An Objective Evaluation of Cleft Lip Repair Deformities Based on Standardized Photographic Views.

BACKGROUND: Several assessment systems of the cleft-related facial deformity have been reported in the medical literature. Assessments have been made from direct clinical evaluations, photographs, on-screen digital images, and 3-dimensional imaging. An evaluation method based on standardized photographic views is developed to evaluate the most common postoperative deformities and to detect the responsible factors for occurrence of these deformities and how to avoid them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred forty-five cleft lip cases (105 unilateral and 40 bilateral) were evaluated by using standard sheet and scoring system designed by Operation Smile Inc (Virginia Beach). The scoring system is based on photographic analysis of items including Cupid's bow, nasal symmetry, vermilion contour, white roll continuity, and scar quality. RESULTS: In the unilateral cleft cases, we found 0.4% excellent, 48.57% good, 38% fair, and 2.85% poor cases. For bilateral clef lip cases, we found 27.5% excellent, 47.5% good, 17.5% fair, and 7.5% poor outcomes. The most common postoperative deformities were nasal asymmetry, scar hypertrophy, deformed Cupid's bow, and vermilion contour asymmetry. CONCLUSIONS: This objective evaluation system can determine the common cleft lip nasal deformities with detection of the responsible factors. Principles that guide optimum surgical repair have been advocated to avoid the common postoperative deformities. Scar formation is an independent factor that must be managed early and separately to maintain surgical outcomes.

Effects of different therapeutic modalities for postacne scars on circulating collagen III.

BACKGROUND: Therapies for postacne scarring act through modulation of elastin and collagen, and collagen III might therefore represent a biomarker of treatment effectiveness. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients (n = 70) with postacne scars and individuals without scars (n = 56) were included in this case-control study. Patients were treated with Dermaroller microneedling, trichloroacetic acid chemical reconstruction, punch excision, or scar subcision. Scar severity was graded immediately before and after treatment with a photographic quartile scale and the ECCA scale. Serum levels of collagen III were measured in control individuals and in patients, before treatment, 1 month after the first treatment session, and 4 months after the final session. RESULTS: Circulating levels of collagen III were significantly higher in patients with postacne scarring (24.1 ± 12.5) before treatment than in control individuals (2.6 ± 0.8). Circulating levels of collagen in patients were significantly lower 4 months posttreatment (14.3 ± 8.1) than at baseline. The mean percentage change in serum collagen III was positively correlated with both the mean percentage improvement by photographic evaluation (r = .530, P < .000) and the mean percentage change in the ECCA scale (r = .632, P < .000). CONCLUSION: Circulating collagen III is a biomarker for improvement of postacne scarring following different therapies.

Long Term Follow up and Patient Satisfaction after Reduction Mammoplasty: Superomedial versus Inferior Pedicle.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for hypertrophied breast represents a challenge for plastic surgeons. The search for a good cosmetic breast has led to the development of many techniques. Objectives for reduction mammoplasty are to achieve elevated, symmetrical breasts, with round shape, good projection, small cicatrices that are not very perceptible, and a lasting result. METHODS: This study was carried out on 60 cases who had done reduction mammoplasty from January 2009 to December 2014. All patients were examined and asked for late post-operative results and overall patients' satisfaction. RESULTS: Long term projection and contour of the breast were more satisfactory among patients who had superomedial pedicle with a statistical significant difference. No statistical significant difference was observed between patients undergone either types of operations concerning breast symmetry, nipple symmetry and sensation. The mean score of satisfaction was higher among patients undergone superomedial pedicle than inferior pedicle. CONCLUSION: The superomedial pedicle shows better long term cosmetic result in reduction mammoplasty.

Long-term follow-up and patient satisfaction after reduction mammoplasty: Superomedial versus inferior pedicle.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for hypertrophied breasts represents a challenge for plastic surgeons. The search for a good post-surgical cosmetic breast has led to the development of many techniques. Objectives for reduction mammoplasty are to achieve elevated, symmetrical breasts, a round shape, good projection, small cicatrices that are not very perceptible, and a lasting result. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was carried out on sixty cases who had done reduction mammoplasty from January 2009 to December 2014. All patients were examined and were asked for late post-operative results and overall patients' satisfaction. RESULTS: Long-term projection and contour of the breast were more satisfactory among patients who had superomedial pedicle with a statistically significant difference. No statistically significant difference was observed between patients underwent either superomedial or inferior pedicle reduction mammoplasty with regard to breast shape symmetry, nipple symmetry and sensation. The mean score for satisfaction was higher among patients who underwent superomedial pedicle rather than the inferior pedicle method. CONCLUSION: The superomedial pedicle shows better long-term cosmetic results.

