Fake News, Defamation, Online Reviews, and Their Potential Devastating Consequences for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Anecdotal evidence of the exposure and vulnerability of aesthetic plastic surgeons to fake news and online defamation by a minority of vociferous patients has been accruing over the past 10 to 20 years and lurks, hidden like an iceberg, beneath our specialty. Because of acute embarrassment, it is rarely, if ever, discussed in public, and the true extent of the underlying problem remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to accurately document the true magnitude of defamation in British aesthetic plastic surgery. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was distributed to all full members of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons in the summer of 2020. RESULTS: Forty-six percent of full British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons members responded. Over one-half had experienced denigration of their professional reputation; the most common medium reported was digital defamation. Over three-quarters of the respondents had been the subject of patient blackmail in an attempt to refund professional fees, and, most distressingly, almost one-third stated that the incident had significantly impacted their mental well-being. The majority had found help from their professional bodies to be significantly lacking. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal a torment among aesthetic plastic surgeons that has not, to the authors' knowledge, been previously recognized and requires urgent attention by professional organizations.

Bilateral musculus sternalis - An anatomical and clinical review.

The musculus sternalis is an extremely rare anatomical variant of the anterior chest wall. A detailed review of the anatomy, historical background and prevalence of the sternalis muscle is presented, with both the significant radiological and surgical implications of this variant specifically discussed.

The Role of Tranexamic Acid in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery: A Survey of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TXA) can reduce intra- and postoperative bleeding as well as minimizing postoperative swelling and ecchymosis. It can be administered both intravenously and topically during surgery with minimal side effects. OBJECTIVES: To assess the evidence of TXA use in aesthetic surgery and to complete a survey of current practice of full British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons members. METHODS: The authors performed a literature review and online survey of full British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons members. RESULTS: There is an increased indication of TXA utilization in aesthetic surgery. It provides multiple surgeon and patient benefits. CONCLUSIONS: TXA is a useful adjunct in aesthetic surgery.

The Craniofacial and Upper Limb Management of Nager Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Nager syndrome is a rare condition characterized by craniofacial and upper limb abnormalities. It is commonly mistaken for Treacher Collins syndrome, with which it shares the same craniofacial phenotype. However, patients with Treacher Collins do not exhibit hand anomalies, which are seen in patients with Nager syndrome. This paper reviews the multidisciplinary management of patients with Nager syndrome who were treated at the Australian Craniofacial Unit, Adelaide and the Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam. METHODS: The database of both units was scrutinized and the case-notes of the patients with Nager syndrome were reviewed. Data was collected on patient demographics, surgical management, complications, and outcome. RESULTS: Nine patients (6 M:3 F) were identified with Nager syndrome, with a mean age at presentation of 3.7 years (range 8 days to 11.8 years). The mean follow-up time was 2.2 years (2 months to 19 years). SF3B4 mutation was noted in 2 patients and 1 patient had an X:9 translocation. Seven (77.8%) had obstructive sleep apnoea, with 5 patients diagnosed as severe obstructive sleep apnoea. Four patients had pollicization of their index, 2 patients had excision of extra radial digits and 1 patient underwent thumb duplication correction. Craniofacial surgery included mandibular advancement in 5 patients, temporo-mandibular joint reconstruction in 2 patients, and a genioplasty in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Nager syndrome is a rare acrofacial dysostosis syndrome that is best managed within the realms of a multidisciplinary team. The authors would advocate early pollicization in patients with thumb anomalies to prevent any impairment in manual dexterity.

The Management of Nonsyndromic, Isolated Sagittal Synostosis.

AIM: Isolated sagittal synostosis is the commonest form of craniosynostosis. The reasons for surgery are to normalize the head shape and to increase the cranial volume, thus reducing the risk of raised intracranial pressure and allowing for normal brain development. It has been suggested that sagittal synostosis may impair neuropsychological development. This systematic review appraised the literature on the management of sagittal synostosis. METHODS: A literature search was performed with the assistance of a professional librarian. Studies selected had to satisfy the criteria set by PICO (patients, intervention, comparison, and outcome). Cranial index and neuropsychological outcome were used as outcome measures. MINORS was used to assess the methodological quality of the selected articles. A score of 75% was deemed to be of satisfactory quality, and the quality of the evidence from the selected studies was graded using the GRADE system. RESULTS: One hundred forty-eight articles were initially identified. Only 6 articles fulfilled the PICO criteria and scored a minimum of 75% on MINORS. Four studies compared 1 technique to another with documented cranial indices. Two studies compared 1 group to another and assessed the neuropsychological development. According to GRADE, the quality of evidence was deemed to be very low. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review assessed cranial index and neuropsychological outcome following surgery for isolated, nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis. The quality of the evidence in the published literature was noted to be of very low quality. There is a need for better-designed, prospective studies to guide surgeons involved in management of sagittal synostosis.

