A Comprehensive Ultrasound Investigation of Lower Facial and Neck Structure.

BACKGROUND: The jawline and neck significantly influence facial aesthetics. Botulinum toxin and filler are highly favored as minimally invasive jawline rejuvenation procedures. However, little evidence exists on the age-related skin and superficial fat tissue transformations in healthy individuals to guide targeted interventions. METHODS: A quantitative sonographic assessment was conducted on 51 patients. Total soft tissue thickness (the skin and superficial fat compartments) was measured at eight sites along the jawline and four sites at the neck. Among them, 21 patients received botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injections for jawline lift. Three-dimensional images and questionaries were obtained before and after the treatment. RESULTS: In this ultrasound study, total superficial soft tissue thickness decreased significantly from the prejowl sulcus to the lateral cheek, with the jowl showing the greatest thickness. Vertically, significant differences in thickness were noted between superior and inferior points, especially at the inferior prejowl sulcus for the middle-aged and the jowl for the elderly group when comparing across age groups. Soft tissue thickness at the neck decreased from zones 1 to 3, consistent in all age groups. BMI and age positively correlated with soft tissue thickness at the jawline and neck. Regarding BTX-A injections, participants described a pain-free injection process, of which 85.7% reported substantial aesthetic improvement and sharpening of the submental-cervical angle. CONCLUSIONS: This study quantified age-related changes in superficial soft tissues at the jawline and neck regions with ultrasound imaging. With aging, soft tissue thickness alters with high region-specificity. Tailoring interventions to the specific alterations within each age group can achieve optimal results with enhanced safety. This study provided a quantitative analysis of skin and superficial fat compartment thicknesses for the young, middle-aged, and elderly groups. This study illustrated how skin and superficial fat compartments change with age in a regionally specific manner for both the jawline and neck regions. This study revealed a positive association between BMI and age with skin and superficial fat tissue thicknesses, especially in areas like the jowl, submental, and neck. This study provided guidance for a safe and effective botulinum toxin. A injection method focusing on the injection depths and regions to achieve optimal jawline rejuvenation outcomes and patient experience. 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 .

Deciphering the Refined Musculature of the Brow Area in Asians by Micro-Computed Tomography.

BACKGROUND: The brow area is an important aesthetic unit. Accurate anatomical understanding of the brow is important for clinical treatments related to this region. Due to the complexity of the brow area and limitations of methods, there are still some controversies regarding its musculature description. OBJECTIVES: This article aims to reveal the detailed musculature using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) combined with histological staining. METHODS: Eight fresh cadaver (16 hemifaces) were obtained. Eight hemifaces were processed with phospho-tungstic acid contrast staining for micro-CT scanning and reconstruction. The other corresponding 8 hemifaces were prepared with Masson staining. RESULTS: The orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM), frontalis muscle (FM), depressor supercilii (DS) and procerus muscle (PM) were situated superficially. The FM terminated and connected with its antagonistic muscles at 2-5 mm above the brow but the fusion line descended in lateral third. The corrugator supercilii muscle (CSM) originated from the periosteum, extending laterally and superficially. During its course, it mainly penetrated the FM. CSM had broad subcutaneous insertion, covering about 77.9% ± 7.5% of the hairy brow. CSM fibers connected to the subcutaneous fiber septa to directly transmit contraction force. The soft tissue on the lateral side of the brow was looser than that on the medial side. CONCLUSIONS: Our study deepens the understanding of the precise anatomy of the brow area and helps guide clinical practice.

Deciphering Depressor Anguli Oris for Lower Face Rejuvenation: A Prospective Ultrasound-based Investigation.

BACKGROUND: The depressor anguli oris muscle (DAO) is a pivotal treatment target when creating a harmonic jawline. However, evidence of its live morphology remains scarce. OBJECTIVES: In this study we aimed to reevaluate the DAO with a facile ultrasound analysis and thereby guide safer and more effective botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection. METHODS: A prospective ultrasound assessment was conducted in 41 patients. Morphology of the DAO and its relative position to neighboring structures were appraised at the ubiquitous facial landmark, the labiomandibular fold (LMF). Three-dimensional images were captured before and after the patient received the BTX-A injection based on sonographic evidence. RESULTS: The skin-to-muscle depths of the DAO on average (measured from the medial to lateral border) were 5.26, 5.61, and 8.42 mm. The DAO becomes thinner and wider from zone 1 to zone 3 (P < .001). Overlapping lengths of the DAO and the depressor labii inferioris increased from zone 1 to zone 3: 4.74, 9.68, 14.54 mm (P < .001). The medial border of the DAO was located at 4.33, 6.12, 8.90 mm medial to the LMF (zone 1-3), and no muscle fibers of the DAO were observed in zone 1 or zone 2 in nearly one-third of patients. Improvement of the mouth corner downturn angle upon receiving BTX-A injection at zones 2 and 3 were 88.3%, 32.3%, and 14.7% for the neutral, maximum smile, and down-turning mouth corner expressions. CONCLUSIONS: This work established an informative ultrasound portrait of the DAO and structures in the perioral region, which suggested the LMF as a convenient landmark for locating the DAO. Injection at the middle and lower thirds of the LMF at a 4- to 5-mm depth is recommended.

