Preventing Hump Recurrence in Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty: The Five Key Tenets.

SUMMARY: Preservation rhinoplasty has re-emerged over the past decade and continues to gain traction in the rhinoplasty community. Dorsal preservation rhinoplasty (DPR), one of the tenets of preservation rhinoplasty, centers on preservation of the native osseocartilaginous joint of the dorsum, with changes instead achieved through modification of the underlying septal cartilage and surrounding bony nasal pyramid. However, one complication unique to DPR is the phenomenon of hump recurrence, where tensile forces or memory lead to a recurrent convexity of the dorsal hump. Hump recurrence is the most common complication after DPR and often requires revisionary surgery. Accordingly, strategies to reduce the incidence of hump recurrence are highly sought after. In this article, we describe the senior author's main tenets of preventing hump recurrence in DPR, focusing on 1. Appropriate patient selection; 2. Addressing anatomic blocking points; 3. Adding mechanical fixation of the cartilaginous vault with suture techniques depending on the level of septal manipulation; 4. Applying a graduated approach to DPR procedural selection; and 5. Ancillary measures to control the shape of the nasal dorsum. Implementation of each of these five tenets is critical for modern rhinoplasty surgeons to reduce the incidence of hump recurrence in their preservation rhinoplasty practices.

Isolated Fibrous Dysplasia of the Bilateral Nasal Bones: Complex Management of the Bony Vault.

Fibrous dysplasia is a benign fibro-osseous process affecting the skeletal system, with resulting cystic and fibrous tissue expansion. Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia represents a small subset of monostotic disease, accounting for approximately 10%-25% of all such cases. Involvement of the frontal, temporal, and sphenoid bones has most commonly been described, with a limited number of reported cases citing disease isolated to the nasal bones. The case reported here is differentiated by the degree of expansion of the bilateral nasal bones and the required clinical management of the bony vault in the setting of gross nasal asymmetry.

Identifying Levels of Competency in Aesthetic Medicine: A Questionnaire-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: In 2022, the US experienced a significant increase in demand for minimally invasive aesthetic procedures, underscoring its rising acceptance amidst an unregulated educational environment for practitioners. The absence of standardized educational pathways and quality control in aesthetic medicine, primarily provided by non-academic institutions, highlights a critical need for establishing educational standards to ensure practitioner competence and patient safety. OBJECTIVES: To identify levels of competency for the aesthetic practitioner and for necessary achievement milestones during the educational path from novice to expert injector. METHODS: A total of n = 386 international study participants responded to an online questionnaire regarding their experience in aesthetic medicine practice. The questionnaire comprised 58 questions focusing on professional data, the perceived difficulty of injection and risk for the occurrence of adverse events for specific facial regions in soft tissue filler and toxin injections. RESULTS: Regardless of medical specialty and experience level, an average of 3.85 (1.8) years, 786.4 (2,628) filler injections, and 549.9 (1,543) toxin injections was estimated to progress from novice to advanced injector, while an average of 6.10 (3.7) years, 1,842.2 (4,793) filler injections, and 1,308.5 (3,363) injections was estimated to advance from advanced to expert injector. The nose and the perioral region have been ranked as the facial regions most difficult to achieve a perfect aesthetic outcome and with the greatest risk for the occurrence of adverse events for filler and toxin injections, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes an educational framework in aesthetic medicine by defining the progression from novice to competent and expert injector levels, suggesting 4 years of practice and over 790 filler and 550 neuromodulator injections for competence, and at least 6 years with 1,840 filler and 1,310 neuromodulator injections for expertise. It also identifies critical facial regions for targeted treatments by different expertise levels.

"Efficacy and Safety of OnabotulinumtoxinA for the Treatment of Platysma Prominence: A Randomized Phase 2 Dose-Ranging Study".

