Auricular Cartilage Graft for Lengthening Levator Muscle Aponeurosis With Ectropion Correction for Paralytic Lagophthalmos.

BACKGROUND: Paralytic lagophthalmos can have devastating consequences for vision if left untreated. Several surgical techniques have been described, including the utilization of alloplastic and autologous materials. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the surgical treatment of paralytic lagophthalmos with combined techniques employing autologous material and involving the upper and lower eyelids. METHODS: Patients with paralytic lagophthalmos underwent stretching of the levator aponeurosis with interposition of conchal cartilage in the upper eyelid associated with sectioning of the orbitomalar ligament and lateral canthoplasty in the lower eyelid. The effectiveness of the technique was evaluated employing subjective (symptomatology) and objective parameters (ophthalmologic evaluation and measurements of lagophthalmos and marginal reflex distances 1 and 2). RESULTS: Eight patients with paralytic lagophthalmos were subjected to the proposed technique. In the postoperative period, 85.7% reported complete improvement of symptoms and 62.5% presented a normal eye examination. The mean lagophthalmos measurement was reduced by 5.93 mm, the mean marginal reflex distance 2 was reduced by 2.61 mm, and the mean marginal reflex distance 1 was reduced by 0.69 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The technique presented herein, employing autologous material associated with sectioning of the orbitomalar ligament and lateral canthoplasty, was effective in the treatment of paralytic lagophthalmos and did not present significant complications, such as extrusion.

Drainage on augmentation mammoplasty: Does it work?

BACKGROUND: Breast prostheses could be associated with complications, despite many studies on surgical materials and techniques. The role of surgical drainage in preventing complications on breast prostheses surgery is controversial. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the role and effectiveness of vacuum drainage in the augmentation mammoplasty. METHODS: A prospective multicentric randomized comparative clinical trial was conducted with 150 patients, who were the candidates for breast augmentation. The candidates were split into two groups to analyze the breast drain role. Group1: closed-suction drainage; measurements were taken every 24 h for 48 h. Group2: control (no drainage); all the patients were submitted to a clinical and postoperative ultrasonography evaluation (7th day and 3rd month). The late consultations (1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-year postoperative time) were carried out to identify any complication, such as infection, seroma, hematoma, asymmetry, hypertrophic scarring, rippling, implant position, visible edges, and sensibility alteration. RESULTS: A total of 150 female patients were operated with 300 breast implants placed into subglandular pocket. In the first 24 h postoperative (D1), the drainage volume ranged from 12 ml to 210 ml (mean= 74.90 ml; SD= 43.29 ml). After 24 h, on the second day (D2), the collected volume ranged from 10 ml to 120 ml (mean= 44.76 ml; SD= 24.80 ml). The total drainage volume in the 48 h ranged from 22 ml to 320 ml (mean= 119.7 ml; SD= 62.20 ml). The breast ultrasonography series (BUSGS) analysis was done on the 7th day and 3rd month in both groups. There was no significant difference between G1 and G2 groups (p = 0.05 and 0.25, respectively). In the follow-up, some patients (33-44%) declared sensitivity disturbing on the nipple-areola complex (NAC) and lower breast segment. CONCLUSIONS: The closed-suction breast drainage in breast augmentation was associated with high cost and time-consuming and not demonstrated any benefit in a recent postoperative time.

Anthropometric Aspects in the Breast Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated the importance of anthropometric measurements of the breasts, based on linear measurements for the selection of the volume of breast implants, their positioning, and surgical planning. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to evaluate the main changes in anthropometric measurements in breast augmentation. METHODS: A prospective, randomized clinical study with 74 female candidates for breast augmentation. All the individuals were split into five groups, according to the implant volume. The implants used were of different textures, from three different brands (LifeSil, Politech, and Silimed). The following measures were taken: distance from the nipple to the inframammary fold (N-IMF), inter-nipple-areolar complex distance (N-N), distance from the Sternal notch to the Nipple (SN-N), areola diameter, and breast projection. RESULTS: The most significant breast anthropometric alteration after mammoplasty was the N-IMF distance; that is, an expansion of the lower pole of the breast, followed by an increase in the areolar diameter. Mostly of measurements showed stability between 3rd and 6th months after the surgery. The projection was the most interesting measure due to presenting two patterns of behavior according to the analysis criteria performed. When comparing the implant projection and the final breast projection, it was observed that the implant profile represented a 27% increase in the final breast projection. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an essential comparative analysis between anthropometric changes in breast augmentations and serves as a predictive tool in the preoperative evaluation of the patient during surgical planning. 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 .

