A Comparative Study of Two Topical Treatments for Photoaging of the Hands.

BACKGROUND: Multiple effective treatments exist for correction of skin photoaging. Topical L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is a well-known anti-oxidant and topical human platelet extract (HPE), a novel off-the-shelf cosmetic ingredient has shown positive results in recent clinical studies. HPE is a leukocyte-depleted allogeneic product derived from U.S.-sourced, pooled, apheresed platelets produced with consistent batch quality, purity, and effect. AIMS: The authors sought to characterize the effect of topical HPE (plated ) Intense Serum (Rion Aesthetics, Rochester, MN) compared to vitamin C (C E Ferulic® with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, SkinCeuticals, L'Oréal, Paris) in skin rejuvenation of dorsal hands after 12 to 26-weeks twice daily use. METHODS: This prospective, longitudinal study sought to compare the effectiveness of two known treatments for skin rejuvenation. Evaluations at baseline, 6, 12, and 26 weeks included photo documentation to assess common skin concerns related to aging. RESULTS: For age-related skin appearance on the dorsal hands, topical HPE was non-inferior to topical vitamin C for improvement in brown spot fractional area, wrinkle fractional area, and improvement in luminosity at 12 weeks after twice-daily topical use. CONCLUSIONS: HPE performed as well as vitamin C to rejuvenate the skin on the dorsal hands after 12 to 26 weeks of twice daily topical use. Both topical serums may yield similar or superior results than invasive procedures, such as intense pulsed light (IPL), in reducing brown spots on the dorsal hands. These topical products work equally well in both sexes. Skin improvements lasted through 6 months.

Large-Volume Fat Grafting: Identifying Risk Factors for Fat Necrosis.

BACKGROUND: Fat necrosis is a well-recognized complication following autologous fat grafting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of fat necrosis after large-volume fat grafting and identify risk factors for fat necrosis. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 83 consecutive patients who underwent large-volume fat grafting (>100 cc) to the breast performed by the senior author (L.P.B.) between September of 2011 and May of 2016. Fat necrosis was defined as palpable nodules, or nodules seen on imaging. RESULTS: A total of 148 breasts underwent 170 autologous fat transplantations. Indications included the following: 72 reconstructions after surgical therapy and 98 cosmetic augmentations. Mean age was 48 years, median graft volume was 300 cc, and median length of follow-up 423 days. Overall incidence of necrosis was 32.9 percent, with 47.8 percent in previously irradiated patients. Increased incidence of necrosis was associated with increasing fat graft volumes (OR, 1.002; p = 0.032), increasing body mass index (OR, 1.13; p = 0.04), and simultaneous implant exchange with fat ( p = 0.003). Fat grafting volumes greater than 450 cc in a single breast were also associated with an increase in fat necrosis ( p = 0.04). Within a group of six patients who had bilateral fat grafting with unilateral radiation therapy, there was a significant increase in necrosis on the irradiated side ( p = 0.015). In a cohort of non-BRAVA patients, reconstruction (compared to augmentation) was associated with fat necrosis ( p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Increased rates of fat necrosis were associated with volumes greater than 450 cc, patients undergoing concurrent implant exchange with fat grafting, and fat grafting after a history of lumpectomy or mastectomy without preexpansion. In addition, radiation therapy may be associated with a higher rate of complications. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Modern Fat Grafting Techniques to the Face and Neck.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand age-related changes to the face and neck and pertinent anatomy and discuss important aspects of fat graft harvesting, processing, and infiltration. 2. Recognize key differences between common techniques for fat processing and infiltration and develop a plan for patients based on site-specific facial anatomical zones. 3. Appreciate the utility of fat grafting as an adjunct to other facial rejuvenating procedures such as face lift and blepharoplasty procedures and list the potential complications from fat grafting to the face and neck. SUMMARY: Fat grafting to the face and neck aids in volume restoration, thereby addressing soft-tissue atrophy associated with the aging face, acquired conditions, or congenital malformations. Often, fat grafting may sufficiently restore facial volume alone or in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures. Facial/neck fat grafting requires a systematic and thoughtful approach, with special care to atraumatic technique. This CME article covers the principles and techniques for modern facial fat grafting to the face and neck. Increasing data support the ability of autologous fat to produce significant and sustainable appearance-related changes. The authors follow the general principles of the Coleman technique for facial fat grafting and have observed tremendous success over the years. Other techniques for facial fat grafting are also discussed including microfat and nanofat processing. As the understanding of facial fat compartments continues to evolve, the authors may better predict fat grafting outcomes following augmentation. Finally, the technique described as "lipotumescence" has been successfully used in the breast and other regions of the body that have radiation damage and is discussed in this article specifically for the face and neck.

