Accurate Plane Fat Grafting in Gluteal Augmentation: An Anatomic Study.

BACKGROUND: The safety of gluteal fat grafting is a global concern in plastic surgery. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to test whether fat grafting to the buttocks with Auto Stop Reach (ASR) technology prevents penetration from the subcutaneous space into the fascia and muscle layers of the buttocks. METHODS: Fat transfer simulation was performed with blue dye on 8 fresh tissue cadaver buttocks by 3 board-certified plastic surgeons (S.S.K., S.C., B.W.). An open control was utilized to visualize the process in the different anatomic layers, and all of the other procedures were performed blindly, akin to live surgery. After blue dye transfer reached maximum capacity (ranging from 400-800 mL per buttock), dissection of the anatomical layers of the buttocks was performed to determine the plane(s) of injection. RESULTS: Blue dye fat transfer injection to the buttocks did not penetrate the gluteal fascia or muscle layers from the subcutaneous space while using ASR. CONCLUSIONS: Auto Stop Reach technology supports the safety of gluteal fat transfer in the subcutaneous space by board-certified plastic surgeons.

Comparison of skin graft donor site management using oxidised regenerated cellulose (ORC)/collagen/silver-ORC with absorptive silicone adhesive border and transparent film dressing vs semi-occlusive dressings.

Split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) are widely used in wound reconstruction. However, donor site wounds are created as a result. Traditionally, moist wound healing and transparent film dressings have been used to promote donor site wound healing. This retrospective study evaluated the use of oxidised regenerated cellulose (ORC)/collagen/silver-ORC dressing (ORC/C/Ag-ORC) with an absorptive silicone adhesive border dressing and transparent film dressing (treatment) compared with petrolatum-based gauze dressing (control) over donor site wounds. Patients underwent an STSG procedure between January and December 2020. Donor sites received treatment (n = 10) or control (n = 10) dressings. Dressing changes occurred as necessary. Time to epithelialisation, narcotic pain medication requirements, and the number of office/hospital visits were examined. Twenty patients were managed (9 males, 11 females, average age: 49.7 ± 13.9 y). Patient comorbidities included hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Wound types included traumatic and cancer excision. Time to epithelialisation was significantly reduced in the treatment group (11.1 ± 1.4 d vs 18 ± 2.4 d, P < 0.0001). The number of office visits for dressing changes was significantly lower in the treatment group (0.1 ± 0.3 vs 2 ± 0.7, P < 0.0001). No patients in the treatment group required a hospital visit, compared with 3 patients in the control group. One patient in the treatment group required narcotic pain medication, compared with 5 in the control group. In this patient population, the use of ORC/C/Ag-ORC, an absorptive silicone adhesive border dressing, and transparent film dressing resulted in a shorter time to epithelialisation and less analgesic requirement compared with petrolatum-based gauze dressing use.

Use of oxidised regenerated cellulose/collagen dressings versus standard of care over multiple wound types: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Oxidised regenerated cellulose (ORC)/collagen dressings help maintain physiologically moist wound environments conducive to wound healing. While evidence supporting ORC/collagen dressing use exists, comprehensive assessment is needed. This systematic review/meta-analysis evaluated the performance of ORC/collagen dressings compared with standard dressings. A systematic literature search was performed using PUBMED, EMBASE, and QUOSA Virtual Library. Published studies and conference abstracts were assessed between 1 January 1996 and 27 July 2020. Comparative studies in English completed by 31 December 2019, with a study population ≥10 were included. Patient demographics, wound healing, and protease concentrations were extracted. A random-effect model was used to assess the effect of ORC/collagen dressings. Twenty studies were included following removal of duplicates and articles not meeting inclusion criteria. A statistically significant effect in favour of ORC/collagen dressings was found for wound closure (P = 0.027) and percent wound area reduction (P = 0.006). Inconclusive evidence or limited reporting prevented assessment of time to complete healing, days of therapy, number of dressing applications, pain, matrix metalloproteinase, elastase, plasmin, and gelatinase concentration. Statistically significant increase in wound closure rates and percent wound area reduction were observed in patients receiving ORC/collagen dressings compared with standard dressings in this systematic review/meta-analysis.

