A Biological Approach to Periorbital Aesthetics in Caucasian Women: A Review of the Literature.

The face plays an important role in human interactions, and the periorbital region is particularly important to allow recognition and attractiveness. There are several studies on the beauty of the periorbital region using a variety of methodologies, but few articles consider the attractiveness factors derived from evolutionary psychology such as symmetry, dimorphism, age and average, neoteny and facial expression. The aim of this study is to identify periorbital attractiveness criteria in Caucasian women based on experimental studies and to interpret them in the light of studies on biological attractiveness factors. A review of literature was conducted using PubMed (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD), Cochrane Library Database (Wiley, Hoboken, NJ) and EMBASE (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands). Studies published after March 20, 2022, were analyzed, and no date limit was applied in reference papers. The search strategy was focused on three main concepts: attractiveness AND evaluation AND facial feature of periorbital region. 780 articles were identified with this search strategy, 534 were excluded based on title and abstract and another 110 from full text assessment. 18 articles were finally included in the analysis. The main factors identified were an ascending intercanthal axis and eyebrow axis, a regular pretarsal plate as well as a well-defined upper lid crease, no scleral show, and an open eye fissure exposing the upper half of the iris. In our review we were able to identify objective anthropometric characteristics linked to biological attractiveness criteria that may be useful in preoperative planning and assessment of the periorbital region of patients.

Long-term outcomes and future challenges in face transplantation.

Face transplant (FT) has emerged as a groundbreaking option for patients with severe facial deformities, resulting from congenital disorders, trauma, or tumor ablation. Although reconstructive surgery has made significant strides, the challenges of restoring both form and function remain, particularly in centrally located defects. This review explored the long-term outcomes of FT, addressing its challenges and potential pitfalls. A systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines was conducted, encompassing articles published in English from November 2005 to January 2023, which were searched across PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases. Keywords included "face transplant," "face transplant outcomes," and "face transplant long-term." Data on surgical teams, patient demographics, transplant specifics, rejection episodes, additional surgeries, and patient-reported outcomes were extracted and analyzed. In total, 34 articles met the inclusion criteria. Over the 2 decades, 48 FT procedures were performed, with 23 patients followed for at least 3 years. Predominantly, patients were men (80%), averaging 31 years in age. Ballistic trauma (44.6%) and burns (25.5%) were common causes of injury. Chronic rejection emerged as a significant concern, leading to graft loss and necessitating retransplantation in 2 patients. Additional surgical procedures were often required. FT offers a remarkable solution for individuals with extensive facial disfigurement. Successful outcomes depend on factors, such as patient selection, multidisciplinary collaboration, psychiatric evaluation, and post-operative care. Nevertheless, challenges persist, including the need for lifelong immunosuppression and risk of chronic rejection. Although FT has transformed lives, continued success in this evolving field hinges on the ongoing research and vigilant patient management.

Effect of corticosteroids on ischemia-reperfusion injury of deep inferior epigastric perforator flap after re-exploration for anastomosis thrombosis: A prospective randomized trial.

Patients undergoing breast reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap are at risk of arterial and venous thrombosis, necessitating flap salvage surgery. However, this carries the risk of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and potential significant partial or complete flap loss. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential benefit of corticosteroids in reducing IRI related complications in DIEP flaps that are returned to the operation theater for attempted salvage after venous or arterial failure. A double-blinded prospective randomized study was conducted between January 2012 and January 2023 on patients scheduled for secondary unilateral breast reconstruction using the DIEP flap technique. Patients were included if they developed post-operative venous or arterial flap thrombosis and experienced DIEP flap IRI following operative take-back and anastomosis revision. The treatment group (TG) received a 5-day course of corticosteroids, while the control group (CG) did not receive any specific treatment. Forty-six patients were enrolled in the study. In the CG, two cases of total flap loss and eight cases of partial flap necrosis were observed, while the TG had only 1 case of partial flap necrosis (p < 0.05). The complete resolution of clinical signs of IRI occurred within 13 ± 2.1 days for the TG and 21 ± 3.5 days for the CG (p = 0.00001). The TG had a significantly shorter hospital stay (11.13 ± 0.38 days) compared with the CG (15.47 ± 1.27 days; p < 0.0001). Targeted corticosteroid therapy following a salvage procedure for vascular thrombosis in DIEP flaps has shown promise as an effective treatment for subsequent IRI. This approach may be considered as a viable option for managing IRI in free flaps. However, further studies involving a larger number of patients are required to substantiate our hypothesis.