Evidence-Based Medicine in Plastic Surgery: Are We There Yet?

BACKGROUND: The practice of evidence-based medicine in plastic surgery is no longer a trend but a reality, with a growing number of studies published in recent years using evidence-based medicine as an assessment tool. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify whether the number of citations to articles with a high level of evidence is greater than articles with low level of evidence. METHODS: A search was conducted in the 4 main international journals of plastic surgery. All original articles published in 2011 were analyzed, selected, and classified based on the study design. The articles were then divided into 2 groups: group 1, high level of evidence; and group 2, low level of evidence. Next, Scopus was searched for the number of citations of each article in the 2 subsequent years. The proportion of the number of citations received by articles in groups 1 and 2 was statistically compared. RESULTS: The articles with the highest level of evidence were the most cited among original articles, with 48.6% of them being cited more than 10 times over 2 years, whereas only 18.4% of articles in group 2 were cited with the same frequency. The mean number of citations was 12.6 citations per article in group 1 and 6.56 citations in group 2, with a significant difference between groups (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The articles with a higher level of evidence are, on average, cited more often than those with low levels of evidence in the leading journals of plastic surgery.

The Impact of Labiaplasty on Sexuality.

BACKGROUND: Labiaplasty is one of the aesthetic procedures that has shown the greatest increase in the number of operations in recent years, although the absolute number of these procedures is still very low. Labia minora hypertrophy causes not only functional discomfort and sexual difficulties, but also embarrassment and aesthetic concern. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of labiaplasty on the patient's quality of life, self-esteem, and sexual function. METHODS: Twenty-four consecutive sexually active patients, who expressed the desire to undergo labiaplasty, were divided into two groups of 12 patients each: the intervention group that underwent labiaplasty immediately after responding the first questionnaires, and the control group that received no intervention during the study period. All patients were assessed for health-related quality of life, self-esteem, and sexual function using the Brazilian Portuguese versions of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, the Brazilian version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, and the Female Sexual Function Questionnaire, respectively. The questionnaires were administered at inclusion and at 3 and 6 months later in both groups. Comparisons within and between groups were performed. Statistical analysis was performed at a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: No significant differences in Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale or Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey score were found in either group during the study period. However, a significant improvement was found in the Female Sexual Function Questionnaire total score in the pain and enjoyment domains. CONCLUSION: Labiaplasty had a positive impact on sexual functioning of the study population.

Does intramuscular gluteal augmentation using implants affect sensitivity in the buttocks?

The evolution of techniques and materials has made gluteoplasty a safe and reproducible operation with high acceptance among surgeons and patients. Functional aspects should be considered in gluteoplasty but are poorly studied. The sensitivity of the buttocks is fundamental as it represents an erogenous zone and provides protection through sensory stimuli for the prevention of pressure sores and burns. This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of the gluteal region in patients undergoing gluteal augmentation with implants. We included 20 consecutive patients undergoing gluteoplasty and 20 controls not undergoing gluteal surgery. All patients are females and were being treated at the Division of Plastic Surgery of the Rio de Janeiro State University. The right and left gluteal regions were delimited, and each one was divided into four quadrants numbered 1-8. Sensitivity tests were performed in all quadrants for six different stimuli: touch, heat, cold, pain, vibration, and pressure. The mean age and BMI were 36.3 years and 26.3, respectively. No difference in sensitivity was observed in the gluteal region after augmentation gluteoplasty when compared with those patients who had no operation in this series. Prospective and controlled studies are needed to better assess these issues.

Functional and Volumetric Analysis of the Pectoralis Major Muscle After Submuscular Breast Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Dual plane breast augmentation is a technical variation of the submuscular plane described as a technique that reduces contour deformities due to contraction of the pectoralis major muscle and lower risk of double-bubble deformity associated with breast ptosis. Despite improvement in the aesthetic aspect, there is still no consensus whether this technique affects the function of the pectoralis major muscle. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to correlate functional with volumetric changes associated with dissection of the muscle origin in submuscular breast augmentation. METHODS: Thirty women who desired to undergo breast augmentation were selected prospectively and randomly allocated to 2 groups: 10 patients in the control group and 20 patients in the interventional group, who underwent submuscular breast augmentation. Magnetic resonance imaging and volumetric software were used to assess muscle volume and isokinetic dynamometry was used to assess function of the pectoralis major muscle. Preoperative measurements were compared with those at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging revealed significant decrease in muscle volume at 6 and 12 months follow-up. The isokinetic test conducted during adduction showed a significant difference in muscle strength between groups from baseline to the 12-month follow-up, and between the 3- and 12-month follow-up. No significant differences in muscle strength during abduction were observed from baseline to the 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Submuscular breast augmentation reduced muscle strength during adduction 12 months after surgery, but without a significant correlation with volumetric muscle loss.

