ABSTRACT
A 25-year-old woman was referred for discomfort when breathing through her left nose. The patient had undergone augmentation rhinoplasty 5 years ago, after which hypertrophic scarring occurred in the left nostril. Several corticosteroid injections were administered as the first line of treatment, but with no symptom improvement. Therefore, we proceeded with surgical scar removal, with the use of a nasal conformer. However, scarring in the left nostril recurred. Accordingly, we proceeded with further surgical treatment using the scar folding technique. After scar folding, neither scarring nor nostril stenosis recurred during 1 year of postoperative follow-up. To summarize, herein, we report a case of hypertrophic scarring in the nostril that was successfully treated with the scar folding technique.
ABSTRACT
Congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) is a benign condition that either is present at birth or develops in the first weeks of life. Surgical removal is typically performed to improve cosmetic appearance and reduce the risk of malignant transformation. In this report, we present the case of a 26-year-old woman with a medium-sized CMN on her left breast. The nevus measured 14×8 cm, and the patient desired a single-stage excision. However, this approach would result in a large skin defect that would be challenging to reconstruct using a local flap or skin graft. Moreover, it could potentially compromise the maintenance of natural sagging and the contour of the breast. Consequently, we opted to place a thin thoracodorsal artery perforator free flap following the removal of the CMN. The patient was satisfied with the overall surgical results. By utilizing this free flap for reconstruction, we successfully preserved the natural shape and contour of the breast without complications such as postoperative hypertrophic scarring or contracture at the recipient site.
ABSTRACT
Background@#The traditional nasolabial V-Y advancement flap is widely used for midface reconstruction, particularly for the lower third of the nose and upper lip, as its color and texture are similar to these areas. However, it provides insufficient tissue to cover large defects and cannot restore the nasal convexity, nasal ala, and adjacent tissues. The purpose of this study is to investigate the modified nasolabial V-Y advancement flap with extension limbs the along alar crease for the reconstruction of complex midface defects. @*Methods@#A retrospective analysis of 18 patients, who underwent reconstruction with the modified nasolabial V-Y advancement flap, was performed between September 2014 and December 2022. An extension limb was added along the alar crease, adjacent to the defect area, and was hinged down as a transposition flap at the end of the advancement flap. @*Results@#The extension limb along the alar crease successfully covered large and complicated defects, including those of the ala, the alar rim, the alar base, the nostrils, and the upper lip, with minor complications. @*Conclusion@#The alar crease is a good donor site for the reconstruction of large and complex nasal and upper lip defects.
ABSTRACT
Background@#Various materials, commonly called fillers, have been developed and are now used for cosmetic and reconstruction purposes. Indiscriminate injections of illegal and unknown substances have various side effects, among which foreign body granulomas are particularly difficult to treat. Surgical resection can be considered for small and well-defined foreign body granulomas, but complete resection is often impossible for wide facial granulomas, and postoperative deformities may occur. Therefore, this study presents cases where foreign bodies were evaluated using imaging studies and removed through minimally invasive procedures depending on their characteristics. @*Methods@#Thirty-five patients with chronic granulomas after illegal filler injections treated from 2012 to 2019 were enrolled. Clinically, these granulomas were classified into cystic and infiltrating groups according to the imaging study patterns. Patients in the cystic group underwent puncture and drainage, and those in the infiltrating group were first treated with intralesional laser treatment and then suctioned. If the results were insufficient, surgical removal combined with a lifting procedure was performed. @*Results@#All 35 patients were women, and their average age was 51 years. Surgery was successful in almost all cases, but four cases of insufficient removal and contour deformity were encountered during follow-up. Two patients underwent reoperation and two patients improved naturally. @*Conclusions@#In this study, we classified the characteristics of granulomas using preoperative imaging studies. Aesthetically favorable results were obtained using puncture and drainage and tumescent suction, along with, if necessary, surgical removal accompanied by a lifting procedure when removing facial foreign body granulomas.
