Pedicle Selection and Design in Reduction Mammaplasty: The Role of Preoperative Fluorescence Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Breast reduction has a wide selection of pedicles but often relies on the surgeon's preference and experience. Necrosis of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) is a catastrophic complication of breast reduction surgery. OBJECTIVES: To solve the above problem objectively, we applied fluorescence imaging technology to the pedicle selection and design of breast reduction surgery for the first time, so that the dominant vessels of the NAC were included in the designed pedicle. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 120 patients with breast reduction (a total of 239 breasts). We compared 60 patients who underwent breast reduction without fluorescence imaging for pedicle selection (Group A) with 60 patients who underwent pedicle selection with fluorescence imaging (Group B). The NAC blood supply was monitored after the operation. RESULTS: In this study, 60 Group A cases (119 breasts) and 60 Group B cases (120 breasts) were analyzed. There were no statistically significant differences in patient demographic data or intraoperative resection weights. There were 7 cases of NAC necrosis in Group A (1 case of complete necrosis and 6 cases of partial necrosis), while no NAC necrosis occurred in Group B. There was a significant difference in the rate of NAC necrosis between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative fluorescence imaging can guide the selection and design of breast reduction, significantly reducing postoperative NAC blood supply obstacles and necrosis.

Correction of Tear Trough Deformity Using Autologous Fibroblast Combined with Keratin: New Soft Tissue Filler.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of autologous fibroblasts combined with keratin gel for tear trough deformity rectification as injectable soft tissue filler. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The new injectable soft tissue filler was derived from autologous fibroblasts and keratin gel. A total of 35 patients received treatment of this filler injection for tear trough deformity rectification. All the patients were followed up, and the clinical features including photographs and satisfaction were collected and assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after injection. The efficacy of each patient was evaluated independently by blinded evaluators at different time points. All patients consented to publish identifiable photographs in this study. RESULTS: Tear trough deformity was improved even at 18-24 months post-injection. No severe adverse effects were observed resulting from the filler injection. CONCLUSION: Combination of autologous fibroblasts and keratin is efficient and safe for correction of the tear trough deformity with long-term satisfaction and desirable result. 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 .

Identification of the Optimal Recipient Layer for Transplanted Fat: A Prospective Study on Breast Lipoaugmentation.

BACKGROUND: Fat grafting has become a popular procedure in aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries due to its safety, minimal invasiveness, and favorable visual outcomes, although the volume retention rate is unpredictable. OBJECTIVES: A prospective clinical study on lipoaugmentation of the breast was conducted to compare fat retention rates in the pectoralis muscle and the periglandular area. METHODS: This prospective study included 20 breasts from 11 patients who underwent primary lipoaugmentation. Volume retention rate and percentage augmentation among different recipient layers, as well as complications and patient satisfaction, were evaluated. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed preoperatively and at 1 day and 3 months postoperatively. Complications were recorded, and patient satisfaction was appraised through the use of the Breast-Q questionnaire. RESULTS: Breasts were injected with 207 ± 29 mL of fat, achieving overall volume retention rates of 56.63% ± 16.40%. The overall augmentation was 21.53% ± 10.27%. Volume retention rate was significantly higher (59.00% ± 13.84%) in the periglandular area than in the pectoralis muscle (47.21% ± 22.41%) (P = 0.04). Augmentation was significantly higher (32.13% ± 12.96%) in the periglandular area than in the pectoralis muscle (4.95% ± 4.23%) (P = 0.00). Pain and numbness were the only reported complications. The Breast-Q score increased significantly for the measures "satisfaction with breasts," "psychosocial well-being," and "sexual well-being." CONCLUSIONS: Fat transfer is a safe and acceptable method for aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. The periglandular area was a better recipient site than muscle for transferred fat.

Simultaneous Bilateral Microtia Reconstruction Using Single-Expanded Postauricular Flap Without Skin Grafting.