The Safe Labiaplasty: A Study of Nerve Density in Labia Minora and Its Implications.

BACKGROUND: Surgical techniques to alleviate labia minora hypertrophy are gaining popularity. Due to the rapidly growing number of labiaplasties performed around the world, there is concern for the safety of these procedures with respect to maintaining sensitivity to the genitalia and/or implications for sexual arousal. OBJECTIVES: An anatomic study aimed at identifying the nerve density distribution of the labia minora was performed to provide unique insight into performing labiaplasty while preserving sensation. METHODS: Four fresh tissue cadaver labia minora were analyzed. Each labia minora was divided into 6 anatomic areas. The samples from each of the 6 anatomic locations were analyzed for presence of nerve bundles using both a routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain and a confirmatory immunohistochemical staining for S100 protein. Nerve density was analyzed under light microscopy, counted, and then expressed as percentage nerve density as well as number of bundles per square millimeter. RESULTS: Upon gross analysis, the raw data reveal that labia minora have a heterogeneous population of sensory nerves. When looking at percent nerve density, the data do not reveal any statistical differences between the anatomic locations. CONCLUSIONS: Most labiaplasty techniques can be performed safely and are unlikely to cause loss of sensation as the nerve density distribution in labia minora is heterogeneous.

Utility of a Synthetic Hybrid-Scale Fiber Matrix in Surgical Soft Tissue Reconstruction.

Background: Large wounds, regardless of etiology, can be difficult to close and often require advanced treatment. The complexity of healing these wounds increases when underlying structures such as tendon and muscle are exposed. These structures are difficult to granulate tissue over, and successful wound closure, whether through secondary intention or via a split-thickness skin graft or flap, is dependent on sufficient coverage of the exposed bone or tendon. Given these challenges, new treatment options should be explored to achieve successful outcomes in this patient population. A resorbable synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix, with a structure similar to that of native human extracellular matrix, is gaining popularity in the treatment of soft tissue defects. Methods: A retrospective case series was conducted via review of medical charts. Patients included in this review were treated with the synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix to manage large, deep wounds with exposed structures. Twenty-two patients with deep surgical wounds of various etiologies were treated with the synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix to granulate the wound bed in preparation for a split-thickness skin graft or flap closure or until complete re-epithelialization of the wound. Results: The average patient age was 59.3 years old, and the average initial wound size was 210.3 cm². All wounds had exposed structures, which included muscle, fat, fascia, or tendon. Wounds were closed utilizing healing by secondary intent (23%), bridging to a split-thickness skin graft (63%), or bridging to a flap closure (14%). All wounds achieved total closure within an average of 41.4 days with no reported complications. Conclusions: The synthetic hybrid-scale fiber matrix demonstrated efficacy encouraging granulation tissue over exposed structures and should be considered as a novel treatment option for complex soft tissue reconstruction.

Anatomical landmarks to avoid injury to the great auricular nerve during rhytidectomy.

BACKGROUND: An estimated 116 086 facelifts were performed in 2011. Regardless of the technique employed, facial flap elevation carries with it anatomical pitfalls of which any surgeon performing these procedures should be aware. Injury to the great auricular nerve (GAN) is the most common of these injuries, occurring at a rate of 6% to 7%. OBJECTIVES: We report our findings on the location of the GAN on the basis of anatomical landmarks to aid surgeons with planning their surgical approach for safe elevation of rhytidectomy skin flaps in the lateral neck region. METHODS: Sixteen fresh cadaveric heads were dissected under loupe magnification. All specimens were dissected in a 45-degree (facelift) position in which a mid-sternocleidomastoid (SCM) incision was used for exposure. Measurements from the bony mastoid process, bony external auditory canal, external jugular vein, and anterior border of the SCM to the GAN were taken in each cadaver. RESULTS: The GAN follows a consistent course over the mid-body of the SCM before bifurcating into anterior and posterior branches and terminal arborization. Regardless of the length of the SCM, the GAN at its most superficial location was found to be consistently at a ratio of one-third the distance from either the mastoid process or the external auditory canal to the clavicular origin of the SCM. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the anatomy, course, and location of the GAN along the surface of SCM muscle based on anatomic landmarks and distance ratios can facilitate a safer dissection in the lateral neck during rhytidectomy procedures.

