Patient-Reported Preoperative Depression as a Predictor of Psychosocial Outcomes After Gender-Affirming Facial Feminization Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To understand psychosocial functioning before and after gender-affirming facial feminization surgery (FFS) as well as identify predictors of postoperative psychosocial functioning. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Few investigations have rigorously explored the impact of gender-affirming FFS on psychosocial functioning in transgender and gender non-binary (TGNB) individuals. This knowledge gap hinders the identification of methods to optimize mental health quality-of-life outcomes after FFS and carries repercussions for access to care. METHODS: Adult TGNB participants awaiting gender-affirming FFS were prospectively enrolled and administered Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) instruments assessing anxiety, anger, depression, global mental and physical health, positive affect, emotional support, social isolation, companionship, and meaning and purpose before and 3-6 months after FFS. Paired t-tests compared pre- and postoperative scores. Multivariable linear models identified predictors of postoperative psychosocial outcomes. RESULTS: Among the domains, psychosocial scores improved for anxiety, depression, global mental health, social isolation, and positive affect after FFS. When accounting for potential variables contributing to postoperative psychosocial scores including other gender-affirming surgeries, hormone therapy duration, and private versus public insurance type, we found that preoperative depression scores independently predicted the variance in all other postoperative scores with global mental health (ß=-0.52, 95%CI -0.58--0.31 P<0.001), anxiety (ß=0.40, 95% CI 0.21-0.51, P<0.001), and meaning and purpose (ß=-0.52, 95% CI -0.78--0.42 P<0.001) as the strongest models. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that gender-affirming FFS improves psychosocial functioning; however, such improvements are highly influenced by the baseline psychological functioning of each individual. These findings indicate that preoperative psychological functioning may be a potential avenue for improving outcomes after FFS via perioperative psychological interventions.

Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression of Complications and Failures of Autologous Heterotopic Cranial Bone versus Alloplastic Cranioplasties.

BACKGROUND: Fresh autologous cranial bone graft has been traditionally regarded as the ideal cranioplasty material, however long-term comparisons of outcomes with modern alloplastic materials are absent in the literature. In this work, we evaluated complications and failures among cranioplasties performed with fresh, heterotopic, cranial bone graft versus three common alloplastic materials. METHODS: Random-effects meta-analyses of logit-transformed proportions were performed on studies published between 1971-2021 to evaluate complications and failures of cranioplasties performed with fresh, autologous, heterotopic cranial bone, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), or titanium with a mean follow-up ≥12 months. Generalized mixed model meta-regressions were performed to account for heterogeneity and to evaluate the contributions of moderators to outcomes variables. RESULTS: 1490 patients (mean age 33.9±10.8 years) were included. Pooled, all-cause complications were 6.2% for fresh, heterotopic, autologous cranial bone (95% confidence interval [CI]:2.1-17.0%; I2=55.0%, p=0.02), 18.5% for PEEK (95%CI:14.0-24.0%; I2=0.0%, p=0.58), 26.1% for titanium (95%CI:18.7-35.1%; I2=60.6%, p<0.01), and 28.4% for PMMA (95%CI:12.9-51.5%; I2=88.5%, p<0.01). Pooled all-cause failures were 2.2% for fresh, autologous cranial bone (95%CI:0.4-10.6%; I2=0.0%, p=0.45), 6.3% for PEEK (95%CI:3.2-12.3%; I2=15.5%, p=0.31), 11.4% for titanium (95%CI:6.7-18.8%; I2=60.8%, p<0.01), and 12.7% for PMMA (95%CI:6.9-22.0%; I2=64.8%, p<0.01). Meta-regression models indicated that each alloplastic subtype significantly and independently predicted higher complications, while titanium and PMMA were significant predictors for all-cause failures compared to autologous bone. All three subtypes were predictive of higher cranioplasty failures secondary to infection compared to autologous bone. CONCLUSIONS: Cranioplasties performed with fresh, autologous heterotopic cranial bone grafts resulted in lower complications and failures compared to alloplastic materials.

Effective Local Anesthetic Use in Nasal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies.