Unparallel improvement patterns of dynamic wrinkles and skin quality after botulinum toxin type A treatment on the upper face.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) can not only reduce the dynamic wrinkles but also improve the skin quality. This study aims to quantitaively and comprehensively assess the improvement of dynamic wrinkles and skin quality following BoNT-A treatment on the upper face. METHODS: Patients were recruited to receive BoNT-A treatment of the glabellar, frontal, and lateral periorbital wrinkles. Antera 3D camera was used to evaluate the skin quality and dynamic wrinkle severity. Follow-up visits were at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment. Different filters were utilized to quantitatively detect the severity of fine wrinkles (FWS), the volume of pores (PV), the roughness of skin texture (STR), and the severity of dynamic wrinkles (DWS). RESULTS: Twenty-four participants (average 30.5 ± 7.2 years) were recruited. The significant improvement of PV, FWS, and STR in different areas usually maintained from 1 to 6 months after injections but of DWS only existed within 3 months. For each area, the improvement rates of FWS, PV, and STR peaked at 3 months or 6 months after treatment while the maximal improvement of DWS was observed at 1 month posttreatment. CONCLUSION: After BoNT-A treatment for dynamic wrinkles on the upper face, the skin quality of target regions can also be ameliorated. The improvement of skin quality and dynamic wrinkles presented unparallel patterns. The former is with a slower onset but longer duration while the latter exhibits a more rapid onset but shorter duration.

Double-Eyelid Blepharoplasty: Dermis-Outer Orbicularis Fascia-Orbicularis-Levator Fixation Technique with Preorbicular Venous Network Preservation.

BACKGROUND: This article presents a new method using a dermis-outer orbicularis fascia-orbicularis-levator (DOOL) fixation technique for double-eyelid blepharoplasty. METHODS: Our surgical technique preserves the preorbicular venous network (POVN) and uses mattress sutures to fix the dermis, outer fascia of the orbicularis oculi muscle, and orbicularis oculi muscle with pretarsal levator aponeurosis (DOOL). Between January 2016 and July 2018, 335 patients were treated with this POVN-preserving DOOL technique (321 women and 14 men; mean age, 29.6 y). The patients were followed up for 6-30 months. The complications were documented, and the overall outcomes of the upper eyelid folds were evaluated by both surgeons and patients as good, fair, or poor. RESULTS: Among 335 patients, 307 (91.6%) had good results, 17 (5.1%) had fair results, and 11 (3.3%) had poor results. Postoperative complications included partial (n=4) or complete (n=3) loss of the double-eyelid line and asymmetric folds (n=4). Hypertrophic/depressed scars did not occur. CONCLUSIONS: With less invasiveness and secure internal fixation, the DOOL fixation technique with POVN preservation can achieve a stable and natural double-eyelid appearance. 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 .

Studying Dynamics of Mid-face Lifting During Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injection Using Ultrasound Imaging.

