Preventing complications in facial plastic surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The demand for cosmetic procedures has increased dramatically over the past few years, in part fueled by the prevalence of cosmetic 'makeover shows', increased media coverage on television and easy accessibility to the Internet. This growing social acceptance of aesthetic surgery has caused an increasing number of women and men to undergo elective noninvasive and invasive procedures to enhance their appearance. As the number of patients interested in cosmetic surgery increases and the number of physicians performing these procedures increases, the risk of complications invariably also rises. An article focusing on the prevention of complications in facial plastic surgery, therefore, is clearly appropriate in the current era. RECENT FINDINGS: One of the recurring themes in the literature is preventing complications before they occur. Proper patient selection, a thorough understanding of the anatomy and adhering to proper techniques are some of the methods mentioned to avoid unfavorable outcomes. SUMMARY: The literature is replete with articles that focus on the newest techniques for facial rejuvenation. Only through careful analysis of the pitfalls of cosmetic procedures, however, can the facial plastic surgeon adopt principles to help prevent complications.

Rejuvenation of the aging upper third of the face.

Age-related changes to the upper third of the face manifest, typically, as brow ptosis and the development of deep skin furrows. Depression of the brow evolves as gravity and the action of the corrugator supercilli, procerus, and orbicularis draw on the progressively inelastic forehead skin. Facial mimetic muscle action reveals itself over time via the development of deep forehead rhytids. Facial plastic surgeons have at their disposal several effective surgical, and recently, medical interventions to address these changes. Each technique has merits and suitable applications. This review examines the history of rejuvenation of the upper face, details the pertinent treatment modalities, and evaluates the context in which each is applicable.

Quantitative assessment of nasal changes after maxillomandibular surgery using a 3-dimensional digital imaging system.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate nasal changes after maxillomandibular surgery by means of images taken with a 3-dimensional digital camera. DESIGN: Thirty-two patients (26 female and 6 male) with preoperative and postoperative 3-dimensional photographs were studied. The patients underwent maxillary movement with impaction (upward rotation), maxillary movement with lengthening (downward rotation), or maxillary movement without rotation. With the 3-dimensional imaging software, preoperative and postoperative calculations were performed for interalar width, internostril width, nasal tip projection, and columellar length from the 3-dimensional digital images. The nasolabial angle was also measured. RESULTS: Postoperative interalar and internostril widening was significant (P<.05) for all 3 categories of maxillary movement. However, there was no statistically significant change in nasal tip projection and columellar length. Interestingly, movement of the maxilla with upward rotation did show a statistically significant decrease in the nasolabial angle. CONCLUSIONS: Changes to the nose clearly occur after orthognathic surgery. There was a statistically significant increase in postoperative interalar width and internostril width with maxillary movement. However, no clear correlation could be determined between amount of change and maxillary movement. Interestingly, maxillary advancement did not show any significant change in nasal tip projection or columellar length, with data showing both increases and decreases in measurements. The nasolabial angle in patients who underwent maxillary advancement with impaction (upward rotation) was the only measurement that showed a statistically significant increase.

Osteoplastic flap for frontal sinus obliteration in the era of image-guided endoscopic sinus surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the management of frontal sinus disease using osteoplastic flap surgery (OPFS) in the current era of image-guided endoscopic sinus surgery (IGESS). STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was performed of patients who underwent OPFS and imaged-guided endoscopic frontal sintus surgery in the past 10 years at a tertiary care teaching hospital. METHODS: Chart reviews of clinic patients and inpatients who underwent OPFS were performed. Indications for surgery, prior sinus surgeries, time to OPFS, post-OPFS sinus surgeries, and associated comorbid factors were reviewed. RESULTS: In the period under review, 710 IGESS cases were performed. Thirty patients, who were candidates for OPFS, underwent IGESS for frontoethmoid disease. Fourteen patients from this group failed IGESS and underwent OPFS. The indications for OPFS included mucocele in 10 cases, tumors in 2 cases, and trauma in 2 cases. Four patients underwent revision OPFS. The patients who failed IGESS had prior trauma, tumor resection, radiation, or large septate frontal sinus with lateral extension in which the mucocele could not be drained endoscopically. The average time to OPFS was 6.2 years (0-27 years). Nine patients had prior sinus surgery (1-7 prior surgeries) and five patients had subsequent endoscopic surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: In all patients with frontal mucocele, surgery should be attempted endoscopically using IGESS because of the low morbidity of the procedure. Patients with risk factors for failure should be considered for OPFS if IGESS proves to be unsuccessful.