Intraoperative nerve blocks have shown promise in managing pain after nasal surgery. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze existing level I and II evidence on intraoperative nerve blocks in nasal surgery to optimize postoperative recovery. Methods: The primary outcome of this systematic review and meta-analysis was postoperative pain scores; secondary outcomes included perioperative opioid requirements, patient satisfaction scores, and time to first analgesic requirement. PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE databases were searched, and two independent reviewers conducted article screening. Methodological quality assessment of studies utilized the Jadad instrument, and interrater reliability was assessed using Cohen kappa. An inverse-variance, fixed-effects model was used for meta-analysis with Cohen d used to normalize effect size between studies. I2 and Q statistics were used to assess interstudy variability. Results: Four studies were included for meta-analysis, totaling 265 randomized patients. The nerve blocks assessed included infraorbital nerve, sphenopalatine ganglion, external nasal nerve, central facial nerve blocks, and total nerve blocks. All demonstrated significantly reduced postoperative pain compared with controls, with a large effect size (P < 0.001). Opioid requirements were lower in the nerve block groups (P < 0.001), and patient satisfaction scores were higher (P < 0.001). Supplemental meta-analyses showed a longer time to first analgesic requirement for patients who received a nerve block (P < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings support the efficacy of nerve blocks in providing postoperative pain relief and enhancing patient satisfaction with pain management. Perioperative nerve blocks, in combination with general anesthesia, should be considered for postoperative pain control.

Perspectives on Cybersecurity and Plastic Surgery: A Survey of Plastic Surgeons and Scoping Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Data breach costs in the United States are among the highest in the world, making robust cybersecurity an important bulwark of national defense. Healthcare is a popular target for cyber threats, and there is increasing emphasis on cybersecurity safeguards to protect sensitive patient data. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this national survey and scoping review is to (1) identify cybersecurity awareness, preparedness, and practices among plastic surgeons, and (2) to provide guidelines to mitigate the threat of cyberattacks. METHODS: A 16-question, anonymous online survey was developed and distributed to The Aesthetic Society registrants to ascertain plastic surgeons' cybersecurity practices. Utilizing PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase databases, eligible articles were identified as part of this scoping review. RESULTS: Of 89 individuals who began the survey, 69 completed it (77.5%). Sixty respondents agreed or strongly agreed that cybersecurity is an important issue in plastic surgery. The greatest perceived limitations for protection against cyberattacks were insufficient expertise (41.7%), followed by lack of funding and insufficient time to dedicate to this goal. Most respondents (78.7%) had cybersecurity policies incorporated into their practice. Those who agreed or strongly agreed they had technology to prevent data theft/breach were significantly more likely to be older than 54 years of age (P < .001). No articles identified in the literature specifically addressed cybersecurity in plastic surgery; however, 12 articles detailing cybersecurity in healthcare were identified and included. CONCLUSIONS: Despite possessing adequate technology and procedures in place to prevent cyberattacks, plastic surgeons perceive significant barriers to cybersecurity protection, including insufficient expertise and lack of dedicated funding. It is imperative that our field establishes standards and protocols to protect our patients.

Late-Presenting Sagittal Craniosynostosis: An Update to a Standardized Treatment Protocol.

BACKGROUND: The authors previously published their protocol to treat patients who present with sagittal craniosynostosis after the age of 1 year. The purpose of this article is to present a follow-up and update of this cohort to evaluate outcomes of their treatment protocol. METHODS: Patients with isolated sagittal craniosynostosis who presented after the age of 1 year between July of 2013 and April of 2021 were included. RESULTS: A total of 108 patients met inclusion criteria. The average age at presentation was 5.2 ± 3.4 years, and 79 patients (73.1%) were male. The indications for imaging were head shape (54.6%), headache (14.8%), trauma (9.3%), seizure (4.6%), papilledema (2.8%), and other (13.9%). Of the 108 patients, 12 (11.1%) underwent surgery following their initial consultation: five for papilledema, four for elevated intracranial pressure, two for severely scaphocephalic head shapes, and one for abnormal funduscopic findings. Two of these patients underwent additional reconstructive surgery, one for the recurrence of papilledema and headache and the other for progressive scaphocephaly. The average length of time between operations was 4.9 years. Of the 96 patients who were managed conservatively, four (4.2%) underwent surgery at an average of 1.2 ± 0.5 years later (average age, 4.4 ± 1.5 years) for brain growth restriction ( n = 2), aesthetic concerns ( n = 1), and refractory headaches ( n = 1). The average follow-up of all patients with craniofacial surgery was 2.7 ± 2.3 years (median, 2.1 years; interquartile range, 3.7 years). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with late-presenting sagittal craniosynostosis require surgical correction less often than younger patients, likely because of milder phenotype. Few patients in the conservative treatment arm ultimately required surgery (4%). CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

The Clinical Significance of Clinocephaly in Late-Presentation Sagittal Craniosynostosis.

