Anti-sagging Method in Reduction Malarplasty: Application of the Bracing System with the Preservation of the Zygomaticus Major Muscle Bony Attachment.

BACKGROUND: Cheek drooping after reduction malarplasty remains a concern for patients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the anti-drooping effectiveness of the bracing system technique with the preservation of the zygomaticus major muscle (ZMj) bony attachment and to determine the role of ZMj in anti-drooping. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who accepted this method in our department from February 2016 to May 2021. Patients' subjective evaluation and two plastic surgeons' objective assessment of photographs were performed. The pre- and postoperative three-dimensional (3D) ZMj models were reconstructed and compared. ZMj length and tortuosity were also measured from 3D models. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (44 ZMjs) met the inclusion criteria. Most patients (21/22, 95.45%) were satisfied with the postoperative appearance without ageing after reduction malarplasty, except for one feeling slightly older after the operation. The objective scoring results showed no deepening of the nasolabial fold in the majority (20/22, 90.91%) of patients. Two patients were one-grade worse, from score 1 to 2. Upward movement of the postoperative ZMj bony attachment was clearly observed compared with the preoperative 3D model. The significantly reduced ZMj tortuosity (p < 0.001) and the slightly increased ZMj length (not significant) after surgery supported the straightening of the ZMj which was also seen in the 3D comparison. CONCLUSIONS: The bracing system technique with preservation of the bony attachment of the ZMj is an effective and cost-effective anti-sagging method for reduction malarplasty. The ZMj was lifted and straightened after reduction malarplasty, which helped to prevent sagging. 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 .

Volume Redistribution of the Buccal Fat Pad After Reduction Malarplasty.

BACKGROUND: During reduction malarplasty, cheek bulging could be found immediately after zygomatic complex is moved inwards, backwards and upwards. As patient is in the supine position during surgery, the effect of gravity is eliminated, so the only reason for the bulge is the redistribution of the soft tissue in the deep facial spaces. The buccal fat pad, with its main body behind the zygomatic arch and buccal extension in the cheek area, is most likely to be responsible for the bulge. METHODS: 3D buccal extension models were reconstructed from preoperative and long-term follow-up CT images and the volume measured. By comparing the pre- and postoperative 3D models, the shape deviation of the buccal extension and facial soft tissue can be identified. RESULTS: Eleven patients (22 buccal extensions) met the inclusion criteria. Compared with the preoperative buccal extension volume, the postoperative volume increased significantly. By comparing the reconstructed models, the buccal extension volume increase with anteroinferior protrusion can be visually detected, and cheek bulging was clearly identified on the lower face. The bulging area coincided with the projection of the buccal extension on the skin surface. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction malarplasty may cause volume redistribution of the buccal fat pad. Therefore, preoperative assessment of the size of the buccal fat pad based on CT images is recommended. The buccal extension volume increase with anteroinferior protrusion is an important cause of postoperative cheek bulging and should be considered during treatment. 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 .

Small-Incisional Double Eyelid Blepharoplasty: A Retrospective Study of Our Minimally Invasive Technique with Three Mini Incisions.

BACKGROUND: Small-incisional double eyelid surgery has been increasingly performed these years and achieved good aesthetic results, but the techniques vary greatly between literatures. The authors reviewed the cases of three-small-incisional double eyelid surgery performed in the past three years and introduced their surgical technique in detail. METHODS: A total of 87 patients receiving bilateral three-small-incisional double eyelid surgery were included in this retrospective study. The pretarsal folds were designed meticulously, along which three evenly distributed 2 mm-long incisions were made. A minimal amount of orbicularis oculi muscle and pretarsal soft tissue were removed to expose the pretarsal fascia for further fixation. An appropriate amount of orbital septal fat was removed through the lateral incision if required. The superficial orbicularis oculi muscle and dermis on the lower margin of the incision were fixed onto the pretarsal fascia with some underlying tarsus on the upper margin of the tarsus. The skin was closed by one stitch for each incision. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 9.9 ± 5.2 months (range: 6-27 months). All the patients were satisfied with the result. None of them experienced loss of the pretarsal fold, bilateral asymmetry, scar hyperplasia, or persistent swelling after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our three-small-incisional technique with minor soft tissue debulking offers a simple, safe, and reproducible approach to double eyelids. It can create a stable and natural-looking pretarsal fold with a short recovery period. 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 .

Screw Misposition and Detachment During Paranasal Augmentation: A Patient Report With Complication and Management.