Evaluation of the effect of fractional CO2 laser on histopathological picture and TGF-ß1 expression in hypertrophic scar.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hypertrophic scar is a form of abnormal wound healing process in which tissue repair regulating mechanism is disrupted. Transforming growth factor ß1 has a particular importance in the fibrotic scarring response. Treatment of hypertrophic scar included many chemical, physical, and surgical options. Fractional CO2 laser devices have gained acceptance as a way for managing hypertrophic scar. Aims of this study are: (a) to determine the clinical and histopathological effects of fractional CO2 laser on hypertrophic scar, (b) to evaluate the expression pattern of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) as an important fibrogenic factor before and 6 months after fractional CO2 laser treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty patients of hypertrophic scar were selected, each patient was treated by four sessions with 1 month apart with fractional CO2 laser. Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) was used to assess the patients before and after laser treatment. Skin biopsy was taken from eight cases before and 3 months after four fractional CO2 laser sessions and four normal skin control biopsies. All were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome, Van Gieson and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining with TGF-ß1. The epidermal thickness was assessed before and after treatment by image analyzing system software. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference in VSS before and after fractional CO2 laser (P > 0.001). The epidermal thickness showed significant increase after laser treatment (P > 0.001), and there was also thinning in stratum corneum and replacement of the irregular collagen bands with organized new collagen fibrils as demonstrated by H&E and the other special stains. The study also showed significant decrease in TGF-ß1 expression after laser therapy (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Fractional CO2 laser could be considered as a good way for hypertrophic scar management. It normalizes dermal collagen as imaged by histopathological picture and the change in TGF-ß1 expression.

Simple flaps for reconstruction of pediatric scalp defects after electrical burn.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the management of high-voltage electrical burn injury of the scalp in our hospital. METHODS: This study involved 10 patients who suffered from high-voltage electrical burn injury of the scalp. Scalp reconstruction was done by different modalities according to the size and location of the defect. RESULTS: Complete flap viability was achieved in all the cases. We had one case of gapped wound which was managed only by dressing. Widening of the scar was found in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: Rotation, advancement and transposition scalp flaps are used for reconstructing scalp defects caused by electrical burn. The choice of ideal flaps for reconstruction depends upon the size and site of scalp defect.

Is myocutaneous flap alone sufficient for reconstruction of chest wall osteoradionecrosis?

OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to determine whether the myocutaneous flap, alone, is sufficient to reconstruct a chest wall defect after osteoradionecrosis and provide satisfactory stability to the chest wall. METHODS: This study involved five patients who were subjected to post-mastectomy radiotherapy as a treatment for breast cancer. Excision of the ulcer and all the necrotic ribs, with preservation of the parietal pleura and reconstruction with the latissimus dorsi flap, was done without the use of either an artificial prosthesis or autologous rib to reconstruct the chest wall defect. RESULTS: Clinical and radiological follow-up showed no complications regarding respiratory impairment or pleural complications. CONCLUSIONS: The use of myocutaneous flap in patients with chest wall defect following osteoradionecrosis is satisfactory to cover the chest wall defect and provide satisfactory stability to the chest wall.

Soft tissue defects of the heel: a surgical reconstruction algorithm based on a retrospective cohort study.

UNLABELLED: The hindfoot is a special anatomical location, requiring unique forms of reconstruction of the thick, durable heel pad, the underlying calcaneus, and the Achilles tendon and its thin, pliable soft tissue envelope. Perhaps more than in any other region of the foot, the heel poses a reconstructive challenge to the surgeon who must consider both form and function when repairing wounds in this location. There are many possible reconstructive options, including local, distant, and free flaps. These flaps could be of muscular, myocutaneous or fasciocutaneous tissues. We reconstructed heel defects in 46 consecutive patients using several reconstructive options, and reviewed the results. Patients were classified according to preoperative demographic variables, including size, depth, site, etiology, age, vascularity, sensation, Achilles tendon condition, bone exposure or bone loss, and the patient's functional needs. Neither partial nor total flap losses were observed; the reconstructions were evaluated and considered satisfactory both by surgeons and patients if they fulfilled certain criteria, namely complete coverage, durability upon weight bearing and walking, sensation, donor site morbidity, and cosmetic appearance. No recurrences of the defects were observed during the follow-up period. Heel reconstruction is a challenging task for foot and ankle reconstructive surgeons. Every step should be taken to avoid recurrences and ulcerations. In this article we present a surgical reconstruction algorithm that may allow easy and reliable decision making based on the preoperative assessment of the defect and other clinical features. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 2.