Assessment of deep plane facelift combined with fascia lata graft for the static treatment of facial palsy: A preliminary report.

Addressing facial palsy (FP) presents intricate challenges in achieving natural expressions. Although free functional muscle transfers (FFMT) offer effective smile restoration, age impacts their efficacy. The optimal FFMT age range of 5-55 years is limited by physical fitness, which extends beyond age boundaries. Unilateral FP demands vary; younger patients require dynamic solutions like FFMT, whereas older individuals prioritize public appearance due to baseline distortion. The aim of this study is to describe and to assess a new static technique combining deep plane facelift and fascia lata graft for FP treatment. We conducted a prospective pilot study enrolling unilateral FP patients aged >55 and declining FFMT. Exclusions encompassed prior FP surgery, recent injections, uncontrolled diabetes cognitive deficits, and patients unable to quit smoking. To evaluate this technique, the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), along with two objective scales, the Face- and Neck-Lift Objective Photo-Numerical Assessment Scale and the eFACE scale, were used. Interrater reliability and intrarater reliability were assessed. Fifteen patients (mean age: 60.9 years) underwent the procedure. Both static and dynamic symmetry significantly improved (p < 0.05), including check volume and position, oral commissure, and jawline. Notably, eye closure enhancement was observed. GBI scores also significantly increased (p < 0.05). Interrater reliability and intrarater reliability were minimal (p = 0.12 and p = 0.13). This combined approach offers a static FP treatment option, especially for the elderly or FFMT-ineligible patients. The relatively brief procedure yields immediate and satisfactory results, suggesting its potential value in FP management. Further comprehensive studies are encouraged to validate the technique's long-term efficacy and applicability across larger populations.

The Use of Posterior Auricular Fascia Graft (PAFG) for Slight Dorsal Augmentation and Irregular Dorsum Coverage in Primary and Revision Rhinoplasty: A Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Augmentation and coverage of irregularities of the nasal dorsum remain a challenge in rhinoplasty. Different techniques have been described in the current literature for this purpose. The aim of this study is to assess and illustrate the author experience and outcomes using the posterior auricular fascia graft (PAFG) for dorsal camouflage and augmentation in primary and revision rhinoplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective bicentric study was conducted, including patients with slight dorsal deficiencies and/or with dorsal irregularities following hump resection, trauma or previous rhinoplasty receiving PAFG to improve the rhinoplasty outcome. To objectively assess the graft resorption rate, MRI was performed 2 weeks and 18 months after surgery. To investigate patient satisfaction, the preoperative and 1-year postoperative scores obtained using the rhinoplasty outcomes evaluation (ROE) scale were compared. The scores following a normal distribution obtained for each patient were compared using a paired t-test. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were enroled in this study. Average follow-up duration was 35.4 months. Patients' age ranged from 17 to 57 years. No cases of infection or major graft resorption were observed. No postoperative scars were visible at the donor site. All patients were satisfied after surgery, and a statistically significant difference between pre- and postoperative scores (p<0.0001) was observed. CONCLUSION: This study showed that PAFG is a reliable technique for dorsal camouflage and slight augmentation in primary and revision rhinoplasty. The procedure is safe, easy and quick and only requires a small learning curve. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: 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 .

Facelift: Assessment of Total Platysma Muscle Transection to Prevent the Recurrence of Platysmal Bands.