BACKGROUND: The ageing in the mid-face involves volume deficiency in multiple anatomical units, including the zygomatic arch, infraorbital region, medial and lateral cheek and nasolabial fold (NLF). Hyaluronic acid (HA) is extensively used in the minimally invasive procedures of mid-face rejuvenation. OBJECTIVES: MD CodesTM is proposed to perform combined treatment of multiple sites to reduce treatment variability and increase clinician success rates. Although the detailed procedure of this technique, aesthetic effects and complications have been disclosed, its anatomical information has yet to be discussed. This paper elaborated on the static and dynamic anatomical characteristics of MD CodesTM through cadaveric dissection and ultrasound imaging. METHODS: Anatomical dissection and ultrasound imaging help us look back on the injection methods and anatomical principles of MD CodesTM. RESULTS: The treatment is threefold: (1) the bolus injections, for lifting purposes, are performed at the most depressing point along the zygomatic arch, zygomatic eminence, the prominent optimal point in the zygomatic region, the most depressed point of upper NLF with 0.2-0.3 ml HA. (2) The linear injections, featuring facial contouring refinement, are performed at the deep fat pad of the medial cheek and infraorbital region with 0.4 ml HA. (3) The linear injections, featuring volume replacement, are performed at the subcutaneous fat layer of lateral cheek and NLF with 0.8 and 0.4 ml HA. CONCLUSIONS: MD CodeTM is led by the principle of "less dosage and better effect", and a special injection sequence is formulated based on the anatomical characteristics. Ultrasound is a useful tool to make for a dynamic anatomical understanding of MD CodeTM and visualize the anatomical information such as layers and thicknesses. 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 .

Cerebral Embolism as a Result of Facial Filler Injections: A Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: With the growth in the popularity of facial filler injections, increased numbers of severe adverse events, such as cerebral embolism, have been reported. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article was to summarize the clinical manifestations and proposed mechanisms of filler-induced cerebral embolism (FICE). METHODS: A literature review was performed with the search keywords "filler injection," "hyaluronic acid," "fat graft," "cerebral infarction," "cerebral embolism," "stroke," "cerebrovascular infarction," "disorders of consciousness," and "hemiplegia." RESULTS: Among the 43 cases of FICE enrolled from 35 articles, 37 patients were female, and 6 were male. Twenty-nine of these patients had received fat grafting, and 12 hyaluronic acid injection. Most FICE patients had been injected in the glabella, followed by the temporal, forehead, and nasal areas. Among 30 patients injected under local anesthesia, 43.33% presented with neurologic symptoms during the procedure. The main symptoms were consciousness disorders and hemiplegia. Most of the embolization sites were in the middle cerebral artery, followed by frontal lobe infarction and anterior cerebral artery infarction. Three patients developed cerebral hemorrhage after embolism. Twenty-six patients presented with newly acquired vision loss. The management for FICE cases included embolectomy, thrombolysis, decompressive craniectomy, antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy, and symptomatic and nutritional treatment. Nearly half of the patients recovered or exhibited improved neurologic manifestations but not visual loss. Five patients died. CONCLUSIONS: FICE is a severe complication following facial filler injection. Careful prevention, timely identification, and treatment are crucial to decreasing the morbidity and mortality of FICE.

Stereophotogrammetry to reveal age-related changes of labial morphology among Chinese women aging from 20 to 60.

BACKGROUND: The lip is of important aesthetic value and highly subjected to aging. Collecting anthropometric baseline data and understanding age-related changes of labial morphology can help with diagnosis of deformity, assessment of aging, and planning of cosmetic procedures. Many studies have focused on Caucasians, while there is a lack of anthropometric data on Chinese women. METHODS: A total of 169 women were enrolled in this cross-sectional study and divided into four consecutive age groups. Linear distances, angles, and surface area data were obtained via stereophotogrammetry. Intergroup comparisons between different age groups were performed to find age-related differences. RESULTS: Lip width significantly increased with age while philtrum width seemed to show no obvious change. Cutaneous upper and lower lip height increased, lengthening the lip in the vertical dimension. Decrease of upper vermilion height and changes in angles indicated that aging process shortened the upper vermilion and flattened the vermilion border. Surface area also showed age-related changes. Intergroup comparison showed no statistical significance in most variables between 20s and 30s or 30s and 40s, while age-related changes in some variables were significant between 40s and 50s. CONCLUSION: This study provided anthropometric data of labial morphology across a wide age range. Aging process affected a variety of labial anthropometric variables. Age-related changes accelerated after 40 among Chinese women.

