From Filters to Scalpels-Understanding Perceptions of Facial Asymmetry: An AAFPRS Survey.

Facial asymmetries can significantly affect patient satisfaction post-surgery. Social media can impact a patient's perception of their asymmetries. To gather insights into the practices, perceptions, and approaches concerning facial asymmetry among facial plastic surgeons. The aim of this study was to understand the impact of social media on perceptions of facial asymmetry. This is an American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (AAFPRS) survey consisting of 46 questions that sought to understand facial plastic surgeons' perceptions of facial asymmetry, their consultation process, their patients' perspectives on their own facial asymmetries, and patient satisfaction. The survey was distributed to 1,269 members of AAFPRS across community hospitals, private practices, and academic hospitals. Sixty-seven members completed the survey. The survey revealed that 31% (21) of surgeons face challenges in managing patient expectations regarding facial asymmetry. In addition, 12% (8) of surgeons felt that patients did not initially recognize their own asymmetries. Eighty-seven percent (58) of surgeons emphasize the natural occurrence of asymmetry during consultations to set realistic expectations. This study emphasizes the need for thorough patient education during initial consultations to align expectations with achievable outcomes. Surgeons should explain the natural occurrence of asymmetry clearly and use digital imaging to show patients realistic previews of surgical results.

The Extended Purse-String Rhytidectomy.

Facelifts remain a critical part of a facial plastic surgeon's cosmetic practice. Techniques continue to evolve, while at the same time patients demand less invasive procedures with less morbidity. The authors present a facelift plication technique using wide purse-string sutures placed into the superficial musculoaponeurotic system and platysma. This is a retrospective review with a level of evidence 3 set at a medical spa and tertiary referral center designed to assess a purse-string suture technique using an inner followed by an outer purse-string, with refinements being made during the timeframe of the review. One hundred and eighteen patients were reviewed and 95 were included in the study given the inclusion criteria of a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Based on the subjective judgment of the primary surgeon, 37 patients were found to have excellent results, while 43 patients were judged as having good results. The judgment was based on the physical exam improvement of the aging aspects of the patient, and patient satisfaction. Ten patients displayed fair results (the patients were marginally happy), and five patients were noted to have poor results (they were notably unhappy). Complications included eight hematomas, five patients with prominent scars, and one patient with skin loss in the temple region. There were no cases of facial nerve injury. The extended purse-string rhytidectomy is a good alternative to traditional facelift techniques. This offers a plication method that results in the vertical vector that is now considered of paramount importance with all facelifts. The authors feel that it is a valuable tool that can be considered in most patients presenting for aging face surgery.

The Role of Transverse Osteotomies in Severe Nasal Trauma.

Facial trauma commonly produces trauma to the nose and perinasal area. In this review, emphasis is on the treatment of the severely deviated nose in terms of excessive shift of the bony dorsum and bony pyramid. In particular, we focus on the problem of centering the severely deviated bony dorsum and when we believe it is helpful to move the entire bony dorsum as a unit, utilizing the transverse osteotomy in addition to traditional osteotomies.

Management of Posttraumatic Pseudotelecanthus.

Injuries to the nose and perinasal region are common. Though the nasal fractures are commonly recognized and properly addressed, injuries to adjacent structures such as the orbit, medial canthus, and midface skeleton can be missed or misdiagnosed leading to improper primary treatment and subsequent secondary deformities. In this discussion, we focus on secondary deformities of the medial canthal region injuries that result from inadequate primary repair of the displaced medial canthal tendon apparatus in naso-orbital-ethmoid fractures. Emphasis is placed on the difference in complexity of the secondary pseudotelecanthus deformity relative to primary fracture treatment. Case examples are used to discuss the complexity of the correction of such deformities.

Nasal Reconstruction of Large Defects Without a Forehead Flap.

Defects over 2.0 to 2.5 cm may often require repair with a multistaged forehead flap. However, in some such defects, other options may be available. In this article, the author will review some of these options.

Avoiding and correcting complications in perinasal trauma.

Injuries to the nose and perinasal region are common. Although the nasal fractures are commonly recognized and properly addressed, injuries to adjacent structures such as the orbit, medial canthus, and midface skeleton can be missed or misdiagnosed, leading to improper primary treatment and subsequent secondary deformities. In this discussion, three common injuries will be discussed, including nasomaxillary fractures, limited naso-orbital-ethmoid fractures, and severe central facial injuries with naso-orbital-ethmoid fractures. For instructional purposes, a case example of inadequate primary diagnosis and subsequent delayed or secondary management will be followed by a case example of proper initial diagnosis and proper primary management.

Revision of severe nasal trauma.

Facial trauma commonly includes injury to the nose and perinasal area. In this review, we will focus on the sequelae of severe nasal trauma and provide examples of correction of the severely deviated nose, the severely collapsed nose, and revision of a traumatic deformity after prior rhinoplasty. We will then discuss coexistent deformities of perinasal regions in addition to functional and posttraumatic nasal correction, including posttraumatic periorbital deformities.