INTRODUCTION: Determining which facelift technique yields the most effective long-term rejuvenation results and ensures optimal stability over time remains a significant question in cosmetic surgery: Does the most invasive surgery lead to the best long-term outcomes? This study aims to evaluate the authors' approach using total platysma muscle transection to prevent platysma band recurrence, and to provide anatomical observations supporting and justifying their procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A preliminary study in anatomical basic sciences was conducted to establish the rationale for our method. A prospective single-blind study was conducted, involving eighty patients seeking facial rejuvenation with platysmal band correction. They underwent face and neck-lift procedures with total platysma transection by the same surgeon between May 2013 and May 2016. Cosmetic outcomes were assessed using the Face and Neck-Lift Objective Photo-Numerical Assessment Scale. Scores by three blind evaluators before surgery, at 1 and 5 years postoperatively, were compared using a matched T Test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The preliminary anatomical study revealed a consistent anastomotic system between the cervical branch of the facial nerve and the branches of the cervical plexus. Incomplete platysma section during a facelift might contribute to platysma band recurrence. The clinical study demonstrated satisfactory outcomes, with significant overall appearance improvement (p < 0.00001) and no platysma band recurrence. Complication rate was low. CONCLUSION: The authors' technique achieved satisfactory long-term results with minimal complications. However, due to the lengthy operating time and steep learning curve, it should be reserved for highly motivated patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: 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 .

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical presentation, treatments, and outcomes of new breast cancer patients: A retrospective multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The SARS CoV-2 pandemic disrupted healthcare systems. We compared the cancer stage for new breast cancers (BCs) before and during the pandemic. METHODS: We performed a retrospective multicenter cohort study on the data warehouse of Greater Paris University Hospitals (AP-HP). We identified all female patients newly referred with a BC in 2019 and 2020. We assessed the timeline of their care trajectories, initial tumor stage, and treatment received: BC resection, exclusive systemic therapy, exclusive radiation therapy, or exclusive best supportive care (BSC). We calculated patients' 1-year overall survival (OS) and compared indicators in 2019 and 2020. RESULTS: In 2019 and 2020, 2055 and 1988, new BC patients underwent cancer treatment, and during the two lockdowns, the BC diagnoses varied by -18% and by +23% compared to 2019. De novo metastatic tumors (15% and 15%, p = 0.95), pTNM and ypTNM distributions of 1332 cases with upfront resection and of 296 cases with neoadjuvant therapy did not differ (p = 0.37, p = 0.3). The median times from first multidisciplinary meeting and from diagnosis to treatment of 19 days (interquartile 11-39 days) and 35 days (interquartile 22-65 days) did not differ. Access to plastic surgery (15% and 17%, p = 0.08) and to treatment categories did not vary: tumor resection (73% and 72%), exclusive systemic therapy (13% and 14%), exclusive radiation therapy (9% and 9%), exclusive BSC (5% and 5%) (p = 0.8). Among resected patients, the neoadjuvant therapy rate was lower in 2019 (16%) versus 2020 (20%) (p = 0.02). One-year OS rates were 99.3% versus 98.9% (HR = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.77-1.2), 72.6% versus 76.6% (HR = 1.28; 95% CI, 0.95-1.72), 96.6% versus 97.8% (HR = 1.09; 95% CI, 0.61-1.94), and 15.5% versus 15.1% (HR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.72-1.37), in the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a decrease in the number of new BCs, there was no tumor stage shift, and OS did not vary.

Superomedial-Posterior Pedicle-Based Reduction Mammaplasty: Evaluation of Effectiveness and BREAST-Q Outcomes of a Rapid and Safer Technique.

INTRODUCTION: Breast hypertrophy, a common pathological condition, often requires surgical intervention to alleviate musculoskeletal pain and improve patients' quality of life. Various techniques have been developed for breast reduction, each with its own advantages and complications. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and patient-reported outcomes of the authors technique: the Superomedial-Posterior Pedicle-Based Reduction Mammaplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 912 patients who underwent breast reduction surgery between November 2012 and July 2020. The surgical technique involved preserving all glandular tissue from the areola to the pectoralis major muscle using the superomedial-posterior pedicle. The patients' demographic data, operative details, complications, breast-related quality of life (measured using the Breast-Q questionnaire), and nipple-areola complex sensitivity were analyzed. RESULTS: The average operative time was 62.12 ± 10.3 minutes. Complications included minor wound dehiscence (4.05%) and hematoma (1.2%), with no cases of nipple-areola complex necrosis. Nipple-areola sensitivity was fully restored in all patients at the 2-year follow-up. Patient satisfaction with the procedure was high with a statistically significant difference observed between pre- and postoperative scores (p < 0.001) of the Breast-Q questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Authors technique offers reliable vascularization and innervation of the nipple-areola complex and achieves satisfactory aesthetic outcomes. It is associated with shorter operative times compared to other techniques reported in the literature. The Superomedial-Posterior Pedicle-Based Reduction Mammaplasty represents a safe and effective method for breast reduction surgery, providing significant benefits to patients with breast hypertrophy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: 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 .