ABSTRACT
Serratia marcescens is a Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacillus that has been implicated in hospital-acquired infections. Because no previous cases of delayed infections caused by S. marcescens after autologous fat injection have been reported, we introduce a case report. A 74-year-old woman underwent fat injection for aesthetic purposes and visited our hospital for left cheek swelling after this procedure. Blood tests showed a slightly elevated white blood cell count. Facial computed tomography demonstrated an abscess and emergency surgery was performed. A work-up of the necrotic tissue and drained abscess contents was conducted. Cultures showed growth of S. marcescens. Based on the culture results , a proper antibiotic was prescribed. Follow-up blood tests showed normal findings, and there was no recurrent infection or inflammation. In most acute infections after a fat graft, Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis can be suspected, while mycobacterial infections are often suspected in cases of delayed infection and chronic inflammation. However, clinicians should keep in mind that there may be infections of uncommon bacteria. When an atypical delayed infection is suspected after an autologous fat graft, it is important to perform aseptic wound culture and biopsy as soon as possible, use appropriate antibiotics, and conduct proper surgical treatment.
ABSTRACT
Arterial thrombosis and its associated diseases are considered to constitute a major healthcare problem. Arterial thrombosis, defined as blood clot formation in an artery that interrupts blood circulation, is associated with many cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress is one of many important factors that aggravates the pathophysiological process of arterial thrombosis. Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 (Ref-1) has a multifunctional role in cells that includes the regulation of oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory function. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of adenovirus-mediated Ref-1 overexpression on arterial thrombosis induced by 60% FeCl3 solution in rats. Blood flow was measured to detect the time to occlusion, thrombus formation was detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the expression of tissue factor and other proteins was detected by Western blot. FeCl3 aggravated thrombus formation in carotid arteries and reduced the time to artery occlusion. Ref-1 significantly delayed arterial obstruction via the inhibition of thrombus formation, especially by downregulating tissue factor expression through the Akt-GSK3β-NF-κB signaling pathway. Ref-1 also reduced the expression of vascular inflammation markers ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and reduced the level of ROS that contributed to thrombus formation. The results showed that adenovirus-mediated Ref-1 overexpression reduced thrombus formation in the rat carotid artery. In summary, Ref-1 overexpression had anti-thrombotic effects in a carotid artery thrombosis model and could be a target for the treatment of arterial thrombosis.
ABSTRACT
Background@#Ear cartilage is a preferred graft material in rhinoplasty. However, after harvest, instability of the auricular framework may arise as a form of donor site morbidity. In the harvest of ear cartilage, the posterior auricular ligament (PAL) is usually sacrificed in order to obtain as much cartilage as possible. Since damage to the PAL may cause auricular instability, we studied the periauricular anatomy using cadavers and evaluated auricular stability during surgery. @*Methods@#Six ears from hemifacial cadavers were studied to clarify the exact anatomy of the PAL. Then, the recoil force of the auricle was serially measured to evaluate the stability of the auricular framework in 30 patients during surgery: before making the skin incision (M1), before and after cutting the PAL (M2, M3), and after harvesting the cymba concha (M4). The differences in force observed after cutting the PAL (ΔM2–M3) and after harvesting the cymba concha (ΔM3–M4) were statistically analyzed. @*Results@#In the cadaveric study, the PAL was identified between the superficial and deep mastoid fasciae and connected the caudal aspect of the cymba concha to the deep mastoid fascia. During surgery, the PAL accounted for 16.20% of the total auricular recoil force. The recoil force decreased by 13.61 N and 11.25 N after cutting the PAL and harvesting the cymba concha, respectively. These decreases were statistically significant (P<0.05). @*Conclusions@#The results suggest that the PAL is a supporting structure of the auricle. Therefore, to preserve auricular stability, minimizing damage to the PAL while harvesting the ear cartilage may be helpful.
ABSTRACT
Arterial thrombosis and its associated diseases are considered to constitute a major healthcare problem. Arterial thrombosis, defined as blood clot formation in an artery that interrupts blood circulation, is associated with many cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress is one of many important factors that aggravates the pathophysiological process of arterial thrombosis. Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 (Ref-1) has a multifunctional role in cells that includes the regulation of oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory function. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of adenovirus-mediated Ref-1 overexpression on arterial thrombosis induced by 60% FeCl3 solution in rats. Blood flow was measured to detect the time to occlusion, thrombus formation was detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the expression of tissue factor and other proteins was detected by Western blot. FeCl3 aggravated thrombus formation in carotid arteries and reduced the time to artery occlusion. Ref-1 significantly delayed arterial obstruction via the inhibition of thrombus formation, especially by downregulating tissue factor expression through the Akt-GSK3β-NF-κB signaling pathway. Ref-1 also reduced the expression of vascular inflammation markers ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and reduced the level of ROS that contributed to thrombus formation. The results showed that adenovirus-mediated Ref-1 overexpression reduced thrombus formation in the rat carotid artery. In summary, Ref-1 overexpression had anti-thrombotic effects in a carotid artery thrombosis model and could be a target for the treatment of arterial thrombosis.