The consequences of noncompliance with guidelines for withholding or terminating resuscitation in traumatic cardiac arrest patients.

BACKGROUND: The validity of current guidelines regarding resuscitation of patients in traumatic cardiopulmonary arrest (TCPA) and the ability of emergency medical services (EMS) to appropriately apply them have been called into question. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the consequences of violating the current published guidelines and whether EMS personnel were able to accurately identify patients in TCPA. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of our Level I trauma center's database that identified 294 patients over an 8-year period (January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2010) who suffered prehospital TCPA and met criteria for the withholding or termination of resuscitation based on current guidelines. Patient demographics, prehospital/emergency department physiology, survival, neurologic outcome, and hospital charges were analyzed. RESULTS: One of 294 patients (0.3%) survived to reach hospital discharge with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 6. The total costs incurred for these 294 patients meeting criteria for withholding or termination of resuscitation were $3,852,446.65. One hundred seventeen (39.8%) patients were evaluated by more than one EMS team. There was 100% agreement on the presence (15 of 15) or absence (102 of 102) of a pulse between the EMS teams. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the current guidelines regarding the withholding or termination of resuscitation of patients in prehospital TCPA and represent the largest series to date on this topic. EMS personnel were able to accurately determine traumatic cardiac arrest in the field in this series. Violation of the current guidelines resulted in six patients being resuscitated to a neurologically devastated state. No loss of neurologically intact survivors would have resulted had strict adherence to the guidelines been maintained.

Bony anatomic landmarks to avoid injury to the marginal mandibular nerve.

BACKGROUND: Marginal mandibular nerve injuries are more likely to be symptomatic than other facial nerve injuries following facelift procedures. The marginal mandibular nerve courses over the facial artery in the region of the mandible. The nerve is most susceptible to injury in this location because it lies superficial to the anterior facial artery. OBJECTIVES: The authors describe the location of the marginal mandibular nerve based on superficial anatomic landmarks as it crosses the facial artery above the mandibular border, in order to help surgeons avoid injury to this nerve during facelift procedures. METHODS: Eighteen cadaveric facial halves were dissected with the aid of loupe magnification. The distance from the facial artery to the palpable masseteric tuberosity at the angle of the mandible was measured. The distance from the masseteric tuberosity to the mental midline was also measured to determine a ratio of the facial nerve from the masseteric tuberosity to the mental midline. RESULTS: The facial artery was found to be an average of 3.05 ± 0.13 cm anterior to the masseteric tuberosity along the mandible. The marginal mandibular nerve crossed the facial artery along the mandibular border approximately 3 cm anterior to the masseteric tuberosity. The distance from the masseteric tuberosity to the mental midline averaged 11.3 ± 0.54 cm. Therefore, the marginal mandibular nerve courses superficial to the facial artery at approximately one-fourth of the distance from the masseteric tuberosity to the mental midline. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the masseteric tuberosity and mental midline landmarks of the facial artery can provide a reliable and safe approach to surgery of the lower face.

Use of oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC)/collagen/silver-ORC dressings to help manage skin graft donor site wounds.

Harvesting donor site explants for split-thickness skin grafting creates an iatrogenic wound that presents additional challenges to clinicians due to morbidities such as persistent bleeding, pain, infection, and delayed epithelialization. Although there have been several randomized controlled trials to compare wound dressing effectiveness, there is still a lack of standardization for donor site wound dressings. A retrospective comparison of 59 patients that underwent split-thickness skin graft reconstructions between January 2017 and September 2018 was performed. Donor sites of Group 1 patients (n = 29) were treated with a transparent film dressing and transitioned to petrolatum gauze dressings if exudate management became problematic; Group 2 patients (n = 30) were treated with oxidized regenerated cellulose/collagen/silver-oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC/C/Ag-ORC) dressings. Evaluations of time to epithelialization, number of dressings required, signs of inflammation, and objective pain were compared between groups. Group 1 was comprised of 18 female and 11 male patients, whereas Group 2 was comprised of 14 females and 16 males. There were no significant differences between groups when comparing age, sex, comorbidities, or donor site size (area or depth). Patients in Group 2 had a significantly shorter time to complete re-epithelialization (P < .0001), fewer dressing changes (P < .0001), and less objective pain as measured by the need for opioid pain mediation (P < .0001) when compared to Group 1. The percentage of patients with signs of inflammation was also lower for Group 2, although this difference was not statistically significant (P = .0797). Although prospective, controlled studies are still needed, data from this study suggest that ORC/C/Ag-ORC dressings could become a more effective alternative for the management of donor site wounds, especially in patients with known risk factors for wound healing.