BACKGROUND: With aging, repetitive contraction of the platysma leads to an increase in platysma prominence (PP) characterized by the accentuation of vertical neck bands and blunting of the jawline's contour. METHODS: This multicenter, double-blind, phase 2 study evaluated onabotulinumtoxinA (onabotA) treatment in adults with Moderate to Severe PP. Participants were randomized to receive 1 treatment of onabotA low dose (LD), onabotA high dose (HD), or placebo, and were followed for 4 months. Efficacy endpoints were the achievement of a ≥ 1-grade improvement on both the left and right sides at Day 14 at maximum contraction as assessed by the investigator (primary) or by participants (secondary) using validated scales. Safety was evaluated throughout. RESULTS: Participants in the modified intent-to-treat population (N = 164) had a mean age of 50 years; 95.1% were female and 93.9% were White. The primary endpoint was met for both onabotA groups, with investigator-assessed ≥ 1-grade improvement in 77.8% (LD) and 88.2% (HD) vs 12.0% (placebo) of participants on Day 14 (P < 0.0001 vs placebo). Based on participant self-assessment, 75.9% (LD) and 88.2% (HD) vs 18.0% (placebo) achieved ≥ 1-grade improvement on Day 14 (P < 0.0001 vs placebo). Most treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were procedure-related, transient, and mild in severity. The most frequent onabotA-related AE was neck muscle weakness, reported in the HD group. CONCLUSIONS: OnabotA was effective in improving the appearance of PP based on both investigators' and participants' ratings. Treatment was well tolerated.

The Seven Step Neck Lift Z-Plasty.

Patients with large amounts of neck skin redundancy who do not desire or are not candidates for traditional face and neck lifts can be managed with direct neck lifts. There are many existing surgical techniques to address central neck laxity. In this article, we aim to clarify our surgical technique in a clear video format to showcase how to address central neck laxity in seven steps with neck lift Z-plasty.

The emerging role of biostimulators as an adjunct in facial rejuvenation: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Facial aging has long been an area of focus in esthetic surgery. It is the consequence of physiologic and environmental factors, with a trend toward non-surgical modalities. Although volume augmentation has long been a focus of non-surgical facial rejuvenation, there is emerging interest in the use of biostimulators to induce physiologic changes in the skin. This article aimed to provide an overview of this class of therapies. METHODS: A systematic review regarding the clinical use of biostimulatory agents including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) in facial rejuvenation was performed using PubMed databases. The protocol was developed following the preferred reporting for items for systematic reviews-protocols guidelines. Included studies matched predetermined criteria according to the employed intervention and outcomes. RESULTS: The systematic review was performed in September 2023, with the primary search yielding 464 articles. Abstract review resulted in 73 articles of potential relevance. Comprehensive review of the articles and manual reference checks were performed, independently, by 2 authors. This yielded a total of 45 articles that met the inclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS: There is an increasing role for non-surgical modalities in facial rejuvenation. Biostimulatory agents may be used as an alternative, or act as an adjunct, to other non-surgical modalities. These agents induce physiologic changes that mitigate facial aging. There is limited, quantifiable data, which fully illustrate the effect in these products. Although these agents are known to illicit inflammatory changes, more controlled studies are needed to better elucidate the biostimulatory capacity of such non-surgical treatments.

Clinical Applications of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

PURPOSE: Tranexamic Acid (TXA) has gained increasing recognition as a valuable pharmacologic agent within plastic surgery. This study reviews the scientific evidence regarding the use of TXA in the full range of plastic and reconstructive surgery to provide clinical recommendations regarding for safe and effective use in various plastic surgical procedures. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. An established appraisal process was used to rate the quality of articles (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology). RESULTS: Forty-five studies describing the use of TXA in plastic surgery were included. There is moderate-certainty evidence to support the use of intravenous administration of TXA in craniofacial surgery procedures to reduce blood-loss and transfusion requirements. There is high-certainty evidence to support the use of TXA in cosmetic surgery and intravenous administration in rhinoplasty procedures to reduce blood-loss. Further high-level studies are needed to determine TXA's effects on hematoma rates in facelift surgery and breast-related procedures. There is moderate-certainty evidence to support the use of TXA in burn care. Further studies are required to provide quantitative conclusions on the effects of TXA administration in microsurgery. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study to date on the use of TXA in plastic surgery and the first to provide clinical recommendations. The literature highlights TXA's promising role in the fields of craniofacial surgery, cosmetic surgery and burn care. Standardized, objective measurements are required to provide quantitative conclusions regarding TXAs effects on ecchymoses and edema in cosmetic surgery procedures.

