A Combined Approach for Fast Nanofat Microneedling.

BACKGROUND: Lipofilling is currently a fundamental component of rhytidoplasty and fat harvesting has become a common procedure. Tonnard introduced the concept of nanofat grafting, a revolutionary milestone, in which adipocytes are mechanically separated from the stromal vascular fraction and the latter is injected, adding the possibility of cellular therapies to the surgical field. Later, Verpaele et al. published a report using a new device to apply this nanofat in a uniform manner, which they termed nanofat needling. The device has 24 microneedles of 1.5 mm length and is applied as a stamp, in a tapping motion. The same manufacturer offers a similar model with 64 microneedles, 1.0 mm length, and available as a roller. OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the combination of the above-mentioned microneedling devices to achieve faster nanofat delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective evaluation of patients undergoing a combined nanofat microneedling approach for skin rejuvenation and scar revision, using both a stamp device as well as a roller, was performed in a private practice setting, from January 2019 to January 2020. Patient satisfaction, complications, and surgical time were evaluated. RESULTS: We applied this combination treatment to over 100 treatment areas in 86 patients over a 12-month period, with a short operative time, no increase in complications, consistent results, and good patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the use of this new device in association with the original one, in order to decrease the procedure time. We designate this strategy "fast nanofat microneedling."

Velocidade em cirurgia: 10 dicas rápidas para elevar a confiança e o adestramento manual do jovem cirurgião plástico / Speed in surgery: 10 quick tips to increase confidence and manual training on the young plastic surgeon

O presente artigo tem como objetivo demonstrar 10 dicas rápidas que tem como alvo o auxílio no desenvolvimento de confiança, de melhora da habilidade manual e de planejamento cirúrgico na rotina diária de treinamento do jovem cirurgião plástico; habilidades capazes de promover redução do tempo cirúrgico global, sem comprometer a meticulosidade dos movimentos realizados.

The purpose of this article is to show 10 quick tips that aim to aid in the development of confidence, improvement of manual skill, and surgical planning in the daily training routine of the young plastic surgeon; skills capable of reducing overall surgical time without compromising the meticulousness of the movements performed.

SMS-Split Muscle Support: A Reproducible Approach for Breast Implant Stabilization.

BACKGROUND: Recent concerns regarding the association between macrotextured breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) have led to renewed interest in the use of devices with less texturing. Smooth implants appear to have a decreased risk of ALCL; however, low implant adherence has led to questions about implant stabilization and bottoming-out. The senior author has used a split muscle support (SMS) technique to help support the implant infero-laterally in over 380 breast augmentations and augmentation-mastopexy using smooth implants, with a low complication and reoperation rate. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 387 consecutive breast augmentation and augmentation-mastopexy patients operated on by the senior author over 24 months was performed. The SMS technique was classified in three grades according to amount of implant support by the pectoralis major muscle. RESULTS: Patients were followed for an average of 13 months. Major complications occurred in seven (1.9%) patients, of which five (1.4%) were considered implant-related. There were one case of implant rotation and three cases of malposition during the transition from microtexture to nanotexture implants and one case of capsular contracture in a previously irradiated breast. Three post-massive weight loss patients required reoperation for further skin adjustment, and one patient requested upsizing of her implants at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: The SMS technique is easily reproducible, adjustable intraoperatively according to patient characteristics, and helps stabilize breast implants. With increasing patient awareness regarding ALCL, the association of smooth implants along with the varying degrees of implant support afforded by SMS can help achieve a low complication and reoperation rate. 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.

Photobiomodulation Improved the First Stages of Wound Healing Process After Abdominoplasty: An Experimental, Double-Blinded, Non-randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Photobiomodulation is widely studied for its potential benefits in the wound healing process. Numerous scientific studies have highlighted its effect on various phases of wound repair, but clinical validations are few. This comparative trial aims to evaluate the influence of photobiomodulation on the post-abdominoplasty healing process. METHODS: Seventeen Caucasian women (aged 18-55) who underwent an abdominoplasty were enrolled in this double-blinded, controlled clinical trial. The postoperative scars were divided into two areas; the right side of the scars was treated with ten sessions of photobiomodulation (consisting in three types of wavelengths). The other part of the scars was used as control and did not receive any additional treatment. Clinical assessments of both parts of the scars were scheduled at 1, 6 and 12 months postoperative. RESULTS: Within six months following surgery, significantly improved quality of the scars on the treated side compared with the untreated side was reported by patients and experienced professionals according to Vancouver Scar Scale, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (p < 0.05) and standardized photographs (p < 0.05). At 1 year of follow-up, patients observed no differences between the treated and untreated sides of the scars. This suggests that photobiomodulation appears to play an early role in the wound healing process, accelerating the first stages of cicatrization. CONCLUSION: This study statistically validates the positive impact of photobiomodulation treatment on the first stages of the postoperative healing process. Carried out on Caucasians participants only, this study should, however, be performed on a more heterogeneous population to definitively confirm these effects on an international population. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: Registro Brasileiro de ensaios clínicos: http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br , Trial RBR-49PK78. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: 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 .