Comparing Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation and Conventional Dressings for Sternal Wound Reconstructions.

BACKGROUND: Muscle flap reconstruction has become a mainstay of therapy following treatment of sternal wound complications; however, success depends on removing wound exudate and infectious material from the wound before reconstruction and closure. Importantly, time to closure is a key factor affecting morbidity/mortality and cost-to-treat for this wound type. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 30 patients who were treated for sternal wound complications between June 2015 and October 2017 was performed. After surgical debridement, group 1 patients (n = 15) received negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d), instilling 1/8-strength Dakin's solution with a 20-minute dwell time followed by 2 hours of NPWT (-125 mm Hg); group 2 patients (n = 15) were treated with wet-to-moist dressings soaked in 1/8-strength Dakin's solution. After muscle flap reconstruction and closure with sutures, group 1 patients received closed incision negative pressure therapy, and group 2 patients received Benzoin and wound closure strips. Data collected included time to closure, therapy duration, number of debridements/dressing changes, drain duration, and complications. RESULTS: There was a significantly shorter time to closure (P < 0.0001) for group 1 when compared with group 2. In addition, there were fewer therapy days (P = 0.0041), fewer debridements/dressing changes (P = 0.0011), and shorter drain duration (P = 0.0001) for group 1 when compared with group 2. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a novel regimen consisting of adjunctive NPWTi-d, along with debridement and systemic antibiotics, followed by closed incision negative pressure therapy after muscle flap reconstruction and closure, to help manage preexisting sternal wounds that had failed to close following a previous cardiac procedure.

Anatomic Landmarks to Locate the Median Nerve for Safe Wrist Block or Carpal Tunnel Steroid Injection.

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy involving the upper extremity. As such, various nonoperative techniques have been developed to aid in management of mild to moderate disease, including local steroid injection. However, definitive guidelines for needle/injection location have not been defined, especially in relation to diminishment of iatrogenic injury to the median nerve. Methods: A cadaveric study was designed to determine the average width of the median nerve, as well as its location specifically in relation to the palmaris longus (if present), the flexor carpi radialis, and the midpoint of the wrist. All measurements were obtained at the radial tip of the interstyloid line. Results: Data demonstrated that the average width of the median nerve was 7.85 mm and that it lies ulnar in location to the palmaris longus (3 mm), as well as the midpoint of the wrist at the radial tip of the interstyloid line (0.43 mm). Furthermore, the distance between the median nerve and the flexor carpi radialis was measured to be 9.57 mm. Outcomes: Therefore, injection location should be radial with respect to the palmaris longus and the midline of the wrist. It can be just ulnar to the flexor carpi radialis tendon or between 8 and 10 mm radial to the midpoint of the wrist in order to prevent median nerve injection and direct trauma to the nerve.

Comprehensive Review and Case Study on the Management of Buried Penis Syndrome and Related Panniculectomy.

Objective: This paper discusses the various surgical techniques and outcomes associated with management of buried penis syndrome. Methods: Presented is the case of a 49-year-old man with morbid obesity, leading to massive panniculus and buried penis. We review our technique for reconstruction of the buried penis and treatment of the overlying large panniculus. Literature search was conducted to review current techniques in correcting buried penis syndrome. Results: The patient underwent a successful panniculectomy with removal of all excess skin and tissue. Thoughtful planning and coordination between plastic surgery and urology were paramount to externalize the penis for an excellent functional and cosmetic result. Conclusions: Management of a buried, hidden penis is complex and difficult. Patients are often obese and have poor hygiene due to the inability to cleanse areas that are entrapped by excessive fat. Following removal of the overhanging panniculus, satisfactory reconstruction of a hidden penis is possible when proper care is taken to adhere the base of the penis to the pubis. Split-thickness skin grafts are often necessary but depend on the viability of the penile skin and whether it is restricting penile length. Complications with wound dehiscence and infection are not uncommon; however, patients generally recover well, are satisfied with results, and are reported to have fully regained urinary and sexual functions following surgical correction of the buried penis.