Intra-abdominal vascularized lymph node transfer for treatment of lymphedema: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: As a promising treatment for lymphedema, vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is associated with a risk of iatrogenic lymphedema. Intra-abdominal vascularized lymph node flap has been increasingly applied to minimize complication. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Sciences, and Cochrane databases were searched systematically. Clinical articles describing the application of intra-abdominal flaps to treat lymphedema were included. Study characteristics, patient demographics, and operative details were recorded. Primary outcomes were recorded as circumference/volume reduction, episodes of cellulitis reduction and lymph flow assessment. Secondary outcomes were recorded as donor-site complication and recipient-site complication. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria with 594 patients in total. Donor-sites of flaps were omental/gastroepiploic, jejunal, ileocecal, and appendicular. The mean reduction rate ranged from 0.38% to 70.8%. Significant reduction in infectious episodes was reported in 10 studies. The pooled donor-site complication rate was 1.4% (95% CI, 0%-4.1%; I2  = 40%). The pooled recipient-site complication rate was 3.2% (95% CI, 1.4%-5.5%; I2  = 39%). The most common donor-site complication was minor ileus requiring prolonged nasogastric tube replacement. No donor site lymph disfunction occurred. CONCLUSION: Intra-abdominal VLNT is an effective technique for patients with lymphedema with no obvious impairment to donor-site lymph function, as long as the operation is properly performed.

The Development and Initial Validation of PUMC Localized Scleroderma Facial Aesthetic Index: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Localized scleroderma (LoS) is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder leading to serious long-term aesthetic impairment on patients. Objective evaluation methods are badly needed to facilitate the evaluation of the surgical treatment on individual patients and clinical studies. OBJECTIVE: To develop and assess the reliability and validity of Peking Union Medical College LoS facial aesthetic index (PUMC LoSFAI). METHODS: Twelve experts devoted their time and resources in the development and validation. LoS patients in the stable phase were recruited. Reliability and validity was then assessed. LoS patients were evaluated by two plastic surgeons using PUMC LoSFAI and LoS skin damage index (LoSDI). The PUMC LoSFAI comprises 4 domains for the local assessment (surface area of lesion, dyspigmentation, skin thickness and soft tissue atrophy) and 3 domains for the overall assessment (facial symmetry, proportion and profile) to describe LoS facial aesthetic impairment. Face-Q was completed by patients at each visit. RESULTS: Thirty-two LoS patients had 96 visits, during which 138 lesions were assessed. PUMC LoSFAI and 7 domains demonstrated substantial to excellent inter- and intra-rater reliability (ICC 0.995, κw 0.72-0.91, r 0.85-0.99, respectively). Seven domains considered to be important to extremely important variables (mean rank 3.2-3.8) had high I-CVI (> 0.78) and S-CVI (0.93). PUMC LoSFAI correlated excellently with LoSDI (r = 0.933, P < 0.001), and correlated fairly with Face-Q (r = - 0.399, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PUMC LoSFAI was developed and evaluated to play as a tool of aesthetic impairment assessment for LoS patients, which may facilitate the evaluation of the treatment on individual patients and clinical studies. PUMC LoSFAI demonstrated high reliability and validity, and further study in larger patient samples is needed to confirm these preliminary findings. 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 Table of Contents or online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Inherited ichthyosis and fungal infection: an update on pathogenesis and treatment strategies.

Inherited ichthyoses are a group of genodermatoses classified as either nonsyndromic or syndromic. Nonsyndromic ichthyoses and keratitis, ichthyosis and deafness (KID) syndrome predispose to fungal infection. The diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections underlying ichthyoses are challenging. In this review, we summarize reported cases of ichthyosis with fungal infection over the past 50 years. Atypical manifestations such as alopecia, papules and brittle nails occurred in patients with ichthyosis combined with fungal infection. Various pathogenic mechanisms have been implicated, including mutations of ichthyosis-related genes leading to disruption of the skin barrier via multiple pathways. Host immune disorders, including atopy and abnormal innate immunity also contribute to susceptibility. Specific fungi may escape the immune response. Extensive and recurrent fungal infections are not uncommon in patients with ichthyosis, making a cure more difficult and increasing the need for systemic antifungal therapy. Traditional and new ichthyosis treatments aiming to improve skin barrier function could help prevent fungal infection. In conclusion, the close relationship between ichthyosis and fungal infection is of vital importance in clinical practice and requires more attention from physicians. More studies are required to investigate the mechanisms and explore useful treatment strategies.

Secondary Upper Blepharoplasty: Converting Static Folds Into Dynamic Folds.

