Polycaprolactone Mesh for Asian Rhinoplasty: Outcomes and Complications of Composite Septal Extension Graft Compared to Mesh-Only Graft.

Despite the great demand of aesthetic rhinoplasty in Asian population, it is difficult to obtain the lasting ideal tip projection along with lengthening of the nose due to the small and weak nasal septum. The shortage of available septal cartilage to work with is another major obstacle. A retrospective study was conducted between January 2017 and December 2019 in Seoul, Korea. A total of 774 patients underwent septorhinoplasty using polycaprolactone (PCL) mesh for the cosmetic enhancement of the nasal tip and the projection. Comparisons of aesthetic outcomes, patients' satisfaction surveys, and complications were performed between PCL mesh-only group and composite PCL group. Of all the patients, 97.5% of the patients in composite PCL group were rated more than 3 scores in aesthetic outcomes, whereas 90.4% in mesh-only group (p-value = 0.0002). About 96.7% of the patients with composite PCL rated their satisfaction level as more than satisfied, whereas 94.3% in mesh-only group (p-value = 0.0365). Overall, there were 17 patients in composite PCL group who exhibited complications including decreased tip projection, deviated nasal tip, mesh infection, and mesh exposure. However, there were two patients who had mesh injection in mesh-only group. Septorhinoplasty with septal extension graft using composite PCL graft provides robust support to the aesthetically modified projection and the lengthened nose without obvious complications on the nasal tip. Such technique allows surgeons to overcome the nature of Asian nose that is weak and small, and also provides satisfaction to patients who desire ideal tip projections and dramatic changes.

Postoperative Complications Associated With Reduction Malarplasty via Intraoral Approach: A Meta Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Each year, thousands of patients, particularly Eastern Asians, receive reduction malarplasty to achieve a more feminine and slender facial appearance. To date, there lacks a systematic analysis regarding the postoperative complications related to this procedure. Hence, the authors performed a comprehensive literature review with meta-analysis. METHODS: Articles were searched and reviewed using the MEDLINE and Embase databases. Among the studies regarding surgical outcomes after reduction malarplasty, articles with explicit reports and clear numbers of postoperative complications were selected for meta-analysis. Additionally, manual searches were made from references of selected articles. RESULTS: A total 14 retrospective review articles that represented 3149 cases were reviewed, and 7 different postoperative complications were analyzed. The complication that showed the highest weighted mean percentage of frequency was transient sensory weakness, with 5.8% (Z = -18.012; 95% confidence interval, 4.3-7.6%), followed by drooping (2.8%), nonunion (2.2%), asymmetry (1.8%), mouth opening restriction (1.8%), uncontrolled bleeding (1.3%), and facial nerve injury (0.9%). CONCLUSIONS: According to our meta-analysis of previous literatures, the aggregated rates of various complications related to reduction malarplasty were not high. Among the various complications, short-term sensory weakness was shown as the most frequent complication, emphasizing the necessity of patient warning and education before and after the operation. Moreover, soft tissue drooping and bone nonunion are also not rare and surgeons should be aware of these complications.

Limited incision with thorough elevation palatoplasty: technical evolution for superior results in cleft repair of the secondary palate.

BACKGROUND: All kinds of palatoplasty emphasize elongating the soft palate and reconstructing the velar musculature without complication. We present the limited incision with thorough elevation (LITE) palatoplasty that leaves the anterior margin of the hard palate intact, achieving a fully movable bipedicled flap for complete closure and an adequate functioning velar muscular sling. METHODS: Fifty-six patients consecutively underwent the LITE palatoplasty. The patients were diagnosed with varying degrees of cleft of the secondary palate. The length of the soft palate was measured, preoperatively and postoperatively, to quantify the lengthening effect of the surgical procedure. The LITE palatoplasty lengthens the soft palate by full mobilization of the velar musculature and reconstruction of the muscles. The LITE palatoplasty also completely repairs the hard palate and leaves no raw surfaces, which can be disadvantageous to the maxillary growth. RESULTS: The average length of soft palate was 18.5±3.1 mm preoperatively, and the increased length of the soft palate was 5.06±2.41 mm (27.3±17.4%). There were no complications including fistula formation, hematoma, or wound problems. After 2 years of operation, only 2 patients who had multiple congenital problems showed grade 1 hypernasality in speech assessment. CONCLUSIONS: The LITE palatoplasty gives satisfactory results in elongating the soft palate and reconstructing a functional velar sling without leaving any raw surfaces that can be detrimental to healing and facial growth. And there was a better speech outcome without complications.

Narrowing and lengthening genioplasty with pedicled bone graft in contouring of the short and wide lower face.

