A Modified Inverted Nipple Correction Technique That Preserves Breastfeeding.

BACKGROUND: An inverted nipple may affect the appearance of the breasts and breastfeeding, but traditional surgical procedures might injure the normal lactiferous ducts and damage sensory functions. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to propose a minimally invasive and reliable method that preserves breastfeeding and corrects grade I and II inverted nipples. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial of 230 female patients with unilateral or bilateral inverted nipples and 30 patients with normal nipples who visited the Preconception Counseling Department of our hospital from February 2009 to January 2016. The nipples in the distractor group underwent an operation with a distractor, while the control nipples were treated with daily exercises. The intervention lasted 6 months. The primary endpoint was full-term pregnancy breastfeeding for 4 months. The secondary endpoint was the completion of lactation without obvious complications, such as mastitis and nipple craze. RESULTS: Grade I and II nipples achieved increased height after the distractor was worn for 6 months and at 37 weeks of pregnancy (P < 0.05), while the control nipples achieved only a marginal improvement at 37 weeks of pregnancy. In the distractor group, the success rates were 84.9% and 79.3% for grade I and II nipples, respectively, compared with the control group (52.5% and 38.9%, respectively) (P < 0.05). After treatment with the distractor for 6 months, nipples in the distractor group showed no complications, such as skin numbness or nipple necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a distractor is a reliable and minimally invasive method for correcting grade I and II inverted nipples while preserving breastfeeding.

Three-step Reduction Therapy of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture.

Objective: To investigate and compare the efficacy of three-step reduction (TSR) therapy of integrated Chinese and Western Medicine and posterior open (PO) surgery for thoracolumbar burst fracture. Methods: We selected 60 patients diagnosed with thoracolumbar burst fracture and received treatment in our hospital from December 2014 to March 2017. According to randomized digital table, they were randomly divided into TSR and PO groups. VAS pain grade, Oswestry disability index, height of centrum front, Cobb's angle of spine, bleeding, and complication of internal fixation of the two groups were compared. Results: Postoperative reduction of injured centrum, regained volume of canalis vertebralis, volume of bleeding, and early functional rehabilitation of TSR group were better than that of PO groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Through three-step reduction combined pedicle screw fixation surgery, we can achieve satisfied reduction of thoracolumbar burst fracture, rebuild the height of centrum, recover the biomechanics function of spine, and reduce bleeding. Three-step reduction therapy is an effective therapy for thoracolumbar burst fracture.

Epithetic nasal reconstruction for nasal carcinoma: retrospective analysis on 22 patients.

Advanced nasal cancers usually demand partial or total rhinectomy followed by radiotherapy. Reconstruction of the resulting defects can be achieved by means of reconstructive plastic surgery and/or epithetic surgery. The data of 22 patients who had been treated after nasal ablation by means of custom-made silicone nasal epithesis fixed by bone-anchored magnets between 2003 and 2014 were evaluated retrospectively. There were 15 male (68.2 %) and 7 (31.8 %) female patients. The most common etiology that led to epithetic rehabilitation was a squamous cell carcinoma in 16 patients. An operative revision was necessary in two patients due to screw loss. Twenty patients were still alive with no evidence of disease after minimum follow-up of 2 years (90.9 %). Epithetic rehabilitation after nasal ablation to treat nasal malignancies is an interesting alternative to plastic and reconstructive surgery. Bone-anchored fixation using magnets can achieve a stable epithetic fixation after nasal ablation necessitating, in numerous cases, additional adjuvant therapy like radiation.

Two cases of prostheses for flap protection after buccal mucosal incision.