Vapocoolant Anesthesia for Cosmetic Facial Rejuvenation Injections: A Randomized, Prospective, Split-Face Trial.

Background: Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are the most commonly performed aesthetic techniques by plastic surgeons. Patients are interested in a pain-free experience. Surgeons desire patient satisfaction and time-efficient utilization of office staff and resources. Clinical evidence exists for use of vapocoolant technology to reduce pain associated with intravenous cannulation in the pediatric population and in hemodialysis patients. Applying vapocoolant technology to facial rejuvenation is a novel approach to decrease pain associated with neurotoxin or filler injection. Methods: A randomized, prospective study was conducted, testing 15 subjects receiving filler injections and another 15 patients receiving neurotoxin injections using a split-face model. The vapocoolant spray used was composed of a 95:5 ratio of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. Within each group, individual patients randomly received injection (filler or neurotoxin) alone versus injection (filler or neurotoxin) plus vapocoolant on an equivalent half of his or her face. An independent examiner recorded from each patient on a scale of 1 to 10 perceived pain for injection alone versus injection plus vapocoolant spray. Results were calculated as a percentage change of pain scores experienced after injection for each person between the control (nonvapocoolant) and treatment (vapocoolant) sides of the face. Results: Vapocoolant spray at the time of cosmetic facial injections leads to a 59% decrease in perceived pain score with neurotoxin injections (range, 0%-100% change) and 64% decrease in perceived pain score with filler injections (range, 0%-100% change). These results were statistically significant with P < .05. Conclusion: Vapocoolant spray reduces pain associated with facial rejuvenation procedures.

Inpatient and Outpatient Wound Treatment Recommendations: Assessing Use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Systems or Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose (ORC)/ Collagen/Silver-ORC Dressings.

The increase in wound prevalence means more patients with wounds are being transferred through care settings than ever before. Although the goals of therapy may be the same in both settings, wound care therapies and dressings differ in availability and appropriateness for each setting. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) modalities and oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC)/collagen (C)/silver-ORC dressings are available in both inpatient and outpatient care settings, but (to-date) lack comprehensive information regarding best practices in transitioning use of these therapies between various care settings. A panel meeting was convened to provide literature- and experience-based recommendations in transitioning wound care patients between various care settings. The use of NPWT with instillation and dwell time was recommended in wounds contaminated with debris and/or infectious materials or heavy exudate. In addition, ORC/C/silver-ORC dressing application was recommended for surface bleeding and for placement into explored areas of undermining to help promote development of granulation tissue. When transitioning a patient from inpatient to outpatient care, overall health, access to services, severity and complexity of the wound, and equipment availability should be taken into consideration. Treatment modalities to bridge the gap during care transition should be used to help maintain continuous care. For outpatient care, NPWT use was recommended for removal of infectious materials and exudate management. The ORC/C/silver-ORC dressings also may be used to help manage exudate and promote granulation tissue development and moist wound healing. In addition, practice challenges and potential solutions for patient adherence, interrupted care during patient transition, and troubleshooting after hours and weekend device alarms were discussed.

Reduction Mammoplasty: Intraoperative Weight Versus Pathology Weight and Its Implications.