The diagnosis of late-presentation sagittal suture craniosynostosis (SCS) can be challenging, especially in the setting of subtle physical exam findings. The clinical significance of clinocephaly-a retro-coronal concavity along the midvault-in this context remains unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictive value of clinocephaly in identifying late-presentation SCS.A retrospective chart review of all patients >1 year old presenting to the craniofacial clinic with a concern for SCS was performed. The presence or absence of SCS in the setting of clinocephaly was recorded following diagnostic imaging. Student's t test, Chi Square test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine predictors for SCS.75 patients met inclusion criteria. 32 patients (42.7%, 6% female) were diagnosed with SCS. No difference in age between patients with and without SCS was detected. Stratification of patients by age (1-2, 2-4, and >4 years) revealed a higher rate of SCS in younger patients (P = 0.04). The cephalic index (C.I.) of those with sagittal synostosis was significantly smaller but within the normal range, indicating a more scaphocephalic shape (P = 0.003). Logistic regression analysis revealed that C.I. was a strong predictor for SCS (P = 0.003). Of those with SCS, a mix of complete and partial fusion of the sagittal suture was appreciated.This study found that 42.7% of patients with clinocephaly had SCS. C.I. was the only predictor for SCS and unique suture fusion patterns were identified in those with SCS. This study suggests that clinocephaly should be considered a core component of the exam and work-up for SCS. Future studies aimed at evaluating the positive predictive value of this exam finding and identifying risk factors associated with late-presentation SCS are underway.

3D Photography to Quantify the Severity of Metopic Craniosynostosis.

This study aims to determine the utility of 3D photography for evaluating the severity of metopic craniosynostosis (MCS) using a validated, supervised machine learning (ML) algorithm.This single-center retrospective cohort study included patients who were evaluated at our tertiary care center for MCS from 2016 to 2020 and underwent both head CT and 3D photography within a 2-month period.The analysis method builds on our previously established ML algorithm for evaluating MCS severity using skull shape from CT scans. In this study, we regress the model to analyze 3D photographs and correlate the severity scores from both imaging modalities.14 patients met inclusion criteria, 64.3% male (n = 9). The mean age in years at 3D photography and CT imaging was 0.97 and 0.94, respectively. Ten patient images were obtained preoperatively, and 4 patients did not require surgery. The severity prediction of the ML algorithm correlates closely when comparing the 3D photographs to CT bone data (Spearman correlation coefficient [SCC] r = 0.75; Pearson correlation coefficient [PCC] r = 0.82).The results of this study show that 3D photography is a valid alternative to CT for evaluation of head shape in MCS. Its use will provide an objective, quantifiable means of assessing outcomes in a rigorous manner while decreasing radiation exposure in this patient population.

Mandibular Measurements at the 20-Week Anatomy Ultrasound as a Prenatal Diagnostic Predictor of Pierre Robin Sequence.

BACKGROUND: Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS) is characterized by micrognathia, glossoptosis, and upper airway obstruction. Early recognition and appropriate perinatal management is crucial for optimizing outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate 20-week fetal ultrasounds to determine if specific mandibular measurements could predict PRS diagnosis and disease severity. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study of 48 patients with PRS and gender-matched controls was performed. Medical records were reviewed for respiratory and surgical interventions. Three parameters to assess micrognathia were measured on mid-sagittal profile ultrasound images: frontal nasal-mental angle (FNMA), facial-maxillary angle (FMA), and alveolar overjet. Student's t-test and univariate logistic regression was performed. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Patients with PRS demonstrated a significantly smaller mean FNMA compared to the control group, 129.3 ± 8.6° and 137.4 ± 3.2°, respectively (p < 0.0001), as well as significantly smaller mean FMA, 63.2 ± 9.2° and 74.8 ± 6.1°, respectively (p < 0.0001). The PRS group also demonstrated significantly larger mean alveolar overjet compared to the control group, 3.9 ± 1.4 mm and 2.1 ± 0.9 mm, respectively (p < 0.0001). The odds of respiratory intervention increased among cases when FMA was <68°. Additionally, there was a significant difference in median overjet between patients with PRS who did and did not require respiratory intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular features on the 20-week ultrasound can be measured to predict diagnosis and severity of PRS. This is an important first step to prepare for potential respiratory intervention at delivery to minimize perinatal hypoxia. Alveolar overjet, previously not described in prenatal ultrasound literature, is measurable and has utility in prenatal screening for PRS, as do FMA and FNMA.