Skin Excursion with Cannula Lipodissection and the Anatomical Implications of Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System Movement in the Tumescent Face Lift.

BACKGROUND: The tumescent face lift uses the concept of subcutaneous cannula lipodissection of the neck, as opposed to wide skin undermining. Lipodissection mobilizes soft tissue while preserving perforating neurovascular branches. The purpose of this study is two-fold: (1) to compare the skin recruitment with subcutaneous lipodissection of the neck alone versus wide undermining and (2) to examine the effect of superiorly oriented superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) movement on jowl excursion in the tumescent face lift. METHODS: A cadaveric study was performed on five fresh tissue cadavers. Postauricular skin excursion was measured following subcutaneous lipodissection and then measured again after traditional, wide undermining of the neck skin. Jowl excursion (in reference to the mandibular border) was measured following superiorly oriented SMAS excursion. An electronic force gauge was used to measure force application during measurements. RESULTS: Cannula lipodissection resulted in a mean skin excursion of 41.9 mm. There was no significant difference in skin excursion compared to wide undermining (41.9 mm versus 42.1 mm; p = 0.785). Jowl position, in reference to the mandibular border, moved superiorly by a mean distance of 18.3 mm with vertical SMAS excursion. CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous cannula lipodissection results in equivalent skin recruitment in comparison to wide undermining of the neck. A superior vector of pull on the SMAS results in vertical excursion of the jowl in reference to the mandibular border.

Utilizing large volume fat grafting in breast reconstruction after nipple sparing mastectomies.

Nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM) has gained popularity especially in prophylactic mastectomies allowing improved cosmetics. Traditionally reconstruction has utilized implants or autologous tissue. With the development of large volume fat grafting additional reconstructive techniques can be utilized in NSM reconstruction. This can either complement a technique or be a standalone form of reconstruction. This paper is intended to serve as a broad overview of fat grafting and its potential role in reconstructing the breast following nipple sparing mastectomies.

Fat Grafting to the Breast: Clinical Applications and Outcomes for Reconstructive Surgery.

This article is a review of fat grafting for breast reconstruction. The use of small volume fat grafting for the correction of step-off deformities, intrinsic deformities, and extrinsic deformities of the breast, and the uses of large volume fat grafting for total breast reconstruction, correction of implant complications with simultaneous implant exchange with fat, and correction of noncancer chest wall deformities is reviewed. Cancer monitoring and the risks of cancer recurrence following fat-grafting to the breast is also reviewed.

Treating Breast Conservation Therapy Defects with Brava and Fat Grafting: Technique, Outcomes, and Safety Profile.

BACKGROUND: Fat grafting has been demonstrated as a means of reconstructing breast conservation therapy defects. However, there is continued uncertainty regarding its clinical efficacy and oncologic safety. Furthermore, the role of external preexpansion (i.e., with the Brava device) remains unclear in this setting. The purpose of this study was to examine the safety and clinical outcomes of Brava/fat grafting following breast conservation therapy. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients undergoing fat grafting following breast conservation therapy. Complications were defined as either a clinically palpable oil cyst/area of fat necrosis or infection. The mean time of follow-up was 2.3 years. RESULTS: A total of 27 fat grafting sessions were performed on 20 patients, with an overall complication rate of 25 percent. The mean interval from completion of radiation therapy to fat grafting was 7 years and was not a significant predictor for complications (p = 0.46). Among those who underwent repeated grafting, there was no difference in the complication rates between their first and second encounters (p = 0.56). There was no difference in complication rates between patients with Brava preexpansion and those without preexpansion. Patients undergoing Brava preexpansion had a significantly higher initial fill volume in comparison with those who did not (219 cc versus 51 cc; p = 0.0017). There were no cases of locoregional cancer recurrence following fat grafting. CONCLUSION: Brava preexpansion was associated with higher initial fill volume in the setting of breast conservation therapy defects.