ABSTRACT
Clear cell hidradenoma is a skin adnexal tumor originating from eccrine glands. The risk of local recurrence after surgical resection exceeds 50%, and 6-19% of cases are malignant. The rarity of clear cell hidradenoma and its diverse histological findings make this type of tumor a diagnostic challenge. We present a case of recurrent clear cell hidradenoma of the posterior neck in a 70-year-old woman. The tumor recurred once after complete excision, and did not recur again after 1-cm wide excision and reconstruction with a local bilobed flap. Recurrent clear cell hidradenomas are activated by surgical stimulation, increasing the risk for metastasis. Therefore, we suggest that wide excision with confirmation of a tumor-free margin by frozen-section biopsy should be the first-line treatment for recurrent benign clear cell hidradenoma.
ABSTRACT
Clear cell hidradenoma is a skin adnexal tumor originating from eccrine glands. The risk of local recurrence after surgical resection exceeds 50%, and 6-19% of cases are malignant. The rarity of clear cell hidradenoma and its diverse histological findings make this type of tumor a diagnostic challenge. We present a case of recurrent clear cell hidradenoma of the posterior neck in a 70-year-old woman. The tumor recurred once after complete excision, and did not recur again after 1-cm wide excision and reconstruction with a local bilobed flap. Recurrent clear cell hidradenomas are activated by surgical stimulation, increasing the risk for metastasis. Therefore, we suggest that wide excision with confirmation of a tumor-free margin by frozen-section biopsy should be the first-line treatment for recurrent benign clear cell hidradenoma.
ABSTRACT
Background@#Due to the anatomical complexity of the deep temporal fascia (DTF), practical guidelines for its safe harvest are lacking. However, since the upper temporal compartment (UTC) contains no vital structures, it may provide safe access for DTF harvest. This study aimed to identify the anatomical structures of the temporal compartment in Asian cadavers and to measure their dimensions to enable safe DTF harvest. @*Methods@#The anatomical structures surrounding the temporal compartment were identified in 27 hemifaces from 15 Korean cadavers. After dissection, digital images were acquired and craniometric landmarks were placed upon them to identify the boundaries of the temporal compartment. The horizontal and vertical lengths of the temporal compartment were measured and their surface areas were computationally assessed. Subsequently, differences in the results by sex were evaluated. @*Results@#The five-layer anatomical structure of the UTC was clearly visualized. The UTC was bounded by the temporal septa superiorly and inferiorly, the innominate fascia laterally, and the DTF medially. No vital structures were present within the UTC. The vertical and horizontal lengths of the UTC were 6.41±0.67 cm and 10.44±0.83 cm, respectively, and the surface area of the UTC was 48.52±5.65 cm2. No statistically significant differences were observed in any dimensions between male and female patients. @*Conclusions@#During rhinoplasty, DTF can be harvested as an autologous graft material from the UTC. An anatomical understanding of the UTC will aid in the safe and simple harvest of a sufficient amount of DTF.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The mental V-Y advancement flap method is useful for reconstruction of lower lip defect because of its many advantages. However, it is not easy to select the optimal reconstructive method for the vermilion defect that remains after application of the mental V-Y advancement flap. In choosing the representative surgical method for vermilion mucosal reconstruction including mucosal V-Y advancement flap, buccal mucosal flap, and buccal mucosal graft. We describe an efficient technique to large lower lip defects combining mental V-Y advancement flap and buccal mucosal graft METHODS: This study included 16 patients who underwent reconstructive surgery for full-thickness and large defect (> half the entire width) of the lower lip from October 2006 to September 2017. The operation was conducted using mental V-Y advancement flap with various vermilion mucosal reconstruction methods considering the location of the defect and the amount of residual tissue of the lip coloboma after excision. RESULTS: All patients underwent mental V-Y advancement flap. In vermilion mucosal reconstruction, five patients underwent mucosal V-Y advancement flap, three underwent buccal mucosal flap, and eight underwent buccal mucosal graft. There were good aesthetic and functional results in all patients who underwent buccal mucosal graft. However, two patients who underwent mucosal V-Y advancement flap complained of oral incompetence, and all patients who underwent buccal mucosal flap had oral commissure deformity. CONCLUSION: Buccal mucosal graft combined with mental V-Y advancement flap can produce suitable functional and aesthetic outcomes in near total lower lip reconstruction in patient with large mucosal defect including vermilion portion.