Paranasal concavity is esthetically displeasing and interferes with the overall outline of the face. Paranasal augmentation with alloplastic implants is a minimally invasive procedure with significant esthetic effects for paranasal concavity. When fixing the implants, the screws should be placed on the nasofrontal column, but are occasionally mispositioned on the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus. Here, the authors introduce a case of paranasal augmentation in which the self-tapping screw accidentally penetrated through the implant, broke through the anterior and medial walls of the maxillary sinus, and entered the nasal cavity. The screw was located by a computed tomography scan and was successfully removed under a nasal endoscope. The causes of this intraoperative complication were analyzed, emergent management was introduced, and a further preventive strategy was proposed.

A Surgical Management Algorithm for Type 4 Parry-Romberg Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Type 4 Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS) affects multiple facial esthetic units involving many tissue types, requiring both bone and soft tissue restoration and requiring different surgical procedures over a long period of time. To date, the timing and sequence of these operations remains controversial. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed to introduce our surgical management algorithm for type 4 PRS and to evaluate its safety and efficacy according to long-term follow-up results. RESULTS: Six Chinese patients (5 females and 1 male) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The follow-up period ranged from 23 to 90 months (mean 51.83 mo). All patients were satisfied with the improvement in facial appearance after staged bone and soft tissue reconstruction. No major complications were reported except for 1 case of infection after Medpor implantation. CONCLUSIONS: For severe PRS, both bone and soft tissue reconstruction is recommended. Enlargement of the bony framework provides a good foundation for subsequent soft tissue restoration. Alloplastic implants in the maxilla can be problematic if the patient has undergone either a zygomatic or maxillary osteotomy. The anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap is a reliable choice for large soft tissue deficits in type 4 PRS. We hope that reporting our surgical management algorithm with long-term follow-up results will improve the personalized treatment of these patients.

"Subzone-Counting" Method in Asian Facial Liposuction: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Facial liposuction is a popular and reliable procedure for patients with subcutaneous fat accumulation pursuing the ideal face shape. However, complications like irregularities and asymmetry are still problems for plastic surgeons. To lower the incidence of the above complications, we developed the "subzone-counting" method. In this study, this technique was introduced and evaluated. METHODS: By several lines all parallel to the earlobe-mouth corner line, the liposuction area was subdivided into several subzones. With consistent negative pressure, the paths of the cannula trip in all subzones were also parallel to the earlobe-mouth corner line. An objective index could be obtained by counting the number of aspiration in every subzone. Based on this index, the real-time adjustment was made to achieve smoothness and symmetry. RESULTS: This study identified 32 Chinese patients who accepted this method between January 2019 and January 2021. The follow-up ranged from 6 to 44 months. Twenty-nine and 3 patients were satisfied and somewhat satisfied with the postoperative outcome, respectively. No patient was unsatisfied with the outcome. And no major complication was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The "subzone-counting" method is safe and effective for facial liposuction. The approach helps intraoperative judgment and adjustment. According to the real-time counting results, contour smoothness and bilateral symmetry can be easily achieved and less dependent on the surgeon's experience.

Prediction of the Postoperative Bone Regeneration Rate After Mandibular Reduction: From the Perspective of Preoperative Inflammatory and Immune Status.

BACKGROUND: Following mandibular reduction, bone regeneration in the angle region is a problem that can affect facial aesthetics and lead to revision surgery. The bone regeneration rate (BRR) varies between individuals and is difficult to predict. However, studies focusing on preoperative patient-related factors are lacking. As bone regeneration is closely related to the inflammatory and immune status of the organism, according to in vitro and in vivo evidence, preoperative inflammatory indicators were included in this study as potential predictors. METHODS: Demographic and preoperative laboratory data were included as independent variables. The BRR calculated from computed tomography data was included as the dependent variable. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to determine the key factors influencing the BRR. The ROC curves were used to analyse the corresponding predictive efficacy. RESULTS: 23 patients (46 mandibular angles) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean bilateral BRR was 23.82 ± 9.90%. Preoperative monocyte count (M) was an independent positive factor for BRR, and age was a negative factor. Only M had a good predictive ability, and its optimal cut-off point to distinguish patients with BRR greater than 30% was 0.305 × 109/L. Other parameters were not significantly correlated with BRR. CONCLUSIONS: Patient age and preoperative M may influence BRR, with M having a positive effect and age having a negative effect. According to the preoperative blood routine tests that are readily available, using the diagnostic threshold (M [Formula: see text] 0.305 × 109/L) derived from this study, surgeons can better predict BRR and identify patients whose BRR is greater than the mean level. 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 .