Here we describe two patients in whom prostheses were applied for flap protection after buccal mucosal incision. In the first case, the patient was a 65-year-old man with a diagnosis of buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma (T2N0M0). Left buccal mucosa squamous cell tumor resection and dermoplasty were performed, followed by alveolar ridge augmentation and buccal mucosal graft in the scar area. The carcinoma recurred, however, and left buccal mucosa carcinoma resection was performed, followed by reconstruction surgery using a free forearm flap. After a 12-week healing period, a molar support was constructed on the unaffected side and a protective prosthesis placed on the affected side. Training in ingestion and swallowing were given postoperatively. The patient in the second case was a 62-year-old woman with a diagnosis of buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma (T2N1M0). Right buccal mucosa carcinoma resection and supraomohyoid neck dissection were performed, followed by reconstruction surgery using a free forearm flap. A molar support was constructed on the unaffected side and a protective prosthesis placed on the affected side at 5 months postoperatively. Training was given in ingestion and swallowing postoperatively. The prostheses prevented bite wounds to the flaps in the affected areas due to jaw movement during swallowing or speaking. The postoperative courses were uneventful, and the average masticatory score was 92.5 (85, 100), not affecting daily life. The prostheses were placed after reconstruction surgery using free flaps after buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma resection. Dysphasia recovered to the preoperative level by dysphasia and pronunciation training in both cases. The postoperative prognosis was favorable, with the prosthesis preventing damage to the flap.

Suspension of the gluteal region with silhouette sutures.

The authors present their minimally invasive gluteopexy technique, using polypropylene 2-0 sutures with 10 absorbable polylactic cones in their distal section (Silhouette Lift, Irvine, California) to improve the anteroposterior projection of the gluteal region. Histological study of the reaction of adipose tissue surrounding the cones previously has shown that, 3 months after insertion of the sutures, fibrous scar tissue is sufficiently developed to resist the weight of the tissues. On the basis of this finding, the authors decided to perform the gluteopexy with sutures, in 2 surgical steps. During the first step, the sutures are inserted in the adipose tissue without any proximal fixation. In the second step, performed 3 months after the first procedure when the fibrous reaction is more solid, the sutures are tightened to obtain the gluteopexy. Among the advantages of this technique are its simplicity, the fact that it produces no traumatic effects, and the fact that it can be performed with local anesthetic, reducing surgical time. It is also possible to combine this procedure with lipofilling or liposuction techniques.

Intraoperative and postoperative complications of laparoscopic pyeloplasty: a single surgical team experience with 236 cases.

PURPOSE: To describe and analyze a single surgical team's experience with intraoperative and postoperative complications arising from the Anderson-Hynes transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) procedure in the treatment of patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: There were 236 consecutive patients who underwent transperitoneal LP over a period of 8 years (2004-2012). These patients' records were retrospectively analyzed for intraoperative and postoperative complications. Of the 236 patients, 111 (47.0%) were males and 125 (53%) were females. In 226 patients, surgical indication was primary UPJO, and in 10 patients, recurrent obstruction. Two hundred and eleven patients (89.4%) were symptomatic. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 96.5 minutes (range 45-360 min). The mean blood loss was 20 mL (range 5-500 mL), and no blood transfusions were necessary. The overall success rate was 97% (229 patients) with a mean follow-up of 38 months (range 6-84 mos). In 86 of the 94 patients who presented with a crossing vessel (91.5%), the anomalous crossing vessel was transposed to the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) dorsally because of evident obstruction. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.2 days (range 3-14 days). All 211 preoperative symptomatic patients reported a complete resolution of symptoms after the procedure. Intraoperative incidents occurred in nine (3.8%) patients, while postoperative complications occurred in 32 (13.5%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our retrospective analysis confirms that LP is an efficacious and safe procedure resulting in a reported success rate of 97% and a concomitant low level of intraoperative (3.8%) and postoperative complications (13.6%). Major complications necessitating active management occur in a low percentage of cases (5.9% of patients). The most frequent and severe intraoperative complications are related to the Double-J stent insertion. The most common postoperative complication is urine leakage.