Subject(s)
Humans , Coloboma , Congenital Abnormalities , Lip , Methods , Mouth Mucosa , Surgical Flaps , TransplantsABSTRACT
Intraosseous hemangioma is a rare, slow-growing, benign tumor of blood vessels. Primary hemangioma of the skull is a benign lesion that may appear as a palpable mass or accidentally detected during image evaluation. Simple radiography is the most commonly used technique to localize a lesion and computed tomography (CT) may help determine the effect of a lesion. We report a case of multifocal intraosseous calvarial hemangioma developed in the subgaleal plane of an elderly male patient. Ultrasonography examination revealed hyperechoic striated septae parallel to the skin and discontinuity of the focal cortex, however, the underlying bone cortex appeared relatively intact. No significant flow is observed on Doppler ultrasonography. Based on these evaluations, the mass was interpreted by a radiologist as a subgaleal lipoma. This case highlights the importance of additional CT examination in a patient presenting with a scalloping sign of the underlying calvarium. Clinicians also should be aware of the possibility of intraosseous calvarial hemangiomas in lesion. Furthermore, the proper choice of congenital vascular malformation term is still quite confusing with misconception present in the literature.
Subject(s)
Aged , Humans , Male , Blood Vessels , Hemangioma , Lipoma , Pectinidae , Radiography , Skin , Skull , Ultrasonography , Ultrasonography, Doppler , Vascular MalformationsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Nasal framework-supporting procedures such as septal extension grafts, derotation grafts, and columellar strut grafts are usually required in rhinoplasty in Asian patients because the skin envelope is tight, but the nasal framework is small and weak. Autologous materials are preferred, but they have some limitations related to the amount that can be harvested and the frequency of use. Therefore, synthetic materials have been used to overcome these limitations. METHODS: A total of 114 patients who received a polydioxanone (PDS) plate as an adjuvant material in rhinoplasty from September 2016 to August 2017 were retrospectively investigated. The PDS plate was used as to support the weak framework and to correct the contour of the alar cartilages. The PDS plate was used for reinforcement of columellar struts and septal L-struts, alar cartilage push-down grafts, fixation of septal extension grafts, and correction of alar contour deformities RESULTS: Primary and secondary rhinoplasty was performed in 103 and 11 patients, respectively. Clinically, no significant inflammation occurred, but decreased projection of the tip was observed in seven patients and relapse of a short nose was noted in five patients. CONCLUSIONS: PDS plates have been used in the United States and Europe for more than 10 years to provide a scaffold for the nasal framework. These plates can provide reinforcement to columellar struts, L-struts, and septal extension grafts. In addition, they can assist in deformity correction. Therefore, PDS plates can be considered a good adjuvant material for Asian patients with weak and small nasal cartilage.
Subject(s)
Humans , Asian People , Cartilage , Congenital Abnormalities , Europe , Inflammation , Nasal Cartilages , Nose , Polydioxanone , Recurrence , Retrospective Studies , Rhinoplasty , Skin , Transplants , United StatesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures mostly occur in the form of tripod fractures. The surgical field is accessed using a combination of three classic approaches. However, the subciliary incision may have unfavorable aesthetic results. Herein, the authors report the advantages of the extended transconjunctival approach (ETA) combined with T-bar screw reduction in minimizing scarring and complications for the treatment of ZMC fractures. METHODS: A total of 26 patients underwent ZMC reduction through the ETA and intraoral approach. A skin incision measuring roughly 5 to 8 mm in length was placed following the lateral canthal skin crease. After releasing the inferior crus of the lateral canthal tendon for canthotomy, the medial periosteum of the lateral orbital rim was preserved for canthal reattachment. A limited subperiosteal dissection and partial relaxing incision of the orbicularis oculi were performed to expose the fracture line of the inferior orbital rim and zygomaticofrontal suture. Reduction was performed using a T-bar screw through the transconjunctivalincision and an elevator through the intraoral incision. RESULTS: The aesthetic and functional results were excellent. Successful reduction was achieved and the skin incision was less than 8 mm in 20 cases (76.9%). Only six patients had an additional skin incision (less than 5 mm) to achieve reduction. No cases of ectropion, entropion, or excessive scarring were noted. CONCLUSIONS: The ETA using a T-bar screw is a useful method for maximizing aesthetic results in ZMC fractures, with the advantages of minimal scarring, faster recovery, and maintenance of pretarsal fullness.