Background: Despite the efficacy of reduction mammoplasty and demonstration that resection weight does not predict symptomatic relief of macromastia, many insurers still rely on the Schnur scale or predetermined resection weight for reimbursement. Insurers review pathology reports to determine reimbursement. Tissue desiccation and handling decrease specimen weight prior to pathology evaluation. Surgeons often make judgments based on intraoperative weight. Our goal was to determine whether (1) discrepancies exist between intraoperative and pathology weights, and (2) how differences may impact reimbursement and medical practice. Methods: Medical records review was performed on 25 reduction mammoplasty cases performed between 2007 and 2010, yielding 48 specimens. Tumescent was never used. Weight of each specimen from operative and pathology reports was reviewed and compared. The 2-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to compare sample weights. Results: Comparison of intraoperative versus pathology specimen weights revealed an average 7% weight decrease (range, +11% to -45%). Average and median specimen weight decrease from intraoperative to pathology weights was 48 g (SD = 71 g) and 31 g (interquartile range = 6.6-58 g), respectively. Average intraoperative specimen weight was 780.7 g (SD = 375.3 g; range, 290-2238 g). Average pathology specimen weight was 732.3 g (SD = 358.4 g; range, 265-2053.6 g) (P < .001) All but 2 samples weighed less in pathology. Conclusion: Desiccation and handling between intraoperative and pathology weighing decrease specimen weight. Weight discrepancies may have implications on coverage and reimbursement by insurers. Awareness of such discrepancies can help plastic surgeons and patients avoid unexpected coverage and reimbursement complications.

Champagne Groove Lipectomy: A Safe Technique to Contour the Upper Abdomen in Abdominoplasty.

Objective: Combined liposuction and abdominoplasty, or lipoabdominoplasty, is particularly helpful in sculpting a more aesthetically pleasing abdominal contour, particularly in the supraumbilical midline groove. This groove, coined the "champagne groove" by one of our patients, is a frequently sought-after attribute by patients. However, liposuction adds time and cost to an already costly abdominoplasty. We sought to create this groove without the addition of liposuction, utilizing what we call a champagne groove lipectomy. This study reports on our champagne groove lipectomy technique and compares our complication rates with those reported in the literature for standard abdominoplasty techniques. Methods: This is a retrospective review of a single surgeon's experience at our institution over a 6-year period (2007-2012). A total of 74 patients undergoing consecutive abdominoplasty were studied, all female nonsmokers. Two groups were recognized: 64 of 74 patients underwent abdominoplasty, partial belt lipectomy, and champagne groove lipectomy, while 10 of 74 patients underwent fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty without champagne groove lipectomy. Results: Overall, 10 of 74 patients (13.5%) suffered some type of complication, which compares favorably with reported rates in the literature. The majority of complications were related to delayed wound healing or superficial wound dehiscence. Among those patients who underwent champagne groove lipectomy, complications occurred in 6 of 64 patients (9.3%), versus 4 of 10 (40%) patients undergoing fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty. Conclusions: Champagne groove lipectomy is a cost-effective alternative to lipoabdominoplasty for achieving an aesthetically pleasing upper midline abdominal contour, with complication rates comparing favorably with those reported in the literature.

Safe Plastic Surgery of the Breast II: Saving Nipple Sensation.

Background: Since its inception, reduction mammoplasty has matured considerably. Primary evolution in clinical research and practice initially focused on developing techniques to preserve tissue viability; breast parenchyma, skin, and nipple tissue that has expanded to include sensation and erectile function play a large role in the physical intimacy of women. Studies regarding primary innervation to the nipple are few and often contradictory. Our past anatomical study demonstrated that primary innervation to the nipple to come from the lateral branch of the fourth intercostal nerve. We propose an unsafe zone in which dissection during reduction mammoplasty ought to be avoided to preserve nipple sensation. Objective: To identify the trajectory of innervation to the nipple and translate these findings to the clinical setting so as to preserve nipple sensation. Methods: Eighty-six patients underwent reduction mammoplasty using the Wise pattern inferior pedicle (n = 72), vertical Hall-Findlay superomedial pedicle (n = 11), and Drape pattern inferior pedicle (n = 3). Aggressive dissection in the most superficial and deep tissue in the inferolateral quadrant of the breast was avoided. Results: All 86 patients reported having the same normal sensation to the breast at postoperative evaluation. Conclusions: The fourth intercostal nerve provides the major innervation to the nipple-areola complex. Avoiding dissection in inferolateral quadrant "unsafe zone" of the breast during reduction mammoplasty can reliably spare nipple sensation and maximize patient outcomes.

