Dual-plane lift-and-hold technique for brow ptosis in young patients with facial paralysis.

BACKGROUND: Direct browlift is useful but leaves a scar above the brow. We proposed a dual-plane browlift to avoid facial scarring while effectively resolving brow ptosis in young and young adult patients. METHODS: Seven patients with facial palsy underwent dual-plane browlift between July 2018 and June 2022. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 31.9 months. Skin resection at the hairline was combined with subcutaneous dissection down to the inferior margin of the brow to "lift" the brow. Fascia lata strips were fixed to the dermis just inferior to the eyebrow to "hold" the brow, and the strips were suspended upward through the subperiosteal tunnel and fixed to the periosteum. Brow height was compared before and after the procedure and with the contralateral side. RESULTS: The reported complications included slight hematoma at the recipient site, temporary difficulty in closing the eye, and seroma at the fascia donor site. The paralyzed side showed significant differences between the preoperative period and postoperative months (POM) 3, 6, and 12, but differences were not shown in the intervals between POM 3 and 6, 6 and 12, or 3 and 12. The difference in eyebrow height between the paralyzed and nonparalyzed sides was significant preoperatively but not at POM 3, 6, or 12. All scars matured well, and the fascia silhouette was not visible in the forehead region. CONCLUSIONS: Dual-plane browlift enables rigid suspension using the fascia lata and excises flaccid skin without leaving facial scars, yielding excellent cosmetic quality and stable long-term outcomes.

Microsurgical replantation after forehead avulsion - success or failure? A case report.

In this article we would like to present, to our best knowledge, the very first published replantation of a forehead/part of a forehead as a single unit. The patient is a 57-year-old male smoker who sustained an avulsion forehead injury after a dog bite. Replantation was performed using microanastomosis of the supratrochlear vessels with restoration of good blood circulation after the procedure. Unfortunately, 5 days after the surgery, ischemia of the flap occurred followed by successful acute revision surgery. Nevertheless, the day after the ischemia reoccurred due to the time that passed, circumstances and unfavorable conditions affecting the sutured vessels, no further revision surgery was indicated. Observation continued and eventual wound necrosis after demarcation was left to be treated with skin grafting or per secundam intentionem. Only partial necrosis of the flap occurred, approximately 50%, which was subsequently treated with a full-thickness skin graft with very good results leading to the satisfaction of the patient.

The Two-Stage Folded Paramedian Forehead Flap Without Cartilage Grafts for Full Thickness Distal Nasal Defects: A Review of 35 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Full thickness defects of the ala, soft triangle, and nasal tip involving the nasal lining have traditionally been repaired with the three-stage folded paramedian forehead flap (FPFF), with a cartilage graft for support. For similar defects, the authors utilize the two-stage FPFF without cartilaginous support which provides reproducible functional and aesthetic results.  Objective: To describe the authors’ experience with the two-stage FPFF, including outcomes, complications, and design modifications to enhance functional and aesthetic success.  Methods: An IRB-approved retrospective database review of FPFF was performed at two sites. Using postoperative photographs, outcomes were assessed by blinded non-investigator dermatologist raters using a modified observer scar assessment scale. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were reconstructed using the two-stage FPFF without cartilage grafts. Subjective assessment of scar vascularity, pigment, relief, and thickness by 3 independent reviewers yielded an overall cosmesis score of 8.4±1.9 (out of 40). CONCLUSION: The two-stage FPFF without cartilage grafts is a reliable, cosmetically elegant repair that can provide optimal functional and aesthetic results for complex unilateral distal nose defects.J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(4): doi:10.36849/JDD.7358.

Decision Making in Nasal Reconstruction: When to Use the Forehead Flap?

In this review, the paramedian forehead flap indications and uses are reviewed, specifically examining clinical situations where patient selection is important. In these settings, a preoperative discussion with a patient regarding surgical expectations and goals in the setting of their defect is paramount. The authors review the literature regarding the psychosocial aspects of major nasal reconstruction and review preoperative discussion points that are key to a well-informed patient and improved patient satisfaction through the nasal reconstructive process.

Nasal Reconstruction of Large Defects Without a Forehead Flap.

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

Nasal Lining Reconstruction with Prelaminated Forehead Flap.

A successful nasal reconstruction relies heavily on a stable internal lining. Larger defects pose unique challenges for internal lining reconstruction as obtaining tissue of adequate size while maintaining airway patency is difficult. The prelamination technique uses a staged skin graft to the paramedian forehead flap prior to transfer. As such, a composite flap can be later transferred to reconstruct internal and external nasal defects concomitantly. This article reviews the current background, techniques, and clinical considerations in the use of the prelaminated forehead flap for nasal lining reconstruction in partial to total nasal defects.