Nanotechnology in plastic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Nanotechnology has made inroads over time within surgery and medicine. Translational medical devices and therapies based on nanotechnology are being developed and put into practice. In plastic surgery, it is anticipated that this new technology may be instrumental in the future. Microelectromechanical systems are one form of nanotechnology that offers the ability to develop miniaturized implants for use in the treatment of numerous clinical conditions. The authors summarize their published preliminary findings regarding a microelectromechanical systems-based electrochemical stimulation method through modulation of ions around the nerve that is potentially implantable and clinically efficacious, and expand upon current and potential usages of nanotechnology in plastic surgery. METHODS: Sciatic nerves (n = 100) of 50 American bullfrogs were placed on a microfabricated planar gold electrode array and stimulated electrically. Using Ca(2+)-selective membranes, ion concentrations were modulated around the nerve environment in situ. In addition, a comprehensive review of the literature was performed to identify all available data pertaining to the use of nanotechnology in medicine. RESULTS: A 40 percent reduction of the electrical threshold value was observed using the Ca(2+) ion-selective membrane. The uses of nanotechnology specifically applicable to plastic surgery are detailed. CONCLUSIONS: Nanotechnology may likely lead to advancements in the art and science of plastic surgery. Using microelectromechanical systems nanotechnology, the authors have demonstrated a novel means of modulating the activation of nerve impulses. These findings have potentially significant implications for the design of special nano-enhanced materials that can be used to promote healing, control infection, restore function, and aid nerve regeneration and rehabilitation.

Complications in lasers, lights, and radiofrequency devices.

Lights, lasers, and radiofrequency are unique sources of energy that are increasingly utilized for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. As the indications for these tools continue to increase and their use expands beyond physicians to aestheticians, physician-extenders, and technicians, the incidence of complications has also risen. It is imperative that operators of these tools be as familiar with the management of potential complications as they are with their usage and indications. This article serves as a review of potential complications encountered with usage of lasers, lights, and radiofrequency devices in dermatology.

1.9 µm diode laser assisted vascular microanastomoses: Experience in 40 clinical procedures.

BACKGROUND: Since the initial work of Jacobson and Suarez in 1960, microsurgery has evolved greatly. In 2009, we reported our clinical experience with 1.9 µm diode laser-assisted vascular microanastomoses (LAMA) for free flap reconstruction. In this report, the ongoing study is now expanded to include 11 additional procedures which were analyzed prospectively with a focus on the duration of the LAMA technique. METHODS: In total, 40 clinical procedures with LAMA have been performed since 2005. Mean follow-up was 3.3 years (range 0.5-5.5 years). Among those, 11 procedures were performed and prospectively analyzed during the period 2008-2009. LAMA was performed with a 1.9 µm diode laser after placement of equidistant stitches. For vessels size <1.5 mm, the following laser parameters were used: spot size 400 µm, five spots for each wall, power 125 mW, arterial/venous fluence 100/90 J/cm(2) (spot duration 1/0.9 seconds). RESULTS: For the last observed 11 procedures, mean occlusion time of the flap arterial and venous anastomoses was 5.4 ± 0.4 and 6.8 ± 0.7 minutes respectively. One anastomosis required a secondary laser application. Arterial and venous patency rates were 100% at the time of surgery. The success rate for the 11 procedures was 100%. The global success rate of the series (97.5%) is discussed and compared with the literature. CONCLUSION: The success rates for reconstructive free flap surgery realized with LAMA appear excellent. Technical innovation will most likely lead to widespread use of the handpiece laser in the operating room.

Evidence-based use of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in clinical plastic surgery.

BACKGROUND: The initial development of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy and its evolution over the last century for use in clinical surgery has been slow, primarily because of lack of scientifically-derived, evidence-based knowledge of the mechanism of action. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to review the major scientific breakthroughs and current understanding of the mechanism of action of PEMF therapy, providing clinicians with a sound basis for optimal use. METHODS: A literature review was conducted, including mechanism of action and biologic and clinical studies of PEMF. Using case illustrations, a holistic exposition on the clinical use of PEMF in plastic surgery was performed. RESULTS: PEMF therapy has been used successfully in the management of postsurgical pain and edema, the treatment of chronic wounds, and in facilitating vasodilatation and angiogenesis. Using scientific support, the authors present the currently accepted mechanism of action of PEMF therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This review shows that plastic surgeons have at hand a powerful tool with no known side effects for the adjunctive, noninvasive, nonpharmacologic management of postoperative pain and edema. Given the recent rapid advances in development of portable and economical PEMF devices, what has been of most significance to the plastic surgeon is the laboratory and clinical confirmation of decreased pain and swelling following injury or surgery.