A long-term evaluation of 150 costochondral nasal grafts.

INTRODUCTION: This paper reviewed the outcome of cantilevered costochondral grafts used for dorsal nasal augmentation in the management of patients treated at the Australian Craniofacial Unit (ACFU), Adelaide over a 29-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing dorsal nasal augmentation with costochondral grafts as part of their craniofacial management between 1981 and 2009 were identified using the ACFU database, and their medical notes were reviewed. RESULTS: 107 patients (50 M, 57 F), with a mean age of 12.3 years (range: 2-62 years) and requiring a total of 150 costochondral grafts, were identified from the departmental database. Mean follow-up after nasal augmentation was 5.6 years (1 month-31.5 years). 46% of the patients were diagnosed with Binder syndrome/Chondrodysplasia punctata; other diagnoses included Tessier midline clefts, cleft lip and palate and frontonasal dysplasia. A dorsal midline incision (49%) was the commonest method of access, with 84% of patients having mini-screw fixation for graft stabilisation. Complications included screw palpability, infection, skin necrosis and graft fracture. The commonest reasons for a replacement graft were graft atrophy and fracture, infection and persistent deformity. CONCLUSION: Cantilevered nasal costochondral grafting is an excellent technique for improving nasal contour and function in a wide variety of clinical situations.

Poly implant prothèse (PIP) breast implants: our experience.

INTRODUCTION: This study describes our experience on the management of patients with PIP (Poly Implant Prothèse) breast implants between 2000 and 2008. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients were reviewed. Data was collected on clinical presentation, investigations, management and outcome. RESULTS: 44 patients, with bilateral breast implants, and a median age of 33 years (18-54 years), were reviewed, and of these, 31 patients were asymptomatic. Symptoms at presentation included lymphadenopathy, capsule formation, breast lump, seroma and breast pain. Patients underwent mammography, ultrasound and MRI scanning of the breasts as part of the imaging investigations. 5 patients declined explantation. Reasons for explantation included patient anxiety, silent rupture, aesthetic breast change, palpable nodes and breast lump. 17 out of a total of 78 implants (21.8%) were noted to have ruptured; 2 had a simple tear and 15 were totally disintegrated. 1 patient underwent removal of the implants, 18 underwent exchange of implants, and 20 patients had a capsulotomy and exchange of implants. Postoperative complications included wound infection, seroma, axillary lymphadenopathy, hypersensitive scar and overgranulation of the wound. CONCLUSION: Our series confirms the high rate of PIP implant rupture (21.8%), the majority of which were asymptomatic. The main reasons for explantation were patient anxiety and silent rupture of implants. It is imperative that patients should be appropriately counselled, prior to surgery with regards to removal of the implants, given the increased rupture rates noted.

The nasopharynx in infants with cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to use three-dimensional computed tomography data and computer imaging technology to assess the skeletal components of the naso-pharyngeal area in patients with cleft lip and palate and to quantify anatomical variations. METHODS: CT scans were obtained from 29 patients of Malay origin with cleft lip and palate aged between 0 and 12 months and 12 noncleft patients in the same age group, using a GE Lightspeed Plus Scanner housed in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Measurements were obtained using the 'Persona' three-dimensional software package, developed at Australian Craniofacial Unit, Adelaide. RESULTS: The results of the present study show that there is an increased nasopharyngeal space in cleft lip and palate that may lead to compression of the nasopharyngeal structures, including the Eustachian tube. Alterations of the medial pterygoid plate and the hamulus may lead to an alteration in the origin and orientation of the tensor veli palatini muscle leading to alteration in its function. CONCLUSIONS: These anatomical variations may compromise the dilatory mechanism of the Eustachian tube, thus leading to recurrent middle ear infections in cleft children and subsequent loss of hearing.

Desmoid tumour of the breast.

Desmoid tumour of the breast is a rare fibroblastic tumour whose spectrum ranges from being locally inert to aggressive and destructive, and represents 0.2% of all breast tumours. A 22-year-old woman, 2 years post-cosmetic augmentation mammoplasty with silicone implants, presented with a 6-month history of an enlarging mass in her left breast. Ultrasound showed a well-defined, hypoechoic mass arising within the muscles of the anterior chest, deep beneath the implant and not involving the underlying rib. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) showed features in keeping with changes associated with silicone implants. A provisional diagnosis of scarring and fibroblastic proliferation was made. The lesion was excised and the implant, noted to be intact, was exchanged. Immunochemistry showed strong positivity for vimentin and variable positivity for SMA and desmin, and patchy positivity for beta catenin. A final diagnosis of aggressive fibromatosis was made. Although the association of desmoid tumour and breast implants has been described, this case is unique as the FNA was highly suggestive of a silicone granuloma and the diagnosis of desmoid tumour was made on definitive pathology. The aetiology of desmoid tumours is reviewed and current treatment modalities discussed.