Total Nasal Reconstruction: Advances in Free Tissue Transfer for Internal Lining and Structural Support.

Total nasal reconstruction is a complex challenge due to the need to establish new internal lining, internal structural support, and external skin covering that is both functional and esthetic. The medial femoral condyle corticoperiosteal free flap represents an innovative option for restoration internal structure and internal nasal lining. When used in conjunction with a paramedian forehead flap, acceptable results in both function and esthetics can be achieved.

Nuances in Forehead Flap Reconstruction for Large Nasal Defects.

The forehead flap is a time-tested and robust resurfacing flap used for nasal reconstruction. Owing to its excellent color and texture match, acceptable donor site morbidity, and robust and independent blood supply that can support both structural and internal lining grafts, this flap remains the workhorse flap for resurfacing large nasal defects. Various nuances of this technique relating to defect and template preparation, flap design, flap elevation, flap inset, donor site closure, and pedicle division are discussed in this article. These nuances are the guiding principles for improved outcomes using a forehead flap for the reconstruction of large nasal defects.

Reconstruction of Large Composite Defects Extending Beyond the Nose.

Nasal reconstruction remains one of the most challenging surgeries for facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons. The addition of defects extending beyond the nose adds a layer of complexity to an already technically demanding surgery. This article will focus on the management of composite defects extending beyond the boundaries of the nose. Surgeons need to have a variety of techniques at their disposal. These complex defects often require multiple local flaps, multiple stages, and, in select cases, free tissue transfer.

Revision Nasal Reconstruction After Previous Forehead Flap.

Reconstructing the nose poses considerable challenges, even for the most skilled surgeons. Significant nasal reconstructions often require later revisions to address persistent issues in both form and function, and it is crucial to discuss this possibility with the patient before embarking on the reconstructive process. Minor revisions can often be managed by making direct incisions between nasal subunits, coupled with soft tissue sculpting or the use of structural grafts for augmentation. When minor adjustments prove insufficient, the initial reconstruction may need to be entirely revised with a second forehead flap.

Endoscopic-Assisted Forehead Augmentation with Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Patient-Specific Implant (PSI) for Aesthetic Considerations.

BACKGROUND: Forehead augmentation have become popular aesthetic procedures among Asians in recent years. However, the use of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) patient-specific implant (PSI) in the facial contouring surgery for aesthetic considerations is not well documented in the existing studies. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel method for forehead augmentation and assess the clinical outcomes and complications in patients who underwent forehead augmentation with PEEK PSI assisted by endoscopy. METHODS: The PEEK PSIs were fabricated using the virtual surgical planning (VSP) and the computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) for each patient, preoperatively. The implant pockets were dissected in the subperiosteal plane, and PEEK PSIs were placed in their designed position and fixed assisting by endoscopy via small incision within the hairline. All patients were asked to complete the FACE-Q questionnaire before and 6 months after the operation. Pre- and postoperative demographics, photographs, and other clinical data of patients were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: 11 patients underwent forehead augmentation were enrolled in this study. All procedures were completed successfully with the help of endoscope. The average patient age was 30.63 ± 2.54 years. The mean thickness and size of PEEK PSI were 4.44 ± 1.77 mm and 38.43 ± 22.66 cm2, respectively. The mean operative time was 83.00 ± 29.44 min, and the mean postoperative follow-up period was 11.00 ± 6.50 months. No implant exposure, extrusion or removal were reported. The FACE-Q scores of patients in satisfaction with the forehead increased from 47.64 ± 7.15 to 78.81 ± 6.35. CONCLUSIONS: PEEK PSIs can be prefabricated to achieve accurate remodeling of the frontal contour with good esthetic outcomes. The endoscope provides direct and magnified vision, which allow easy access to the supraorbital rim and lateral edge of the eyebrow arch and confirming the position of the implants without damaging nerves and vessels. Endoscopic-assisted forehead augmentation with PEEK PSI is safe and effective. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Single-Step Full-Face Surgical Treatment of the Facial Profile.