Wound healing and physiology of skin flaps.

This article focuses on the dynamic process of wound healing, including the three phases of wound healing and the different types of wound healing. The physiology of skin flaps is described, with a focus on the vascular supply and biomechanics of skin flaps. The article reviews older and newer concepts of skin flap design.

Update in three-dimensional imaging in facial plastic surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Facial plastic surgeons have always relied on photography for preoperative and postoperative analysis, medicolegal documentation, and communication. The current standards for analysis and documentation of facial structures have been determined by obtaining measurements and parameters from two-dimensional photographs or radiographs. However, the face and neck are three-dimensional structures and require manipulation in three planes within the constraints of esthetics, stability, and function. Recent advances in technology have made three-dimensional imaging and analysis possible. RECENT FINDINGS: The ability to capture images in three dimensions has opened up new avenues for observation and has increased the ability to analyze changes after surgery. Whereas only linear distances, angles, and areas can be determined by use of two-dimensional images, soft tissue volumetric data and surface topography can also be measured accurately; this can be helpful in validating changes in patients undergoing aging facial or orthognathic procedures. Recent studies have focused on descriptions of imaging techniques, validation of measurements, and the creation of normative data and its applications in surgery. SUMMARY: The availability of three-dimensional imaging and software systems presents new opportunities for the facial cosmetic surgeon to plan, execute, and assess the outcomes in patients undergoing surgery of the face and neck.

Long-term results of lower-lid suspension blepharoplasty: a 30-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Muscle suspension blepharoplasty remains a reliable method to tighten the loose skin and muscle of the lower eyelid. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the 30-year experience of the senior author (N.J.P.) with the skin-muscle suspension technique for lower-lid blepharoplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of 4395 patients who underwent lower-lid blepharoplasty, 3988 had muscle suspension blepahroplasty performed with adequate follow-up. RESULTS: Results of the 30-year review showed that most patients were very satisfied with the procedure. There were 67 complications (2 hematomas, 1 poor scar, 24 cases of scleral show <1 mm, and 40 cases of chemosis). Chemosis resolved in 2 to 8 weeks, and there were no cases of ectropion, scleral show greater than 1 mm, dry eye, or vision loss. Revision surgery was needed in 41 patients, all of whom were satisfied after the secondary procedure. CONCLUSION: Despite the recent drift toward orbital fat preservation for lower-lid blepharoplasty, conventional lower-lid muscle suspension offers the surgeon a reliable method to tighten the loose skin and muscle of the lower eyelid and give the patient a more attractive, youthful appearance.

Nasal valve reconstruction: experience in 53 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the cause of nasal valve obstruction in a series of patients requiring surgical correction, to evaluate the efficacy of our surgical techniques, and to assess the cosmetic effect of nasal valve repair. METHODS: Retrospective review of 53 consecutive cases involving adult patients who underwent nasal valve reconstruction over an 8-year period. The preoperative symptom severity, cause of nasal valve obstruction, preoperative photographs, anatomical findings at the time of surgery, and reconstructive techniques were reviewed. Postoperative photographs and resolution of symptoms were analyzed. RESULTS: The most common cause of nasal valve obstruction was previous rhinoplasty (79%), followed by nasal trauma (15%) and congenital anomaly (6%). Spreader grafts were used in 42 patients (79%), and alar batten grafts were used in 19 patients (36%). The patients received a minimum of 1 year of follow-up. All 12 patients with external valve dysfunction showed improvement after surgery. Thirteen (93%) of the 14 patients with concomitant external and internal valve dysfunction had improvement in nasal obstruction after treatment. Twenty-four (89%) of 27 patients with internal nasal valve dysfunction reported improvement in nasal obstruction. Spreader grafts caused a widening of the middle third of the nose. Alar batten grafts resulted in effacement of deep alar creases and a widening of the nasal tip. CONCLUSIONS: We have found that surgical correction of nasal valve obstruction is extremely effective in improving subjective nasal obstruction. Success of this procedure is predicated by correct diagnosis and appropriate surgical technique.