Tratamento de deformidade auricular / Treatment of Auricular Deformity

Neste artigo, apresentamos um caso de uma deformidade auricular de difícil correção cirúrgica, envolvendo unidade escafo-helicoidal associada com a orelha proeminente em uma paciente de 25 anos de idade. Esta é uma malformação congênita incomum da orelha, o que resulta em uma borda helicoidal achatada, não curvilínea e dobrada sobre a escafa, comprometendo a aparência helicoidal. Foi proposto um tratamento cirúrgico com abordagem posterior e enxerto de cartilagem conchal à restauração do contorno borda helicoidal em um procedimento único. Esta nova abordagem proporciona um resultado agradável para o ouvido, principalmente por restaurar uma nova unidade escafo-helicoidal sem cicatriz na superfície orelha anterior e tratamento da orelha proeminente.

In this paper, we present a case of auricular deformity whose surgical correction is difficult, involving scapha-helical unit associated with prominent ear in a 25-year-old female patient. This is an uncommon congenital malformation of the ear, resulting in a flattened, straightened and folded helical rim over the scapha, compromising the helical appearance. The proposed surgical treatment involved posterior approach and conchal cartilage graft to the restoration of the helical rim contour in a single procedure. This new approach provides a fine result to the ear, particularly because it restores the scapha-helical unit with no scar on the surface of the anterior ear and also effectively treats the prominent ear.

Profile of Patients Undergoing Gluteoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Gluteal augmentation surgery has grown by 42 % per year; however, the epidemiological profile of patients who seek this treatment has never been studied. OBJECTIVE: To establish the epidemiological profile of patients who have undergone gluteoplasty surgery, evaluating their level of satisfaction and the social impact caused by the surgery. METHODS: Fifty patients, with ages ranging from 23 to 57 years replied to a specific questionnaire and the esthetic result of the surgery was evaluated. Thirty-seven patients were analyzed prospectively, using CT scans and gluteal reconstruction. The esthetic result was evaluated by eight plastic surgeon specialists from SBCP. RESULTS: About satisfaction and quality of life, 98 % of the patients demonstrated improvement in some aspect of life. Analysis of the marital status of patients showed that 24 % of them have changed it. Therefore, all cases showed positive correlations between implant size and monthly income, age and satisfaction of patients. There has also been a positive correlation between implant size and recovery time. There was no statistically significant correlation between the esthetic result and the implant volume or the anthropometric measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiological profile of patients undergoing gluteoplasty augmentation with implants is predominantly white skin, 36 years old, unrelated to the occupation or socioeconomic status. Augmentation gluteoplasty with implants is a surgery with a high level of satisfaction to patients, improving life in many aspects but, mainly, affectively. Its outcome produces a natural look and is hardly noticed by others. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: 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.

Volumetric Evaluation of the Mammary Gland and Pectoralis Major Muscle following Subglandular and Submuscular Breast Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Besides being a procedure with high level of patient satisfaction, one of the main causes for reoperation after breast augmentation is related to contour deformities and changes in breast volume. Few objective data are available on postoperative volumetric analysis following breast augmentation. The aim of this study was to evaluate volume changes in the breast parenchyma and pectoralis major muscle after breast augmentation with the placement of silicone implants in the subglandular and submuscular planes. METHODS: Fifty-eight women were randomly allocated either to the subglandular group (n = 24) or submuscular group (n = 24) and underwent breast augmentation in the subglandular or submuscular plane, respectively, or to a control group (n = 10) and received no intervention. Volumetric magnetic resonance imaging was performed at inclusion in all participants and either after 6 and 12 months in the control group or at 6 and 12 months after surgery in the intervention groups. RESULTS: Twelve months after breast augmentation, only the subglandular group had a significant reduction in glandular volume (mean, 22.8 percent), while patients in the submuscular group were the only ones showing significant reduction in muscle volume (mean, 49.80 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Atrophy of the breast parenchyma occurred after subglandular breast augmentation, but not following submuscular breast augmentation. In contrast, submuscular breast augmentation caused atrophy of the pectoralis major muscle. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Evaluation of the effects of silicone implants on the breast parenchyma.