Breast Reduction: The Superolateral Dermoglandular Pedicle Revisited.

BACKGROUND: Breast hypertrophy, generally found in association with ptosis, is a common problem in postadolescent women. Beyond the psychological burden of excessively heavy, droopy breasts, physical symptoms compound the condition, with neck, shoulder and back pain. Reduction mammaplasty is one of the most common cosmetic operations, especially to improve patient's musculoskeletal symptoms, with proven benefits in patient satisfaction and self-esteem postoperatively. Multiple techniques exist for breast reduction, with no clear evidence of benefit of one over another. METHODS: We review the senior author's experience in using a superolateral pedicle for breast reduction in 726 patients over the past 40 years. Over the past 10 years, the technique has also been adapted for simultaneous augmentation-mastopexy, especially in post-bariatric surgery patients. Benefits include recruitment of lateral breast tissue to fill the upper pole and correct axillary fullness. The technique has the advantages of ease of execution and a low complication rate. RESULTS: Complete data were available for 397 patients. Resection weights varied from 380 to 1248 g, and mean sternal notch-nipple distance was 25.3 cm. Mean follow-up was 22 months. Complications were uncommon: four cases of partial nipple-areola complex loss, dehiscence in 14 patients, three hematomas and seven cases of superficial surgical site infection. Nipple sensitivity was decreased in eight patients, and three patients were unable to breastfeed following surgery. Revision surgery was requested by 14 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Breast reduction using the superolateral dermoglandular flap is easy to execute, versatile, safe and effective, preserving physiological functions, and is an excellent option when treating patients with medium-to-large breasts. 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 .

Cellulite: A Surgical Treatment Approach.

BACKGROUND: Cellulite is one of the most common skin and subcutaneous tissue conditions, affecting predominantly the thighs and hips in postadolescent women. Its etiology is not well defined, and multiple available treatments show variable efficacy. OBJECTIVES: To describe a technique for treatment of cellulite of the gluteal region, thighs, and hips through superficial liposuction utilizing a special cannula, combined with subcutaneous autologous fat grafting. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients treated over 26 years at the Hospital São Lucas, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. Patients underwent pretreatment evaluation as to the extent of their cellulite, and pretreatment and posttreatment photographs were obtained for visual evaluation of the results. RESULTS: Procedures were performed on 126 patients: 121 (96%) women and 5 (4%) men. The majority considered their results good or excellent. The complication rate was low, with the most common complications being ecchymosis, contour irregularities, partial recurrence of cellulite, seroma, and numbness. CONCLUSIONS: We describe an effective method for the treatment of cellulite. Whereas subcision techniques utilize a needle or microblade to cut fibrous septa, we utilize a special cannula; larger areas can be treated than with subcision. Fat grafting is utilized to correct depressions and improve skin quality, which are added benefits compared to traditional subcision. Considering the multiple available cellulite treatments and their limitations, and the high patient satisfaction rate we achieved, with a low recurrence and complication rate, this technique can be a safe and effective option for patients with cellulite.

História da Cirurgia Plástica: Sir Harold Gillies, pioneiro da cirurgia plástica reconstrutiva / History of plastic surgery: Sir Harold Gillies, a pioneer of reconstructive plastic surgery

Historicamente, as guerras foram um dos maiores catalisadores para o avanço da Medicina, e especialmente da cirurgia. Sem dúvida, a maior autoridade da Cirurgia Plástica nas primeiras décadas do século XX foi o neozelandês radicado na Inglaterra Sir Harold Delf Gillies, que se destacou pelo tratamento de pacientes com lesões faciais no contexto da I Guerra Mundial. Nosso artigo faz uma análise da vida pessoal e do legado que Gillies deixou para a cirurgia plástica e reconstrutiva moderna; muitos de seus ensinamentos são atemporais e servem de reflexão para cirurgiões da atualidade.