Subject(s)
Humans , Cicatrix , Ectropion , Elevators and Escalators , Entropion , Facial Bones , Methods , Orbit , Periosteum , Skin , Sutures , Tendons , Zygoma , Zygomatic FracturesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to investigate the anatomy of the peroneal artery and its perforators, and to report the clinical results of reconstruction with peroneal artery perforator flaps. METHODS: The authors dissected 4 cadaver legs and investigated the distribution, course, origin, number, type, and length of the perforators. Peroneal artery perforator flap surgery was performed on 29 patients. RESULTS: We identified 19 perforators in 4 legs. The mean number of perforators was 4.8 per leg, and the mean length was 4.8 cm. Five perforators were found proximally, 9 medially, and 5 distally. We found 12 true septocutaneous perforators and 7 musculocutaneous perforators. Four emerged from the posterior tibia artery, and 15 were from the peroneal artery. The peroneal artery perforator flap was used in 29 patients. Retrograde island peroneal flaps were used in 8 cases, anterograde island peroneal flaps in 5 cases, and free peroneal flaps in 16 cases. The mean age was 59.9 years, and the defect size ranged from 2.0 cm×4.5 cm to 8.0 cm×8.0 cm. All the flaps survived. Five flaps developed partial skin necrosis. In 2 cases, a split-thickness skin graft was performed, and the other 3 cases were treated without any additional procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The peroneal artery perforator flap is a good alternative for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects, with a constant and reliable vascular pedicle, thin and pliable skin, and the possibility of creating a composite tissue flap.
Subject(s)
Humans , Arteries , Cadaver , Leg , Necrosis , Perforator Flap , Skin , Surgical Flaps , Tibia , TransplantsABSTRACT
Pioglitazone (PGZ), a synthetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonist, is known to regulate inflammatory process and to have neuroprotective effects against neurological disorders. In the present study, we examined the effects of 30 mg/kg PGZ on excitotoxic neuronal damage and glial activation in the mouse hippocampus following intracerebroventricular injection of kainic acid (KA). PGZ treatment significantly reduced seizure-like behavior. PGZ had the neuroprotective effect against KA-induced neuronal damage and attenuated the activations of astrocytes and microglia in the hippocampal CA3 region. In addition, MPO and NFkappaB immunoreactivities in the glial cells were also decreased in the PGZ-treated group. These results indicate that PGZ had anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects against KA-induced excitotocix injury, and that neuroprotective effect of PGZ might be due to the attenuation of KA-induced activation in astrocytes and microglia as well as KA-induced increases in MPO and NFkappaB.
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Astrocytes , CA3 Region, Hippocampal , Hippocampus , Kainic Acid , Microglia , Nervous System Diseases , Neuroglia , Neurons , Neuroprotective Agents , PPAR gammaABSTRACT
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is, a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily of proteins. Although GDF15 is well established as a potent neurotrophic factor for neurons, little is known about its role in glial cells under neuropathological conditions. We monitored GDF15 expression in astrocyte activation after a kainic acid (KA)-induced neurodegeneration in the ICR mice hippocampus. In control, GDF15 immunoreactivity (IR) was evident in the neuronal layer of the hippocampus; however, GDF15 expression had increased in activated astrocytes throughout the hippocampal region at day 3 after the treatment with KA. LPS treatment in astrocytes dramatically increased GDF15 expression in primary astrocytes. In addition, LPS treatment resulted in the decrease of the IkappaB-alpha degradation and increase of the phosphorylation level of RelA/p65. These results indicate that GDF15 has a potential link to NF-kappaB activation, making GDF15 a valuable target for modulating inflammatory conditions.