BACKGROUND: Auricular reconstruction in patients with congenital microtia permits craniofacial balance and harmony, especially in patients with bilateral microtia. However, published techniques usually require skin grafting, which can lead to color mismatch and visible scarring. Some surgeons prefer to reconstruct the auricle of each side separately, which prolongs the complete cycle of surgery and increases suffering of the patient. In this study, we introduce a modified technique using single expanded flaps without skin grafting to achieve simultaneous bilateral auricular reconstruction. METHODS: Between January 2012 and January 2017, a total of 54 patients with bilateral microtia underwent auricular reconstruction with expanded single flaps. Simultaneous bilateral auricular reconstruction was accomplished through 3 surgical stages. In the first stage, bilateral postauricular skin was expanded using 2 kidney-shaped tissue expanders. In the second stage, bilateral rib cartilage was harvested using minimal incisions, allowing 2 modified 3-layer frameworks to be fabricated. Each framework was then inserted into the pocket through the same incision with subsequent closure using 2-layer suture. In the third stage, the reconstructed ears were further trimmed, if necessary, and the lobules and tragus reconstructed. All the patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months. RESULTS: During follow-up, patients were satisfied with surgical outcome in terms of size, shape, location, detailing, and symmetry of the bilateral ears in more than 50 cases. Only 4 demonstrated postoperative complications. No skin necrosis, exposure of cartilage, or infection was observed or postoperative chest deformities. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous bilateral auricular reconstruction using single expanded flaps combined with a modified 3-layer cartilage framework is an effective technique for patients with bilateral microtia.

Aesthetic Auricular Reconstruction in Adult Patients with Rib Cartilage Calcification Using a Modified Two-Step Technique.

BACKGROUND: It is very important for congenital microtia patients to achieve better aesthetic appearance, craniofacial balance and mental health through auricular reconstruction. But there are great challenges for plastic surgeons on how to perform this technique in adult patients with tough and rigid rib cartilage because of the different extent of calcification. To lower the harvest of the cartilage and reduce the suffering during the operation, in this study, we report a modified two-step method for adult patients who suffered rib cartilage calcification in auricular reconstruction. METHODS: From January 2012 to January 2018, 89 adult patients (aged from 24 to 50) with cartilage calcification were enrolled and received auricular reconstruction using the modified two-step technique. The whole procedure was performed in two surgical stages. In the first stage, rib cartilages were harvested and modified cartilage frameworks were designed, fabricated and grafted, which included an ear-shaped framework and a C-shaped base part. The ear-shaped framework was inserted into the mastoid region through a W-shaped incision, but the C-shaped base part was embedded subcutaneously in the donor site. In the second stage, the C-shaped base part was transplanted into the mastoid region to elevate the reconstructed ear. A retro-auricular fascia flap and a free skin graft were used to cover the posterior side of the reconstructed ear. RESULTS: The patients were followed for 6 to 24 months. During the follow-up visiting, 80 cases (89%) were satisfied with the outcomes in size, shape, location and details of reconstructed ears. CONCLUSION: Our modified technique is safe and effective for auricular reconstruction, reduces the harvest of cartilage and decreases the suffering as well in adult patients with congenital microtia and rib cartilage calcification. 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.

Facial Thread Lifting Complications in China: Analysis and Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Facial thread lifting technology has been applied for more than 30 years, with relatively few complications. In 2014, China approved polydioxanone thread (an absorbable barbed thread) for large-scale nonsurgical facial lifting. However, due to surgeons' lack of overall experience, the complications of polydioxanone thread facelift have been relatively high. METHODS: From April 2014 to January 2020, a total of 190 patients with postoperative complications of facelifts were treated after they underwent thread lifting in other hospitals. Of these, 189 patients were women and one was a man; the age of patients ranged from 28 to 62 years, with an average age of 37.4 years. RESULTS: Patients were mainly treated in our outpatient clinic for the following complications: skin dimpling (77 cases, 40.5%); contour irregularity (32 cases, 16.8%); visible threads (31 cases, 16.3%); thread extrusion (10 cases, 5.3%); infection (17 cases, 8.9%); swelling (nine cases, 4.7%); incomplete facial paralysis (five cases, 2.6%); hyperpigmentation (four cases, 2.1%); hematoma (four cases, 2.1%); allergy (one case, 0.05%). Follow-up was scheduled 1-24 weeks after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The most common complications of facial thread lifting are, in the following order, skin dimpling, contour irregularity, visible threads, and thread extrusion. The reasons for complications are mainly unfamiliarity with facial anatomy, unskilled surgical operation, and misunderstanding of the facial aesthetics of Asian women.