Fat grafting's past, present, and future: why adipose tissue is emerging as a critical link to the advancement of regenerative medicine.

Fat grafting is a common reconstructive and aesthetic procedure with extensive clinical applications. Recently, significant strides have been made in investigating the biology behind the success of this procedure. Surgeons and scientists alike have advanced this field by innovating fat graft harvesting and injection techniques, expanding the use of adipose tissue and its stem cell components, and broadening our understanding of the viability of fat grafting at the molecular and cellular levels. The objectives of this review are to (1) discuss the clinical applications of fat grafting, (2) describe the cellular biology of fat and the optimization of fat graft preparation, (3) illustrate the significance of adipose-derived stem cells and the potentiality of fat cells, (4) highlight the clinical uses of adipose-derived stem cells, and (5) explore the current and future frontiers of the study of fat grafting. Although collaborative knowledge has increased exponentially, many of the biological mechanisms behind fat grafting are still unknown. Plastic surgeons are in a unique position to pioneer both the scientific and clinical frontiers of fat grafting and to ultimately further this technology for the benefit of our patients.

Beyond fat grafting: what adipose tissue can teach us about the molecular mechanisms of human aging.

BACKGROUND: The concept of aging and the mechanisms responsible for soft tissue aging have become progressively more important as the world's population ages and demands a higher quality of life. Although molecular mechanisms of aging have been evaluated in model organisms, specific genomic, genetic, and epigenetic modifications that can be translated to normal human tissue aging have yet to be identified. We propose that adipose tissue is an excellent model with which to investigate molecular aging pathways. The goal of this study is to demonstrate that primary human adipose tissue can serve as a model of human aging, and further, can be used to detect differences in genomic transcriptional profiling between cell types in adipose tissue as well as between youthful and older age groups. METHODS: Subcutaneous adipose tissue was excised during cosmetic procedures from healthy patients. Adipocytes and stromal vascular fractions from the anterior abdomen were isolated from 3 young (26-39 years) and 3 old (52-64 years) patients and analyzed for genome-wide transcriptional differences between varying ages and cell types using the Affymetrix GeneChip Human Gene Chip 1.0ST. RESULTS: Genes specific to adipocytes were more highly expressed in adipocytes than in stromal vascular fractions, validating that adipose tissue should be examined in a cell-specific manner. An increase in overall gene expression was observed among patients in the older age group, consistent with senescence-related chromatin dysregulation. Principal components analysis revealed no clear delineation between age groups and a clear separation by cell type. Analysis of variance revealed cell type as the most significant variable in transcriptional differences, whereas age-related differences were a distant second. Gene Ontology categories of the most significantly modified genes included RNA splicing and mRNA metabolism, plasma membrane, and mitochondrial metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: Primary adipose tissue is an effective model for the study of the molecular mechanisms of human aging. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that epigenetic modifications play a more important role than transcriptional modifications in early human adipose tissue aging. Our future studies will examine the contribution of specific epigenetic markers to human adipose tissue aging and promise to advance approaches in regenerative medicine, and the prevention and treatment of aging.

Breast reconstruction after breast cancer.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After reading this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe the mental, emotional, and physical benefits of reconstruction in breast cancer patients. 2. Compare the most common techniques of reconstruction in patients and detail benefits and risks associated with each. 3. Outline different methods of reconstruction and identify the method considered best for the patient based on timing of the procedures, body type, adjuvant therapies, and other coexisting conditions. 4. Distinguish between some of the different flaps that can be considered for autologous reconstruction. SUMMARY: Breast cancer is unfortunately a common disease affecting millions of women, often at a relatively young age. Reconstruction following mastectomy offers women an opportunity to mollify some of the emotional and aesthetic effects of this devastating disease. Although varying techniques of alloplastic and autologous techniques are available, all strive to achieve the same goal: the satisfactory reformation of a breast mound that appears as natural as possible without clothing and at the very least is normal in appearance under clothing. This article summarizes the various approaches to breast reconstruction and offers a balanced view of the risks and benefits of each, all of which in the end offer the opportunity for excellent and predictable results with a high degree of patient satisfaction.