Three Pedicles-Based Nipple-Sparing Skin-Reducing Mastectomy (TP-NSSRM) combined with Pre-Pectoral Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and immediate breast reconstruction have demonstrated positive aesthetic outcomes and high patient satisfaction. However, challenges arise when performing NSM on patients with large and ptotic breasts due to the higher risk of nipple-areolar complex (NAC) necrosis. This study proposes a new technique: the three pedicles-based nipple-sparing skin-reducing mastectomy (TP-NSSRM), combined with direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction, aimed at reducing complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022, enrolling patients with large and drooping breasts requiring mastectomy for breast cancer treatment or risk reduction. Patient selection criteria included a sternal notch to nipple distance of ≥ 23 cm, Grade 3 ptosis, and eligibility for immediate prepectoral DTI breast reconstruction. Patient satisfaction was assessed using BREAST-Q modules. RESULTS: Seventy-two TP-NSSRM procedures combined with immediate DTI-based breast reconstruction were performed on a total of 45 patients. High patient satisfaction was observed, and statistically significant improvements were noted in postoperative BREAST-Q scores (p=0.001). The complication rate was low, and preservation of the nipple-areolar complex was achieved in all cases. CONCLUSION: The TP-NSSRM technique offers a potential solution for patients with large and drooping breasts undergoing NSM. It aims to minimize complications and achieve satisfactory outcomes. This study demonstrates favorable results in terms of patient satisfaction and quality of life. Further research and long-term follow-up are necessary to validate these findings and evaluate the long-term outcomes of this technique.

Assessment of deep plane facelift in facial feminization surgery: A prospective pilot study.

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is often the first procedure requested by patients wishing to undergo gender-affirming surgery. This study aims to evaluate the applicability and effectiveness of deep plane facelifts in FFS. The authors conducted a prospective study that included patients who requested a deep plane facelift as a standalone procedure to achieve a more feminine facial appearance as the only procedure of FFS. These patients underwent deep plane facelifts to achieve a more feminine oval face shape and increased tissue projection of the zygomatic-malar region. To assess the effectiveness of the procedure and patient satisfaction, the Face-Q scales, Face and Neck lift Objective Photo-Numerical Assessment Scale, the Satisfaction With Life Scale, and the Subjective Happiness Scale were applied preoperatively and one year after surgery. Thirty-six patients were included in the study. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.005) was observed between pre and postoperative scores. The repositioning of the malar fat pads increased the malar volume, providing a more oval overall shape of the face, which is typically feminine. No major complications were observed. Despite our encouraging results, new studies with a larger sample of patients are needed to support the benefits of the deep plane facelift as part of FFS to elevate this technique from an ancillary to a routine procedure for patients undergoing gender affirmation surgery.

Nanofat in Plastic Reconstructive, Regenerative, and Aesthetic Surgery: A Review of Advancements in Face-Focused Applications.

Nanofat is a relatively novel technique in fat grafting that has gained significant interest in the fields of regenerative medicine, aesthetic and translational research. It involves the extraction of autologous fat from a patient, which is then transformed into "nanofat", consisting of small fat particles with a diameter of less than 0.1 mm and containing high concentrations of stem cells and growth factors. This article focuses on the use of nanofat in facial rejuvenation and its potential for lipomodelling. Fat tissue is a "stem cell depot" and nanofat contains many stem cells that can differentiate into various cell types. The Lipogem technology, developed in 2013, enables the isolation of nanofat with an intact perivascular structure, utilizing the high concentration of mesenchymal stromal cells near the pericytes of the adipose vascular system. Nowadays nanofat is used primarily for cosmetic purposes particularly in rejuvenating and improving the appearance of the skin, especially the face. Indeed, it has wide applicability; it can be used to treat fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun-damaged skin, scar repair, and as an alopecia treatment. However, further studies are needed to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of this technique. In conclusion, nanofat is a safe and minimally invasive option for tissue regeneration with considerable therapeutic potential. This study reviews the application and effects of nanofat in regenerative medicine and facial cosmetic surgery.