Pseudoptosis Correction With the 270° Pedicle Reduction Mammoplasty: An Anatomic and Clinical Study.

Background: Reduction mammoplasty techniques have evolved considerably. Today, aesthetically pleasing results and preservation of nipple sensation and vascularity are emphasized. Achieving the aforementioned goals for the patient with pseudoptosis remains challenging. Objective: We present 270° pedicle reduction mammoplasty as a safe and direct technique for treatment of pseudoptosis to reduce size and improve breast shape. Methods: Circumareolar subcutaneous dissection of 10 breasts (5 cadavers) was performed to identify the nerves from the chest wall to the nipple. The trajectory of the nerves to the nipple was identified and dissected to their origin of penetration of the chest fascia. This information provides the basis for lateral chest wall tissue preservation for preserved nipple-areolar innervation, which is incorporated into this technique. Retrospective review of a single surgeon's experience with the 270° pedicle technique for reduction mammoplasty over a 1-year period was performed. Results: Anatomic dissection identified 3 to 5 branches of the fourth intercostal nerve to primarily innervate the nipple on 8 of 10 breast dissections. Accessory innervation from the fifth intercostal nerve provided lateral branches to the nipple in 5 of 10 specimens. Five patients underwent reduction mammoplasty with the 270° pedicle technique. No complications were identified. Excellent aesthetic outcomes were achieved on the basis of patient-reported satisfaction and the surgeon's judgment. All patients demonstrated normal nipple sensation at postoperative follow-up. Follow-up at 1 year did not demonstrate recurrence of ptosis/pseudoptosis or change in nipple position. Conclusions: The 270° technique for pedicle reduction mammoplasty yields aesthetically pleasing results and symptomatic relief from macromastia and preserves nipple sensation.

Review of nipple reconstruction techniques and introduction of v to y technique in a bilateral wise pattern mastectomy or reduction mammaplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Nipple-areola complex reconstruction (NAR) is the final procedure in breast reconstruction after the majority of mastectomies. Many methods of NAR have been described, each with inherent advantages and disadvantages depending on local healthy tissue availability, previous scarring and procedures, and the operative morbidity of the NAR technique. Nipple reconstructions may be complicated by scars or previous nipple reconstruction, making the procedure more challenging. We propose the use of the V-Y advancement flap as a new method that is suitable for both novice and experienced surgeons wishing to broaden their range of techniques for difficult nipple reconstructions. METHODS: A traditional V-Y advancement flap is lifted at the site of the future nipple. Mastectomy scars from prior mastectomy, mammoplasty, or nipple reconstruction can be incorporated into the flap. The flap is folded caudally upon itself and the secondary defect at the apex of the flap is linearly closed. RESULTS: At 6-month postoperative evaluation, adequate nipple projection and patient satisfaction were achieved with this method. CONCLUSION: The V-Y advancement flap is a suitable method for achieving satisfactory results when faced with challenging NAR. The method is easy to perform, reproducible, has low operative morbidity, and incorporates previous wise pattern mastectomy or mammaplasty scars into the newly reconstructed nipple, thereby decreasing new scar formation on the breast and leading to favorable cosmetic results.

Continuous Postoperative Antibiotic Irrigation via Catheter System Following Immediate Breast Reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction with implantable devices is now the most common type of technique utilized following mastectomy. Because infections are one of the most common complications for the procedure and currently no one method has been proven to stand above the rest, we designed and implemented a novel technique that employed 24 hours continuous triple-antibiotic irrigation via a catheter-based system. From August 2009 to March 2012, 79 patients underwent tissue expander-based reconstruction from a single plastic surgeon. Forty-five consecutive patients underwent breast reconstructive surgery with implant-based reconstruction alone; the remaining 34 patients underwent breast reconstructive surgery with tissue expansion and closed continuous postoperative antibiotic irrigation. Incidences of infection, seroma, hematoma, and premature explantation were recorded. Both the rate of premature explant (20% vs 2.9%; P = 0.037) and surgical site infections (22.2% vs 5.8%, P = 0.060) decreased. Twenty-four hour continuous antibiotic irrigation is a useful adjunct to tissue expander breast reconstruction.