Breast augmentation using preexpansion and autologous fat transplantation: a clinical radiographic study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increased popularity of fat grafting of the breasts, there remain unanswered questions. There is currently no standard for technique or data regarding long-term volume maintenance with this procedure. Because of the sensitive nature of breast tissue, there is a need for radiographic evaluation, focusing on volume maintenance and on tissue viability. This study was designed to quantify the long-term volume maintenance of mature adipocyte fat grafting for breast augmentation using recipient-site preexpansion. METHODS: This is a prospective examination of 25 patients in 46 breasts treated with fat grafting for breast augmentation from 2007 to 2009. Indications included micromastia, postexplantation deformity, tuberous breast deformity, and Poland syndrome. Preexpansion using the BRAVA device was used in all patients. Fat was processed using low-g-force centrifugation. Patients had preoperative and 6-month postoperative three-dimensional volumetric imaging and/or magnetic resonance imaging to quantify breast volume. RESULTS: All women had a significant increase in breast volume (range, 60 to 200 percent) at 6 months, as determined by magnetic resonance imaging (n = 12), and all had breasts that were soft and natural in appearance and feel. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations postoperatively revealed no new oil cysts or breast masses. CONCLUSIONS: Preexpansion of the breast allows for megavolume (>300 cc) grafting with reproducible, long-lasting results that can be achieved in less than 2 hours. These data can serve as a benchmark with which to evaluate the safety and efficacy of other core technology strategies in fat grafting. The authors believe preexpansion is useful for successful megavolume fat grafting to the breast.

Autologous fat grafting to the reconstructed breast: the management of acquired contour deformities.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafting has become a workhorse for soft-tissue augmentation throughout the body. In the reconstructed breast, autologous fat grafting is a useful tool for managing secondary contour deformities. The authors have categorized these deformities into three types: type 1 deformities are step-off deformities between the chest wall/reconstructed breast interface, type 2 deformities result from intrinsic deficiencies within a flap such as fat necrosis, and type 3 deformities are the result of extrinsic factors such as postoperative irradiation. METHODS: The authors conducted a detailed retrospective review of 110 patients who have received fat grafting to the reconstructed breast for the management of contour deformities. In addition, the authors reviewed the recent literature describing the use of autologous fat grafting to the breast. Particular attention has been placed on the concerns of oncologic surveillance in reconstructed breasts that have undergone fat grafting. RESULTS: The authors have had relative success in the treatment of patients who will require postoperative irradiation and even those who have rippling surrounding an implant. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous fat grafting represents an important tool for the management of secondary contour deformities of the reconstructed breast. Fat grafting is a simple, safe, and effective treatment option, with low morbidity.

The science of autologous fat grafting: views on current and future approaches to neoadipogenesis.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: The reader is presumed to have a broad understanding of plastic surgical procedures and concepts. After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe the current clinical applications and limitations of autologous fat grafting. 2. Identify the important physiological steps and molecular pathways of neoadipogenesis. 3. Cite current in vitro and in vivo models for the analysis of fat grafting techniques. Physicians may earn 1 AMA PRA Category 1 credit by successfully completing the examination based on material covered in this article. The examination begins on page 322. ASAPS members can also complete this CME examination online by logging on to the ASAPS Members-Only website (http://www.surgery.org/members) and clicking on "Clinical Education" in the menu bar. Autologous fat transplantation has become a well established and frequently applied method of soft tissue augmentation for both cosmetic and reconstructive indications. There is no consensus, however, about the best fat grafting technique, nor is there reproducible data regarding its durability. The most significant drawback to autologous fat grafting remains its largely unpredictable rate of resorption. A thorough understanding of the developmental biology and molecular regulation of adipogenesis and adipocyte survival is critical to optimizing the fat grafting technique. Consequently, numerous in vitro and in vivo studies on fat graft viability have recently been undertaken. Here, we discuss the latest advances in the basic science of adipogenesis, adipocyte viability, and its clinical application to fat grafting, arguing that the data produced by in vitro and in vivo studies still fail to produce a clear picture of the required components for successful, consistent, and durable fat transplantation; however, it is undetermined if this lack of clarity may simply be a lack of systematic scientific data acquisition or if these findings truly reflect the biology of neoadipogenesis. As a first step in strengthening autologous fat grafting scientific data collection, we recommend that a collective, multidisciplinary, multicenter effort be undertaken to establish in vitro and in vivo models of neoadipogenesis that are clearly reproducible from one investigator to another. With the implementation of systematic scientific approaches to the study of neoadipogenesis, we anticipate the future of autologous fat transplantation for correction of soft tissue volume loss to be extremely promising.