BACKGROUND: For the patients seeking secondary upper blepharoplasty, a static double-eyelid fold featuring an immobile lower flap and depression of the fold is common. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the authors propose a novel technique of reconstructing pretarsal tissue defects (PTDs) to converting static folds to dynamic folds. METHODS: A total of 203 patients with static folds underwent revision surgery. After complete adhesion release of the lower flap, a PTD was identified, which was defined as an area deficient of orbicularis oculi muscle in front of the tarsal plate. If the width of the PTD was over 2 mm, tissue transfer was performed to reconstruct the PTD, usually with a free retro-orbicularis oculus fat graft or a pretarsal orbicularis oculi flap. RESULTS: Among the 105 patients with severe static folds, 67 received retro-orbicularis oculus fat grafts and 38 received orbicularis oculi muscle flaps. This technique converted a static fold into a dynamic fold. The surgery satisfaction rate was 86.7%. Complications included partial fold loss (n = 7, 3.4%), complete fold loss (n = 3, 1.5%), sunken upper eyelids (n = 5, 2.5%), multiple folds (n = 3, 1.5%), an unnatural curve of the double fold (n = 5, 2.5%), and asymmetric folds (n = 4, 2.0%). CONCLUSIONS: To convert a static fold to a dynamic fold, we devised a technique that releases adhesion of the lower flap and reconstructs the PTD with retro-orbicularis oculus fat graft or an orbicularis oculi muscle flap. Our study achieved a high patient satisfaction rate, and the resulting fold mimicked the dynamics of the congenital double-eyelid fold.

Surgical management of giant juvenile fibroadenoma with skin reducing tumor resection and immediate breast reconstruction: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Giant juvenile fibroadenoma (GJF) is a rare benign tumor that disfiguring affects the breast shape and quality of life of patients. This study aimed to report the experience of GJF management. METHODS: A Wise-pattern skin reducing tumor resection followed by immediate breast reconstruction with a dermal flap pocket was used. The long-term outcomes were assessed retrospectively by BREAST-Q questionnaire from 2008 to 2018. RESULTS: The study included eight patients with GJF. All patients achieved satisfactory results without severe complications. The BREAST-Q revealed that postoperative scores for satisfaction with breasts (69.3 ± 17.6) and sexual wellbeing (62.3 ± 27.6) were higher than the normative scores. The psychosocial wellbeing (69.7 ± 14.6) and physical wellbeing-chest (86.8 ± 13.0) scores were slightly lower than the normative scores. CONCLUSION: Although GJF is a benign tumor, it should be surgically removed. And the Wise-pattern skin reducing tumor resection with immediate breast reconstruction is a proper way to improve patients' satisfaction with breast size and shape and quality of life.

Vaginal Rejuvenation with Acellular Dermal Matrix.

Female genital cosmetic surgery consists of multiple procedures, usually including labiaplasty, clitoral prepuce reduction, labia majora augmentation, and vaginoplasty. The reasons for women to undergo these surgeries can be categorized as functional and aesthetic ones. In this study, we introduced the modified vaginoplasty with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and briefly reviewed our experience in the combination of multiple procedures to achieve the optimal effect.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for the Treatment of Diabetic Wound: From Basic Study to Clinical Application.

Diabetic wounds significantly affect the life quality of patients and may cause amputation and mortality if poorly managed. Recently, a wide range of cell-based methods has emerged as novel therapeutic methods in treating diabetic wounds. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are considered to have the potential for widespread clinical application of diabetic wounds treatment in the future. This review summarized the mechanisms of ASCs to promote diabetic wound healing, including the promotion of immunomodulation, neovascularization, and fibro synthesis. We also review the current progress and limitations of clinical studies using ASCs to intervene in diabetic wound healing. New methods of ASC delivery have been raised in recent years to provide a standardized and convenient use of ASCs.

The modified inframammary fold suture method and its clinical significance in primary augmentation mammoplasty.

BACKGROUND: The inframammary approach is one of the most commonly used incisions in breast augmentation. There are many suture methods for inframammary incisions; however, no one method has proven optimal. We modified the traditional three-layer suture method according to the inframammary fold (IMF) cadaver dissection results. This study aims to investigate whether using a modified suture method can improve postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Cadaver dissections were performed in order to clarify the anatomy of the IMF. From June 2013 to December 2017, a retrospective study of primary breast augmentation patients subjected to the inframammary approach was conducted. Patients were divided into two cohorts: the traditional suture method and the modified suture method. The patient's demographics, specifics of breast augmentation procedures, complications, and scar assessment were analyzed. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to determine differences between the two cohorts. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-four patients were included: 75 patients were subjected to the traditional suture method, and 109 patients were subjected to the modified suture method. Wound-related adverse events (p = 0.026) and IMF-indented scarring (p = 0.014) were significantly different between the two groups. Multivariable analysis showed that the suture method was the most influential factor related to IMF-indented scarring (OR = 16.9), followed by BMI (OR = 2.9). CONCLUSIONS: We defined a new suture method for the inframammary incision in primary breast augmentation. This modified suture method reduces the occurrence of wound-related adverse events and IMF-indented scarring.

