cases). Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and short and long-term complications were described and discussed. A statistical analysis investigating a possible significance of the differences in complication rate was conducted. RESULTS: Authors' data outlined a short-term general complication rate of 5.05%, and a long-term complication rate of 7.04%. A statistically significant difference was identified in cartilage warping rate between the homologous cartilages in comparison to ACC. CONCLUSIONS: FFCC, IACC and ACC can be safely used in revision rhinoplasty with no statistically significant differences regarding short- and long-term complications rate. Cartilage warping rate is significantly higher for ACC in comparison with FFCC and IACC.

Artificial Intelligence in Plastic Surgery: Analysis of Applications, Perspectives, and Psychological Impact.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a promising tool in the field of plastic surgery, offering a wide array of applications that enhance surgical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and overall efficiency. This paper explores the utilization of AI, highlighting its various advantages and potential drawbacks. AI-driven technologies such as computer vision, machine learning algorithms, and robotic assistance facilitate preoperative planning, intraoperative guidance, and postoperative monitoring. These advancements enable precise anatomical measurements, personalized treatment plans, and real-time feedback during surgery, leading to improved accuracy and safety. Furthermore, AI-powered image analysis aids in facial recognition, skin texture assessment, and simulation of surgical outcomes, enabling enhanced patient consultations and predictive modeling. However, the integration of AI in plastic surgery also presents challenges, including ethical concerns, data privacy, algorithm biases, and the need for comprehensive training among healthcare professionals. Additionally, the reliance on AI systems may potentially lead to over-reliance or reduced surgeon autonomy, necessitating careful validation and continuous refinement of these technologies. Despite these challenges, the synergistic collaboration between AI and plastic surgery holds great promise in advancing clinical practice, fostering innovation, and ultimately benefiting patients through optimized esthetic and reconstructive outcomes.Level of Evidence V 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 https://www.springer.com/00266 .

Three Key Submuscular Points for Nonsurgical Rejuvenation of the Midface in Caucasian Patients: A Methodological Approach Using Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Fillers.

INTRODUCTION: Since aesthetic medical treatments providing natural results are becoming increasingly popular, we developed an innovative hyaluronic acid infiltration technique for midface rejuvenation. METHODS: In this prospective study, only patients with a negative or neutral lower eyelid vector were included. Treatment consisted in injecting three hyaluronic acid boluses at the cutaneous projections of the levator labii superioris, zygomatic major and minor muscles insertions. All patients were administered before treatment the FACE-Q questionnaire, whereas after treatment, they were administered the FACE-Q questionnaire and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). All treatments were documented with standardized photographs. A plastic surgeon from another Institution reviewed the photos and scored the treatments according to the GAIS scale. RESULTS: We included 567 patients (101 males and 466 females) who met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 41 years, and mean follow-up time was four months. The FACE-Q scores after treatment were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in every domain investigated. The GAIS scores demonstrated significant improvement posttreatment in 89.8% of patients. An average of 1.5 ml of hyaluronic acid (VYC-20) was used for each zygomatic region. No major complications were reported; only 27 patients reported bruising, which resolved spontaneously. In all patients, there was an inversion of the lower eyelid vector, which had transitioned from neutral or negative to positive. CONCLUSION: Lifting the insertions of three selected muscles with hyaluronic acid allows a midface upward repositioning. This technique provides a reproducible and safe approach for midface rejuvenation through tissue repositioning rather than augmenting facial volume. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: 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 .

Correction of Rectus Abdominis Diastasis: A Prospective Comparative Study Between a New Suturable Polypropylene Mesh vs Polypropylene Standard Suture Plication.

BACKGROUND: Duramesh (Mesh Suture Inc., Chicago, IL) is a new suturing concept, combining the principles of mesh with the precision, flexibility, and versatility of a suture, suitable also for abdominal rectus diastasis (ARD) correction. OBJECTIVES: This prospective research aimed to compare mesh with the standard polypropylene suture plication for rectus diastasis repair with regard to safety (infection, seroma, hematoma, surgical wound dehiscence, and fistula rates and hospital stay); effectiveness (ARD recurrence by ultrasound sonography, palpability of the muscular suture, surgical time, and postoperative pain evaluation); and satisfaction of the patients based on the BODY-Q, a patient-reported outcome measure. METHODS: Sixty-five of the initial 70 patients who underwent rectus diastasis repair with a 6-month follow-up were randomly divided into 2 groups, comprising 33 patients treated with Duramesh and 32 patients treated with standard 0 polypropylene suture plication. Data regarding infection, seroma, hematoma, surgical wound dehiscence, and fistula rates; hospital stay; ARD recurrence; palpability of the muscular suture; surgical time; postoperative pain evaluation (measured by visual analog scale, or VAS); and the BODY-Q were analyzed by Prism 9 (GraphPad Software Inc., San Diego, CA). RESULTS: No significant differences were reported between the 2 groups with regard to infection, seroma, hematoma, surgical wound dehiscence, and fistula rates and hospital stay. The mesh decreased the time required to perform plication compared with standard polypropylene detached sutures. No statistically significant differences were found with respect to the VAS and BODY-Q data. CONCLUSIONS: Duramesh 0 application for rectus diastasis repair is safe and effective without compromising aesthetic improvement when compared with standard 0 polypropylene plication.

