Maximizing the use of precapsular space and the choice of implant type in breast augmentation mammaplasty revisions: review of 49 consecutive procedures and patient satisfaction assessment.

BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture, implant malposition and displacement, breast asymmetry, improper contour, and symmastia may compromise the aesthetic outcome of breast augmentation and usually require surgical correction. Correction of these deformities may be achieved by accommodating a new implant in a novel pocket created in the precapsular space in either the subpectoral or subglandular plane. This article describes a modality to correct adverse results of augmentation mammaplasty and evaluates patient satisfaction. METHODS: Precapsular reaugmentation was performed in 49 patients who underwent cosmetic breast surgery revisions from 2004 to 2009. All patients had previously received breast implants but complained of implant malposition and dislocation, implant size change, capsular contracture, and symmastia. A precise neoprecapsular pocket was developed above the old anterior implant capsule wall, with dissection limited to create only the space necessary for proper placement of the implant. Patients were evaluated for resolution of symptoms, satisfaction, and complications. RESULTS: Implant malposition and rippling, capsular contracture, breast asymmetry, and symmastia were the most common complaints from the first augmentation. Nineteen women had subpectoral implant placement, 12 had subglandular, and the rest (n = 18) had "dual-plane" location of their implants. We used textured silicone implants in 17 cases and polyurethane-coated prostheses in the remaining 32 cases. The average follow-up time was 24.1 months. Breast augmentation-related complications had resolved in all patients without any recurrence to date. The overall complication rate was very low and patient satisfaction with this procedure was extremely high. CONCLUSION: The creation of a neoprecapsular pocket combined in peculiar cases with the placement of polyurethane-coated implants is a versatile option that offers an effective one-stage solution for the correction of cosmetic mammaplasty-induced deformities.

Modified superficial musculoaponeurotic system face-lift: a review of 327 consecutive procedures and a patient satisfaction assessment.

BACKGROUND: A conventional superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) face-lift is well established because it allows the skin envelope to be rotated in a bit more lateral direction than the cephalad redirection of the SMAS flap. This ensures an individualization of the treatment plan according to the needs of the patient and avoids a postoperative stretched look. However, this technique has some limitations with respect to its long-term effects on the sagging tissue, inadequate lifting of the malar fat pad, and flattening of the nasolabial fold. METHODS: The procedure described by the authors consisted of a modified approach to conventional SMAS flap dissection for 327 patients with facial aging signs undergoing a face-lift. A pointing tongue-shaped flap of zygomaticotemporal fascia was dissected and preserved in the posterior half of the upper edge of the SMAS flap and anchored to the deep temporal fascia, enhancing the vertical support of the facial soft tissues. Outcomes were determined by case notes, clinical review, and a questionnaire. RESULTS: The study investigated 327 consecutive modified SMAS face-lifting procedures. Few complications were observed. Only two patients experienced small hematomas needing evacuation. Some patients reported bearable pain in the temporal region and tension during mouth opening. Temporary weakness in the branches of the facial nerve experienced by two patients resolved completely within some months. Two patients presented with dehiscence of the scar, and one patient experienced punctual retroauricular skin necrosis, which healed uneventfully with conservative treatment. Two patients reported that the knot in the temporal region was palpable through the skin. One patient experienced retroauricular infection. Only two patients required additional procedures. One mild hypertrophic scar responding to steroid injection over the mastoid area was observed in the entire series. With the reported technique, the authors achieved pleasing, natural, durable results with minimal morbidity and an overall complication rate of 3.9%. All the patients were sent a satisfaction questionnaire or contacted for a telephone interview. A total of 235 patients replied. The patients reported high levels of satisfaction after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The authors believe that the rhytidectomy technique described in this report has several beneficial attributes. High vertical elevation of the SMAS flap delivers a long-lasting benefit and addresses the problem of neck laxity and platysma redundancy, leading to a correction of the neck contouring and jowls. Nasolabial folds appear to be smoothed, and malar flattening is restored by imbrications of the SMAS flap over the cut edge in the malar prominence. This investigation demonstrates that the rhytidectomy technique is safe and produces highly predictable results.

Use of a protease-modulating matrix in the treatment of pressure sores.

Improved diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities lead to a higher incidence of chronic ulcerative lesions. Several sociological and nursing problems related to these pathologies have oriented the research towards new specific materials and methodologies in wound dressing. The main concept is to modulate the environment of wounds in order to reduce healing time, thus minimising costs and the incidence of disabling outcomes. The Authors report on their experience with the use of a protease-modulating matrix (Promogran) in the treatment of pressure sores. A cohort of 80 selected patients was randomly divided into two groups, one of which was treated with the test material, while the other was submitted to conventional dressings and used as a control group. A cost-effectiveness analysis was carried out. Compared to the controls, the treated group showed a lower mean healing time and a greater frequency of complete healing. The cost-effectiveness balance was found to be more advantageous in the treated group as well. Due to its reliability and absence of adverse reactions, the use of a matrix with a modulating action on proteases may represent an effective treatment in the management of cleansed chronic cutaneous losses.