Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Intra- and Postoperative Bleeding in Eyelid Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Masked, Control Trial.

PURPOSE: Pilot studies suggest that waiting 15 minutes after a subcutaneous tranexamic acid injection is associated with decreased intraoperative bleeding and postoperative ecchymosis in eyelid surgery. The outcomes of commencing eyelid surgery immediately after injection without a waiting period remain unexplored. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, multicenter, double-masked, controlled study examined bilateral symmetric upper and/or lower lid blepharoplasty or ptosis repair. Patients received tranexamic acid in 1 eyelid and control in the contralateral eyelid. The surgeon recorded the side with more intraoperative bleeding. Two masked graders evaluated periocular ecchymosis at postoperative day 0 and postoperative week 1 (POW 1) with a 5-point scale. At POW 1, patients reported subjective grading of bruising as increased on 1 side or similar on both sides. Results were analyzed with Wilcoxon signed-rank and sign tests. RESULTS: Of 130 patients, there was less eyelid ecchymosis on the tranexamic side at postoperative day 0 ( p = 0.001) and POW 1 ( p < 0.001). By surgery type, the 69 levator advancement surgeries had significantly less ecchymosis at postoperative day 0 ( p < 0.001) and POW 1 ( p = 0.001), while upper eyelid blepharoplasty, combined upper and lower lid blepharoplasty, and conjunctivomullerectomy trended toward significance. Of 68 patients reporting a POW 1 grading, 69% reported less bruising on the tranexamic side ( p < 0.001). Intraoperative bleeding was not significantly different between sides ( p = 0.930). CONCLUSIONS: Without a postinjection waiting period, subcutaneous tranexamic acid for eyelid surgery significantly decreased postoperative ecchymosis on postoperative day 0 and POW 1 but did not affect intraoperative bleeding. Subcutaneous tranexamic acid was not associated with any complications.

The Effect of Cold Saline Irrigation of Dissection Planes in Rhinoplasty on Postoperative Edema and Ecchymosis.

BACKGROUND: Periorbital edema and ecchymosis are frequently encountered after rhinoplasty and may be distressing to patients. Cold therapy is frequently employed in rhinoplasty to reduce postoperative edema and ecchymosis. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cold saline irrigation (CSI) of dissection planes in rhinoplasty on postoperative edema and ecchymosis. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: The investigators designed a retrospective cohort study. The data of patients who underwent rhinoplasty in our clinic between January 2021 and January 2023 were scanned. Patients who underwent primary open rhinoplasty from the same surgeon and standard rhinoplasty steps were applied in the same way and order were included in the study. Patients who had systemic diseases and previous nose surgery, and patients whose photographs could not be accessed from the photograph archive were excluded. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: According to whether CSI was applied to the dissection plans during rhinoplasty, the patients were divided into the CSI group and the control group (without CSI). MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLES: Patients' grades of periorbital edema and ecchymosis were the main outcome variables. The differences of outcome variables were compared between the 2 groups. COVARIATES: Demographics (age, sex), and surgical detail (duration of surgery) were collected as covariates. ANALYSES: The numerical variables were compared between the two groups using the student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test, whereas the categorical variables were compared using Pearson's χ2 and Fisher's exact tests. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Among the 167 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 60 patients were randomly selected, 30 patients in each group. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of age (P = .45) and sex (P = .27). The mean ecchymosis grade was statistically significant lower in the CSI group than in the control group for all evaluation times (P < .05). Similarly, the mean edema grade was statistically significant lower in the CSI group than in the control group for all evaluation times, with the exception of the 10th and 15th day (P < .05). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: CSI of the dissection planes in rhinoplasty reduced the development of periorbital edema and ecchymosis. This procedure is straightforward, inexpensive, and effective.