Historically, wars have been among the greatest catalysts for advances in medicine in general, and surgery in particular. Without doubt, the greatest practitioner of plastic surgery in the early decades of the twentieth century was Sir Harold Delf Gillies, a New Zealander living in England, who advocated the treatment of patients with facial injuries in the context of the First World War. This article examines Gillies' personal life and the legacy he left for modern plastic and reconstructive surgery; many of his teachings are timeless and serve as an inspiration for the surgeons of today.

Alar cartilage-an alternative for spreader graft in primary rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Alar cartilage can be very useful for tip and dorsum grafts. Depending on its size and thickness, it can be an important alternative for spreader grafts to improve endonasal functional deficiencies, correct deviated noses, and prevent inverted "V" deformities. Caucasian patients with bulbous tips are the most common candidates to achieve such benefits. It is easy to obtain and to frame into a desired graft. METHODS: The authors describe a surgical technique using the alar cartilages as spreader grafts. All Caucasian patients with bulbous tips who underwent primary rhinoplasty were included. All patients have been evaluated after 3 to 4 months and after 1 and 2 years by aesthetical and functional criteria. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (28 female and 6 male) underwent this procedure between 2001 and 2015: 94% reported a better airflow, 91% reported very good aesthetic results and were very satisfied 2 years postoperatively, and 12% had nasal deviations that were corrected with a one side double-layered spreader grafts. Two patients presented supra-tip deformities and one patient had a columella scar that was revised surgically. No cases of inverted "V" deformity were reported 2 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with functional satisfaction and with a straight and smooth dorsum seem to be the most important benefits that were achieved with this technique using alar cartilage spreader grafts, an alternative that can be offered to improve airflow and to prevent deviated and inverted "V" deformities. Level of Evidence: IV, therapeutic study.

Reconstrução nasal total: uso da "técnica em sanduíche" durante a residência / Total nasal reconstruction: use of the "sandwich technique" during residency

Introdução: Um dos locais mais comuns para o surgimento de câncer de pele é o nariz e, devido à sua distinta estruturação em três dimensões, a reconstrução do suporte da ponta nasal apresenta-se como um desafio para os cirurgiões plásticos. Métodos: Este artigo apresenta uma das opções de reconstrução nasal total utilizando como recursos o retalho frontal bilateral e o enxerto de cartilagem auricular bilateral em bloco. Apresentamos um relato do uso da "técnica em sanduíche", constituída por dois retalhos frontais intercalados pelas cartilagens auriculares. Enquanto o primeiro retalho origina o novo teto das fossas nasais, a cartilagem configura o formato tridimensional e garante o suporte da nova estrutura nasal. O segundo retalho fica, então, responsável pela cobertura exterior. Resultados: Neste caso comprovou-se tanto a mínima morbidade da área doadora quanto a excelente perfusão dos retalhos autonomizados, o que se considerou um resultado amplamente satisfatório. Conclusões: Embora a reconstrução nasal total seja um procedimento infrequente na vida do cirurgião plástico, a técnica aqui descrita mostra-se como uma opção atraente para estes casos.

Introduction: One of the most common sites of skin cancer is the nose, and because of its distinct three-dimensional structure, reconstruction of the nasal tip support is challenging for plastic surgeons. Methods: This article presents an alternative option for total nasal reconstruction using the bilateral frontal flap and the block bilateral auricular cartilage graft. We present an account of the use of the "sandwich technique", consisting of two frontal flaps interspersed by auricular cartilage. While the first flap gives rise to the new roof of the nasal fossa, the cartilage configures the threedimensional shape and provides support for the new nasal structure. The second flap is then responsible for the outer coverage. Results: In this case, both the minimal morbidity of the donor area and excellent perfusion of the autonomized flaps were verified, leading to a largely satisfactory result. Conclusions: Although total nasal reconstruction is an infrequent procedure in the career of a plastic surgeon, the technique described here is a viable option for these cases.