BACKGROUND: A short and wide lower face is perceived as unattractive and masculine. Simply contouring the mandibular body and angle is insufficient to make the lower face with short and wide features slimmer and more feminine. In many cases, vertical elongation of the chin together with a bone graft is necessary. This can cause infection, donor-site morbidity and height loss by resorption of the grafted bone. To prevent this problem, the authors performed a pedicled interpositional graft with the discarded bone from narrowing genioplasty, and the results were aesthetically satisfactory. METHODS: From March 2010 to September 2011, 32 patients who received chin narrowing and vertical lengthening surgery at the authors' clinic were included in this study. For all the patients, the remnant mandibular bone at the stepoff from the site of the genioplasty to the mandibular angle was reduced concurrently. RESULTS: No complications occurred, and all the patients were satisfied with their postoperative results. CONCLUSION: Harmonizing the vertical length and transverse width of the chin is essential to acquiring more favorable results in mandibular contouring. The authors recommend pedicled interpositional bone grafting in narrowing genioplasty as a safe and useful method for aesthetic chin lengthening. 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 .

The perilobule approach to subcondylar fractures.

Several approaches to the management of subcondylar fractures have been used, including the submandibular approach, the preauricular approach, and the retromandibular approach. Although they provide excellent access to repair fractures of body, ramus, and condyle, we have found it difficult to manage subcondylar fractures using either of these approaches. We describe a novel approach for subcondylar fractures that provides direct access to the fracture site. A total of 17 consecutive patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation of their subcondylar fractures using this technique. The incision line is located just anterior and posterior to the ear lobe, and is comprised of lower part preauricular and upper retroauricular incisions. Intraoperatively, the method applied shortened the time necessary for and simplified the procedure of reduction and osteosynthesis. The postoperative course was uneventful in most patients. Radiologic follow-up revealed correct reduction and fixation in all the cases. There were no occlusal disturbances, no trismus, no lateral deviations of the mandible, and no nerve lesions. Our findings indicate that the short perilobe approach is an easy and safe technique for displaced subcondylar fractures.

A new condyle repositionable plate for sagittal split ramus osteotomy.

In sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) surgery, variable methods are used to maintain the proximal segment in the anatomic position during fixation to minimize early built-in relapse. However, there is still a chance of condyle malposition.In this study, a new titanium plate, which has a sliding oval hole in its distal part, was used to enable postoperative mobility of the proximal segment. This plate makes it possible to reposition the condyle during the postoperative intermaxillary fixation period.These plates were used successfully in 23 patients who received SSRO setback surgery. All of the patients were followed up without any complications, including early relapse or temporomandibular joint problems.The authors used a new plate that enables sliding of the proximal segment after SSRO, which can minimize early relapse without any postoperative complications.

An intermaxillary fixation screw traction wire: an aid for facial bone fracture repair.

We have devised a new technique to improve stabilization of fractured facial bone fractures (frontal sinus fractures, zygomatic fractures, mandibular condyle fractures) by intermaxillary fixation screw traction wires (stainless steel wires through intermaxillary fixation screws). A retrospective study evaluating intermaxillary fixation screw traction wires was performed. We have used this technique for 3 cases of frontal sinus fractures, 9 cases of zygomatic fractures, and 7 cases of mandibular condyle fractures. After dissection of a fractured site, a hole is drilled on the fractured bone where it does not interfere with positioning the plate across the fracture line. After an intermaxillary fixation screw is inserted, a stainless steel wire is tied through a hole in the screw head. By the aid of wire for traction, the displaced fractured bone is easily aligned to the proper position. Plates and screws are applied readily on the predetermined area. A retrospective study on 19 patients using intermaxillary fixation screw traction wires was performed. The diagnoses and associated complications of the cases were recorded. No associated complication as a result of using this technique was identified. The use of intermaxillary fixation screw traction wire enhances stabilization and visualization without possible risk for surrounding soft tissue injury using, a sharp traction device like a bone hook. An intermaxillary fixation screw traction wire is an useful aid for visualization and stabilization during facial bone fracture reduction, particularly where exposure is difficult such as in the condylar region of the mandible. And unlike a classic traction wire, the intermaxillary fixation screw traction wire has almost no risk of having it loosened from the screw.

A new all-purpose bilateral cleft lip repair: Bilateral cheiloplasty suitable for most conditions.

BACKGROUND: Only experienced surgeons can produce satisfactory results with most of the current surgical methods for bilateral cleft lip repair. The existing methods require not only preoperative orthodontic maneuvers but also accurate measurements for surgical design. We describe an easy-to-design and simple-to-execute general purpose surgical technique to repair most bilateral cleft lips. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for the patients who underwent bilateral cleft lip repair using our novel method between 2003 and 2016. The authors collected data from medical records, and the aesthetic results were judged using the aesthetic result categories by three independent surgeons; indirect anthropometry was applied to patients over 9 years of age. In addition, we investigated the complications, the reoperation rate, and the reasons for reoperation. RESULTS: Bilateral cleft lip surgery was performed in 146 cases between 2003 and 2016. Seventy-eight patients had bilateral complete cleft lips, 47 patients had bilateral incomplete cleft lips, and 21 patients had bilateral complete and incomplete cleft lips (asymmetric patients). There were no acute complications requiring re-surgery, such as wound dehiscence, hematoma, and infection. According to aesthetic classification, 74 patients (51%) were classified into category I and 72 patients (49%) into category II; no patients were classified into categories III and IV. Seventy patients (48%) underwent secondary lip operations. In anthropometry, the measurements were observed to be symmetrical; left and right measurement data were not significantly different. The main purposes of the revision were excision of widened philtral scars (42 cases) and correction of lateral vermilion bulging (28 cases). CONCLUSIONS: We have found our novel technique to be simple and capable of providing consistent, reproducible, and reliable results.