Eyebrow position recognition and correction in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To improve (1) recognition of eyebrow ptosis, asymmetry, or deformity and (2) selection of the appropriate surgical technique based on the patient's underlying etiology. DESIGN: Nonrandomized, retrospective study of patients undergoing surgical correction of eyebrow asymmetry. Forty consecutive patients were identified as having asymmetric eyebrow ptosis or deformity. Varying etiologies included those that were congenital, posttraumatic, age-related, iatrogenic, or idiopathic, with or without facial nerve paralysis. Patients underwent a variety of surgical approaches for correction of the eyebrow malposition, including transblepharoplasty, midforehead, coronal, and endoscopic procedures. Preoperative evaluation of patients, identification of patient-specific appropriate surgical technique, and photographs and grading of postoperative results are discussed. RESULTS: All patients had a minimum follow-up period of at least 4 months (mean, 15 months; range, 4 months to 3 years). Preoperative and postoperative photographs were obtained and graded. Complete symmetry was achieved in 8 patients (20%), considerable improvement in 23 patients (57%), modest improvement in 7 patients (18%), and no improvement in 2 patients (5%). No notable postoperative complications were reported. Recommendations for improving results are included. CONCLUSIONS: The key to correction of eyebrow ptosis in patients undergoing reconstructive and cosmetic surgery is to first recognize the asymmetry. It is also important to note the effect of reconstructive and cosmetic surgical procedures on eyebrow position in order to limit the need to perform additional procedures to correct resultant eyebrow asymmetries and deformities. Finally, the surgeon must consider which eyebrow-lift technique is optimal for the patient's underlying etiology to improve postoperative results and patient satisfaction.

Dealing with the difficult trauma and reconstructive surgery patient.

Many of the issues that exist for cosmetic surgery patients exist for noncosmetic patients in areas such as reconstructive surgery and trauma. Although cosmetic and noncosmetic patients usually are considered separate in terms of elective versus nonelective, there are other issues in dealing with reconstructive surgery patients versus those undergoing cosmetic surgery. This article reviews a variety of issues specific to noncosmetic reconstructive surgical patients and discusses issues unique to pediatric patients, craniomaxillofacial trauma patients, patients who have skin cancer defects, scar revision patients, and major reconstruction after cancer resections and craniomaxillofacial trauma.

Evaluation and treatment of deformities of the chin.

Chin deformities present commonly to the facial plastic surgeon. Proper evaluation of the face is essential to allow the surgeon to counsel the patient properly regarding optimal management of chin deformities. This article reviews such analysis and discusses treatment modalities, including both the use of chin implants and osseous genioplasty.

Salvage of partial facial soft tissue avulsions with medicinal leeches.

BACKGROUND: Medicinal leeches have been demonstrated to be extremely useful and safe in the salvage of venous outflow compromised tissue, particularly in digit replants and various forms of flaps. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the utility of medicinal leeches in the salvage of venous outflow-compromised traumatic soft tissue avulsions in key facial structures. METHODS: A retrospective review of 4 cases involving the external ear, nose, lip, and scalp in which apparent venous outflow compromise was present. Medicinal leeches were applied acutely in each of these 4 cases, salvaging each of the partially avulsed soft tissue segments. RESULTS: Complete or near complete salvage of each soft tissue segment after using medicinal leeches. CONCLUSIONS: Although it is unusual for a partial soft tissue avulsion of the face to require medicinal leech therapy, situations may occur in which there is adequate arterial inflow but inadequate venous outflow. In such cases, medicinal leeches may play a very important role in salvaging the soft tissue segment. This is particularly important in vital structures such as the ear, nose, lip, and eyelid in which acute or secondary reconstruction is complex. EBM RATING: C.

Reconstruction of complex scalp defects: the "Banana Peel" revisited.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the use of multiple, large, local flaps in the reconstruction of large scalp defects. METHODS: A retrospective review of 4 cases in which the "banana peel" method of scalp reconstruction, originally described by Orticochea, was used as a method for closure of moderately large to extensive scalp defects. RESULTS: In all 4 cases, closure of the scalp defects was accomplished. Major morbidity included hair-bearing skin in the forehead in 1 patient, an inconsequential small flap dehiscence requiring closure in the same patient, and a partial loss of a small skin graft to a donor site defect in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: While other techniques may be optimal for the management of most scalp defects, such as 1- to 2-flap rotation-advancement flaps in small to moderate-size defects and microvascular free tissue transfer and secondary tissue expansion for larger defects, we conclude that the multiple-flap reconstruction method as described by Orticochea may be useful in a small subset of patients. The latter includes older, severely debilitated patients who would be optimally treated with microvascular tissue transfer but cannot tolerate lengthy general anesthesia and young patients who will not accept a significant area of alopecia that might exist with other techniques, such as secondary intention, skin grafts, or free flaps.

