Hair Transplantation in Burn Scar Alopecia After Combined Non-Ablative Fractional Laser and Microfat Graft Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Burn scar and alopecia on hair-bearing areas can severely affect the social life of patients. Unlike healthy skin, poor biological and mechanical properties of scar tissue in the recipient area can reduce the survival rate of hair graft following hair transplantation. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to determine if combined non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) and microfat injection could improve the survival rate of hair grafts on post burn scar. METHODS: Thirteen patients with alopecia resulting from burn scar in hair-bearing areas of the scalp and face were treated with combined NAFL and microfat graft and subsequent follicular unit extraction hair transplantation. Cicatricial alopecia occurred on the scalp, eyebrow, mustache, and beard areas. Patients were treated with 3 to 6 sessions of NAFL and 2 to 5 sessions of microfat graft injections, followed by 1 session of hair transplantation employing the follicular unit extraction technique. RESULTS: Hair transplantation was successfully performed with good to excellent results. The survival rate of transplanted follicular units ranged from 76% to 95% (mean, 85.04%), and the density success rate per square centimeter ranged from 76.9% to 95.2% (mean, 84.54%). All patients expressed high satisfaction with the results and no complication was encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Hair transplantation, after combined NAFL and microfat injection, is a promising treatment for post burn alopecia.

Combined Non-Ablative Laser and Microfat Grafting for Burn Scar Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Burn scar treatment persists as an unsolved problem, involving thousands of affected patients disfigured for life. OBJECTIVES: We sought to present our experience with the use of combined treatments for patients with burn scars. METHODS: This was a case series report of the senior author's experience during 8 years utilizing the combined treatments of Fraxel Restore (fractional laser) and microfat graft injection for 288 patients with burn scars. RESULTS: Laser treatment reduced scar intensity and attenuated skin irregularities and hyperpigmentation. All patients demonstrated marked improvement of skin texture and an increase in scar softness after 3 sessions of microfat grafting. However, the degree of improvement varied between patients and was related to the severity of the scar and the type of tissue. Overall, a 40% to 80% improvement was noted in our patients. All patients and their families expressed satisfaction with the results. CONCLUSIONS: The combined treatment of Fraxel and microfat grafting is an effective technique for improving the appearance of a hypertrophic scar or keloid on burn patients. Fat tissue stem cells may have helped to repair the damaged skin.

Facial rejuvenation with staged injections of cryopreserved fat and tissue cocktail: clinical outcomes in the past 10 years.

BACKGROUND: Facial rejuvenation by autologous fat transfer is common in aesthetic plastic surgery. The main drawback is progressive resorption, requiring repeated harvesting and microfat grafting. OBJECTIVE: The authors present a method for cryopreservation of excess harvested fat and tissue to enable subsequent use of previously harvested excess material. METHODS: Fat grafts were harvested using a 50-mL syringe and a 3- or 4-mm cannula. A tissue "cocktail" composed of dermis, fascia, and fat was prepared from excised scar tissue, tissue from abdominoplasty, or tissue from reduction mammaplasty. Cocktail specimens were placed in sterile tubes, immersed in a liquid nitrogen tank (-196°C), and stored at -80°C. At 3- to 6-month intervals, repeated cryopreserved fat graft injections were performed. Patients were evaluated by comparing preoperative and postoperative photographs. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2010, a total of 5199 cryopreserved fat or tissue injections were performed in 2439 consecutive patients (age range, 19-80 years). Nasolabial folds and lips were the most common injection sites. Clinical outcomes were satisfactory, and improved contour was achieved in most patients after repeated injections. CONCLUSIONS: Cryopreservation of excess tissue for future injection is promising since repetitive injections are often required after resorption of microfat grafts. In our study, the survival of cryopreserved tissue cocktail or fat was comparable to that of fresh fat grafts and is therefore an effective adjuvant method for facial rejuvenation.

Costal Cartilage Spring Graft for Late Correction of Cleft Lip Nose Deformity: New Technique.