Combined silicone and cartilage implants: augmentation rhinoplasty in Asian patients.

Various alloplastic materials are used for nasal augmentation in Asian patients. Of these, silicone is the most prevalent because it is durable and facilitates sculpting. However, silicone grafts have been associated with complications, including tip extrusion, infection, and graft shifting. Often the nasal tip is involved, with skin discoloration and possible implant extrusion due to increased mechanical pressure. Autogenous material provides a safer alternative for nasal augmentation, but the supply of septal or auricular cartilage in Asian patients is limited. To augment optimally and reduce extrusion risk, we use auricular cartilage grafts at the nasal tip and silicone implants for the nasal dorsum in Asian patients. We report the results of this technique in 100 Asian patients with up to 5 years of follow-up. Patients were extremely satisfied, and no implant extrusions resulted. Other complications included further surgical revision due to misalignment of the silicone dorsal implant (5 patients), tip graft shifting (2 patients), and recurrent dorsal edema over the implant requiring removal (1 patient).

Surgical treatment of the nasolabial angle in balanced rhinoplasty.

Nasal analysis and surgical planning are crucial for a successful, aesthetically pleasing rhinoplasty. One of the key parameters for evaluation is the nasolabial angle. The nasal spine, caudal septum, and medial crura of the lower lateral cartilages provide the framework for this area. Alteration of these structures, as well as nasal tip rotation and projection, may affect the resultant nasolabial angle, length of the upper lip, and overall harmony of the nose. Fullness at the nasolabial junction caused by a pushing philtrum may also result in an unbalanced appearance. The literature is replete with methods for categorizing the nasal tip and with recommendations for surgical treatment. Treatment of the caudal septum and nasal spine is often an afterthought that is left up to the aesthetic judgment of the surgeon. To make this a more systematic decision, in 1990 we devised a classification for analysis and treatment of this area. This study included the length of the nose, the nasolabial angle, and the presence of a pushing philtrum, with suggested treatment to allow proper tip placement and to provide aesthetic balance to the nose. The only modification was in the order of presentation of nasal types. Since that publication, the senior author has consistently followed these guidelines and has found them to be a reliable tool in creating a harmonious result in rhinoplasty.

The incudostapedial joint angle: implications for stapes surgery prosthesis selection and crimping.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of the incudostapedial joint (ISJ) angle in stapes prosthesis size selection and crimping. METHODS: The ISJ of 13 cadaveric human temporal bones were photographed, then measured using computer-aided design software. The relationship of ISJ angle to prosthesis length was modeled. A literature review evaluated factors contributing to stapedectomy failure. RESULTS: The mean ISJ angle was 93.0 degrees (SD = 8.3 degrees ) (range, 75.0 degrees -104.0 degrees ). The mean ISJ angle deviation from 90 degrees was 7.35 degrees (SD = 4.45 degrees ) (range, 0.3 degrees -15.0 degrees ). The mean distance along the incus accessible for prosthesis placement was 3.21 mm (SD = 0.55 mm) (range, 2.00-4.00 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Significant deviation of the ISJ angle from 90 degrees was found (P <.0001). The length along the incus accessible for prosthesis placement was sufficient to result in errors in prosthesis size selection and crimping with only small variations in the ISJ angle. Incorrect prosthesis sizing and crimping are frequently associated with stapedectomy failure. Variations in ISJ anatomy should be considered when selecting stapes prostheses lengths and may affect crimping technique.