Bone formation with various bone graft substitutes in critical-sized rat calvarial defect.

OBJECTIVE: This histomorphometric study compared the efficacy of a new bone graft substitute (N-HA) derived from hen eggshell, consisted of submicron scale porous hydroxyapatite structure, in the healing of 8 mm diameter critical size defects in rat calvaria. We compared N-HA alone or in combination with calcium sulfate (CS), with a commercial bone substitute, anorganic bovine bone (Bio-Oss, BO). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Critical size defects were created in calvaria of 56 adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were divided into four groups and treated with (1) unfilled defects, (2) N-HA grafts, (3) BO grafts and (4) N-HA/CS grafts. The percentage of new bone formed (NB%) was evaluated histomorphometrically after 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: The N-HA group exhibited more new bone formation compared with other groups at 6 and 12 weeks. Histomorphometric analysis showed greater NB% in N-HA group (11.2% at 4 weeks and 19.2% at 12 weeks) compared with those in unfilled (3.9% at 6 weeks and 6.4% at 12 weeks), BO-treated (6.4% at 6 weeks and 8.2% at 12 weeks) and N-HA/CS-treated (6.3% at 6 weeks and 12.6% at 12 weeks) groups. The N-HA group showed significant differences in NB% compared with unfilled group at 6 weeks (P=0.016), unfilled and BO-treated groups at 12 weeks (P=0.001). The addition of CS did not enhance the NB% compared with defects grafted with N-HA alone. CONCLUSION: N-HA was an osteoconductive bone substitute for treating osseous defects in critical size defects of rat calvaria.

Lasers and optical technologies in facial plastic surgery.

Lasers and optical technologies play a significant role in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. The unique ability of optical technologies to target specific structures and layers in tissues to effect chemical, mechanical, or thermal changes makes them a powerful tool in cutaneous rejuvenation, hair removal, fat removal, and treatment of vascular lesions such as port-wine stains, among many other procedures. With the development of adjunct techniques such as epidermal cooling, lasers and optical technologies have become more versatile and safe. The constant improvement of existing applications and the emergence of novel applications such as photodynamic therapy, nanoparticles, spectroscopy, and noninvasive imaging continue to revolutionize aesthetic medicine by offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery. In the future, therapies will be based on individualized, maximum, safe radiant exposure to deliver optimal dosimetry. Lasers and optical technologies are headed toward safer, easier, more quantifiable, and more individualized therapy.

Mesoplastia facial: escultura facial mini-invasiva progresiva. Reestructuración cutánea como técnica antienvejecimiento / Facial mesoplasty: Mini-invasive facial progresive sculputure. Cutaneous restructuration like antiaging technique

Cuando pensamos en envejecimiento, muchas preguntas vienen a nuestras mentes, ¿Cómo evitarlo? ¿Cómo disminuir este terrible e irreversible proceso? Desde hace años he estudiado las causas del envejecimiento y cómo restaurar los daños cutáneos y frenar la muerte celular. He utilizado para ello una técnica que revirtió y detuvo muchas de las etapas de este proceso en más de 300 pacientes que no deseaban ser sometidos a cirugía. Se utilizó para ello el principio de que la piel se nutre de dentro hacia fuera, con una solución nutritiva con los nutrientes ideales, vitaminas y cofactores que se aplicaron en la piel directamente. El mecanismo común del envejecimiento seguramente está asociado con el tiempo, sin embargo la exposición a tóxicos, la pobre o deficiente detoxificación, la irradiación solar, son factores que bloquean los procesos metabólicos. En el caso de tener daño en la piel es posible restaurarlo mejorando la salud, o mejor que esto, evitando la muerte celular. Esta técnica trata de proporcionar y alimentar la piel localmente con los nutrientes correctos administrados en el interior de la piel. El proceso consiste en administrar los nutrientes adecuados a través de una mezcla nutritiva combinada con diferentes concentraciones de ácido hialurónico lineal dependiendo del daño y creando columnas tensionales o de soporte con ácido hialurónico reticulado. La técnica se realizó en más de 300 pacientes con un seguimiento mayor de 48 meses. Los resultados fueron 60.8% excelentes, 27.02%muy buenos, 11.48% regulares y solo 3.37% sin cambios; como complicación observamos equímosis en 12.5%, 14% dolor en el área de aplicación y solo 1.25% tuvieron reacción local y edema. La técnica de reestructuración cutánea es segura, efectiva y es capaz de retardar el envejecimiento, mantener un resultado quirúrgico evitando intervenciones múltiples para rejuvenecimiento y puede usarse como preparación para nuevos métodos como el uso de la radiofrecuencia (AU)