Evaluating the Effect of Tranexamic Acid Local Injection on the Intraoperative Bleeding Amount and the Postoperative Edema and Ecchymosis in Primary Rhinoplasty Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The purpose of this study was assessing the effect of local injection of tranexamic acid (TXA) on the amount of bleeding during the primary rhinoplasty and edema and ecchymosis following the surgery. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 50 patients applying for primary rhinoplasty were divided into two groups of intervention and observation. In the intervention group, 10 mg/kg of TXA was injected locally to the operation field. In the observation group, no medicine was injected. The same anesthesia technique was used during the operation for all the patients. Age, sex, blood pressure, bleeding amount during the operation, the amount of edema and ecchymosis on the first and seventh day after the surgery were noted. The data were analyzed by the SPSS software version 24 and using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage of frequency and Fisher and Mann-Whitney's exact statistical tests. RESULTS: Our results showed that there was a significant difference between the amounts of bleeding during the surgery between two groups (P-value < 0.001). Also, the postoperative edema on the first and seventh day in intervention group was less than the observation group (P-value < 0.001). There were no complications during the surgery and in the follow-up of the patients. CONCLUSION: We revealed that local injection of TXA during the rhinoplasty procedure and decreased the intraoperative bleeding and postoperative ecchymosis and edema without any side effects and complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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 Efficacy of Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4) Wet Dressing in Reducing Eyelid Swelling and Bruising after Blepharoplasty: A Randomized, Controlled, and Observer-Blinded Assessment Study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of wet dressing with 50% magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) solution on decreasing eyelid swelling and bruising after blepharoplasty. Fifty-eight patients (23 male and 35 female) who underwent bilateral blepharoplasty were enrolled in our randomized clinical trial. One side of the periorbital area (upper and lower eyelids) per patient received a wet dressing with 50% MgSO4 solution randomly, and the other side was cooled with an ice pack from the first postoperative day for two consecutive days (30 minutes per time and twice a day). The eyelid edema and ecchymosis were evaluated and classified using respective graded scales. Degrees of eyelid edema were similar after surgery in both groups (p > 0.05) and were significantly decreased with time. Compared with the cooled ones, less swelling was observed in the eyelids treated by MgSO4 wet compress on postoperative day 5 (p < 0.01). Both the incidence and area of ecchymosis were lower in the MgSO4 group than those in the cooling group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Moreover, the majority of patients (39/58, 67.2%) indicated a preference for MgSO4 wet dressing over ice cooling. MgSO4 wet dressing can be conveniently applied to alleviate eyelid swelling and reduce recovery time after blepharoplasty.

The Effect of Topical Tranexamic Acid on Postrhinoplasty Periorbital Ecchymosis and Eyelid Edema.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of topical tranexamic acid application in overcoming periorbital ecchymosis and eyelid edema in patients who have undergone open-technique rhinoplasty. METHODS: Fifty patients were included in the study and divided into two groups: those who had topical tranexamic acid applied and those who did not (controls). In the tranexamic acid group, tranexamic acid-soaked pledgets were placed under the skin flap in a way that both sides could reach the osteotomy area and left for 5 minutes. In the control group, isotonic saline-soaked pledgets were placed under the skin flap in the same manner and left for 5 minutes. Digital photographs were obtained on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7. Eyelid edema and periorbital ecchymosis were scored by two different examiners and averaged for comparison. RESULTS: Edema that developed in the patients who had tranexamic acid applied was significantly less than in the control group on postoperative day 1. There was no difference between the two groups on postoperative day 3 or 7. Ecchymosis that developed in patients who had tranexamic acid applied was significantly less than in the control group on all days. CONCLUSIONS: Topical tranexamic acid applied to the surgical field immediately after osteotomy in rhinoplasty surgery reduces the development of postoperative periorbital ecchymosis. In addition, the topical tranexamic acid application also reduces the development of eyelid edema in the early postoperative period. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

COmpressioN following endovenous TreatmenT of Incompetent varicose veins by sclerotherapy (CONFETTI).