The present study was performed to describe how much affordable, feasible, and straightforward is the approach the authors called "single-stage full-face surgical profileplasty," tailored to greatly improve the surgery of the facial profiling setting and achieve complete profile correction at the same time. From January 2010 to May 2019, 113 patients (95 females and 18 males; aged 19 - 63 years) were surgically treated for full-face profile amelioration. Profile correction was performed by using a combination of five procedures out of other various previously experienced: forehead fat grafting, rhinoplasty, lip fat grafting, genioplasty, and submental liposuction. All patients were assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months following surgery for assessing the surgical profile treatment (SPT) outcome and any possible side effects of the combined treatment. Facial profile stability at 1 year was taken as the completion point of this treatment. Arnett et al's "Soft Tissue Cephalometric Analysis" (1999) was used to clinically evaluate the soft tissues before and after the SPT. Patients' satisfaction was measured with the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8" at 3 and 12 months after surgery. Statistics were used for Arnett et al's evaluation. Almost all the values were consistent and reached the normal ranges indicated by Arnett et al (p < 0.001), confirming that the desired results of the surgical profileplasty have been achieved. Single-stage full-face surgical profile treatment helps in correcting faults of the global facial deformity, in every single treated area, providing an overall improvement in facial aesthetics and harmony. Obtaining the simultaneous correction in the whole face has also the advantage of avoiding multiple surgical procedures, reducing postoperative discomfort, and the overall risks for the patient due to multiple surgical and anesthetic procedures.

Temporoparietal Fasciocutaneous Island Flap for Forehead and Anterior Scalp Reconstruction.

Background: Forehead and anterior scalp large defect reconstruction is challenging and often requires skin grafting. Objective: To measure the advancing distance and the survival of the temporoparietal fascia (TPF) island flap in forehead and anterior scalp reconstruction. Methods: The study design was a retrospective case series. Participants included all patients who had undergone TPF island flap for forehead and anterior scalp defects of 3 cm and greater from 2009 to 2021. Flap advancing distance and vascular compromise were analyzed. Results: Patient's average age at time of surgery was 73 (standard deviation [SD] 14) years with more males (n = 24, 67%) than females (n = 12, 33%). Of 36 patients, 24 had forehead and 12 had anterior scalp defects, 26 cases had a full TPF island flap, and 10 cases underwent the partial island modification. Flap edge ischemia occurred in two cases (6%) and complete ischemia occurred in one case (3%). The median flap advancing distance was 3.7 cm (SD 1.2). Conclusions: In this 12-year review, we found that the TPF island flap is able to advance up to 7.5 cm and thus is an effective reconstruction for medium to large forehead and anterior scalp defects.

The Dynamic Changes in Skin Thickness of Forehead during Tissue Expansion.

In addition to providing extra flap size, the tissue expansion process also brings changes in flap thickness. This study aims to identify the changes in the forehead flap thickness during the tissue expansion period. Patients undergoing forehead expander embedment from September 2021 to September 2022 were included. The thickness of the forehead skin and subcutaneous tissue were measured with ultrasound before and 1, 2, 3, and 4 months after expansion. Twelve patients were included. The average expansion period was 4.6 months, and the mean expansion volume was 657.1 mL. The thickness of skin and subcutaneous tissue in the central forehead changed from 1.09 ± 0.06 to 0.63 ± 0.05 mm and from 2.53 ± 0.25 to 0.71 ± 0.09 mm, respectively. In the left frontotemporal region, skin and subcutaneous tissue thickness changed from 1.03 ± 0.05 to 0.52 ± 0.05 mm and 2.02 ± 0.21 to 0.62 ± 0.08 mm. On the right side, skin and subcutaneous tissue thickness changed from 1.01 ± 0.05 to 0.50 ± 0.04 mm and 2.06 ± 0.21 to 0.50 ± 0.05 mm. This study measured the dynamic changes in the thickness of the forehead flap during expansion. The thickness of the forehead flap decreased the fastest in the first 2 months of expansion, and the changes in skin and subcutaneous thickness slowed down in the third and fourth months and tended to a minimum value. Additionally, the thickness of subcutaneous tissue decreased greater in magnitude than the dermal tissue.

Choosing Upper Blepharoplasty, Infra-brow Lift, and Forehead Lift in Asians: An Algorithmic Approach from Personal Experience.