Analysis of complications following surgical treatment of benign parotid disease.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to study the incidence of, and risk factors for developing complications following parotidectomy for benign disease, to improve preoperative patient counselling and better inform future surgical management. METHODS: An 11-year retrospective review of 162 parotidectomies for benign disease, collecting and analysing data about presentation, investigations, surgical treatment, postoperative facial nerve function, Frey's syndrome and other surgical complications. RESULTS: The mean age at presentation was 58 years. The commonest pathology was benign pleomorphic adenoma (43%), followed by Warthin's tumour (30%) and chronic sialadenitis (22%). Sialadenitis was a significant risk factor for facial nerve palsy and increased the incidence of salivary fistulas. Parotid duct ligation increased the risk of nerve palsy in the distribution of zygomatic and buccal branches. Operations for Warthin's tumour were associated with an increased risk of dysfunction of the cervical branch of the nerve. Half the patients had intraoperative facial nerve stimulation and this did not influence the likelihood of facial paresis. The recovery of facial nerve function showed a biphasic distribution, with 90% of patients having normal function within 12 months, followed by a slower recovery rate for up to 2 years. CONCLUSION: The incidence of postoperative complications was influenced by the pathology, with inflammatory lesions significantly increasing the risk of facial nerve dysfunction and other complications, but also by variations in surgical practice, such as parotid duct ligation. Overall, the incidence of permanent facial paralysis was less than 2%, but temporary nerve palsy was common at 40%, with most patients regaining normal function within 1 year of the operation.

Long-term outcome of skull base surgery with microvascular reconstruction for malignant disease.

BACKGROUND: Successful resection of malignant skull base disease depends implicitly on the ability to reconstruct the resulting defects in the craniovisceral diaphragm, to support neural structures, and to prevent ascending intracranial infections. Microsurgery reliably achieves these objectives and has increased the scope of curative oncologic surgery. The authors assessed the reconstructive results and the long-term oncologic outcome of patients having skull base surgery with free tissue transfer. METHODS: A retrospective review of cases between 1989 and 2001 was undertaken. Demographics, histology, surgical management, complications, locoregional control, and survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Predominantly male patients (n = 53; 62 percent) with an average age of 60 years had microvascular reconstruction following oncologic surgery. There was a preponderance of cutaneous malignancies (56 percent), and most lesions involved the anterior skull base (53 percent). Tumors were mostly resected with a combined intracranial or extracranial approach, and reconstruction was undertaken with radial forearm, rectus abdominis, or latissimus dorsi flaps with 94 percent success. Complications occurred in 23 percent of patients, and no specific risk factors for developing intracranial complications were identified. Specifically, extensive reconstructions did not increase the complication rate. The 5-year locoregional control and survival rates were 74 percent and 60 percent, respectively. A positive resection margin significantly increased the risk of locoregional recurrence and worsened disease-specific survival on Cox regression. Survival was also influenced by grade of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgery is highly reliable for reconstructing defects resulting from oncologic resections of the cranial base. It can and should be undertaken using a small number of highly dependable flaps.

The hyoid bone in malay infants with cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: To compare morphological and positional variations of the hyoid bone in unoperated infants with cleft lip and palate (CL/P) with those in noncleft infants. DESIGN: Retrospective, cross sectional. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional computed tomography scans were obtained from 29 unoperated CL/P infants of Malay origin aged between 0 and 12 months and from 12 noncleft infants in the same age range. Observations were made and measurements were obtained with a software package developed at the Australian Craniofacial Unit. The sizes of the hyoid bones and the position of the hyoid body and epiglottis in relation to the cervical spine were measured. Anatomical anomalies of the hyoid and prevalence of aspiration pneumonia were also documented. RESULTS: The hyoid bones and epiglottis were found to be located more inferiorly in CL/P infants compared with the noncleft infants. Also, 17% (5/29) of the CL/P infants had nonossified hyoid bodies. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that there are differences in the location and genesis of the hyoid bone in infants with CL/P that warrant further investigation.

Carcinoma ex benign pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland.