A Multicenter Pilot Study of a Novel Allograft Adipose Matrix in Malar and Prejowl Volume Restoration.

Background: Allograft adipose matrix (AAM) offers a novel, off-the-shelf, and readily available natural option in the treatment of facial soft tissue volume and reconstructive deficits. AAM is a natural soft tissue supplement or replacement that can support cushioning and volume correction. A prospective multicenter pilot study evaluated AAM in facial volume restoration. Methods: Eleven women (mean age of 55.8 ±â€…10.9 y) with midface volume deficit were followed up for 24 weeks after AAM treatment in this institutional review board-approved multicenter pilot study. The clinical safety and efficacy of the AAM treatment were evaluated using clinical scales and three-dimensional quantitative facial photography. Results: AAM was safe to address facial volume deficits, with minor site-related adverse events and discomfort that resolved within 2-4 weeks. Observations also revealed facial volume improvements throughout the study with 91% positive responders. At week 24, the subject facial satisfaction scores revealed an 86% increase compared to baseline, along with a statistically significantly improved midface fullness compared to baseline. Conclusion: AAM offers a natural and safe option for midface volume restoration and supports overall satisfaction and volume improvements.

Revision Rhinoplasty Finesse with Digital Osteotomies.

SUMMARY: Revision rhinoplasty is a finesse procedure requiring careful consideration of all of its requisite steps. Lateral osteotomies are required in many cases and, in the setting of prior lateral osteotomies, can often be recreated with digital pressure alone, without the use of an osteotome. The advantages of doing so include decreased dead-space creation and preservation of attachments between the skeleton and overlying soft tissue.

Systematic Review of Capsular Contracture Management following Breast Augmentation: An Update.

BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture is one of the most frequent indications for revision following breast augmentation. Management goals focus on restoring breast aesthetics and minimizing subsequent recurrence of capsular contracture. As new data emerge, close review of the data are merited to build evidence-based clinical guidelines to inform surgical practice and management of capsular contracture. METHODS: A systematic review of the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases was conducted to characterize the surgical management of capsular contracture in revision breast augmentations. The primary endpoint was capsular contracture recurrence rate. RESULTS: The review was conducted in November of 2021. Primary search revealed 14,163 results. Initial screening by title left 1223 articles. Abstract review left 90 articles for full-text review, of which 34 were ultimately included and were all observational in nature. CONCLUSIONS: Capsular contracture management remains an important topic, with limited high-level evidence for establishing clear evidence-based treatment guidelines. Although more evidence is required to assess the effects of capsulectomy, implant exchange, and plane change, these appear to be useful mechanisms for reducing recurrent capsular contracture. There is more evidence regarding the use of acellular dermal matrix, although this still requires long-term follow-up studies. New developments regarding textured implants limit the revision breast augmentation surgeon to smooth devices.

Technical Precision with Autologous Fat Grafting for Facial Rejuvenation: A Review of the Evolving Science.

SUMMARY: The scientific study of facial aging has transformed modern facial rejuvenation. As people age, fat loss in specific fat compartments is a major contributor to structural aging of the face. Autologous fat grafting is safe, abundant, readily available, and completely biocompatible, which makes it the preferred soft-tissue filler in the correction of facial atrophy. The addition of volume through fat grafting gives an aging face a more youthful, healthy, and aesthetic appearance. Harvesting and preparation with different cannula sizes and filter-cartridge techniques have allowed for fat grafts to be divided based on parcel size and cell type into three major subtypes: macrofat, microfat, and nanofat. Macrofat and microfat have the benefit of providing volume to restore areas of facial deflation and atrophy in addition to improving skin quality; nanofat has been shown to improve skin texture and pigmentation. In this article, the authors discuss the current opinions regarding fat grafting and how the evolving science of fat grafting has led to the clinical utility of each type of fat to optimize facial rejuvenation. The opportunity exists to individualize the use of autologous fat grafting with the various subtypes of fat for the targeted correction of aging in different anatomic areas of the face. Fat grafting has become a powerful tool that has revolutionized facial rejuvenation, and developing precise, individualized plans for autologous fat grafting for each patient is an important advancement in the evolution of facial rejuvenation.

Neuromodulator Injection for Gummy Smile.