BACKGROUND: Late correction of cleft lip nose deformity continues to be a challenge because of the weakness of cartilages and the collapsing forces of tight contracted soft tissues. The authors describe the new technique of costal cartilage spring graft for columella and lower lateral cartilage as a block to achieve symmetric, aesthetically more durable, and acceptable results for the late correction of cleft lip nose deformity. METHODS: Late cleft lip nose repair with simultaneous rhinoplasty was performed in 92 patients with unilateral cleft lip nose deformity. For correction of cleft lip nose deformity, a strut graft 2 to 3 mm in width, 0.5 to 1 mm in thickness, and 5 to 7 cm in length was prepared from costal cartilage (autograft or allograft). The strut graft was curved and bowed with fingers to simulate the medial and lateral crura of the alar cartilage. A crescent-shaped skin excision from the alar rim and a vertical incision in the columella were made. The intercrural and alar areas were dissected to create sufficient space for the insertion of a bow-shaped spring cartilage graft. After insertion of the cartilage graft, the alar rim was closed with continuous 6-0 Monocryl and the columella was closed with 5-0 Vicryl. RESULTS: Correction of depressed alar cartilage and webbing, lengthening the columella using spring costal cartilage, and symmetric nostrils were achieved in all cases. The mean follow-up period was 5 years (range, 2 to 15 years). CONCLUSION: These procedures, septoplasty, and simultaneous rhinoplasty provided long-term satisfactory results in the late correction of cleft lip nose deformity. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Treatment of Trichiasis by Releasing Follicle Roots of Eyelashes: A New Technique.

Trichiasis is an acquired condition in which eyelashes are misdirected toward the ocular surface, resulting in eye irritation and ocular morbidities. Different treatment modalities have been described, including surgical and non-surgical methods. The goal of this article is to present a novel technique for treatment of trichiasis, with a brief review of treatment options. Through a supratarsal incision, each misdirected eyelash follicle root was reached and freed from surrounding tissues by meticulous dissection. Then, hair shafts on the lid margin were redirected upward and glued to 2 bars extending horizontally across the upper eyelid. Two years after operation, the corrected eyelashes maintained their normal upward direction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of chronic trichiasis treated by this technique. The main advantage of the technique, unlike most of the other treatment methods, is that follicles of the affected eyelashes are not removed or destroyed, which is appreciated from the aesthetic point of view, especially in female patients. We believe that any plastic surgeon with basic knowledge of blepharoplasty and hair transplantation can perform this technique without much difficulty. So far, there is no recurrence; however, long-term follow-up with a large series of patients is required for drawing better conclusions.

Percutaneous electrothrombosis: a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of deep hemangiomas.

BACKGROUND: A percutaneous electrocauterization technique for the treatment of deep hemangiomas is introduced as an alternative and minimally invasive treatment mode. METHODS: Percutaneous electrothrombosis was applied through a needle-catheter that is a small silicone catheter with a needle guide in it. Thus, it is possible to do needle-point monopolar electrocauterization only at the needle tip because of the insulation of the other parts of the needle by the silicone catheter. By retracting the needle with catheter on it during electrocauterization, electrothrombosis was achieved through and around the channel of the needle, leaving vascularized tissue areas between the channels to perfuse the skin or mucosa covering the hemangioma. RESULTS: This technique was applied as a single treatment or before surgery for the treatment of cavernous hemangiomas to more than 40 patients. However, adequate documentation was found for only 10 patients. After percutaneous electrocauterization of deep hemangiomas, discrete areas of skin necrosis appeared in some patients during the healing period, but the subsequent debridement and surgical excisions were easier because of the thrombosis effect of the technique due to the diffuse denaturation and fibrosis through and around the electrocauterization channels. The follow-up period was 1-13 years. CONCLUSION: The proposed percutaneous electrocauterization technique for the treatment of deep hemangiomas achieved four effects: (1) volume reduction, (2) bleeding reduction, (3) anesthesia time reduction, and (4) cost reduction. The technique can be defined as a minimally invasive and effective alternative treatment for deep hemangiomas.

Delayed breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap.

BACKGROUND: The ideal method of breast reconstruction should be safe, reliable, and have minimal or no donor-site morbidity. We present our experience with the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap for delayed breast reconstruction with immediate permanent implant insertion. METHODS: The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap was performed on patients who presented for delayed breast reconstruction. From 1999 to 2007, charts of patients were reviewed for age, type of mastectomy, history of chest wall irradiation, nipple-areola complex reconstruction, and complications at both the donor site and the reconstructed breast site. RESULTS: The latissimus dorsi was used as a musculocutaneous flap in 33 patients who had breast cancer surgery. The mean age was 51.14 (range = 30-63) years. Nine patients (27%) asked for nipple-areola reconstruction. Three patients had major complications (9%), including infection, partial flap ischemia, and liponecrotic pseudocysts. Eight patients required revision. Seroma was the most common problem observed at the donor site. CONCLUSION: The latissimus dorsi flap provides adequate soft tissue with a reliable blood supply for the enhancement of missing tissue after mastectomy. It is a safe method for breast reconstruction and an excellent alternative flap for patients at high risk for abdominal flap complications.

Treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids using intense pulsed light (IPL).

BACKGROUND: Keloids and hypertrophic scars are extremely disturbing to patients, both physically and psychologically. This study prospectively assessed the safety and efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) on scars originating from burns, trauma, surgery, and acne. METHODS: Hypertrophic scars in 109 patients, originating from surgical incisions (n = 55), traumatic cuts (traffic accidents) (n = 24), acne scars (n = 6), keloids (n = 5), and burns (n = 19), were treated using an IPL Quantum device. Treatment was administered at 2-4-week intervals, and patients received an average of 8 treatments (range = 6-24). Using digital photographs, Changes in scar appearance were assessed by two physicians who were blinded to the study patients and treatments. The photographs were graded on a scale of 0 to 4 (none, minimal, moderate, good, excellent) for improvement in overall clinical appearance and reduction in height, erythema, and hardness. RESULTS: An overall clinical improvement in the appearance of scars and reductions in height, erythema, and hardness were seen in the majority of the patients (92.5%). Improvement was excellent in 31.2% of the patients, good in 25.7%, moderate in 34%, and minimal in 9.1%. Over half the patients had good or excellent improvement. In the preventive IPL treatment group, 65% had good to excellent improvement in clinical appearance. Patient satisfaction was very high. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that IPL is effective not only in improving the appearance of hypertrophic scars and keloids regardless of their origin, but also in reducing the height, redness, and hardness of scars.

Tissue transplantation in plastic surgery.

The functional and aesthetic outcome following application of conventional reconstructive procedures or prosthetic materials is not satisfactory, especially in patients who have severe deformities and disabilities. Since the first successful hand transplantation in France in 1998, composite tissue allograft transplantation has gained a great deal of interest in the field of plastic surgery. It is obvious that composite tissue allograft transplantation will improve patients' life quality, but this might be at the expense of decreasing life expectancy. Currently, the main obstacle for composite tissue allograft transplantation is the use of life-long immunosuppression therapy because of their well-known side effects. In addition, the ethical, social, and psychologic issues are raised when discussing face transplantation. The long-term results of the recently performed partial face transplantations will be critical to judge the future applications of partial or total face transplantation.

Allotransplantation of the face: how close are we?

Reconstruction of patients with severe facial disfigurements due to burns, trauma, or cancer is a challenging task for plastic surgeons. Currently, available reconstructive options rarely result in satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes. In this article the authors present the rationale and experimental basis for the introduction of composite facial allograft transplantation in humans. They outline the ethical, social, and media-related issues in facial allograft transplantation.

Maintenance of donor-specific chimerism despite osteopontin-associated bone fibrosis in a vascularized bone marrow transplantation model.

BACKGROUND: The role of vascularized bone allografting is not established in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The authors evaluated the contribution by osteopontin to fibrosis of allografted bone in a vascularized bone marrow transplantation model across a major histocompatibility complex barrier. METHODS: Thirty-six transplantations were performed between Brown Norway (RT1 n) donors and Lewis (RT1 l) recipients divided into three groups: group 1, isografts between Lewis rats (n = 12); group 2, allografts without treatment (n = 8); and group 3, allografts under a 7-day alphabeta-T-cell receptor/cyclosporine protocol (n = 16). Flow cytometry assessed the presence of chimerism for donor major histocompatibility complex class I (RT1 n) antigens. Immunostaining was used to determine osteopontin expression in grafted and recipient bone, and histologic examination was used to assess bone architecture. RESULTS: Early engraftment of donor bone marrow cells (RT1 n) into the recipient bone marrow compartment was achieved at posttransplantation day 7. This corresponded with osteopontin expression restricted to the endosteum of trabecular bone and was associated with the preservation of hematopoietic cells within donor bone. Cell migration between donor and recipient bone marrow compartments was confirmed by the presence of recipient cells (RT1 l) within the allografted bone and donor-origin cells (RT1 n) within the recipient bone. At posttransplantation day 63, osteopontin expression within allografted bone was associated with allograft bone fibrosis and lack of hematopoietic properties. In contrast, the recipient's contralateral bone demonstrated a highly localized osteopontin expression pattern within the endosteum and active hematopoiesis with the presence of donor-specific (RT1 n) cells and correlated with chimerism maintenance. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that despite up-regulation of osteopontin expression and fibrosis of allografted bone, vascularized bone marrow transplantation resulted in efficient engraftment of donor cells into the recipient's bone marrow compartment, leading to chimerism maintenance.

Calf augmentation with autologous tissue injection.