A Three-Dimensional-Based Morphometric Analysis of a Standardized Overcorrection Technique for Fronto-Orbital Advancement in Metopic Craniosynostosis.

INTRODUCTION: The concept of "overcorrection" for trigonocephaly has been reported to achieve both anterior cranial fossa expansion and normalization of craniofacial form. The purpose of this study is to describe in detail a standardized technique to fronto-orbital advancement utilizing the concept of "overcorrection" and objectively evaluate intermediate results. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with isolated metopic synostosis who underwent surgery via the proposed surgical technique and age and sex-matched unaffected controls. Craniofacial morphometric analysis was performed on pre-, immediate post-, and intermediate postoperative (>2 years) three-dimensional (3D)-rendered computed tomographic (CT) scans and photographs. Key CT-based measurements included interzygomaticofrontal suture distance (IZFS), endocranial bifrontal angle (ECA), and temporal expansion. 3D photogrammetry was performed using established measurements and associated Z-scores converted. A Paired t-test and analysis of variance were performed when appropriate. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were included. A comparison of pre- and immediate postoperative CT scans demonstrated statistically significant increases in all measurements. Subset analysis of 12 patients with intermediate follow-up (age: 39.6 ± 3.6 months) demonstrated significant differences from preoperative values except for IZFS, which decreased from immediate postoperative values and was smaller than age- and sex-matched controls. 3D photogrammetry demonstrated a mean Z-score above the norm for frontal breath. 3D photogrammetry is also positively correlated with CT-based measurements. CONCLUSIONS: This standardized "overcorrection" approach for trigonocephaly can provide the appropriate changes to maintain a normal ECA despite a reduction in bifrontal width over time. 3D photogrammetry positively correlated with CT-based measurements and may provide useful information when following patients clinically. Long-term follow-up assessment to determine the necessary degree of overcorrection at skeletal mature is needed.

Revision Pharyngoplasty in Cleft Palate and Velopharyngeal Insufficiency: Management and Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), a stigmatizing hallmark of palatal dysfunction, occurs in a wide spectrum of pediatric craniofacial conditions. The mainstays for surgical correction include palate repair and/or pharyngeal surgery. However, primary pharyngoplasty has a failure rate of 15% to 20%. Although revision pharyngoplasty may be necessary in those with persistent VPI, little is known regarding the indications for and outcomes after such procedures. The purpose of this study is to describe the authors' experience with indications for and outcomes after revision pharyngoplasty. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing revision pharyngoplasty between 2002 and 2019. Demographic data and Pittsburgh Weighted Speech Scores, diagnoses, comorbidities, and complications were tabulated. Two-tailed Student t test was used, and a P value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (65.6% male) met inclusion criteria for this study. The most common diagnoses included cleft palate (68.8%), submucous cleft palate (SMCP, 18.8%), and congenital VPI (6.3%, likely occult SMCP). Most patients (84.4%) underwent palatoplasty before their initial pharyngoplasty. The primary indication for initial pharyngoplasty was VPI (mean age 7.1 ± 4.6 years). The most common indication for revision pharyngoplasty (mean age 11.2 ± 5.1 years) included persistent VPI (n = 22), followed by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (n = 11). Persistent VPI (n = 8) and OSA (n = 6) were the most common complications after secondary pharyngoplasty. Thirteen patients (40.6%) within the revision pharyngoplasty cohort required additional surgical intervention: 4 underwent tertiary pharyngoplasty, 4 underwent takedown for OSA (n = 3) or persistent VPI (n = 1), 3 underwent takedown and conversion Furlow for persistent VPI (n = 2), OSA (n = 2) and/or flap dehiscence (n = 1), and 2 underwent palatal lengthening with buccal myomucosal flaps for persistent VPI. Of the 4 patients who required a tertiary pharyngoplasty, the mean age at repair was 6.6 ± 1.1 years and their speech scores improved from 13.5 to 2.3 after tertiary pharyngoplasty (P = 0.11). The overall speech score after completion of all procedures improved significantly from 19 to 3.3. CONCLUSION: Patients who fail primary pharyngoplasty represent a challenging population. Of patients who underwent secondary pharyngoplasty, nearly half required a tertiary procedure to achieve acceptable speech scores or resolve complications.

Perioperative Pain Management in Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies.