SUMMARY: Neuromodulators have become a treatment of choice for the management of excess gingival show, or "gummy smile." There have been many proposed algorithms for the optimal placement and dosage of neuromodulator to inject in these locations. The authors aim to clarify these points and provide surgeons with a reliable way to manage the gummy smile that results from hyperactive muscles of the midface.

Neuromodulator Finesse for Masseter Hypertrophy and Bruxism.

SUMMARY: A particularly prominent mandibular angle or a hypertrophied masseter muscle can result in an excessively wide facial appearance, which some individuals may find less aesthetically pleasing. Although normally a benign condition and strictly an aesthetic concern, a hypertrophied masseter can also cause pain, bruxism, and headaches. Neuromodulator for masseter reduction and treatment of bruxism has become first-line treatment. In this article, the authors present the senior author's (R.J.R.) anatomic approach to neuromodulator injection of the masseter, with a corresponding video of the injection technique.

Role of Rib Graft for Tip Shaping in Primary Rhinoplasty: A Retrospective Case Series of 30 Patients.

PURPOSE: In primary rhinoplasty, use of harvested septal cartilage often precludes the need for rib graft. Nonetheless, there are a number of indications for the use of rib graft in primary rhinoplasty. The purpose of this study was to identify the indications and techniques for rib graft use in primary rhinoplasty. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on all patients who underwent primary rhinoplasty by a single surgeon over a 5-year period. From these patients, those who required the use of fresh frozen allograft rib cartilage were identified. Medical record review was performed to identify demographics, ethnicity, and history of nasal trauma. Photographic analysis was also performed. RESULTS: Thirty (4.7%) of 638 consecutive primary rhinoplasties required rib graft. Of these, 7 patients (23.3%) demonstrated a history of nasal trauma. Further, a high proportion of primary rhinoplasty patients requiring rib graft were from Asian (n=7, 23.3%), Middle Eastern (n=4, 13.3%), Hispanic (n=7, 23.3%), and African American (n=9, 30%) backgrounds. Caucasian patients were in the minority (n=2, 6.7%). All primary rhinoplasties utilizing rib graft implemented a septal extension graft. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that patients requiring a rib graft in primary rhinoplasty invariably receive a septal extension graft. Further, certain ethnicity associated anatomical characteristics correlated with the need for a rib graft for tip shaping. Ultimately, the use of a septal extension graft in primary rhinoplasty allows for precise and robust projection, rotation, and tip shaping in noses with thick skin, weak cartilaginous framework, and history of nasal trauma.

Refinements in Extended Alar Contour Grafts: Retrograde Approach in Conjunction with Alar Base Surgery.

SUMMARY: Alar contour grafts are an excellent adjunct in both primary and revision rhinoplasty for correction and prevention of alar rim irregularities. They are traditionally placed at the conclusion of a rhinoplasty through a vestibular incision along the underside of the alar rim. Alternatively, alar base resection provides an opportunity for precise retrograde placement of alar contour grafts. The purpose of this article is to describe an efficient, five-step technique for retrograde placement of alar contour grafts in the setting of concomitant alar base surgery.

The Blocking Points: The Keys to Consistent Success in Preservation Rhinoplasty.

SUMMARY: Preservation rhinoplasty is a growing area of interest amongst rhinoplasty surgeons. Dorsal preservation-a tenet of preservation rhinoplasty-is predicated on maintaining the integrity of the nasal midvault and effecting aesthetic change through alterations to the bony nasal pyramid and underlying septum. A challenge that is unique to dorsal preservation is the phenomenon of hump recurrence, owing to the existence of anatomical blocking points. Blocking points are resistant tensile forces that either impede dorsal lowering intraoperatively or push the dorsum back to its native convexity over time. Five anatomical blocking points have previously been described, which the authors expand upon and include an additional two. The seven anatomical blocking points are: the cartilaginous septum, perpendicular plate of the ethmoid, lateral osteotomy site, Webster's triangle, internal mucoperiosteum of the maxillary bone, medial canthal ligament, and the lateral keystone area. It is critical that the surgeon be aware of the particular blocking points relevant to his or her chosen technique, and to appropriately and methodically address them to ensure consistent long-term results.