An adapted suction technique to aid removal of ruptured silicone implants.

Implant rupture is a common complication of breast implant surgery. Removal of silicone gel after breast implant rupture can be difficult and time-consuming. In the medical literature, a few other methods attempt to solve this challenge. We propose a simple and efficient technique to maximize its removal by suction. This method bypasses the problem, given the disadvantages of silicone's high viscosity. Moreover, the necessary equipment is inexpensive and readily available in any operating room.

Alternative technique for nipple-areola complex reconstruction with poor skin condition.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) is generally the final step in breast reconstruction. NAC reconstructions are frequently complicated by scars, which are a common complication of radical surgery. Sometimes, radiotherapy further complicates these cases. METHODS: Under these conditions, we present an alternative technique with a better chance of ensuring the vitality of the reconstructed NAC. We evaluated in a 35-patient group (G1) the average healing time, the subjective perception (aesthetics satisfaction), projection and diameter of the NAC as measures of the aesthetic and safety of the results compared with those of a control group 2 who underwent traditional techniques reconstruction. RESULTS: We present the following results: an average post-op projection of 5 ± 2 mm in group 1 and 8 ± 2 mm in group 2; good stability over a 12-month period: lower reduction of the NAC projection (cumulative values within 2 mm) has been 80% in group 1 and 68.57% in the control group G2. A faster full recovery has been observed without post-operative complications in group 1 (11 ± 2 days) versus group 2 (14 ± 2 days) with minor complications. Other parameters were good in measures and comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION: According to our data, this technique appears to ensure a good aesthetic result with acceptable stability over time. Moreover, healing process appears to be faster and less complicated in the experimental group.

The role of rehabilitative camouflage after cervicofacial reconstructive surgery: a preliminary study.

A randomized, prospective, controlled study was carried out at the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit of the University of Pavia, Salvatore Maugeri Research and Care Institute, Pavia, Italy, to evaluate the psychological benefits from corrective medical camouflage (CMC) following surgical treatment for skin cancer of the face. Twenty-four female patients, following recovery from facial skin cancer surgery, were enrolled in the study over a period of 1 year. The study was performed using two health-related quality of life tests, the Satisfaction Profile (SAT-P) test and the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT). The patients were randomized into two groups: group A, patients undergoing CMC; and group B, controls. Both the SAT-P and BUT demonstrated statistically significant better results in the treated patients versus the controls in the following functional parameters: Psychological Functionality (PsF), Physical Functionality (PhF), and Work Performance (WP) for the SAT-P test and Compulsive Self-Monitoring (CSM) for the BUT. The PsF demonstrated a better result 6 months post-treatment. Such a difference was particularly significant when comparing the performance at 6 months versus that at 3 months. The PhF demonstrated a better outcome at 6 months post-treatment. The WP demonstrated a better result comparing the performance at 6 months versus that at 3 months. The CSM demonstrated a better outcome at 6 months post-treatment. The CMC promoted a significant improvement in patients' physical appearance and in their self-image and perceived social role as a means of their desire to disguise their body disfiguration.