BACKGROUND: Developing effective strategies to manage perioperative pain remains a focus of cleft care. The present study's purpose was to systematically review perioperative pain control strategies for cleft lip and palate repair. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed. Primary outcomes included pain scale scores and time to analgesia failure. Cohen d normalized effect size permitted comparison between studies, and a fixed-effects model was used for analysis. I2 and Q-statistic p values were calculated. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies were included: eight of 23 studies provided data for meta-analytic comparison. Meta-analyses evaluated the efficacy of intraoperative nerve blocks on postoperative pain management. Meta-analysis included a total of 475 treatment and control patients. Cleft lip studies demonstrated significantly improved pain control with a nerve block versus placebo by means of pain scale scores ( p < 0.001) and time to analgesia failure ( p < 0.001). Measurement of effect size over time demonstrated statistically significant pain relief with local anesthetic. Palatoplasty studies showed significantly improved time to analgesia failure ( p < 0.005) with maxillary and palatal nerve blocks. Multiple studies demonstrated an opioid-sparing effect with the use of local anesthetics and other nonopioid medications. Techniques for nerve blocks in cleft lip and palate surgery are reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: The present systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies demonstrates that intraoperative nerve blocks for cleft lip and palate surgery provide effective pain control. Opioid-sparing effects were appreciated in multiple studies. Intraoperative nerve blocks should be considered in all cases of cleft lip and palate repair to improve postoperative pain management. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

The Crooked Nose: A Practical Guide to Successful Management.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: (1) Preoperatively evaluate the patient with a crooked nose. (2) Develop a comprehensive preoperative plan specific to the patient. (3) Effectively "deconstruct" and rebuild the crooked nose to address both aesthetic and functional concerns. (4) Use postoperative techniques to maximize outcomes. SUMMARY: Correction of the crooked nose requires a detailed understanding of the relevant surgical anatomy, identification of the deforming forces-both intrinsic and extrinsic-contributing to the deformity, and knowledge of techniques needed to effect the desired change. This continuing medical education article takes the reader through the evaluation and formulation processes to develop a patient-specific plan and provides surgical pearls necessary to get the best results possible. Most importantly, this article emphasizes the need to treat the crooked nose as a reconstructive rather than routine aesthetic operation.

Pediatric Plastic Surgery Operating Room Block-Time Utilization: A Casualty of Illness.

BACKGROUND: Optimizing operating room (OR) utilization is a critical component of health care system efficiency. The purpose of our study was to analyze the extent of OR cancellation and its effect on raw utilization of OR block time allotted to surgeons in the pediatric plastic surgery department. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the cases of 4 plastic surgeons at a tertiary pediatric hospital between 2018 and 2019. Data collected included patient demographics, type of surgery, time of cancellation, reason for cancellation, length of surgery, and minutes of block time allotted to each surgeon per year. Percent of cases canceled, scheduled times lost, and block times lost were calculated. RESULTS: Surgeons A, B, C, and D scheduled 170, 416, 305, and 474 cases, respectively. Overall, 7% of cases were canceled, 9.1% of scheduled time was lost, and a total of 5.1% of block time was lost due to cancellation. Patients of surgeon A and D were more likely to cancel due to reasons classified as ''other,'' including causes such as failure of nil per os or a family's last-minute decision to forego elective surgery (33.3% and 37.2%, respectively), whereas patients of surgeon B and C were more likely to cancel due to illness (67.9% and 36.4%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Cancellations negatively impact raw utilization times; if fewer cases are performed, allotted block times are redistributed. Communication with patients in the week prior to surgery may allow for earlier identification of likely cancellations. Future directions include exploring whether particular surgeon characteristics are linked to rate of cancellations.

The Pocket Flap: A Pericranial Galeal-Frontalis Flap for Lining and Graft Coverage in Nasal Reconstruction.

ABSTRACT: Complex nasal defects can necessitate nasal lining, bone and cartilage, and skin reconstruction. Defects requiring lining and structural support without the need for skin resurfacing are relatively uncommon. The following case report describes in detail a pericranial galeal-frontalis flap that is used to both reconstruct the nasal lining and provide adequate cartilage graft coverage. The pericranial galeal-frontalis flap provides yet another option for the reconstructive surgeon faced with complex defects of the nasal dorsum.

Evaluation and treatment of facial feminization surgery: part II. lips, midface, mandible, chin, and laryngeal prominence.

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) refers to a set of procedures aimed at altering the features of a masculine face to achieve a more feminine appearance. In the second part of this twopart series, assessment and operations involving the midface, mandible, and chin, as well as soft tissue modification of the nasolabial complex and chondrolaryngoplasty, are discussed. Finally, we provide a review of the literature on patient-reported outcomes in this population following FFS and suggest a path forward to optimize care for FFS patients.