Overgrowth of a costochondral graft in reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint.

We report the case of a 3-year-old girl with temporomandibular ankylosis, which was treated with a costochondral graft and required two further resections because the grafted tissue had overgrown.

Alveolar bone grafting with simultaneous cleft lip rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Optimal timing for cleft lip rhinoplasty is controversial. Definitive rhinoplasty is deferred until facial skeletal growth is completed. Intermediate rhinoplasty is performed after stabilization of the grafted alveolar bone, because the grafted bone tends to be absorbed over several months postoperatively, distorting the nasal profile. Here, we report our experience with simultaneous rhinoplasty during alveolar bone grafting for indicated patients, describe our surgical technique that ensures long-term bone graft survival, and report graft take rates and nasal profile changes. METHODS: This retrospective chart review included a total of 54 patients; 44 underwent alveolar bone grafting only, and 10 underwent simultaneous cleft lip rhinoplasty. All surgeries were conducted with a judicious mucosal incision for tensionless wound closure. Bone graft take was evaluated with dental radiographs by the Bergland classification. Further, nasal aesthetic outcome was evaluated with medical photographs, based on nostril height and width and alar base width. RESULTS: In total, 96.3% of clefts showed graft success with Type I (66.7%) or Type II (27.8%) classifications; only 3.7% of clefts showed unfavorable results classified as Type III, and no clefts showed Type IV failure. The nasal shape was flatter with a decreased nostril height and increased nostril width after alveolar bone grafting, while nostril height was increased and nostril width was decreased in patients who underwent simultaneous rhinoplasty. CONCLUSION: With surgical techniques ensuring alveolar bone graft survival, simultaneous cleft lip rhinoplasty can result in nasal aesthetic improvement for patients with severe nasal deformities, decreasing the number of operations.

Revision reduction malarplasty with coronal approach.

BACKGROUND: Although reduction malarplasty is one of the most popular aesthetic surgical procedures in Asia, there have been a few reports of complications or unfavourable results. A poor understanding of the repositioning vector of the malar segment or improper fixation can result in unsatisfactory outcomes, such as non-union or inferolaterally displaced malunion of the malar complex. The authors present some revision malarplasty cases of patients with unfavourable or complicated outcomes to emphasise the importance of accurate repositioning and firm fixation of the malar complex in reduction malarplasty. METHODS: A total of 20 patients underwent revision malarplasty by the coronal approach after an unfavourable primary reduction malarplasty. The major complaints included cheek drooping, depression, asymmetry and overcorrection. After repositioning the inferolaterally displaced malar complex to the appropriate position and obtaining bone-to-bone contact, rigid fixation was performed with a plate and screw. The calvarian bone was grafted to the bony gap. Midface and forehead lifts were also performed when indicated. RESULTS: Most patients had satisfactory results without severe complications. Two patients required a secondary revision due to asymmetry and non-union. Three patients developed frontal palsies, which were all temporary. CONCLUSION: Precise repositioning of the malar complex and firm fixation are essential for reduction malarplasty. The coronal approach is recommended when encountering unfavourable results or complications because it offers a wide surgical field for repositioning and fixation of the malar complex.

The novel bone holding technique using thread-tapper device.

There are several surgical methods and instruments for open-reduction internal fixation of facial bone fractures. We describe a technique whereby a tapper, supplied as part of absorbable fixation instrument systems, is used to manipulate and hold the fractured bone segments. Our facility has used this technique for several years, and we are of the opinion that this novel method is very useful for fragmented small-bone fixation. The described technique simplifies the operating technique by minimising problems associated with the holding of reduced fragments before fixation.

Condylar positioning in sagittal split ramus osteotomy by the triangle method.

BACKGROUND: Several methods for maintaining the preoperative condyle position after mandibular ramus surgery have been suggested. But when applied, those have been proven to be uncomfortable and less practical; hence, maintaining preoperative condyle position has mainly relied on the operator's personal experience. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We developed a new technique on the basis of the triangle's principle (namely the triangle method) for positioning of the condyle and applied it to 72 patients with sagittal split ramus osteotomy. We followed them for an average of 24.4 months. RESULTS: None of the patients who were operated on using the triangle method had postoperative temporomandibular joint problems or relapses related to inappropriate temporomandibular joint position. CONCLUSION: The triangle method for condylar positioning in the mandibular ramus osteotomy is a simple, reliable, cheap, and easy-to-learn tool for condylar positioning.