Uso do curativo hemostático de gelatina absorvível no cuidado pós-operatório do pedículo vascular dos retalhos interpolados / Use of absorbable hemostatic gelatin sponge in postoperative care of the vascular pedicle of interpolated flaps

Os retalhos interpolados têm sido um dos mais importantes e funcionais retalhos no arsenal da cirurgia plástica reconstrutiva, tornando-se uma opção segura mesmo nos casos mais difíceis. O pedículo do retalho interpolado necessita de curativo para evitar sangramento e a contaminação local. Este curativo frequentemente falha na prevenção de pequenos sangramentos que ocorrem durante as primeiras 24-48 horas, forçando a troca recorrente do mesmo, em média de três a cinco trocas. A técnica proposta neste trabalho consiste na aplicação direta de uma camada de GELFOAM®, envolto por gaze petrolizada, para prevenção do sangramento da área cruenta do pedículo do retalho, acarretando melhor hemostasia e menos manipulação do pedículo vascular.

Interpolated flaps are among the most important and functional flaps in reconstructive plastic surgery, representing a safe option even in the most difficult cases. The pedicle of the interpolated flap requires a dressing to avoid bleeding and local contamination. This dressing often fails to prevent minor bleedings, which occurs within the first 24-48 hours. As a result, it needs to be continuously changed, from three to five times on average. The technique proposed in this study consists in a direct application of a GELFOAM® layer. This is subsequently wrapped with petroleum gauze to prevent bleeding of the open area in the pedicle flap, improving hemostasis and reducing the manipulation of the vascular pedicle.

Abordagem cutânea na necrólise epidérmica tóxica / Cutaneous approach in toxic epidermal necrolysis

Introdução: Necrólise epidérmica tóxica é uma erupção mucocutânea aguda grave, geralmente induzida por medicamentos, associada a alta taxa de morbidade e mortalidade. Os cuidados com as lesões mucosas e cutâneas e a abordagem multidisciplinar são muito importantes para o prognóstico e sequelas futuras. Objetivos: Discutir os principais aspectos dessa síndrome por meio da revisão de literatura, ilustrada por um caso clínico. Métodos: Revisão de literatura utilizando bases de dados on-line PubMed e Scielo. Incluímos artigos em língua inglesa, portuguesa, francesa e espanhola, e ilustração com caso clínico pediátrico. Termos procurados foram "toxic epidermal necrolysis", "Stevens-Johnson overlap", ''necrólise epidérmica tóxica'', ''síndrome Stevens-Johnson''. Resultados: Apresentamos dados para guiar o manejo de pacientes com necrólise epidérmica tóxica para cirurgiões plásticos, pediatras, intensivistas, dermatologistas e emergencistas. O caso tratado teve evolução favorável, sem sequelas cutâneas. Conclusão: O alto nível de suspeição é imprescindível para um diagnóstico e estratificação de risco adequados e instituição precoce de medidas de suporte, e o tratamento deve ser realizado por uma equipe multidisciplinar treinada para reduzir sequelas e mortalidade.

Introduction: Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a severe acute mucocutaneous condition usually induced by drugs associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The care of the mucous lesions and skin and a multidisciplinary approach are very important for the prognosis and future sequelae. Objectives: To discuss the main aspects of this syndrome through a literature review illustrated by a clinical case. Methods: Review of the literature using the PubMed and SciELO online databases was performed. Articles in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish were included and illustrated with a pediatric clinical case. The keywords used were as follows: "toxic epidermal necrolysis," "Stevens-Johnson overlap," "necrólise epidérmica tóxica," and "síndrome Stevens-Johnson." Results: We presented data to guide the management of patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis for plastic surgeons, pediatricians, intensivists, dermatologists, and emergency physicians. The case treated had a favorable disease course without sequelae. Conclusion: A high level of suspicion is necessary for an adequate diagnosis and risk stratification, and early support measures and treatment should be performed by a multidisciplinary team trained to minimize damage and mortality.

Reconstrução do complexo areolo-papilar: do que dispomos atualmente? / Nipple-areola complex reconstruction: What we have today?

A reconstrução do complexo areolo-papilar finaliza a reconstrução da mama após a mastectomia e melhora a satisfação das pacientes com o resultado final. Esta fase é crítica para acrescentar o realismo e a simetria da mama. Dentre as várias técnicas descritas, o uso de retalhos locais apresenta melhores resultados, apesar das desvantagens como, perda excessiva da projeção do mamilo e dificuldade técnica em mamas reconstituídas com implantes mamários, devido à pouca gordura subcutânea. O objetivo deste artigo é realizar uma revisão sobre as técnicas a disposição atualmente respeito à reconstrução do completo areolo-papilar.

Reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex concludes breast reconstruction after mastectomy. This procedure improves patient satisfaction. This phase is critical to add realism and symmetry to the breast. Among the various techniques described, the use of local flaps presents better results, despite the disadvantages as excessive loss of nipple projection and technical difficulty in reconstructed breasts with silicone implants, due to little subcutaneous fat. The purpose of this article is to review the techniques currently available to nipple-areola complex reconstruction.

Carcinoma triquilemal, um tumor incomum: atualização sobre manejo e prognóstico / Trichilemmal carcinoma, an uncommon tumor: update on its management and prognosis

INTRODUÇÃO: O carcinoma triquilemal (CT) é uma neoplasia rara dos anexos cutâneos. Foi descrito pela primeira vez em 1968, como tricoleptocarcinoma, e tem incidência de 0,05% em pacientes submetidos a exame histopatológico após excisão de lesões cutâneas. Parece ser um tumor de baixa agressividade, porém, relatos na literatura colocam em dúvida tal comportamento indolente. OBJETIVOS: Oferecer uma atualização sobre manejo e prognóstico do CT. MÉTODOS: Pesquisa no PubMed e SciELO com os termos MeSH "trichilemmal carcinoma", "tricholemmal carcinoma", "adnexal skin tumor", "carcinoma triquilemal". RESULTADOS: Devido a sua raridade, a maior parte da literatura se baseia em relatos de caso, os quais na sua maioria corroboram a natureza indolente da doença. Excisão cirúrgica é o tratamento preconizado, com baixo risco de recidiva e baixa morbimortalidade. CONCLUSÃO: O comportamento da lesão e as condutas no tratamento do CT baseiam-se em casos isolados ou de pequenas séries de casos. Devido a sua baixa prevalência, uma colaboração multicêntrica agrupando um maior número de casos pode ajudar a definir melhor recomendações de tratamento, fisiopatologia e prognóstico. Excisão cirúrgica continua a ser o padrão-ouro de tratamento, com baixo risco de recidiva.

INTRODUCTION: Trichilemmal carcinoma (TC) is a rare neoplasm of skin appendages. It was first described in 1968 as tricoleptocarcinoma, and has an incidence of 0.05% in patients subjected to histopathological examination after excision of cutaneous lesions. TC has an indolent clinical course ; however, reports in the literature put in doubt this indolent behavior. OBJECTIVES: To provide an update on the management and prognosis of TC. METHODS:A search of the PubMed and SciELO databases by using with the MeSH terms "trichilemmal carcinoma", "tricholemmal carcinoma", "adnexal skin tumor", and "carcinoma triquilemal" was performed. RESULTS: Owing to the rarity of TC, most studies were case reports, which essentially corroborate the indolent nature of the disease. Surgical excision is the recommended treatment, and is associated with a low risk of recurrence and low morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSION: The behavior of the lesion and the procedure of treatment of TC are based on isolated cases or in a small series of cases. Because of its low prevalence, a multicenter collaboration of a greater number of cases can help define the best treatment recommendations, pathophysiology, and prognosis. Surgical excision remains the gold standard of treatment, and is associated with a low risk of recurrence.

Flap and abdominal wall washing and debridement using dressings to prevent seromas and hematomas in abdominoplasty / Lavagem e desbridamento do retalho e da parede abdominal com compressas como prevenção de seromas e hematomas em abdominoplastia

Seroma formation remains a common complication of abdominoplasty. The use of drain, flap fixation points, and fibrin glue has been described to reduce the incidence of seroma formation. The authors present herein an easyto- reproduce technique to decrease the risk of bleeding and eliminate the devitalized tissue caused by the detachment. The proposed strategy consists of washing and debridement, which was conducted with mechanical friction using moist flap and abdominal wall dressings.

A formação de seroma após uma abdominoplastia continua sendo uma complicação frequente. O uso de dreno, os pontos de fixação do retalho e o uso da cola de fibrina foram descritos com a finalidade de diminuir a sua incidência. Os autores apresentam uma técnica de fácil reprodução para reduzir o risco de sangramento, bem como para eliminar o tecido desvitalizado decorrente do descolamento. A tática proposta constitui-se de lavagem e desbridamento por meio da fricção mecânica com compressas umedecidas do retalho e da parede abdominal.