Relevance of Self-Consciousness of Appearance on Patient Satisfaction in Primary Rhinoplasty: a 12-Month Follow-up Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Rhinoplasty procedure has a strong impact on patient quality of life. Plastic surgery patients show a degree of appearance-related distress higher than general population, especially patients undergoing rhinoplasty. Relationship between patient-reported outcome after rhinoplasty and self-consciousness of appearance needs further studies. The aim of this study is to investigate this correlation, considering the surgeon external evaluation as well. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 consecutive patients underwent primary cosmetofunctional rhinoseptoplasty. Appearance-related distress and surgical outcome were assessed by DAS59 (Derriford Appearance Scale 59) and SCHNOS (Standardised Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey), administered before and after surgery. Follow-up period was 12 months. Third-party clinical outcome was evaluated by three plastic surgeons by a scale ranging from 1 (poor outcome) to 5 (excellent outcome). RESULTS: A first division in Group 1 (satisfied) and Group 2 (unsatisfied) was done. DAS59 mean score in Group 1 showed to be statistically lower than Group 2 (p value < 0.05). Spearman's test showed a large strong positive correlation between preoperative and postoperative DAS59 and SCHNOS-C score variations (Delta 0-12 months) (r = 0.7514, p<0.001), as well as between DAS59 and SCHNOS-O (r = 0.5117, p<0.001) and between SCHNOS-C and SCHNOS-O (r = 0.6928, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Rhinoseptoplasty has a significant impact on the patient self-consciousness of appearance, in both negative and positive terms. We emphasize the surgeon's burden, who need to carefully assess and address the patient's expectations during the first evaluation. This distinction is crucial since unrealistic expectations may lead to dissatisfaction even after a properly performed procedure. 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.

Do Small Scars Lead to Better Results? Analysis of Long-term Outcomes and Satisfaction of Patients Undergoing Anchor-line Abdominoplasty Following Massive Weight Loss.

INTRODUCTION: Do smaller scars lead to higher patient satisfaction? The aim of this study is to analyze long-term satisfaction of patients who underwent abdominoplasty after massive weight loss. METHODS: Patients inclusion criteria: no previous abdominal remodeling procedures, previous bariatric surgery followed by a weight loss of at least 30 kg, weight stability for at least one year, good understanding of the Italian language and standardized pre- and postoperative photographs. We divided the population in 2 groups based on the surgical procedure: group 1, conventional abdominoplasty, and group 2, anchor-line abdominoplasty. All patients presented scars in the epigastric and mesogastric region resulting from previous laparoscopic or laparotomic bariatric surgery and/or other laparoscopic or laparotomic procedures. At least 2 years after surgery, we administered the Italian version of the post-operative BODY-Q module and the SCAR-Q questionnaire. RESULTS: We enrolled 20 males and 69 females aged between 25 and 55 years, with a mean follow-up of 2 years. Analyzing the questionnaires, it resulted that patients undergoing anchor-line abdominoplasty were significantly more satisfied in the body perception of the result (p = 0.035) and in the satisfaction with abdomen domain (p = 0.0015) compared to the conventional abdominoplasty group. Scars assessment with the SCAR-Q did not show any significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: Despite its long scars, the anchor-line pattern shows an overall higher satisfaction, due to the possibility of reducing the abdomen both cranio-caudally and circumferentially. These findings might be an important guide when approaching abdominoplasty in post-bariatric patients, debunking the myth "shorter is better". LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: 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 .

Conjoined thoracodorsal perforator-supercharged dorsal intercostal artery perforator propeller flap for reconstruction of a complex upper back defect: Case report and review of the literature on supercharged pedicled perforator flaps.

The reported complications' rate of perforator propeller flaps is variably high, but the etiology of distal flap necrosis, potentially linked to vascular insufficiency, is yet to be clarified. Vascular augmentation procedures have been previously described involving an extra anastomosis of a superficial vein, while a perforator-to-perforator supercharging approach has been only sporadically documented in literature. We present a case of perforator-to-perforator vascular supercharging of an extended dorsal intercostal artery perforator (DICAP) propeller flap to provide a salvage option for pedicled flap complicated by venous congestion. A 71-year-old male patient underwent Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans resection in the upper back, leading to a 17 × 17 cm defect with bone exposure. A 30 × 9 cm DICAP propeller flap was planned, with the distal third of the flap designed over the adjacent Thoracodorsal artery perforasome, in a conjoined fashion. Considering the small DICAP pedicle caliber and the flap lateral extension, a thoracodorsal artery perforator vein was dissected and included in the distal flap. Once the flap was raised on its main pedicle, the skin paddle turned blue, showing signs of venous insufficiency. Indocyanine green angiography (ICG) showed a viable proximal half of the flap. Hence, after rotating the skin paddle to reach the upper margin of the defect, an additional anastomosis between the perforating thoracodorsal vein and the perforating vein of the dorsal scapular pedicle was performed according to the perforator-to-perforator approach. Doing so, both clinical and ICG examinations showed a well perfused flap, with normal capillary refill. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient obtained a good oncological and reconstructive result 4 months postoperatively. The second Vasconez law ("all of the flap will survive except the part that you need") is often encountered in propeller flaps surgery. Our case shows that it is possible to prevent or overcome this problem by planning appropriate vascular augmentation procedures according to the perforator-to-perforator approach, being guided by advanced vascular imaging tools like ICG.