OBJECTIVE: The evidence for post-foam sclerotherapy compression stockings for varicose veins is limited. Thus, we examined the effects of post-procedural compression stockings on varicose vein patients undergoing foam sclerotherapy. METHODS: The CONFETTI study was a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial. Patients with foam sclerotherapy-suitable varicose veins were randomly assigned to the compression group (CG) or the no compression stockings group (NCG) for 7 days. The primary outcome was post-procedural pain measured on a 100-mm visual analog scale for 10 days. Secondary outcomes included clinical severity, generic and disease-specific quality of life scores, return to normal activities and/or work, occlusion rates, degree of ecchymosis, CG compliance, and complications. Patients were reviewed at 2 weeks and 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 139 patients were consented to and randomly assigned. The intention-to-treat analysis included 15 patients who did not receive the allocated intervention. Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. Of the patients, 63.3% and 55.4% returned for follow-up at 2 weeks and 6 months, respectively. Most of the veins treated were tributaries. The CG experienced significantly lower pain scores than the NCG, with median scores of 7 mm and 19 mm, respectively (Mann-Whitney U-test; P = .001). At 2 weeks, no differences were observed in ecchymosis or the time to return to normal activities or work. Both groups showed improvements in clinical severity and quality of life, and occlusion rates were comparable. The NCG experienced one deep venous thrombosis and superficial thrombophlebitis, whereas the CG experienced two superficial thrombophlebitis. CONCLUSIONS: The CONFETTI study suggests that short-term post-procedural compression stockings are beneficial for reducing post-procedure pain.

Tranexamic Acid in Patients Undergoing Rhinoplasty: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular aesthetic plastic surgeries worldwide. The effects of tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients undergoing rhinoplasty are still being studied to guide a better management. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) analyzing the effects of TXA in patients undergoing rhinoplasty. The outcomes evaluated were blood loss, postoperative edema, postoperative ecchymosis, surgery duration and surgeon satisfaction. RESULTS: Eleven studies comprising 841 patients were included. Overall, TXA reduced total blood loss regardless of dose and administration route (MD = - 39.37 mL; 95% CI = - 62.70 to - 16.05 mL; p = 0.0009; I2 = 92%), using intravenous 10 mg/kg of TXA preoperatively (MD = - 16.30 mL; 95% CI = - 29.49 to - 2.57 mL; p = 0.02; I2 = 61%) and using 1 g of oral TXA preoperatively (MD = - 61.70 mL; 95% CI = - 83.02 to - 40.39 mL; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%). TXA also decreased edema (MD = - 0.78; 95% CI = - 1.28 to - 0.27 points; p = 0.003; I2 = 80%) and ecchymosis (MD = - 1.13; 95% CI = - 1.99 to -0.28; p = 0.01; I2 = 93%) on postoperative day one (POD 1). Surgeon satisfaction was increased (SMD = 1.55; 95% CI = 0.33 to 2.77; p = 0.01; I2 = 95%). However, there was no difference in surgery duration (SMD = - 0.26; 95% CI = - 0.56 to 0.04; p = 0.09; I2 = 36%). CONCLUSION: This study found a significant reduction in blood loss, periorbital edema and periorbital ecchymosis, along with an improvement in surgeon satisfaction. These results hold the potential to optimize the rhinoplasty management by plastic surgeons. 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 .

Tranexamic Acid Irrigation in Liposuction: A Double-Blind, Half-Body, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Hematomas are common complications following plastic and esthetic surgeries. Large and complex hematomas might result in prolonged hospitalization, further interventions, additional expenses, and poor esthetic outcome. Tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent, has long been used to reduce blood loss. Its use in the field of plastic surgery has gained popularity recently. Several studies have presented the ability of TXA to reduce blood loss, hematomas, and ecchymoses after liposuctions. However, the proper dose and the route of administration remained controversial. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to quantify the effect of a low dose of TXA in an irrigation method in reducing hematomas and ecchymoses following liposuction. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. Following liposuction, 400 mg of TXA were administered in an irrigation protocol to one side of the body in each patient, while the other side was administered with saline. The patients were photographed on 1, 2, 4, and 11 post-operative days. Ecchymosis and hematoma were measured and rated. RESULTS: No statistical difference was observed between the intervention and control groups in terms of RBC in liposuction area (p = 0.11), RBC in lipoaspirate (p = 0.79), bruising size on days 1, 2, 4, and 11 (p = 0.68, 0.21, 0.42, and 0.75), and average ecchymosis score on the same days (p = 0.34, 0.72, 0.09, and 1) CONCLUSIONS: The use of a low-dose TXA irrigation solution did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in post-operative hematoma formations rates and subsequent ecchymosis size and scale. 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 .