Megassessões de unidades foliculares e fatores de crescimento plaquetário / Follicular unit megasessions and platelet growth factors

Queda de cabelo, seja parcial ou completa, é causa de preocupação significativa para homens e mulheres, que a veem como um sinal inestético e visível de envelhecimento. Avanços e refinamentos das técnicas culminaram na introdução de megassessões de microenxertos e minienxertos. Essa técnica se tornou amplamente aceita como um procedimento simples e seguro, que recria as linhas randômicas naturais do cabelo. Os folículos pilosos foram retirados da área cervical posterior, onde 500 a 1.500 unidades foliculares podem ser obtidas. A área calva foi implantada através de incisões de lâmina nº 11. Após o procedimento, gaze umedecida em solução salina foi aplicada sobre a área implantada por 24 horas. Os pontos foram removidos no 7º dia de pós-operatório. O resultado final foi obtido 8 meses a 12 meses após o procedimento, em homens, e 12 meses a 14 meses, em mulheres. Nos pacientes em que um segundo procedimento foi necessário, este foi realizado 1 ano após o transplante inicial. A qualidade e a força do cabelo transplantado permanecem em alguns pacientes por tempo indeterminado, em decorrência de características particulares, como alta qualidade histológica da área doadora, hereditariedade, hormônios e envelhecimento. A cirurgia de transplante capilar demonstra que o uso de fatores de crescimento plaquetário autólogo pode melhorar a densidade capilar. Esse processo oferece uma nova perspectiva ao transplante capilar, representando uma contribuição importante para a cirurgia de implante com megassessões de unidades foliculares.

Hair loss, whether partial or complete, is a cause of significant concern to both men and women, and is viewed as unaesthetic and a visible sign of aging. Advances and refinements in hair restoration techniques have culminated in the introduction of micrograft and minigraft megasessions. This technique has become widely accepted as a simple and safe procedure that recreates natural random-pattern hairlines. The hair follicles are harvested from the posterior cervical area, where 500 to 1500 follicular units can be obtained. Implantation in the bald area is performed via punctiform incisions using the No. 11 blade. After the procedure, gauze moistened in saline solution is applied over the implanted area for 24 hours. The stitches are removed on the 7th postoperative day. The final result is visible after 8 to 12 months in men and after 12 to 14 months in women. If an additional procedure is necessary, this can be performed 1 year after the initial transplantation. The quality and strength of the implanted hair persists for an indefinite period in some patients because of 1 the following particular characteristics: high histological quality of the donor area, heredity, hormones, or aging. This article also addresses the role of platelet-rich plasma growth factors in surgical treatment of male and female pattern baldness. The results of hair transplant surgery suggest that the use of autologous platelet growth factors improves capillary density. This offers a new perspective on hair transplantation and is an important contribution to implantation surgery with follicular unit megasessions.

Adipose tissue mature stem cells in skin healing: a controlled randomized study / Uso de células-tronco adultas de tecido adiposo na cicatrização da pele: estudo controlado, randomizado

BACKGROUND: The differences between fetal and adult scars suggest the possibility of manipulating skin scarring outcomes. This study aimed to assess whether the use of adult stem cells from adipose tissue is beneficial to skin healing. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled study for which 18 patients were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The adult stem cells used were autologous and were extracted from infraumbilical adipose tissue prior to abdominoplasty. These cells were implanted into the surgical wound dermis in the suprapubic region before skin synthesis. The results were assessed blindly based on the Draaijers scale by three physicians and by the patients themselves in a self-assessment. Photometric assessment by digital photography was also performed. RESULTS: Among the 18 operated patients, considering the surgical result, 17 (94.4 percent) had excellent or good results and one (5.5 percent) had wound dehiscence, which was considered a bad result. Considering skin healing in the searched area, there was no statistically significant difference in the photometric evaluation; in both the self-assessment by the patients and the physicians' assessment, the results were significantly in favor of intervention with stem cells (P = 0.12 and P = 0.003, respectively). Consideration of all assessments (physicians, patients and photometric) found a statistically significant difference in favor of the implantation of adult stem cells from adipose tissue (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Skin healing results after implantation of adult stem cells derived from adipose tissue were satisfactory.