When we think about aging, many questions come to our minds. How to avoid it? How to decrease this terrible and irreversible process imposed on us?. Over the past years I have studied the causes of aging and how to restore the skin and to eliminate the death of the cells. In my diverse studies, a technique was used to reverse and stop many of the stages of the aging process in more than 300 patients who didn’t want to rejuvenate through aggressive surgeries. The right nutrients like vitamins, co-vitamins, and co-factors were applied from inside of the skin and made it possible to slow the aging process. The common mechanism that causes aging surely is associated with time; however, exposition to toxics, poor of lack detoxification, and solar irradiation are factors among others that change and block the metabolic process. The technique consists on providing and feeding the skin locally with the right nutrients from inside the skin; if cells are deficient in all nutrients and if they are damaged; if so, then a rich nutrient plus lineal hyaluroniuc acid in different concentrations are used depending of the damage degree, and to create columns of tension with the reticulated hyaluronic acid that tenses the areas. The study has been performed with more than 300 patients during 48months approximately. The results were outstanding in 60.8%, very good in 27.02%, moderated in 11.48%, no changes in 3.37%. The side effects were 12.5% with some bruises in the area of application, 14% had some pain in the area during application, and 1.25% had a reaction with edema. This technique is simple, secure, effective, and is able to delay aging and the most important, it may avoid rejuvenating by multiple surgeries, and prepare the skin for other complementary methods like radiofrecuency (AU)

Complications from repeated injection or puncture of old polyacrylamide gel implant sites: case reports.

Polyacrylamide gel has been used for soft tissue augmentation outside the United States since 1997. Despite some adverse events, the long duration of the augmentation and the tangible filling effect has increased its use in Asia and the Middle East. In this era of mesotherapy and fillers, patients are more likely than ever to have additional injections. The response of old polyacrylamide gel implant sites to puncture or repeated injection has not been reported previously. A total of 12 cases were treated for acute inflammation after puncture of polyacrylamide gel implants with injection needles or minor surgical intervention. The duration of augmentation after the initial injection was from 6 months to 4 years. Acute inflammation followed a certain pattern. Patients presented with pain, swelling, redness, and significant induration after puncture of the dormant implant. Resolution was achieved gradually with drainage, empirical antibiotics, and antiinflammatory agents in 1 to 2 weeks. Cultures of removed gel were negative. The cause of inflammation was difficult to define, but a definite link to puncture of the implant could be found in all patients. Puncture of the implant violates the tissue-implant barrier and induces inflammation or introduces bacteria that are not detectable in culture but may contribute to inflammation in the presence of the filler material. Further research is needed to assess the inflammation observed with repeated puncture of old polyacrylamide gel implants and its implications. In the meantime, patients should be warned about the possibility of inflammation in the case of puncture or surgery to the implant site, even years after the polyacrylamide gel injection.

Sutureless otoplasty by scoring of the cartilage: a study in 34 patients.