BACKGROUND: Despite being the cosmetic procedure most performed worldwide, there are still few objective measurements of postoperative volumetric analysis of breast augmentation available in the literature. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate volumetric changes in the breast parenchyma after the placement of silicone implants in the subglandular plane. METHODS: Thirty-four women were randomly allocated to the intervention group (n = 24), who underwent breast augmentation in the subglandular plane, or to the control group (n = 10), who received no intervention. Volumetric magnetic resonance imaging was performed at inclusion, and after 6 and 12 months in all participants. The non-parametric Friedman's test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in glandular volume (mean, 22%) at 12 months postoperatively in patients who underwent breast augmentation. CONCLUSIONS: Breast augmentation caused reduction in the volume of the breast parenchyma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Therapeutic.

Utility of video-assisted endoscopy in transaxillary breast augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Breast augmentation through incisions in the axillae is an option for patients who wish to avoid scars on the breasts. The axillary approach also preserves the mammary parenchyma and lactiferous ducts. The utility of video-assisted endoscopy during this procedure as a means to improve safety and aesthetic outcomes remains debatable. OBJECTIVES: The authors compared outcomes of transaxillary breast augmentation with and without video-assisted endoscopy. METHODS: Thirty-four women who underwent transaxillary breast augmentation with or without video-assisted endoscopy were evaluated in a prospective, randomized study. Patients received high-profile silicone implants in the subglandular plane and were monitored for an average of 25 months. Operating time, complication rates, postoperative pain, patient satisfaction, and aesthetic parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Operative time were significantly longer for patients who underwent transaxillary breast augmentation with video-assisted endoscopy compared with patients who underwent nonendoscopic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Video-assisted endoscopy increased operating time but did not improve the safety of transaxillary breast augmentation or yield better aesthetic outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Therapeutic.

Volumetric and functional evaluation of the gluteus maximus muscle after augmentation gluteoplasty using silicone implants.

BACKGROUND: The gluteal muscles have been very important throughout the evolution of mankind for the adoption of the bipedal posture. Over the past 15 years, the intramuscular technique has become popular and has been improved, with enhanced results and reduced levels of postoperative complications. The insertion of gluteal implants within the musculature may be an intrinsic compression factor of these muscles. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the gluteus maximus function and its variation over a 12-month period after the insertion of the implant. METHODS: This was a prospective, controlled, clinical study. All subjects were female patients, with anthropometric characteristics and body mass index within preset limits to establish similar groups. Isokinetic test gluteus computed tomographic scans and clinical nutritional assessment were conducted in four stages during the study period: preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: The study group presented 6.14 percent muscle atrophy to the left and 6.43 percent muscle atrophy to the right after the procedure. Muscle strength presented differences in hip flexion and adduction tests. CONCLUSIONS: The gluteus maximus muscle presents atrophy secondarily to gluteal augmentation surgery with implants. Variations in gluteus maximus muscle strength should not be attributed primarily to the surgical procedure or to the implants; physiologic and multifactorial variations should also be considered. Strength and volume variations did not show a significant correlation. Gluteal augmentation with implants was effective in improving the waist-to-hip ratio and in changing the anthropometric pattern from android to gynoid. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Gluteal implant displacement: diagnosis and treatment.

BACKGROUND: First reported in 1969, buttocks implant surgery has evolved greatly since the introduction of the intramuscular technique. This technique provides good implant coverage and protects the sciatic nerve from compression. However, it enables the occurrence of a new complication, intramuscular hernia or implant displacement. The goal of this research study is to describe, classify, and standardize the treatment of gluteal implant displacement. METHODS: The treatment algorithm was developed after dissection of fresh human cadavers and analysis of computed tomographic scans in patients with implant displacement. After elaborating the treatment protocol for implant displacement, it was prospectively applied in 24 patients that presented with visible implants. RESULTS: Intramuscular dissection has proven to be technically possible when a minimum of 2 cm of muscle thickness is achieved. One-stage surgery was applied in 41 buttocks (21 patients). The control computed tomographic scan obtained 3 months after surgery has shown fibrosis in the buttocks area, corresponding to the subcutaneous capsule housing the implant in the anomalous position. The operative wound complications were more frequent, and treatment failure with relapse of the implant superficial displacement occurred in only one of 47 buttocks (2.1 percent). CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of gluteal implant displacement can be a one-stage surgical procedure for most patients. This decision is based on the thickness of the gluteus maximus muscle just below the implant. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Periorbital subcutaneous emphysema in rhinoplasty.

In this article, the authors present a case of postrhinoplasty periorbital subcutaneous emphysema in a 35-year-old woman. This is an uncommon and benign rhinoplasty complication that can sometimes result from other pathologies such as barotrauma, hematoma, and allergic reaction. This patient's symptoms appeared to be a result of postanesthesia agitation. The patient's symptoms resolved after 1 week.