Auricular reconstruction with modified expanded two-flap method in Goldenhar Syndrome: 7-Year experiences.

BACKGROUND: Goldenhar Syndrome (GS) is a systematic polymalformational disease characterized by microtia, hemifacial microsomy, ocular anomalies, abnormal vertebra and other deformities. These congenital malformations brought severe physical and mental stress to the patients. Auricular reconstruction has always been the primary appeal of the patients and their families to achieve a better facial balance and harmony. However, multiple deformities made it a great challenge to perform this technique. In this study, we reported a modified expanded two-flap method of auricular reconstruction, which is more applicable for patients with Goldenhar Syndrome. METHODS: Between January of 2012 and September of 2019, 69 cases of Goldenhar Syndrome underwent auricular reconstruction with the modified expanded two-flap technique. Auricular reconstruction was performed in three surgical stages. In the first stage, a 50 ml kidney-shaped tissue expander was embedded in mastoid region and the retroauricular skin expanded. In the second stage, the autologous rib cartilage was harvested and the ear framework fabricated. The expander was further removed, and then enveloped by the expanded flap, retroauricular fascial flap and a free skin graft. In the third stage, the reconstructed ear was further trimmed, including lobule transposition and tragus reconstruction. RESULTS: The patients were followed for 6 months to 7 years. There were 63 cases (91.3%) responded satisfied outcomes in size, shape, position and bilateral symmetry. One case suffered expander leakage and tissue expansion accomplished after the expander was replaced. Hematoma was occurred in four cases and removed to complete the reconstruction. Complications of cartilage exposure were observed in one case. CONCLUSION: Modified expanded two-flap method is effective and safe in auricular reconstruction for patients of Goldenhar syndrome with long term satisfying results. Level of Evidence IV.

Reconstruction of Microtia Using a Single Expanded Postauricular Flap without Skin Grafting: Experience of 683 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Auricular reconstruction of congenital microtia patients is a huge challenge for plastic surgeons worldwide. Current techniques usually use a retroauricular fascial flap with skin grafting, often proving to be color mismatched, complex, and with visible scarring. An uncomplicated strategy that results in minimal scarring and a good color match is still required, especially for Asian patients. In the present work, the authors developed a modified technique for auricular reconstruction using a single expanded flap combined with a cartilage framework. METHODS: Auricular reconstruction was performed in three stages. In the first stage, an 80-ml kidney-shaped expander was inserted in the mastoid region. A gradual expansion period of approximately 2 to 3 months was implemented until the flap achieved an appropriate area, thickness, and softness. In the second stage, the expander was removed and a modified three-layer cartilage framework was inserted into the pocket through the same incision. In the third stage, the reconstructed ear underwent further refinements, including reconstruction of the earlobe and tragus. RESULTS: From January of 2012 to January of 2017, 683 microtia patients (a total of 738 ears) were selected for auricular reconstruction using this technique. The patients were followed up for between 3 months and 2 years. Six hundred forty-two patients were satisfied with the final results regarding the size, shape, projection, symmetry, and clarity of outline. Surgery-related complications occurred in 20 patients. CONCLUSION: Auricular reconstruction using a single expanded flap combined with a modified three-layer cartilage framework is an effective and efficient technique for microtia reconstruction with satisfying medium-term results. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Simultaneous auricular reconstruction combined with bone bridge implantation-optimal surgical techniques in bilateral microtia with severe hearing impairment.