Optimizing pedicled transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap breast reconstruction.

With improved detection and genetic screening for breast cancer, increasing numbers of patients are choosing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction. Advances in breast reconstruction and mastectomy techniques over the last 25 years have increased expectations for breast reconstruction. The purpose of this review is to describe the role of the pedicled transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap in modern breast reconstruction.The pedicled TRAM flap is the most common method of autologous breast reconstruction. TRAM flap reconstruction involves the transfer of lower abdominal skin and subcutaneous fat based on the superior epigastric vessels. Common risk factors for complications from pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction include smoking, obesity, and postoperative radiotherapy. Patients with these risk factors are often candidates for a vascular delay procedure whose purpose is to enhance the blood flow within the TRAM flap.Despite advances in free flap breast reconstruction, pedicled TRAM flap breast reconstruction remains an excellent option for unilateral breast reconstructions. Unlike microsurgical breast reconstruction, the pedicled TRAM flap does not require sophisticated postoperative monitoring and can be performed efficiently in any hospital setting. Furthermore, with the addition of a vascular delay procedure, pedicled TRAM reconstructions can be safely performed even in traditionally "high risk" patients.

Precision transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap breast reconstruction: a reliable technique for efficient preoperative planning.

The advent of the skin-sparing mastectomy has had a profound impact on autogenous breast reconstruction by making it a "filling" procedure rather than a "shaping" procedure. The reliability of the skin-sparing mastectomy has allowed plastic surgeons to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap. The purpose of this study is to describe our experience with a novel technique for the preoperative planning of pedicled TRAM flap breast reconstructions. All patients are preoperatively marked in the upright position. Measurements of the key anatomic boundaries of the breast are carefully transferred to the abdomen to reliably recreate the size and shape of the reconstructed breast. The markings are tailored to each patient with specific design variations accounting for such patient characteristics as the need for postoperative radiation, breast ptosis, bilateral reconstruction, and previous biopsy scars. We performed a retrospective review of 472 patients who underwent pedicled TRAM flap breast reconstruction by a single surgeon utilizing the Precision TRAM marking technique between 1996 and 2007. The average of follow-up was 3.4 years. The average patient age was 48 years. The average surgical time was 2.8 hours for unilateral reconstructions. The overall incidence of complications was quite low. Importantly, the rate of mastectomy skin loss was 1.2%. Other TRAM-related complications were similar to those reported in the literature. The Precision TRAM technique for preoperative marking can improve the efficiency and accuracy of TRAM flap breast reconstruction. We have enjoyed overall excellent esthetic results with minimal complications utilizing this technique in a wide variety of patients.

Successful prosthetic breast reconstruction after radiation therapy.

Radiation has been considered a relative contraindication to prosthetic breast reconstruction. While this dogma has been challenged by recent reports, the data on radiation and immediate prosthetic reconstruction remain contradictory. We performed a controlled retrospective review of one surgeon's 7-year experience with 21 irradiated patients who underwent tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction. When compared with nonirradiated patients, irradiated patients experienced a higher rate of seroma formation, infection, delayed healing, implant exposure, and systemic complications. The rate of capsular contracture, while significantly higher in the irradiated group, was comprised mostly of mild to moderate capsules. Hematoma formation, implant rupture, and operative revision rates were similar between the 2 groups and complication rates among irradiated patients remained overall low. This study supports prosthetic reconstruction as a reasonable option for many radiation patients. Although irradiated patients remain at higher risk for complications, overall complication rates are low and rates of successful reconstruction are high.