Small-Incisional Techniques for Double-Eyelid Blepharoplasty: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Small-incisional double-eyelid surgery has increasingly gained popularity. In the published studies, the number of incisions, the debulking method, and the pretarsal fixation differ significantly among studies. Hence, this article was conducted to summarize the different techniques and compare their surgical results and complications. METHODS: The literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Cochrane databases from their inception to June 1, 2022. Clinical studies of small-incisional blepharoplasty with available full-text and extractable data were included and were grouped depending on the number of incisions. The number, length and location of the incisions, debulking method, fixation technique, and skin closure were concluded. The complications were statistically analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Finally, 13 articles and 4177 patients were eligible for reviewing, among which 5 studies (2460 patients) described single-incisional technique, 2 studies (645 patients) described two-incisional technique, 5 studies (700 patients) described three-incisional technique, and 1 study (372 patients) described four-incisional technique. Through the small incisions, the pretarsal soft tissue can be removed as appropriate, and the pretarsal fixation can be firm and exact. Both the single- and three-incisional studies had a pooled total complication rate of 5% and a pooled foldloss rate of 2%. No significant difference was found between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The small-incisional techniques offer a simple, safe, and reproducible approach to double-eyelids. It reduces post-op recovery time and allows a tenacious fixation. The fold-loss rate and other complication rate are acceptable when compared with the non-incisional and full-incisional techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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 Dorsal Nasal Complex in Asians: Anatomical Variations and Injection Guide for Botulinum Toxin Type A.

BACKGROUND: Multiple muscles contribute to the formation of dorsal nasal lines (DNLs) and affect nasal aesthetics. Few attempts have been made to explore the range of distribution of DNLs in relation to injection planning. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to classify the distribution types of DNLs and propose a refined injection technique validated by clinical study and cadaver dissection. METHODS: Patients were classified into 4 types according to their DNL distribution type. Botulinum toxin type A injections were administered at 6 regular points and 2 optional points. The effect on wrinkle reduction was assessed. Patient satisfaction was recorded. Cadaver dissection was conducted to explore the anatomical evidence of DNL variation. RESULTS: The study included 349 treatments in 320 patients (269 females and 51 males), whose DNLs were classified into complex type, horizontal type, oblique type, and vertical type. The severity of DNLs was significantly reduced after treatment. Most patients were satisfied. From the cadaver study, connecting muscular fibers were clearly observed among the muscles involved in the formation of DNLs, and these muscles were collectively named the dorsal nasal complex (DNC) by the authors. Four anatomical variations of the DNC were discovered, corroborating the DNL classification system. CONCLUSIONS: A novel anatomical concept, the DNC, and a classification system for DNLs were proposed. Each of the 4 distribution types of DNLs corresponds to a specific anatomical variation of the DNC. A refined injection technique for DNLs was developed, and its efficacy and safety were demonstrated.

Quercetin May Improve Fat Graft Survival by Promoting Fat Browning Peripherally.

BACKGROUND: Adipose browning occurs after white fat transfer. But its location and effects on fat graft survival remains controversial. This study was performed to locate the browning of fat grafts, and to explore the effects of quercetin on fat graft browning and fat graft survival. METHODS: Human fat granules were injected into the subcutaneous layer of 12 nude mice. Control group was injected with fat granules and 10% of normal saline, while quercetin group was injected with fat granules and 10% of quercetin. The graft samples (n = 6 for each group) were obtained in weeks 2, 4, 8 and 12. Weight retention rate of the grafts was calculated. Gene and protein expression of mitochondrial markers (silent information regulator 1, SIRT1; heat shock protein 60, HSP60), browning marker (uncoupling protein 1, UCP1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) were evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and anti-UCP1 staining were performed. RESULTS: Clusters of small multilocular beige adipocytes were observed in the periphery of fat grafts. Compared with control group, quercetin group had a higher weight retention rate, a higher gene/protein expression of SIRT1, HSP60, UCP1, PPAR-γ and VEGF-A, and a higher occurrence of peripheral adipose browning. CONCLUSIONS: Peripherally located adipose browning occurred after white fat transfer. It can be enhanced by the addition of quercetin through promoting mitochondrial function of fat cells, and may be one of the mechanisms that quercetin improves fat graft survival. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. 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 .

Comparative Study of Three-Dimensional Volume Measurement for Facial Fat Grafting.

ABSTRACT: The three-dimensional (3D) volume measurement after facial fat grafting is of great significance to plastic surgeons. It has been ascertained that reliable results rely on the accurate measurement of 3D softwares. Some 3D softwares in literatures have proposed various ways to optimize each step of the procedure, including the pre- and post-operative image acquisition, alignment, calculation, and analysis. Good image alignment between pre- and post-scan is essential to quantify the volumetric change. Once the pre- and post-operative image alignment has slightly bias or deviation, the subsequent volume measurement would also be affected. To our knowledge, 2 types of 3D software have been widely applied in clinic, primarily based on the image-automatically alignment and image-manually alignment. This study aimed to compare the accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility of the Geomagic Qualify 12.0 software and the 3-Matic 7.0 software in a relatively ideal model of virtual facial fat grafting. A simulated facial fat grafting was first performed for 10 preoperative patients diagnosed with progressive hemifacial atrophy, and the known volumetric change was named as the true value (T value). Then, the facial volumetric change of every case was remeasured 10 times with above 2 kinds of software separately. The mean volumetric change was calculated as Q value and M value. The paired t test, intraclass correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman analysis showed that the Geomagic Qualify 12.0 software demonstrated a statistically higher accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility in comparison with the 3-Matic 7.0 software.

Long-Term Effects of Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Fat Graft Survival and Their Optimal Mixing Ratio.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) can promote fat graft survival, but the reported mixing ratio of PRF to fat ranges from 1:25 to 1:2, lacking a clear standard for clinical application. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to explore the long-term effects of PRF on grafted fat and their optimal mixing ratio. METHODS: Nude mice were randomly divided into a control group (receiving subcutaneous injection of fat granules) and 4 PRF groups (receiving subcutaneous injection of PRF and fat granules at volume ratios of 1:5, 1:10, 1:15, and 1:20, respectively). The graft samples (n = 12) were obtained in weeks 4, 8, and 12 to (1) calculate retention rates; (2) evaluate gene and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), type I collagen A1 (COL1-A1), and B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X protein (BAX); (3) perform hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, α-smooth muscle action, and periplipin-1 stainings; and (4) count the microvessels and viable adipocytes. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, PRF groups had higher retention rates, a higher gene/protein expression of VEGF-A, a lower gene/protein expression of COL1-A1 and BAX, less fibrosis, and more microvessels and viable adipocytes. Group 1:10 was superior to other groups in terms of retention rates and other evaluation indexes. The expression of PPAR-γ did not significantly differ among groups. CONCLUSIONS: PRF may not play a long-term effect on adipogenesis, but it can still promote fat graft survival through facilitating vascularization, regulating collagen production, and inhibiting apoptosis. PRF can achieve the best promoting effect when the mixing ratio of PRF to fat is 1:10, which is recommended as the optimal ratio for clinical application.

Platelet-Rich Fibrin Improves Fat Graft Survival Possibly by Promoting Angiogenesis and Adipogenesis, Inhibiting Apoptosis, and Regulating Collagen Production.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) can promote fat graft survival, but limited data are currently available, and the underlying mechanism of this effect has not yet been explained. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism by which PRF promotes fat graft survival, from the aspects of angiogenesis, adipogenesis, cellular apoptosis, and collagen production. METHODS: Nude mice were randomly assigned to a PRF group (subcutaneously injected with PRF and fat in the ratio of 1:5 by volume) and a control group (subcutaneously injected with normal saline and fat in the ratio of 1:5 by volume). On days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after transplantation, graft samples (n = 12) were obtained for quantification of target growth factors. In weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 after transplantation, graft samples (n = 12) were obtained for the following evaluations. The volume and weight retention rates were calculated; gene and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ), COL1-A1, and BAX were evaluated; hematoxylin & eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, α smooth muscle actin staining, and perilipin-1 staining were performed to evaluate graft survival. RESULTS: After transplantation, the concentrations of growth factors produced by the fat increased to varying degrees, and the addition of PRF made these concentration changes ever greater. Compared with the control group, the PRF group had a higher volume and weight retention rate, a higher expression level of VEGF-A and PPAR-γ, a lower expression level of COL1-A1 and BAX, a higher vessel density, less fibrosis, and more viable adipocytes. CONCLUSIONS: PRF can promote autocrine function of the grafted fat to produce more growth factors. It greatly increased fat retention rate, possibly by promoting vascularization and adipogenic differentiation, inhibiting cellular apoptosis, and regulating collagen production.

Comparison Effects of Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Macrofat and Shuffling Fat Grafting.

Fat acquisition, processing, and grafting techniques are considered to be the main factors affecting the volume retention rate of fat grafting. Shuffling fat (SF) is obtained by refining macrofat (MF), both of which have been applied in autologous fat grafting. However, few studies have focused on comparison effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on MF and SF grafting. Grafts were prepared by mixing MF and SF with PRF or normal saline at a ratio of 5:1, and grafted into symmetric recipient sites of a mouse's buttock. Grafts were harvested and analyzed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Groups containing PRF showed high volume retention rates and microcosmic evaluation scores at each time point compared with the control groups. Although without improved volume retention rate, group of SF containing PRF showed superior microcosmic evaluations compared with group of MF containing PRF. The results demonstrated that both the efficacy of MF and SF grafting can be enhanced by PRF, with even better quality of grafts for the SF grafting.

Clinical Application of Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been applied in the clinical field for more than a decade, but largely in oral surgery and implant dentistry. Its utilization in plastic and reconstructive surgery is limited and lacking a comprehensive review. Hence, this article focuses on the various clinical applications of PRF pertaining to the plastic and reconstructive field through a systematic review. METHODS: In this review, articles describing the clinical application of PRF in plastic and reconstructive surgery were screened using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The articles were summarized and divided into groups based on the utilization of PRF. The effects and complications of PRF were analyzed and concluded. RESULTS: Among the 634 articles searched, 7 articles describing 151 cases are eligible. PRF was applied on 116 (76.8%) wounds to facilitate tissue healing, and the complete wound closure rate was 91.4% (106/116). Otherwise, PRF was applied in 10 (6.6%) cases of zygomaticomaxillary fracture to reconstruct orbital floor defects and in 25 (16.6%) cases of facial autologous fat grafts to increase the fat retention rate successfully. There is no report of PRF-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: PRF could facilitate wound healing, including the healing of soft tissues and bony tissues, and facilitate fat survival rate. Further studies are needed to test the mechanism of PRF and expand its scope of application in plastic and reconstructive surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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 .

Strategies of Mandibular Revision: A Retrospective Study of Revisional Mandibular Surgery for Unaesthetic Results of Previous Mandibular Reduction.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular reduction has been developed and popularized in Asia for decades. Despite the technical advancement and experience accumulation, complications and unaesthetic results still occur, and some need a revision surgery. This study aims to introduce the experience of revision surgery to reshape the unaesthetic mandibular contour after previous mandibular reduction. METHODS: From May 2011 to September 2017, patients dissatisfied with the result of previous mandibular reduction and who received a secondary mandibular revision were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were included in this study. Under-correction (88%, 22/25) was the most common aesthetic problem requiring revision, followed by asymmetry (56%, 14/25), broad chin (40%, 10/25), second mandibular angle (32%, 8/25), and over-correction (8%, 2/25). As revision techniques, long-curve mandibular reduction, simple mandibular reduction, and mandibular grinding were performed on 60% (15/25), 36% (9/25), and 4% (1/25) of the patients, respectively. All the patients were satisfied with the results. Cephalometric measurements indicated a significant bone removal after revision. CONCLUSIONS: When performing a revision surgery to reshape the mandibular contour, the surgeon should have a clear surgical plan based on comprehensive evaluation, focus on the balanced harmony of the entire face, use proper technique and instruments, and avoid concomitant injury and complications. The one-staged technique that treats the whole mandible as an entirety is superior than multistaged techniques to improve the aesthetic outcomes to the largest extent. 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 .

A Systematic Quality Evaluation of Meta-Analyses Related to Plastic Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Meta-analyses are considered to be an important source of evidence. This review aims to systematically assess the quality of meta-analyses addressing topics in plastic surgery. METHODS: Electronic databases were selected for systematic review. A search was performed focusing on communication addresses containing terms related to plastic surgery, and detailed inclusion criteria were used. Related data were extracted and recorded according to the items of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. To assess the quality of the meta-analyses over time, studies published before and after PRISMA were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 116 meta-analyses were included. There was 1 study that was fully in compliance with the PRISMA items. The main flaws impacting the overall quality of the included studies were in the following areas: structured summary (48%), protocol and registration (2%), full electronic search strategy (35%), risk of bias in individual studies (41%), additional analyses (27%), risk of bias within studies (47%), additional analysis (30%), and funding (47%). Study quality was evaluated using relative risks (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI); this revealed that there were few significant improvements in adherence to the PRISMA statement after its release, especially in selection (RR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.08-2.99), results of individual studies (RR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.41-5.91), synthesis of results (RR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.32-7.17), and funding (RR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.21-2.24). CONCLUSIONS: There have been measurable improvements in the quality of meta-analyses over recent years. However, several serious deficiencies remain according to the PRISMA statement. Future reviewers should pay more attention to not only reporting the main findings but also encouraging compliance with proper standards.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy on Flaps: A Systematic Review.

Background Although flap transfer is a popular reconstructive procedure with a high success rate, it is associated with a high complication rate and low salvage rate. During the past decade, negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been increasingly applied to facilitate flap transfer and salvage flaps threatened by complications. It has achieved some success, but its efficacy and safety remain controversial because of the limited number of reports and lack of systematic reviews. Methods English-language articles describing the application of NPWT on flaps were screened using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The articles were summarized and divided into groups based on the purpose of NPWT application. The complication rate, success rate, and salvage rate were obtained. Results Among the 3,395 articles searched, 16 articles describing 137 flaps were eligible. NPWT was applied on 105 (76.4%) newly transferred flaps to facilitate flap attachment and on 32 (23.4%) complication-threatened flaps to relieve flap infection and venous congestion. In total, complications developed in six flaps, three of which were lost; thus, the complication rate was 5.7% (6/105) and the success rate was 97.1% (102/105). Only 1 of the 32 threatened flaps was not successfully salvaged; thus, the salvage rate was 96.9% (31/32). Conclusion NPWT may facilitate flap transfer with few side effects and help to rescue flaps threatened by infection and venous congestion with a high salvage rate. Further studies are needed to test the safety of NPWT application on flaps with arterial compromise.

Comparison of clinical efficacy and complications between Q-switched alexandrite laser and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser on nevus of Ota: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Although the application of Q-switched lasers on nevus of Ota (OTA) is well demonstrated, debates about clinical option between Q-switched alexandrite laser (QSA) and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (QSNY) still remain. This systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the overall successful rate of OTA pigment clearance and complication rate of QSA and QSNY and evaluated which laser could produce a better result. English articles evaluating pigment clearance and complications of QSA and/or QSNY on OTA were screened through predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria and analyzed. The successful rate of pigment clearance and complication rate of QSA and QSNY were respectively calculated using a random-effects or fixed-effects model, depending on the heterogeneity of the included studies. The successful rate and complication rate of QSA and QSNY were compared statistically. Of the 140 articles searched, 13 met inclusion criteria. Totally, 2153 OTA patients treated by QSA and 316 patients treated by QSNY were analyzed. In QSA and QSNY groups, respectively, the successful rate of OTA pigment clearance was 48.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 19.9-76.8%) and 41% (95% CI 9.7-72.2%), while the complication rate was 8.0% (95% CI 3.9-12.2%) and 13.4% (95% CI 7.7-19.0%). When compared with QSNY, QSA had a significantly higher successful rate (P = 0.017), and a lower complication rate (P = 0.000). According to this review, QSA may surpass QSNY in treatment for OTA as it had a superior successful rate of pigment clearance and a lower complication rate than QSNY did.

Effect of Dermabrasion and ReCell® on Large Superficial Facial Scars Caused by Burn, Trauma and Acnes△.

Objective To explore the effects of dermabrasion combined with ReCell® on large superficial facial scars caused by burn, trauma and acnes.Methods Nineteen patients with large superficial facial scars were treated by the same surgeon with dermabrasion combined with ReCell®. According to the etiology, patients were classified into post-burning group (n=5), post-traumatic group (n=7) and post-acne group (n=7). Fifteen patients completed the follow-ups, 5 patients in each group. Healing time, complication rate, the preoperative and 18-month-post-operative assessments using Patient Satisfaction Score (PSS), Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) of each group were analyzed to compare the effect of the combined therapy on outcomes.Results The healing time of post-burning group (19.6±4.0 days), post-traumatic group (15.8±2.6 days), and post-acne group (11.4±3.1 days) varied remarkably (F=7.701, P=0.007). The complication rates were 60%, 20%, and 0 respectively. The post-operative POSAS improved significantly in all groups (P<0.05), where the most significant improvement was shown in the post-acne group (P<0.05). The post-operative PSS and VSS improved only in the post-traumatic group and post-acne group (all P<0.05), where the more significant improvement was also shown in the post-acne group (P<0.05).Conclusions The combined treatment of dermabrasion and ReCell® has remarkable effect on acne scars, moderate effect on traumatic scars and is not suggested for burn scars. POSAS should be applied to assess the therapeutic effects of treatments for large irregular scars.