BACKGROUND: Lean or asymmetric calves may cause body image problems. These deformities can be corrected by inserting a silicone calf prosthesis or silicone injection, and also through the use of an autologous fat or tissue cocktail. METHODS: Thin and asymmetric parts of the leg are marked while the patient is standing. Depressed areas are observed at the anteromedial part of the tibia from the knee to the ankle. Fat tissue harvested under general anesthesia, using a syringe and a 4-mm cannula, is centrifuged to eliminate blood and lipids, antibiotic is added, and small amounts of fat grafts are injected into different layers using a cannula 15 or 26 cm in length and 3 mm in diameter. For the preparation of the tissue cocktail, tissue (dermis, fascia, fat) was cut into very small pieces measuring 0.5 mm to be passed through 16-gauge needles. The amount injected depends on the severity of deformity and the size of the legs. Rather than overcorrecting, injections are repeated if necessary, two to four times at 3-month intervals. RESULTS: Between 1992 and 2003, 77 patients underwent calf augmentations with autologous fat and tissue cocktail injections, with follow-up from 1 to 8 years. Outcome was satisfactory in most patients, with moderate improvement in 10 patients (13 percent) and good improvement in 67 (87 percent). In 12 patients, small irregularities or asymmetries were seen after the first injection and were corrected with a second injection. No infection was reported in any case. CONCLUSION: Autologous augmentation and shaping offers scar-free, long-lasting results, with no late complications, and with the possibility of touchup.

The Abbé island flap for the reconstruction of severe secondary cleft lip deformities.

Primary repair of the cleft lip is often associated with secondary deformities, which require revision and secondary reconstruction. Patients with one or all of the following, a tight lip restricting use of orthodontic appliances, absence of a Cupid's bow, or absence of vermilion tubercle, were treated with the Abbé island flap. A triangular muco-musculo-cutaneous island flap was designed in the central segment of the lower lip. A full-thickness incision of skin, muscle, and mucosa was made in the midline of the upper lip, dividing the lip into two segments, and the island Abbé flap was inserted. One week after surgery, the pedicle of the island flap was divided and the inset of the flap completed. Sixty patients with severe secondary cleft lip deformities (36 males and 24 females) were treated. Good aesthetic and functional results were achieved during 1 to 17 years of follow-up. Insertion of the Abbé flap resulted in release of the tight upper lip and a new, inconspicuous scar. Use of orthodontic appliances was facilitated, and tightness of the tissue, which restricted the expansion of the alveolar process, was eliminated. Adequate tissue was transferred to the upper lip, which improved the bulk of the lip and vermilion tubercle. The retrusion of the midface and the projection of the upper lip were also improved, and the upper and lower lips became better balanced. Donor site morbidities were insignificant. Use of the Abbé flap in selected patients resulted in successful reconstruction of secondary cleft lip deformities.

The issue of "facial appearance and identity transfer" after mock transplantation: a cadaver study in preparation for facial allograft transplantation in humans.

The authors have assessed the facial "appearance" of recipient cadavers after mock facial transplantation, the "appearance" of donor facial flaps following transfer to artificial head models, and the "appearance" of donor flaps after replantation back to the same cadavers. Based on the results of different types of facial flap transplantation, the issue of "identity transfer" is discussed. Ten fresh human cadavers were dissected. In eight cadavers, the entire facial/scalp flap was harvested. Two cadavers served as recipients of the donor facial flaps. Two different types of artificial head models were used as the "recipients" for the harvested facial flaps. The facial appearance of the recipient cadavers after mock transplantation was a mixture of features of both the recipient and the donor. The appearance of the facial flaps mounted on the head models was close to the framework of the head models. When harvested facial flaps were transferred back to the original cadavers, the facial appearance was nearly the same as before transplant. Based on this study, the authors will be able to discuss the variation in post-transplant appearance with potential candidates for facial transplant. The issue of correlating facial appearance with "identity transfer" will be difficult to assess until the authors' first facial transplantation is performed.