INTRODUÇÃO: Fatores que diferenciam a cicatrização fetal e a do adulto instigam a possibilidade de manipulação das soluções de continuidade da pele. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar se o uso de células-tronco adultas do tecido adiposo é benéfico à cicatrização da pele. MÉTODO: Estudo controlado, randomizado, para o qual foram selecionadas 18 pacientes, considerando-se critérios de inclusão e exclusão. As células-tronco adultas utilizadas eram autólogas, extraídas do tecido adiposo da região infraumbilical, precedendo a realização da abdominoplastia. Essas células, antes da síntese da pele, foram implantadas na derme da ferida operatória, na região suprapúbica. A avaliação dos resultados foi realizada com base na escala de Draaijers, por três avaliadores médicos cegados, e pelas próprias pacientes, por autoavaliação. Foi realizada, também, avaliação fotométrica por fotografia digital. RESULTADOS: Dentre as 18 pacientes operadas, sob o ponto de vista cirúrgico, 17 (94,4 por cento) apresentaram resultados excelentes ou bons e uma (5,5 por cento) apresentou deiscência de sutura, considerado mau resultado. Quanto à cicatrização da pele na área pesquisada, à avaliação fotométrica, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante; à autoavaliação pelas pacientes, os resultados atingiram nível de significância a favor da intervenção com células-tronco (P = 0,12); e à avaliação pelos médicos, foi atingido nível de significância a favor da intervenção por células-tronco (P = 0,003). Considerando-se todas as avaliações realizadas (médicos, pacientes e fotométrica), foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significante favorável ao implante de células-tronco adultas do tecido adipose (P < 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados da cicatrização da pele, após implante de células-tronco adultas derivadas de tecido adiposo, foram satisfatórios.

Lipoabdominoplasty: revisiting the superior pull-down abdominal flap and new approaches.

Abdominoplasty is a very common procedure, especially for patients with abdominal laxness, striaes, and muscle rectus diastases. With the advent of liposuction 28 years ago, we can improve body contouring by treating lipodystrophies in the epigastric, flank, trochanteric, and buttocks areas. The procedure combining abdominoplasty and liposuction is called lipoabdominoplasty. Many new techniques have been proposed since these procedures were introduced; we now revisit the superior pull-down abdominal flap technique with several new modifications and improvements.

Correcting hairline deformities after facial rejuvenation.

The author treats hairline deformities after face lift procedures with implantation of follicular units harvested from the occipital area and implanted in common hair loss areas such as the forehead, temporal, and sideburn areas. For a natural appearance, he recommends creating an irregular and asymmetric new hairline.

The role of platelet plasma growth factors in male pattern baldness surgery.

BACKGROUND: Follicular units are commonly used in baldness surgery, and they have become a global procedure for both male and female patients. The yield from micrografts varies between 70 and 85 percent. Yield is determined by factors such as quality of the harvested donor area, preparation of the units, care taken during the implantation procedure, and follicular apoptosis. To improve hair density and stimulate follicular unit growth, an experimental study was designed using platelet plasma growth factors obtained from the patient's autologous plasma. METHODS: The author established a protocol within a group of 20 patients with male pattern baldness. The data showed a gaussian distribution; to compare the two procedures involved in this clinical trial, the paired t test was used. RESULTS: The author observed a significant difference in the yield of follicular units when comparing the experimental with the control areas of the scalp (p < 0.001). The areas treated with platelet plasma growth factors demonstrated a yield of 18.7 follicular units per cm2, whereas the control areas yielded 16.4 follicular units per cm2, an increase in follicular density of 15.1 percent. Among patients who used the experimental protocol, some experienced only 3 percent and others experienced a 52 percent increase in density. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a new perspective and contribution to baldness surgery with follicular unit megasessions, and demonstrates an improvement that can be introduced into baldness surgery clinics with less morbidity and a low cost-to-benefit ratio. Further studies may improve the efficiency of the technique and allow digital programs to better evaluate the increase in hair density.

Refining hair restoration technique.

Hair restoration may be fine-tuned with the following techniques: (1) using intradermal sutures to close the occipital donor area and (2) using the retroauricular ellipse in a face lift procedure as a donor area for hair restoration. These methods are demonstrated by the author. (Aesthetic Surg J 2002;22:181-183.).