Ultrasonographic observation of the masseter muscle after injection of different botulinum toxin type A.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injection is a popular cosmetic procedure in East Asian countries, and there are multiple types of toxins on the market. Whether different toxin types induce different changes in the masseter has not been studied. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate and compare the changes induced by injection of different types of BoNT-A in the masseter. METHODS: Upon retrospective review of clinical records and routine ultrasound examination results of patients who underwent BoNT-A injection, four groups were set for comparison: unapproved toxin, OnabotulinumtoxinA, LanbotulinumtoxinA, and non-injected. Clinical records and ultrasound images were collected. Ultrasound images were taken in both horizontal and coronal planes. Elasticity of the masseter muscle was also investigated by measuring the surface wave speed. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients were included (six patients per group). All patients were young females. For the non-injected group, the deep inferior tendon was clear and the muscle bundles were arranged, with little fibrous content. Patients who received unapproved toxin injection showed highly disarranged muscle and fiber bundles, with much fiber content present. The changes in OnabotulinumtoxinA and LanbotulinumtoxinA groups were in between those in the non-injected and unapproved toxin groups. Muscle rigidity was the highest in the unapproved toxin group, and generally higher in injected groups compared with the non-injected group. CONCLUSION: Different types of BoNT-A may induce different changes in the masseter.

Repigmentation of nipple-areola complex after ReCell® treatment on breast vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Nipple-areola complex is a naturally hyperpigmented skin area which can be involved in vitiligo. But limited study focused on the treatment of nipple-areola complex vitiligo, and few methods were proven to be effective. In this study, we aimed to explore the feasibility and efficacy of ReCell® on vitiligo in the nipple-areola complex area. METHODS: Medical records of patients with vitiligo involving nipple-areola complex and underwent ReCell® treatment from October 2016 to April 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The repigmentation rate of the nipple-areola complex and other breast area were calculated under the Wood's light at each follow-up. The grade of repigmentation and patient-reported satisfaction rate were also evaluated to prove the effect of ReCell® on vitiligo of breast and especially in the nipple-areola complex area. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients were included in this study. No surgical complications were reported. The mean postoperative repigmentation rate in the nipple-areola complex area (3rd-month, 78.7 ± 5.8%; 6th-month, 87.6 ± 5.1%; and 12th-month, 96.1 ± 3.5%) was significantly higher than that in the other breast treatment area (3rd-month, 70.4 ± 6.9%; 6th-month, 84.2 ± 5.7%, and 12th-month, 93.2 ± 3.6%). All patients showed good or excellent grades at the last follow-up, and 94.4% of them considered the overall treatment results satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: ReCell® is a feasible and efficient treatment strategy in the nipple-areola complex vitiligo.

The reconstructive strategy for pelvic oncological surgery with various types of MS-VRAM flaps.

BACKGROUND: Muscle-sparing vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-VRAM) flaps are widely used in pelvic reconstruction. Aiming at optimal reconstructive outcomes, flap design and modification should be individualized to restore various kinds of defects. OBJECTIVE: Summarize an empirical strategy about MS-VRAM selection for different pelvic and perineal reconstructions. METHODS: Thirty patients who underwent total pelvic exenteration and pelvic reconstruction surgery from 2009 to 2017 were enrolled. The patients were divided into four groups according to the type of MS-VRAM-based flap used in the procedure: the modified long vertical flap (n = 10), the wrapping flap (n = 6), the de-epithelialized flap (n = 6), and the cork flap (n = 8). The follow-up period was 1 year after the surgery. Flap size, drainage volume, postoperative satisfaction, and complications were recorded, and postoperative photographs were collected. RESULTS: All of the patients achieved satisfying effect under the targeted reconstruction strategy. Of the four groups, the accurate cork flap finally acquires higher satisfaction, the shortest hospital stay, and the least total drainage volume. Meanwhile, the incidence of complications was not increased compared with the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: A new reconstructive strategy for pelvic reconstruction was established. Functional or non-functional reconstruction was accomplished by using various MS-VRAM flaps. Among them, the cork flap is the most economical flap to reconstruct pelvic floor defects with minimal tissue requirement and donor trauma.