A cadaver study in preparation for facial allograft transplantation in humans: part II. Mock facial transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The authors have performed mock facial transplantation by harvesting total facial-scalp flaps from donors and transferring them to recipient cadavers. METHODS: A total of 10 fresh human cadavers were dissected. In the donor, the authors have measured the time of facial-scalp flap harvesting, and the length of the arterial and venous pedicles and sensory nerves that were included in the facial flaps. In the recipient, the authors have evaluated the time of facial skin harvest as a monobloc full-thickness graft, the anchoring regions for the inset of the donor facial flaps, and the time sequences for the vascular pedicle anastomoses and nerve coaptations. RESULTS: In the donor cadaver, the mean harvesting time of the total facial-scalp flap harvest was 235.62 +/- 21.94 minutes. The mean length of the supraorbital, infraorbital, mental, and great auricular nerves was 1.5 +/- 0.15, 2.46 +/- 0.25, 3.02 +/- 0.31, and 6.11 +/- 0.42 cm, respectively. The mean length of the external carotid artery, the facial vein, and external jugular vein was 5 +/- 0.32, 3.15 +/- 0.32, and 5.78 +/- 0.5 cm, respectively. In the recipient cadaver, the mean harvesting time of facial skin as a monobloc full-thickness graft was 47.5 +/- 3.53 minutes. The mean time for the preparation of the arterial and venous pedicles and sensory nerves for the future anastomoses and coaptation was 30 +/- 0 minutes. The mean time for facial flap anchoring was 22.5 +/- 3.53 minutes. The total mean time of facial mock transplantation without vessels and nerve repair was 320 +/- 7.07 minutes (5 hours 20 minutes). CONCLUSION: Based on anatomical dissections in this cadaver study, the authors have estimated the time and sequence of facial flap harvest and inset to mimic the clinical scenario of the facial transplantation procedure.

Clinical outcome of peripheral nerve decompression in diabetic and nondiabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Surgical decompression of peripheral nerves in patients with diabetes was reported to restore sensation and improve function. In this study, a retrospective review of 12 diabetic and 20 nondiabetic patients with lower-extremity peripheral neuropathy who underwent surgical decompression was performed. Clinical evaluation by Tinel test, muscle power examination, and 2-point discrimination were performed preoperatively, at 6 months, and between 9 and 15 months postdecompression. Clinical outcomes were classified into excellent, good, or fair based on improvement in symptoms and return of function. Thirty-two patients underwent 36 surgeries, in which 99 lower-extremity nerves were decompressed. There was a statistically significant improvement in muscle function (P < 0.001) and 2-point discrimination for the small toe (P = 0.008) and big toe (P = 0.038). At a mean of 7.7 months, 90% of patients showed significant improvement in pain and function. It is concluded that surgical decompression was associated with significant improvement in clinical outcome in patients with diabetic and idiopathic neuropathy with evidence of superimposed compression.

Applications of bilateral vascularized femoral bone marrow transplantation for chimerism induction across the major histocompatibility (MHC) barrier: part II.

Bilateral vascularized bone marrow transplant (VBMT) model was designed to induce chimerism across the major histocompatibility (MHC) barrier under combined alphabeta T-cell receptor monoclonal antibody and cyclosporine A (alphabeta-TCRmAb/CsA) protocol. Seventeen transplants were performed between BN(RT1) donors and Lewis(RTI) recipients. Group I, isograft controls; Group II, allografts rejection controls; Group III, allografts under 7-day protocol of alphabeta-TCRmAb/CsA. Donor bilateral femoral bones were bilaterally anastomosed to the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava of recipient. At day 7 posttransplantation, all bone flaps were viable. Groups I and III survived without signs of rejection. In Group III, peak level of chimerism in peripheral blood was evaluated at day 21 (24.2%), at day 63 declined to 1.5%, and was maintained at this level thereafter. Donor-derived cells were present in the bone marrow of recipients at 28.2% at day 21 posttransplant. Histology confirmed viability of bone marrow cells in isograft during the entire follow-up and up to 35 days in treatment Group III. Bilateral VBMT induced donor-specific chimerism across the MHC barrier under the immunomodulatory protocol of alphabeta-TCRmAb/CsA.

Bilateral vascularized femoral bone transplant: a new model of vascularized bone marrow transplantation in rats, part I.

We present a new model of vascularized bone marrow transplantation-bilateral vascularized femoral bone (BVFB) isograft transplant based on abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava. A total of 7 BVFB isograft transplants were performed between Lewis (RT1) rats. In the donor, both femoral bones were harvested based on the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava. In the recipient, the harvested isograft transplants were transferred into the inguinal region (in 3 animals) and into the abdominal cavity (in 4 animals). The mean operation time was 3 hours and 35 minutes. The mean warm ischemic time was 35 minutes. The vascular pedicles of the transplants that were transferred into the inguinal region were thrombosed at day 7 posttransplantation. The vascular pedicles of transplants into the abdominal cavity were patent and the bones were viable during the follow-up period of 63 days posttransplant. We have confirmed the feasibility of BVFB transplantation based on abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava.