Facelift Surgery Following Superficial Parotidectomy: Is it Safe?

INTRODUCTION: Patients who have previously undergone superficial parotidectomy may also seek facelift surgery for facial aging and rejuvenation. These patients present unique challenges compared to a standard facelift patient. Most concerning is the location of facial nerve branches, which may be superficial and displaced. In addition, significant contour deformities and abnormal scar patterns may be present. The purpose of the study is to review our series of patients and assess potential morbidity and safety of facelift surgery in superficial parotidectomy patients. METHODS: A retrospective case series was performed reviewing all patients who underwent facelift surgery following superficial parotidectomy from 2000 to 2017. Data were collected for: postoperative facial nerve deficit, soft tissue contour and scar deformities, facelift technique, ancillary soft tissue augmentation procedures and pre- and postoperative photographs. An evidence-based treatment algorithm to address specific problems in this patient population was developed. RESULTS: A total of seven patients were identified who underwent facelift surgery following parotidectomy. Patients underwent one of the standard SMAS procedure on the non-parotidectomy side, and surgical modifications were made to address the parotidectomy side; soft tissue augmentation was performed in two patients. Precautions to identify the facial nerve and prevent injury, including nerve monitoring and stimulation, were utilized in all seven patients. No permanent postoperative facial nerve injury was noted. CONCLUSION: Facelift following superficial parotidectomy was safely performed in all cases. Special consideration should be given to contour deformities, facial nerve location and scar placement. However, if approached properly, these patients can still be considered as suitable candidates for facelift surgery. 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.

Local Infiltration of Tranexamic Acid With Local Anesthetic Reduces Intraoperative Facelift Bleeding: A Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: Rebound bleeding as a result of loss of epinephrine effect is a common problem encountered during facelift surgery. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an anti-fibrinolytic agent whose safety and efficacy in reducing bleeding are well documented. We have found that local infiltration of TXA combined with a lidocaine with epinephrine solution during facelift surgery has been effective in decreasing rebound bleeding and the time required to gain hemostasis. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to share their local infiltration protocol of TXA combined with epinephrine solution in facelift. METHODS: Patients who underwent facelift received subcutaneous injection of TXA-lidocaine 0.5% solution following the authors' protocol. After completing both sides of the facelift and the submental platysmaplasty, the first and second sides were sequentially closed. The time to gain hemostasis on each side prior to closure was prospectively measured. RESULTS: Twenty-seven consecutive patients who underwent facelift surgery received local infiltration of TXA-lidocaine solution. In 23 of the 27 patients, the time required for hemostasis was prospectively recorded. The mean age was 62.1 years (±9.3) and all were females. The average time spent achieving hemostasis on the right, left, and both sides of the face was 6.5 (±2.7), 6.3 (±2.1), and 12.9 (±4.2) minutes, respectively. The total surgical time saving is approximately 25 to 60 minutes. Although primary facelift [13.6 (± 4.3)] exhibited a longer time of hemostasis compared with the secondary group [10.2 (± 2.8)], this was not statistically significant (P = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Local infiltration of TXA with local anesthetic prior to a facelift appears to decrease bleeding, operative time, and postoperative facelift drainage output.Level of Evidence: 4.

Two-Staged Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: A Long-Term Outcome Study in a Young Population.

Background and objectives: Differences in patient anatomy and physiology exist between young and older patients undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Breast cancer has been described as being more aggressive, more likely to receive radiation, contralateral mastectomy, as well as bilateral reconstruction in young patients. Our purpose is to report long-term experience on two-staged implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) in young females, with complication sub-analysis based on obesity and adjuvant radiation. Materials and Methods: Retrospective chart review of all consecutive young patients who underwent two-staged IBR at our institution, between 2000 and 2016, was performed. Patients between 15 and 40 years old with least 1-year follow-up were included. Univariate logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created. Results: Overall 594 breasts met our inclusion criteria. The mean age was 34 years, and the median follow-up was 29.6 months. Final IBR was achieved in 98% of breasts. Overall, 12% of breasts had complications, leading to explantations of 5% of the devices. Adjuvant radiation was followed by higher rates of total device explantations (p = 0.003), while obese patients had higher rates of total complications (p < 0.001). For each point increase in BMI, the odds of developing complications increased 8.1% (p < 0.001); the cutoff BMI to predict higher complications was 24.81 kg/m2. Conclusions: This population demonstrates high successful IBR completion and low explantation rates. These data suggest that obese women and those with planned adjuvant radiation deserve special counseling about their higher risk of complications.

Superficial temporal artery and vein as recipient vessels for scalp and facial reconstruction: radiographic support for underused vessels.

BACKGROUND: The choice of the recipient vessels for microsurgical reconstruction is based on proximity to the defect, vessel caliber, anatomic reliability, and ease of dissection. Traditionally in head and neck reconstruction, the superficial temporal artery and vein (STA/V) have been reserved as secondary recipient vessels. Others, including the facial artery (FA) and vein have been the preferred choice for facial reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all consecutive head and neck reconstructions using the STA/V by the senior author (E.S.G.) over a 5-year period was performed. Perioperative data were reviewed for all the patients. In a subset of patients, radiographic analysis was used to delineate STA and FA anatomy including vessel diameter and distances to standard anatomic landmarks. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients had 32 microsurgical reconstructions using the STA/V as recipient vessels. Radiographic analysis revealed no significant difference between the STA and FA diameters. The distances from the STA to the upper and middle face were significantly shorter relative to the FA, 64 versus 102 mm (p < 0.0001) and 72 versus 80 mm (p < 0.04), respectively. The distances from the lower face to the STA and FA were 56 and 30 mm, respectively (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The STA/V can be used as first choice recipient vessels in head and neck reconstruction. Key features of these vessels include proximity to defect, acceptable caliber, predictable anatomic location, and relative ease of dissection. We recommend that the STA/V be considered recipient vessels of choice for reconstruction of defects of the face and scalp.

Face Lift Practice Patterns: An American Society of Plastic Surgeons Member Survey, 2000 and 2020. How Much Have We Changed?

BACKGROUND: In 2000, Matarasso et al. performed a survey of American Society of Plastic Surgeons members' face lift practice patterns. Since that publication, the aesthetic marketplace has changed dramatically, as have ancillary face lift techniques. In an attempt to detail these changes, we repeated that original survey, adding questions to address more recent technical issues and advances. The goal of this report was to define current face lift practice patterns, compare current patterns to the previous ones, and define recent advances. METHODS: A 38-question survey assessing face lift techniques, perioperative management, complications, and concomitant procedures was electronically distributed to a random cohort of American Society of Plastic Surgeons members. Data were recorded and statistically analyzed utilizing the Pearson chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 251 forms were returned and analyzed. Details of demographics, face lift techniques, ancillary procedures, perioperative care, and complications are presented. Current results were compared to the previously published society member practice patterns delineated in the 2000 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery publication. CONCLUSIONS: The basic approach of American Society of Plastic Surgeons members to the face lift operation has not changed dramatically over the past 20 years. The development of operative adjuncts, however, has been positive, including fat grafting techniques, concomitant use of skin resurfacing, and means of minimizing blood loss with tranexamic acid. In certain instances, respondents do not follow evidence-based guidelines for perioperative care. Finally, common complications of practicing members appear to coincide with published retrospective reviews.

The Effect of Age on Fat Distribution in the Neck Using Volumetric Computed Tomography.

BACKGROUND: Neck fat distribution plays an important role in aging, yet how fat distribution changes with age is largely unknown. This study used volumetric computed tomography in live patients to characterize neck fat volume and distribution in young and elderly women. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of head and neck computed tomographic angiographs of 20 young (aged 20 to 35 years) and 20 old (aged 65 to 89 years) women. Fat volume in the supraplatysmal and subplatysmal planes was quantified. Distribution of fat volume was assessed by dividing each supraplatysmal and subplatysmal compartment into upper, middle, and lower thirds. RESULTS: Total supraplatysmal fat volume was greater than subplatysmal in all patients. Young patients had more total supraplatysmal fat than old patients (p < 0.0001). No difference was found between age groups in subplatysmal fat (p > 0.05). No difference was found between upper/middle/lower third supraplatysmal fat volumes in young patients. When comparing supraplatysmal thirds within the elderly population, the middle third fat volume (28.58 ± 20.01 cm3) was greater than both upper (18.93 ± 10.35 cm3) and lower thirds (15.46 ± 11.57 cm3) (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that total supraplatysmal fat volume decreases with age. Older patients had more fat volume in the upper and middle thirds compared with the lower third of the supraplatysmal fat compartment, whereas young patients had more evenly distributed fat. These results suggest that fat deposition and redistribution in the neck occur with age and may be a contributing factor to the obtuse cervicomandibular angle of the elderly.

The Extended Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System.

The extended superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) facelift targets the 2 cardinal signs of facial aging: (1) descent of the malar fat resulting in deepening of the nasolabial folds as well as accentuation of the palpebral malar groove and tear trough deformity; (2) formation of jowls, which also obscure the definition of the lower mandibular border. In this article the authors describe the concepts behind the extended SMAS operation, importantly the extent of skin dissection and SMAS elevation. They present a brief history of the operation and landmark papers and supplement with fresh cadaver dissections.

Facelift: History and Anatomy.

In this article, we review the history of the facelift operation and how it evolved from skin excision only to the modern superficial musculoaponeurotic system operation. We describe the critical surgical anatomy of the facial layers, retaining ligaments of the face, facial spaces, the 3-dimensional complex course of the facial nerve branches, and the pertinent anatomy of the neck. This article is supplemented by fresh cadaver anatomic dissections.

Facelift in Patients with Massive Weight Loss.

Significant volume deflation and redundant inelastic skin is seen after massive weight loss (MWL). These changes parallel those found with natural aging; thus, patients exhibit accelerated facial aging appearance. A facelift procedure may enhance the cervicofacial contour and reduce the apparent age in MWL patients; nonetheless, fully correcting this facial deformity is challenging. Extensive skin undermining is the most critical aspect of the MWL facelift, as it allows the resection of the excess skin and adequate redraping. This article describes the surgical and medical modifications that need to be considered in the MWL facelift to ensure a successful outcome.

Neck Rejuvenation: Anatomy and Technique.

An aesthetically pleasing neck contour remains the cornerstone for facial rejuvenation. In this article a detailed description of the anatomy pertaining to the necklift surgery is provided, with supplemental cadaver video dissections going over the most common and novel necklift techniques.

Costimulation blockade: towards clinical application.

Organ transplantation is an increasingly successful therapy for many forms of organ failure, but its success depends upon drug therapies to prevent immunologic destruction of the transplanted organ also known as rejection. Most therapies designed to prevent rejection alter the immune system in a rather broad, antigen independent way, and thus alter protective immunity as well as immune responses directed against the transplanted organ. Over the past 3 decades, however, it has been realized that a class of surface molecules known as costimulatory receptors are required to generate a fully productive immune response, and that blockade of these receptors during allo-antigen recognition can be used to influence the immune system's future response to that particular allo-antigen. Costimulation blockade has thus been developed as a specific field of interest towards achieving improved antigen specific control over transplant rejection while minimizing broad attenuation of protective immunity seen with conventional immunosuppressives. This field has grown rapidly in the past decade and is now poised to become a valuable therapeutic option for transplant clinicians. This review will outline the basic premise of costimulation biology, review the seminal experimental basis for its use in preventing organ rejection, and discuss the relevant data derived from its initial use in clinical transplant trials. Specific attention will be focused on two major costimulatory pathways, the CD28/CD80-CD86 and the CD40-CD154 pathways, and the clinically applicable data supporting their validity as therapeutic targets. Newly discovered costimulatory pathways will also be discussed as potential therapeutic targets for future clinical drugs.

Salter-Harris Fractures of the Distal Phalanx: Treatment Algorithm and Surgical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Salter-Harris fractures of the distal phalanx with or without clinical evidence of nail-bed laceration are frequently undertreated. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients with distal phalanx Salter-Harris fractures treated between 2004 and 2016. RESULTS: Seventy patients were treated for 72 Salter-Harris fractures at a mean ± SD age of 11.3 ± 3.7 years. Median follow-up was 6 weeks (interquartile range, 4 to 12.6 years). The thumb was most commonly involved (n = 21), followed by long (n = 18), ring (n =17), small (n = 9), and index (n = 7) fingers. Sport-related injuries accounted for 39 fractures (54 percent). Forty-two fractures (58 percent) had at least one clinical finding suggestive of nail-bed laceration (subungual hematoma, subluxation of the proximal nail plate, skin laceration proximal to the eponychial fold, bleeding from underneath the nail plate, eponychial fold laceration, and nail plate avulsion). Among 42 fractures with at least one feature of nail-bed laceration, surgical exploration was undertaken in 38 fractures. At exploration, a nail-bed laceration was found in 31 fractures (82 percent) and soft-tissue interposition was found in 18 (47 percent). Fractures with clinical features of nail-bed laceration (n = 42) were treated with open reduction and splinting (n = 25), open reduction and percutaneous pinning (n = 13), or splinting (n = 4). Excellent results were obtained, with few unfavorable outcomes. Infectious complications occurred in six patients. CONCLUSION: The high rate of nail-bed laceration and soft-tissue interposition in Salter-Harris fractures with clinical features of nail-bed laceration mandates surgical exploration. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Gender-Confirmation Surgery Using the Pedicle Transverse Colon Flap for Vaginal Reconstruction: A Clinical Outcome and Sexual Function Evaluation Study.

Vaginal reconstruction and vaginoplasty are indicated in vaginal agenesis, following pelvic tumor resection, trauma, and for gender-confirmation surgery. In this article, the authors present the clinical outcomes and sexual function evaluation when using the pedicle transverse colon flap for gender-confirmation surgery in transgender women. This is a retrospective chart review of all transgender women who underwent gender-confirmation surgery using the pedicle transverse colon flap. Demographics, procedure specifics, and surgical outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Sexual function was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index and the Female Genital Self-Image Scale 1 year after surgery. Fifteen patients underwent gender-confirmation surgery using the aforementioned technique. The average age of the patients was 20 years (range, 18 to 32 years), and the average operating room time was 10.1 hours (range, 8 to 12.5 hours). The average length and width of the flaps were 15 and 2.8 cm, respectively. During a 12-year follow-up, two complications were reported: one patient had pain caused by narrowing at the introitus, which required intervention, and one patient had an excessive amount of secretions in the first month, which subsided 3 months after surgery. The mean Female Sexual Function Index score was 28.6 (range, 24 to 31). All patients achieved normal sexual function as indicated by a Female Sexual Function Index score of 25 or more. For the Female Genital Self-Image Scale, the mean total score was 20.0 ± 4.5 (range, 7 to 28). The pedicle transverse colon flap is another valuable alternative method for vaginoplasty with promising results and minor complications. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Helmet Wear and Craniofacial Trauma Burden: A Plea for Regulations Mandating Protective Helmet Wear.

Helmet wear offers protection in various ways against craniomaxillofacial and brain trauma. The specific pattern and overall burden of craniofacial trauma among helmeted and unhelmeted patients has not been well defined. This is a retrospective review of trauma patients involved in documented helmet-associated injuries that presented to the Mayo Clinic Emergency Department in Rochester, Minnesota, and completed initial trauma evaluation between 1999 and 2015. A total of 417 patients (50% unhelmeted, 82% male) were identified. The median age at injury was 22.9 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 15.2-44.2]) and median follow-up was 26 months ([IQR: 2.2-64.8]). The majority of injuries involved motorcycle accidents (57.6%), bicycles (30.2%), and other modes of injury (12.7%). The mean Glasgow Coma Score (GSC) at the time of presentation was 14.2 (SD ± 2.4) and mean injury severity score (ISS) was 10.2 (SD ± 7.5). Motorcycle accidents had a higher mean ISS compared with other modes of injury ( p = 0.048). Unhelmeted patients were more likely to sustain scalp lacerations ( p < 0.0001), facial bone fractures ( p = 0.01), scalp hematomas ( p = 0.041), skull fractures ( p = 0.017), and are more likely to require hospital admission ( p = 0.0003). Unhelmeted patients' hospital length of stay was on average 2 days longer than helmeted patients' stay ( p = 0.0721). Unhelmeted patients were more likely to require out-of-home placement than helmeted patients. Among trauma patients, helmet use was associated with less scalp lacerations and hematomas, facial bones fractures, skull fractures, and need for hospital admission. Adoption of legislation and regulations mandating protective helmet use in all states are strongly encouraged to minimize the burden of craniofacial injuries among unhelmeted patients.

Portomesenteric Vein Thrombosis, Bowel Gangrene, and Bilateral Pulmonary Artery Embolism Two Weeks after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery are popular and effective options for weight loss surgery. Portomesenteric vein thrombosis (PMVT) is a documented but rare complication of bariatric surgery. Proper surgical technique, careful postoperative prophylaxis, and early mobilization are essential to prevent this event. The diagnosis of PMVT in the postoperative period requires a high index of suspicion and early directed intervention to prevent a possibly fatal outcome. We present a case of PMVT complicated by small bowel ischemia resulting in gangrene that necessitated resection.

Alefacept promotes co-stimulation blockade based allograft survival in nonhuman primates.

Memory T cells promote allograft rejection particularly in co-stimulation blockade-based immunosuppressive regimens. Here we show that the CD2-specific fusion protein alefacept (lymphocyte function-associated antigen-3-Ig; LFA -3-Ig) selectively eliminates memory T cells and, when combined with a co-stimulation blockade-based regimen using cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4)-Ig, a CD80- and CD86-specific fusion protein, prevents renal allograft rejection and alloantibody formation in nonhuman primates. These results support the immediate translation of a regimen for the prevention of allograft rejection without the use of calcineurin inhibitors, steroids or pan-T cell depletion.