Evaluation of Kinesio Taping for Edema, Ecchymosis, and Pain After Liposuction: A Prospective Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Liposuction is a safe, simple, and effective method of body contouring. Pain, ecchymosis, and edema are often local complications at the removal site, especially in the first weeks after surgery. Several studies have shown that kinesiology (kinesio) taping improves blood and lymphatic flow, removing congestions of lymphatic fluid and alleviating hemorrhage. However, there are limited data on the effect of kinesio taping in mitigating local complications at fat grafting donor sites. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of kinesio taping in reducing postoperative edema, pain, and ecchymosis in the liposuction area. METHODS: Over a period of 18 months (January 2021-June 2022), 52 patients underwent liposuction of both flanks with subsequent breast fat grafting. Immediately after the surgery, kinesio taping was used on the right abdomen flank in all patients. Degree of edema as well as ecchymosis and pain were quantified at 7, 14, and 21 days after surgery. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the taping area for ecchymosis at 7 days after surgery, edema at 14 and 21 days after surgery, and in pain, rated on a visual analog scale, at 7, 14 and 21 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Kinesio taping, as used in this study, is beneficial in the reduction of edema and pain and the resolution of ecchymosis after liposuction.

Comparing the efficacy of different steroids for rhinoplasty: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Rhinoplasty can cause tissue trauma and inflammatory responses. Edema and ecchymosis, especially on the face, accompanied by inflammation are common complications. The anti-inflammatory properties of steroids can reduce postoperative edema and ecchymosis. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to determine the most effective type of steroids for preventing complications related to rhinoplasty. METHODS: The study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The population of comprised patients who underwent rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty. Different types of steroids administrated intravenously during the perioperative period were compared. The primary outcome of postoperative edema and other outcomes were evaluated on postoperative day 1, 3, and 7. Random-effects model was performed. The means and standard deviations were extracted. RESULTS: Eighteen randomized controlled trials were included. The network meta-analysis revealed that dexamethasone and methylprednisolone significantly reduced edema on postoperative day 1 compared with placebo. No significant differences between the effects of any of two types of steroids were noted. CONCLUSION: At least one dose of intravenous steroid intervention is recommended during the perioperative period of rhinoplasty. However, in terms of reducing edema and ecchymosis, no significant differences were noted among dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and betamethasone.

The efficacy of cryotherapy in reducing edema and ecchymosis in patients who underwent rhinoplasty: A narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to showcase current literature on the efficacy of different postoperative and intraoperative cryotherapy techniques in reducing edema, ecchymosis, and pain in patients who have undergone rhinoplasty. BACKGROUND: Rhinoplasty has some unfavorable postoperative temporary side effects, such as edema, ecchymosis, and pain, which hinder the patients' daily activities. Several interventions have been proposed in the literature, including cryotherapy, which refers to cold application to the desired facial area in patients who have undergone rhinoplasty. METHODS: Specific keywords were used, and PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched. Two extensive selection rounds were performed to finally include 27 articles; the first round was based on the title and abstract, while the second was based on the full article. DISCUSSION: The articles were split into postoperative and intraoperative categories based on the time cryotherapy was administered during the surgery. They were then subdivided depending on the specific cryotherapy technique used, and a detailed description of the method of application and improvement in patients' edema, ecchymosis, and pain was noted. Articles that compared different cryotherapy techniques were also compared with articles that discussed previously used techniques. CONCLUSION: Cryotherapy has shown promising outcomes in reducing edema, ecchymosis, and pain after rhinoplasty and bleeding. It is crucial to build further studies upon these outcomes and develop guidelines for surgeons to effectively use these cryotherapy techniques in their practice.