The aim of correction of prominent ears is to improve cosmesis, preferably without complications. We used cartilage scoring with a surgical blade while controlling the degree of helical fold created with fine diathermy at the edge of fold. Thirty-four consecutive patients had bilateral correction, with a mean follow-up of 6 months. Their mean age was 8 years 3 months (range 6-18 years), and there were 16 boys and 18 girls. Twenty-six required general anaesthesia and eight had a local anaesthetic. Postoperative complications included one bleed that was controlled by a change of dressing, and an infection in one ear (treated with antibiotics). There were no haematomas, wound breakdowns, or protrusion of sutures (no sutures were used generally except for deep conchal bowl where conchomastoid sutures were used). We think that the low complication rate is the result of maximising the advantages and minimising the disadvantages of the different techniques. We recommend this technique for the routine correction of prominent ears as a result of a poorly formed antihelical fold or deep conchal bowl.

The effect of radiation in distraction osteogenesis for reconstruction of mandibular segmental defects.

Distraction osteogenesis is useful in the reconstruction of mandibular segmental defects. The effects of radiotherapy on distracted bone after resection of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity are still unknown. We report the outcome in six patients who had distraction osteogenesis after postoperative radiotherapy. Distraction was by a unidirectional semi-buried device and panoramic radiographs were taken monthly during the distraction and consolidation periods to monitor the progress of the distraction. Follow-up ranged from 15 to 45 months (mean 33). The dose of radiation ranged from 60 to 70Gy. In one patient the bone was completely exposed and all the screws were loosened. There was no calcification and the gap remained radiolucent in the panoramic radiographs. The other five patients had excellent or good quality of bone. We conclude that radiotherapy may not interfere substantially with distraction osteogenesis although larger series the necessary.

Bone marrow-derived osteoblasts seeded into porous beta-tricalcium phosphate to repair segmental defect in canine's mandibula.

BACKGROUND: Bone regeneration is often needed for many aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. Tissue engineering provided a promising approach to supplement existing treatment strategies. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of reconstructing mandibular defect by using bioceramics seeded with bone marrow derived osteoblasts. METHODS: Canine's autologous marrow stromal cells were Culture-expanded and induced to osteoblastic phenotype, then were seeded into prepared porous beta-tricalcium phosphate, after being incubated in vitro. The cell/ scaffold complexes were implanted into the prepared defect in canines' mandibula and fixed by internal rigid fixation. In control groups, beta-tricalcium phosphate alone and autologous iliums were implanted into the prepared defects. Twelve weeks after implantation, the specimens were examined macroscopically and histologically. RESULTS: In experimental group and autologous iliums group, new bone grafts were successfully developed at 12 weeks after implantation and repaired the continuity of the mandibula. Histologically, newly formed bone could be observed on the surface and in the pores of beta-tricalcium phosphate in the cell/scaffold group, whereas incomplete bone repair was found in pure beta-tricalcium phosphate group. CONCLUSION: The harvested bone marrow derived osteoblasts possess the ability to form new bone tissue when seeded onto porous beta-tricalcium phosphate, which shows the potential of using this method to repair large segmental mandibular defect clinically.

Reconstruction of the mandible with a poly(D,L-lactide) scaffold, autogenous corticocancellous bone graft, and autogenous platelet-rich plasma: an animal experiment.

An animal study is presented, evaluating a method of mandibular reconstruction using a poly(D,Llactide) (PDLLA) scaffold. Six goats underwent a continuity resection of the mandibular angle. The defect was bridged with a preshaped PDLLA scaffold, filled with an autogenous particulate bone graft from the anterior iliac crest, and fixed with two preshaped titanium plates. To accelerate bone healing, autogenous platelet-rich plasma was mixed with the particulate bone graft. All goats had an uneventful healing. The osteosynthesis system withstood immediate loading for a period of 6 weeks until sacrifice. The particulate bone grafts within the PDLLA scaffold, which appeared to be narrowed, showed considerable resorption and replacement by fibrous tissue. In all goats, however, callus formation along the reconstructed segment was seen, providing bony continuity and maintaining the original contour of the reconstructed segment. Thus, the technique used may provide an alternative for reconstruction with revascularized composite flaps with less associated donor site morbidity.