Evaluation and treatment of vertical microgenia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate treatment of vertical microgenia in patients with chin deformities. METHODS: Twenty-one patients were included in this retrospective review. The 3 authors performed a lengthening genioplasty with or without interpositional grafting on each patient in either an academic or a private practice setting. RESULTS: Subjective analysis suggests a substantial improvement of lower face aesthetics in all patients. The degree of subjective change depended on the type of deformity, whether there was vertical microgenia alone or in combination with a sagittal (horizontal) deficiency, and the morphologic characteristics of the labiomental sulcus. There were no significant complications. CONCLUSION: Vertical lengthening of the chin should be considered in patients with the combination of a vertically short lower facial height, deepened labiomental fold, recessive chin, and recessive and/or procumbent lower lip.

Local anesthetics for facial plastic procedures.

The use of local anesthetic in facial plastic surgical procedures is well established as an effective and safe mode of anesthesia delivery. Local infiltration of anesthesia may be used alone for minor surgical procedures, or it may be used with general anesthesia or intravenous sedation and analgesia for more complex, lengthy procedures. When considered independently, the use of local anesthetic agents has undeniable limitations. Local anesthetics can cause toxicity and side effects. Injection of local anesthetics for subcutaneous infiltration frequently is painful until sensory anesthesia occurs. Local anesthetics have limited efficacy with respect to the intensity and duration of sensory blockade that can be achieved. In some situations, use of local anesthesia with the maintenance of an awake patient also may be undesirable for the surgeon and impractical for the patient. Despite these shortcomings, local anesthetics are fundamentally ideal for use in facial plastic surgery.

The Comprehensive AOCMF Classification System: Mandible Fractures- Level 2 Tutorial.

This tutorial outlines the details of the AOCMF image-based classification system for fractures of the mandible at the precision level 2 allowing description of their topographical distribution. A short introduction about the anatomy is made. Mandibular fractures are classified by the anatomic regions involved. For this purpose, the mandible is delineated into an array of nine regions identified by letters: the symphysis/parasymphysis region anteriorly, two body regions on each lateral side, combined angle and ascending ramus regions, and finally the condylar and coronoid processes. A precise definition of the demarcation lines between these regions is given for the unambiguous allocation of fractures. Four transition zones allow an accurate topographic assignment if fractures end up in or run across the borders of anatomic regions. These zones are defined between angle/ramus and body, and between body and symphysis/parasymphysis. A fracture is classified as "confined" as long as it is located within a region, in contrast to a fracture being "nonconfined" when it extents to an adjoining region. Illustrations and case examples of mandible fractures are presented to become familiar with the classification procedure in daily routine.

The Comprehensive AOCMF Classification System: Midface Fractures - Level 2 Tutorial.

The AOCMF Classification Group developed a hierarchical three-level craniomaxillofacial classification system with increasing level of complexity and details. The highest level 1 system distinguish four major anatomical units including the mandible (code 91), midface (code 92), skull base (code 93), and cranial vault (code 94). This tutorial presents the level 2 system for the midface unit that concentrates on the location of the fractures within defined regions in the central (upper, intermediate, and lower) and lateral (zygoma, pterygoid) midface, as well as the internal orbit and palate. The level 2 midface fracture location outlines the topographic boundaries of the anatomical regions. The common nasoorbitoethmoidal and zygoma en bloc fracture patterns, as well as the time-honored Le Fort classification are taken into account. This tutorial is organized in a sequence of sections dealing with the description of the classification system with illustrations of the topographical cranial midface regions along with rules for fracture location and coding, a series of case examples with clinical imaging and a general discussion on the design of this classification. Individual fracture mapping in these regions regarding severity, fragmentation, displacement of the fragment or bone defect is addressed in a more detailed level 3 system in the subsequent articles.

The Comprehensive AOCMF Classification System: Mandible Fractures-Level 3 Tutorial.

This tutorial outlines the details of the AOCMF image-based classification system for fractures of the mandibular arch (i.e. the non-condylar mandible) at the precision level 3. It is the logical expansion of the fracture allocation to topographic mandibular sites outlined in level 2, and is based on three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques/computed tomography (CT)/cone beam CT). Level 3 allows an anatomical description of the individual conditions of the mandibular arch such as the preinjury dental state and the degree of alveolar atrophy. Trauma sequelae are then addressed: (1) tooth injuries and periodontal trauma, (2) fracture involvement of the alveolar process, (3) the degree of fracture fragmentation in three categories (none, minor, and major), and (4) the presence of bone loss. The grading of fragmentation needs a 3D evaluation of the fracture area, allowing visualization of the outer and inner mandibular cortices. To document these fracture features beyond topography the alphanumeric codes are supplied with distinctive appendices. This level 3 tutorial is accompanied by a brief survey of the peculiarities of the edentulous atrophic mandible. Illustrations and a few case examples serve as instruction and reference to improve the understanding and application of the presented features.