Tissue Augmenting Palatoplasty for the Treatment of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency.

PURPOSE: Persistent velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) following primary palatoplasty remains a difficult problem to treat. This study evaluates speech outcomes following revision palatoplasty with tissue augmentation using buccal myomucosal flaps (BMF) as an alternative to pharyngoplasty for patients with VPI. METHODS: A retrospective single-center review of revision palatoplasty with tissue augmentation at a tertiary pediatric hospital Cleft-Craniofacial Center between January 2017 and March 2021 was conducted. Patients with a history of previous palatoplasty, a diagnosis of persistent or recurrent VPI, and comprehensive pre- and postoperative speech evaluations who underwent revision palatoplasty with BMF were included. RESULTS: Twenty patients met inclusion criteria (35% female, 20% syndromic). Mean age at the time of revision palatoplasty with BMF was 9.7 years. Preoperatively, all patients had stigmatizing speech and received the recommendation for speech surgery; the mean Pittsburgh Weighted Speech Score (PWSS) was 14.3 ± 4.9. The mean postoperative PWSS at the most recent assessment was 4.2 ± 2.3, representing a statistically significant improvement from preoperative scores (P < .001). Mean follow-up time was 8.9 months. Following revision palatoplasty with BMF, only one patient has received the recommendation for further speech surgery. No complications were noted. CONCLUSION: In patients with VPI following primary palatoplasty, revision palatoplasty with tissue augmentation offers an alternative to pharyngoplasty. This approach preserves dynamic velopharyngeal function, improves speech outcomes, and should be considered an option when treating patients with post-primary palatoplasty VPI.

Treatment of Facial Fractures at Safety-Net Hospitals: A National Analysis of Inpatient Burden and Cost.

PURPOSE: Safety-net hospitals (SNHs) are vital in the care of trauma populations, but little is known about the burden of facial trauma presenting to SNHs. The authors sought to characterize the presentation and treatment of facial fractures across SNHs and determine the association between SNH care and healthcare utilization in patients undergoing fracture repair. METHODS: Adult patients presenting with a facial fracture as their primary admitting diagnosis from the year 2012 to 2015 were identified in the National Inpatient Sample. The "safety-net burden" of each hospital was defined based on the proportion of Medicaid and self-pay discharges. Patient factors analyzed were sex, race, age, income level, insurance status, fracture location, and comorbidities. Hospital factors analyzed were safety-net burden, teaching status, geographic region, bed size, and ownership status. The main outcomes were length of stay (LOS), hospital costs, time to repair, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Of 78,730 patients, 27,080 (34.4%) were treated at SNHs and 24,844 (31.6%) were treated at non-SNHs. Compared to non-SNHs, patients treated at SNHs were more likely to undergo operative repair at SNHs (65.8% versus 53.9%, P < 0.001). Overall mean LOS was comparable between non-SNH and SNH (3.43 versus 3.38 days, P = 0.611), as was mean hospital cost ($15,487 versus $15,169, P = 0.434). On multivariate linear regression, safety-net status was not a predictor of increased LOS, cost, or complications. However, safety-net status was significantly associated with lower odds of undergoing repair within 48 hours of admission (odds ratio 0.783, 95% confidence interval = 0.680-0.900, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Safety-net hospitals are able to treat facial trauma patients with greater injury burden and lower socioeconomic resources without increased healthcare utilization. Healthcare reform must address the financial challenges that endanger these institutions to ensure timely treatment of all patients.

Evaluation and treatment of facial feminization surgery: part I. forehead, orbits, eyebrows, eyes, and nose.

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) incorporates aesthetic and craniofacial surgical principles and techniques to feminize masculine facial features and facilitate gender transitioning. A detailed understanding of the defining male and female facial characteristics is essential for success. In this first part of a two-part series, we discuss key aspects of the general preoperative consultation that should be considered when evaluating the prospective facial feminization patient. Assessment of the forehead, orbits, hairline, eyebrows, eyes, and nose and the associated procedures, including scalp advancement, supraorbital rim reduction, setback of the anterior table of the frontal sinus, rhinoplasty, and soft tissue modifications of the upper and midface are discussed. In the second part of this series, bony manipulation of the midface, mandible, and chin, as well as soft tissue modification of the nasolabial complex and chondrolaryngoplasty are discussed. Finally, a review of the literature on patient-reported outcomes in this population following FFS is provided.