Power of the pinch: pinch lower lid blepharoplasty.

Lower lid blepharoplasty is performed with great variation in technique. Conventional lower lid blepharoplasty with anterior fat removal via the orbital septum has a potential lower lid malposition rate of 15% to 20%. Lower lid malposition and the stigma of obvious lower lid surgery have led plastic surgeons to continue to change their approach to lower lid rejuvenation. In recent years, some surgeons have come to rely on alternative procedures like laser resurfacing alone or in conjunction with transconjunctival fat removal and canthopexy in an effort to avoid such complications. The pinch blepharoplasty technique removes redundant skin without undermining. This allows for more controlled wound healing, predictable recovery, and potential for simultaneous laser resurfacing. The combination of pinch blepharoplasty with transconjunctival fat removal leaves the middle lamella intact and reduces the chance of scleral show or ectropion. The purpose of this series is to demonstrate that pinch excision of redundant lower eyelid skin can be safely performed and that it can be used with laser resurfacing and/or transconjunctival fat removal for optimal treatment of the aging eye. A retrospective review of 46 consecutive patients who underwent pinch blepharoplasty, either in isolation or with other periorbital procedures was performed. Follow-up was at least 4 months (range of 4-24 months). In addition, we performed a prospective study of 25 consecutive patients to quantify the amount of skin removed and evaluate results and complications. An average of 8 mm of skin was resected (range of 4-12 mm) with the pinch blepharoplasty technique. Of these patients, 5.6% also underwent transconjunctival blepharoplasty, laser resurfacing, and/or fat grafting of the nasojugal groove. Despite the addition of simultaneous laser resurfacing, we did not see an increase in lower lid malposition. Three of the 71 patients had temporary scleral show that resolved with lower lid massage. In total, only 4 patients had isolated pinch lower lid blepharoplasty. Twelve patients had orbicularis suspension and 15 had either canthopexy or canthoplasty. Five patients who had orbicularis suspension, canthopexy, or canthoplasty had periorbital edema. Two also had pronounced chemosis. Four patients had mild rounding of the lower lid. Pinch blepharoplasty is a versatile technique that produces consistent results. This study confirms that more skin from the lower lid can be resected than classically described. Pinch blepharoplasty can be performed safely in combination with other procedures to enhance lower lid appearance. The absence of skin undermining allows for safe simultaneous laser resurfacing. Preserving the middle lamella and supporting it when necessary allows one to resect significant amounts of lower lid skin without significant risk of scleral show, lower lid rounding, and ectropion. Patients with poor lid tone or laxity may benefit from supportive procedures such as the canthopexy or canthoplasty.

The role of autologous fat and alternative fillers in the aging face.

Soft-tissue fillers can be used successfully to restore volume loss caused by facial aging. Injectable fillers can be used in isolation or in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures. To achieve a superior aesthetic result, the plastic surgeon must understand the key components of facial aging: soft-tissue atrophy, gravitational descent, and loss of skin tone. An accurate assessment of the relationship of these factors will determine the role of soft-tissue augmentation through the use of fillers. Because the majority of facial volume loss through aging is attributable to fat loss, the authors believe that autologous fat represents the ideal soft-tissue replacement. The authors describe the appropriate use of autologous fat and improvements in technique that have enhanced the predictability of facial fat grafting. When autologous fat is not an option, alternative facial fillers including calcium hydroxylapatite and hyaluronic acid may provide excellent results. The authors' algorithm for filler selection is based on relative morbidity, recipient-site characteristics, and the physical characteristics of each filler. This algorithm is discussed in the following anatomical regions: the nasolabial folds, glabellar crease, malar region, nasojugal groove, and lips. When used appropriately, soft-tissue fillers can contribute significantly to overall facial rejuvenation.