Assessment of the Efficacy of Cryolipolysis on Abdominal Fat Deposits: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive and efficacious procedure for body contouring. The effectiveness of cryolipolysis has been demonstrated on multiple areas of the body, but on a limited number of subjects. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness and the safety of cryolipolysis in the lower abdomen adipose tissue thickness reduction. METHODS: A prospective study on 60 healthy women was carried out using CryoSlim Hybrid device. Each patient underwent two cryolipolysis sessions centered on the abdominal area. The primary endpoint was to decrease the thickness of the abdominal fat deposits. The change in the abdominal circumference and the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer were assessed. Patient satisfaction and tolerance of the procedure were also taken into account. RESULTS: A significant reduction of the abdominal circumference and subcutaneous fat layer thickness was observed. The mean decrease in abdominal circumference was 2.10 cm (3.1%) 3 months after the procedure and 4.03 cm (5.8%) 6 months after the procedure. The mean decrease in fat layer thickness was 1.25 cm (43.81%) 3 months after the procedure and 1.61 cm (41.73%) 6 months after the procedure. No major adverse events were noted. All patients were very satisfied, and minimal pain was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Cryolipolysis is an effective technique to treat abdominal localized fat deposits. No major adverse events have been described for this procedure. Our promising results should encourage further studies aimed at optimizing the efficacy of the procedure without a considerable increase in the risks. 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 http://www.springer.com/00266 .

Abdominoplasty and Clitoris Evaluation: A Prospective Study on Sexual Pleasure in Women Undergoing Abdominoplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Being one of the most practiced procedures in plastic surgery, it is important to foster a better understanding of the effect of anatomical changes in the pubic area after abdominoplasty on sexuality in women. Since to date no study has been performed with this purpose, our aim is to evaluate the impact of the abdominoplasty on sexual pleasure and to perform an objective evaluation of changes in clitoral position and prepubic fat area after this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study has been performed in 50 women who expressed a desire to undergo abdominoplasty from January 2021 to December 2021. The primary endpoint was Sexual pleasure assessed by the "Sexuality Assessment Scale" before and 6 months after abdominoplasty in all patients. Furthermore, we evaluated the physical changes of the clitoris (clito-pubic distance, CP distance) and the prepubic fat area on magnetic resonance imaging before and 3 months after abdominoplasty. RESULTS: Patients mean age was of 42 ± 9 years, and mean body mass index of 26 ± 2 kg/m2. A significant difference (P < 0.0001) between sexual satisfaction before and 6 months after abdominoplasty (mean difference +7.4 ± 6.452) was found. Though there was no significant difference between the clito-pubic distance before and after abdominoplasty (mean difference -3.200 ± 2.499 mm; p= 0.0832), a significant difference was found in the size of the prepubic fat area before compared to after abdominoplasty (mean difference -1.714 ± 1.010 cm2; p = 0.0426). However, no significant relationship between these anatomical changes and sexual satisfaction was found. CONCLUSION: Our results show that abdominoplasty is associated with an increase in sexual satisfaction. The changes in the post-operative position of the clitoris were not statistically significant, contrarily to the size of the prepubic fat area, which was significantly modified and could partially explain the improved sexual pleasure. Authors were unable to statistically demonstrate a correlation between those anatomical modifications and sexual pleasure. 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 .

The Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap for the Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa of the Axilla: A Prospective Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a common chronic condition that is often resistant to conservative treatment and requires a wide and aggressive surgical approach to prevent recurrence. A prospective study was performed comparing the outcomes of thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap-based reconstruction and secondary intention closure (SIC) after wide local excision (WLE) of axillary HS. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 68 patients with stage 3 axillary HS. Thirty-three patients underwent a WLE procedure and were left to heal by secondary intention (SIC group), and 35 patients underwent immediate reconstruction with a homolateral TDAP flap (TDAP group). Inpatient stay, healing time, postoperative complications rate, and pain were analyzed in both groups, comparing preoperative shoulder function (using Constant-Murley shoulder outcome score) and quality of life (using a dermatology life quality index) with postoperative shoulder function and quality of life. RESULTS: Patients receiving TDAP flaps had significantly faster recovery, fewer complications, and fewer overall number of procedures than those who underwent SIC. All patients reported an improved quality of life after their operation. The TDAP group showed significantly more improvement than the SIC group ( P < 0.001). Patients receiving TDAP flaps reported a significant reduction in pain and discomfort and better shoulder function compared with patients in the SIC group ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: WLE and TDAP flap-based reconstruction for axillary stage 3 HS provide optimal postprocedural functional results with a low complication rate. Complete remission of the disease was observed after the procedure. Despite the relatively slow learning curve of this procedure, the authors strongly recommend this technique as a very good option for the management of stage 3 axillary HS. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Conservative approach to facial upper third feminisation: a retrospective study.

The aim of this study was to assess patient satisfaction and postoperative quality of life following the combined procedure of frontal eminence milling and hairline advancement in the upper third feminisation. This study is based on the assessment of satisfaction data of Transgender adult patients. Postoperative patient quality of life was assessed by the Facial feminisation surgery outcomes evaluation and patient satisfaction was assessed by the Face-Q™. Forty eight patients were included. The age of the patients ranged from 20 to 63 years. According to the Facial feminisation surgery outcomes evaluation, 67.2% of patients were satisfied with the outcomes. 56.3% of the patients found the appearance of their faces "very much" and "completely" feminine. According to the Face-Q™, 79% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the position of their eyebrows post-operatively. 83.4% found their foreheads natural, 81.3% found their foreheads younger and 77.1% were satisfied or very satisfied with the smoothness of their forehead. Within the limitations of the study it seems that a combined procedure of frontal eminence milling and hairline advancement is an adequate treatment option forpatients with typically masculine features of the forehead and moderate to slight frontal eminences.

The Objective Stretch Marks Photonumeric Assessment Scale: A New and Complete Method to Assess Striae Distensae.

BACKGROUND: Striae distensae evaluation criteria have been recently described, but none is focused on objective striae assessment. With the purpose of better and objectively estimating the severity of striae distensae, the Objective Stretch Marks Assessment Scale has been developed by the authors' team. METHODS: Seven hundred White patients were included in the study and assessed. To assess the severity of striae distensae, abdomen, breasts, hips, gluteal area, back area, thighs, calves, and upper limbs photonumeric grading scales were developed. The Rasch model was used as part of the validation process. A score was attributed to each patient, based on the scales we developed. The interrater reliability and test-retest reliability were analyzed. RESULTS: Eight photonumeric scales for striae distensae treatment outcomes assessment were developed. All scales exceeded criteria for acceptability, reliability and validity. The interrater and intrarater reliabilities were good, with a substantial or virtually perfect interrater reliability for the total score (P = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: The authors' results allowed them to validate the Objective Stretch Marks Assessment Scale as a reliable and reproducible tool to assess striae distensae treatment outcomes. This scale could be also considered as an important new metric that can be used in clinical research.

The longevity of the nonsurgical rhinoplasty: A literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Non-surgical rhinoplasty is one of the terms used to describe the technique of injecting fillers into the nasal pyramid region for aesthetic, and sometimes functional, purposes. Although it is now an extremely popular practice, the techniques proposed and the products used are different. This inhomogeneity is also found regarding the treatment longevity. METHOD: A literature review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA). It was realized to collect information on this disputed topic. Pubmed/MEDLINE database was explored. RESULTS: A total of 228 articles were extracted from the basic literature search. 81 of these were excluded based on the content of the title and abstract. All 147 remaining articles were submitted for full-reading. 49 of these were excluded because the injection product used by the authors was not a hyaluronic acid based filler; while 82 of these were excluded because they provided no indication regarding the longevity of the treatment. Of the 16 selected studies, according to six authors, the duration of treatment is therefore between 8 and 12 months. For all the others, instead, the results seem to last longer than this period. The longest time interval was 8 years. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Establishing with certainty the longevity of non-surgical rhinoplasty seemed to be extremely complex. In the light of this discordant data seems to be essential to deepen the argument. A study using imaging techniques and/or standardized photographic material appears essential to further investigate this controversial topic.