BACKGROUND: Carcinoma in pleomorphic salivary adenoma is a common histologic subtype of primary parotid malignancy. METHODS: In this study, 28 patients (predominantly male) with histologically diagnosed carcinoma in pleomorphic salivary adenoma presenting over 10 years were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Only 25 percent of patients had a previously treated pleomorphic salivary adenoma. Although the presenting features suggested malignancy in some cases, overall they were nonspecific, overlapping with the presentation of benign disease. Preoperative investigations included fine needle aspiration cytology, which was only 29-percent sensitive, and computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. There were 14 superficial and 12 total or radical parotidectomies. The facial nerve was resected en bloc with the tumor in nine cases and immediately reconstructed with good reanimation results in patients with recent-onset facial paresis. Only 44 percent of patients had a complete histologic tumor clearance, and this was the most significant determinant of survival (p < 0.01, log-rank analysis). The locoregional control rate was 66 percent at 5 years, but recurrent disease proved invariably fatal. Five-year disease-specific survival was 44 percent with a high rate of disease-specific mortality (87 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Carcinoma in pleomorphic salivary adenoma is very difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Fine needle aspiration cytology had a disappointingly low sensitivity for this tumor, potentially misdirecting surgical management. While good locoregional disease control could be achieved with surgery and radiotherapy, carcinoma in pleomorphic salivary adenoma was shown to be aggressive with a high disease-specific rate of mortality. Given that incomplete tumor resection was the most important prognostic factor, a high index of clinical suspicion, radical ablative surgery, and immediate soft-tissue and nerve reconstruction for proven cases are advocated.

Multidisciplinary management of head and neck sarcomas.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck sarcomas are extremely rare. This article reviews the management and outcomes in a multidisciplinary clinic. METHODS: The records of 41 male and 19 female patients (mean age, 50 years) were reviewed. Forty percent underwent surgical resection only, 35% underwent surgery and adjuvant therapy, and 25% underwent radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy without surgery. Seventy-one percent had complete histologic clearance. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 3 years and 10 months, with an overall 5-year survival rate of 60%. Completeness of surgical excision was highly significant in determining 5-year local control (p < .025), and the addition of adjuvant radiotherapy had a major effect on local control, but only if complete surgical clearance had been achieved (p < .025). As expected, patients with more aggressive tumors had a significantly poorer overall prognosis, and achieving local control led to an enhanced 5-year survival (p < .025). CONCLUSION: These tumors are best managed in multidisciplinary clinics, and the mainstay of treatment is wide local excision and planned postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy.

Fracture patterns and bone healing in recurrent mandibular fractures: a clinical study of 13 patients.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent fractures of the previously treated fractured mandible are rare. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 13 cases of repeated mandibular fractures were evaluated according to age, sex, cause, fracture localizations and patterns, treatment modalities, and complications. RESULTS: All of the patients were men, with a mean age of 27.5 years and 32 years for the first and the subsequent fractures, respectively. The mean time interval between fractures was 4.3 years. In 10 cases, the cause for the second fracture was an assault, with 90 percent related to alcohol intake. Angle, body, and parasymphysis region of the mandible were the most common sites to be involved in the first occasion. In 10 cases, an internal rigid fixation procedure was performed for the treatment. In the recurrent injuries, none of the fractures occurred at exactly the same anatomical site. Fractures were either in the neighboring side or the contralateral side of the previously healed area of mandible. On the second occasion, angle fractures were common and body and subcondylar fracture rates increased. At second presentation, the complication rate increased from 23.1 percent to 53.8 percent and most commonly involving malocclusion. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that assault is the major etiologic factor for recurrent mandible fractures and that these fractures occur in different locations from the original injury. They necessitate a cautious approach for the prevention of unfavorable outcomes. Further retrospective clinical and experimental studies are necessary to elucidate the fracture patterns and bone-healing quality of these recurrent mandible fractures.

What is the impact of breast augmentation on the Breast Screening Programme?

AIMS: To identify the number of women with breast implants in the Newcastle Breast Screening Programme, it's additional workload and compare the number of screen detected cancers in the implant and non-implant group. METHODS: Retrospective 9 year review of all women with cosmetic breast augmentation who have joined the National Breast Screening Programme in Newcastle. RESULTS: The percentage of total screened attendances involving implants has increased from 61 (0.10%) in 1990-93 to 97 (0.14%) in 1993-96 and 135 (0.23%) in 1996-99. Despite this increasing workload, no additional resources have yet been required in the Breast Screening Unit.1209 cancers (0.57%) were found in the screened population, and there were no screen detected cancers in the implant group, and there was no significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: As the number of younger women receiving breast implants continues to rise, when they become eligible for the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP), departments should be aware that additional personnel and finance will be needed.