BACKGROUND: Congenital bilateral microtia with external ear canal (EAC)/middle ear malformation lead to severe appearance defects, hearing impairment and language barrier. Here we report an optimal integrated surgical technique for BoneBridge implantation and auricular reconstruction, which reduce time span of operation, total cost and patients' suffering as well. METHOD: Seven patients with bilateral external and middle ear malformation received 2-stage auricular reconstruction (age from 7 to 11 years old). In the 1st stage, 6th, 7th, and part of 8th autologous costal cartilage were used to make main body and C-shaped base part of the framework. In 2nd stage of the operation, dissect and lift the framework, isolate postauricular fascia and periosteum, put the BoneBridge subperiosteally and fixed with titanium screw. The C-shaped cartilage base was further attached to the framework and retroauricular fascial flaps and a full-thickness skin graft obtained from the donor site was used to cover posterior raw surface. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for about 8 months post operation, all of them satisfied with the outcomes and symmetric shape on both sides about desirable 3D detail without adverse complications. Hearing test indicated the mean improvement of auditory threshold of 34.8 dB HL 3 weeks after BoneBridge implantation, with mean scores of speech recognition test ranging from 26% to 62%. CONCLUSION: The combined 2-stage surgical techniques of simultaneous auricular reconstruction and BoneBridge implantation is safe and efficient for bilateral microtia with significant advantages in decreasing operation difficulties, shortening treatment span and relieving suffering for patients.

Improvement of Fat Graft Survival with Autologous Bone Marrow Aspirate and Bone Marrow Concentrate: A One-Step Method.

BACKGROUND: Stem cells have proven to be beneficial to fat graft survival, but a one-step method of cell-assisted lipotransfer is still missing. In the present work, the authors improved the fat graft survival using bone marrow aspirate and bone marrow concentrate, to ensure that both liposuction and cell-assisted lipotransfer were included in the same procedure. METHODS: Bone marrow aspirate was collected from the iliac crest of the rabbits. Bone marrow concentrate was obtained using density gradient centrifugation and labeled with PKH26 fluorescent cell linker. Rabbits were divided into three groups: group A, bone marrow aspirate; group B, bone marrow concentrate; and group C, phosphate-buffered saline buffer as a blank control. The implanted mixture contained 1.5 ml of adipose granule and 1 ml of bone marrow aspirate or bone marrow concentrate. The rabbits were subjected to fluorescence imaging in vivo at four time points. Grafts were harvested and analyzed at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after fat grafting. RESULTS: Bone marrow cell fluorescence signals were observed in the rabbits' injection regions during a follow-up of 12 weeks. The fat grafts of group A and B showed a better weight and volume retention, living quality, adipocyte viability, and angiogenesis after transplantation. The results of living tissue imaging also showed that the implanted bone marrow cells could contribute to fat graft survival by multilineage differentiation and could also contribute to adipogenesis and angiogenesis. CONCLUSION: Both bone marrow aspirate and bone marrow concentrate improved the survival and angiogenesis of grafted fat tissue.

Volumetric measurement of polyacrylamide hydrogel injected for breast augmentation using magnetic resonance imaging.

Volumetric measurement of polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAHG) is useful for surgical planning. It is not only a significant factor in the preoperative evaluation of breast augmentation, but may also directly affect the postoperative shape of the breast. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is able to provide precise calculations of injected PAHG volumes. MRI scans of ten randomly selected patients were imported to Mimics software. The volumes of PAHG were obtained following the reconstruction of the injected PAHG. In order to assess the precision and observer independency of the technique, the volumes of PAHG were estimated by three plastic surgeons using this method. No significant differences were identified among the PAHG injection volumes calculated by the three observers (P=0.173). The intra-observer correlation coefficient was 0.964, which indicates the precision and feasibility of this method for calculating the volume of PAHG. The use of MRI in combination with Mimics software to calculate PAHG volumes is likely to be of significant clinical benefit in preoperative surgical planning.