BACKGROUND: Eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure performed worldwide in the field of plastic surgery. However, achieving optimal outcomes for the upper eyelids presents a challenge, necessitating careful patient selection and appropriate surgical choices. OBJECTIVES: This article aims to provide recommendations for selecting the most suitable surgical procedure among three commonly performed treatments for aged upper eyelids. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from October 2020 to May 2022, involving 518 patients. Pre- and postoperative photographs were analyzed to evaluate changes in the distance between the eyelids and brows. Notably, patients who habitually use the frontalis muscle to manage upper eyelid redundancy showed significant variations in the lid-brow distance after eyelid surgery. RESULTS: The study confirmed that addressing skin laxity through upper blepharoplasty or infra-brow excision reduced the stimulus for frontalis activity, resulting in true brow ptosis. However, the degree of compensatory frontalis movement differed among individuals, and changes in the lid-brow distance observed before and after the photos were influenced by various factors. As a result, obtaining clear numerical data regarding the changes in the lid-brow distance following eyelid surgery proved challenging. Nevertheless, after analyzing 518 cases, the author has classified the patients into three groups, which can contribute to more predictable and satisfying outcomes. CONCLUSION: Based on the analysis of pre- and postoperative results from 518 patients, this study recommends specific strategies to enhance patient satisfaction. The proposed treatment algorithm may assist beginner surgeons in avoiding angry or tired-looking eyes after periorbital rejuvenation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

[The grafted frontalis muscle flap: A simple and efficient lining for aesthetic reconstruction of full thickness nasal sidewall defects]. / Le lambeau du muscle frontal greffé : une technique de doublure simple et efficace dans les rhinopoïèses esthétiques transfixiantes de la face latérale du nez.

The reconstruction of thin and well-vascularized lining is capital for the aesthetic reconstruction of full thickness nasal defects. The mucosal flaps allow such reconstruction, but their dissections are difficult and not always possible, particularly for large defects of the nasal sidewall unit. The grafted frontalis muscle flap allows easily such lining reconstruction. This technique includes 3 stages, all done under local anaesthesia: 1st stage: a vertical paramedian forehead flap is classically raised and it's undersurface is full thickness skin grafted, it is then repositioned on it's site for 4 weeks; 2nd stage: this flap is raised again and split at the level of fat, just superficial to the muscle, in two flaps: the full thickness skin grafted frontalis muscle flap for the lining; and the forehead flap, without it's frontalis muscle, for the skin coverage; a sculpted cartilaginous graft is inserted between these two flaps and sutured to the lining with the aim of obtaining a symmetrical nasal sidewall and the necessary rigidity to avoid the heminasal collapse during inspiration; 3rd stage: 4 weeks after the second stage, the pedicles of these two flaps are severed. No vascular problems and no infections were seen with this technique in 11 patients operated on for evolved basal cell carcinoma of the nasal sidewall since 2018. The aesthetic results were always very satisfactory without any discomfort during breathing.

The Dynamic Changes in Hemodynamics of the Forehead Flap During Tissue Expansion.

Background: The tissue expansion process brings changes in hemodynamics. Objective: To measure the change in vessel diameter, blood flow, and resistance in the blood vessels using ultrasound before, during, and after tissue expansion. Methods: Patients undergoing the embedment of a forehead expander from September 2021 to October 2022 were included. Hemodynamics parameters, including vessel diameter, blood flow velocity, and resistance index (RI) of the supraorbital artery (SOA), supratrochlear artery (STrA), and frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery (FBSTA), were measured with ultrasound before and 1, 2, 3, and 4 months after expansion. Results: Nine males and six females with ages ranging from 15 to 26 years (mean, 20 years) were included. After 4 months of expansion, the diameter of the STrA, SOA, and FBSTA increased significantly, the RI decreased significantly, and except the right SOA, peak systolic flow velocity increased significantly. Conclusion: The parameters of flap perfusion were significantly improved in the first 2 months of expansion and tended to stable values.

Handheld Doppler Detection and Light Illumination for Vascular Mapping in Nasal Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The application of the expanded forehead flap in nasal reconstruction has the advantage of being able to provide a sufficient amount of flap and can provide good aesthetic results. For an expanded forehead flap to survive, there must be adequate arterial supply and venous return. Despite this, limited studies have been conducted on preoperative vascular mapping and the design of the expanded forehead flap for nasal reconstruction. In this article, the authors present a technique of hand-held Doppler detection with light illumination for vascular mapping. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included patients who underwent total nasal reconstruction with expanded forehead flaps between May 2016 and April 2021. The design of the flap was based on the result of preoperative vascular detection by hand-held Doppler detection assisted by light illumination. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients underwent total nasal reconstruction with an expanded forehead flap. The distal part of the flap became necrotic 1 week after the surgery in 2 patients. Following dressing changes and the administration of antibiotics, the distal flap in these patients survived well. No complications were reported in the long term. CONCLUSIONS: Hand-held Doppler detection combined with light illumination is a convenient and effective preoperative design method for nasal reconstruction with an expanded forehead flap. All flaps survived well in the long term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.