Reducing Postoperative Swelling, Edema, and Ecchymosis after Open Rhinoplasty Using Intranasal Drainage.

Reducing postoperative strain on the patient after rhinoplasty is an important goal for the surgeon. Many strategies are described to reach that goal. One strategy is to remove blood from under the dissected soft tissue envelope by drains, before it can infiltrate the different layers causing ecchymosis, edema, and swelling. In our setting with wide degloving and using drains, we could show a significant reduction in ecchymosis on day 2 and 14 after surgery (p = 0.006 and p = 0.017). We also observed a significant effect for edema and general swelling on day 2 (p = 0.027 and p = 0.004), but this effect did not reach significance for these two parameters on day 14. And although the long-term effect needs to be assessed in the future, we found that using drains in open rhinoplasty with wide degloving is an easily applicable, cheap, and reproducible approach to reduce postoperative ecchymosis, edema, and swelling.

Drainage tube use for the reduction of postoperative ecchymosis in rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative healing after rhinoplasty can have a negative impact on patient quality of life. OBJECTIVES: In our study, we aimed to reduce postoperative edema and ecchymosis by applying a minidrain system. We evaluated this intervention's benefit on postoperative morbidity by observing the patient with left and right sides, intervention side and control side respectively. METHODS: All surgeries were performed using a piezo device with an open technique septorhinoplasty. We only used a left-sided minidrain system through the osteotomy lines just in front of the piriform aperture for all patients with no other intervention on the right side of the same patient. RESULTS: Use of a drain on the left side was associated with a statistically significant decrease in ecchymosis at postoperative day 7 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found that using a minidrain system through internal osteotomy lines was effective in reducing the amount of ecchymosis by day seven after surgery.

Efficacy of Cold Tumescent for Prevention of Intraoperative Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Liposuction: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial-Half-Side Comparison.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding, a common intraoperative complication of liposuction, often causes pain and discomfort during recovery. Because of the vasoconstrictive effect of adrenaline in the tumescent solution, bleeding can be reduced; however, reports of postoperative bleeding persist. Cold temperatures also have a vasoconstrictive effect. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of cold tumescent solution in preventing and reducing intraoperative bleeding. METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted between June 2018 and June 2019. The liposuction areas in each participant were divided into left and right sides; one side received operative room temperature tumescent solution (25 °C), and the other side received low-temperature tumescent solution (4 °C). The areas of ecchymosis, pain scores, and patient and surgeon satisfaction scores were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: Ten patients with 36 pairs of liposuction areas were enrolled in the study. Cold tumescent liposuction resulted in a significantly lower lipocrit than was obtained on the standard tumescent side (1.56 ± 0.69 vs 2.92 ± 0.94; P < .001). The ecchymosis area and pain score were significantly lower in the cold tumescent group on days 2, 4, 7, and 14. The satisfaction evaluation scores did not differ between patients and surgeons at 12 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of cold tumescent anesthesia significantly improved liposuction outcomes by reducing the intraoperative blood loss and the postoperative ecchymosis and pain, with no immediate or short-term complications in low-volume liposuction (<1000 mL) procedures. Furthermore, it generated a standard outcome and good patient satisfaction scores.

The Effect of Mild Hypocapnia on Postoperative Ecchymosis in Rhinoplasty.

PURPOSE: Ecchymosis and edema are the most common complications in patients following rhinoplasty in the early postoperative period. Vasoconstriction created by hypocarbia may have a positive effect on postoperative ecchymosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mild hypocapnia induced in rhinoplasty on the severity of periorbital ecchymosis. METHODS: The study was carried out retrospectively in the digital photographs (control group and study group) of 31 participants who underwent open technical rhinoplasty between January and March 2019. During the operation, partial carbon dioxide pressure in the study group was kept in the range of 32 to 38 mmHg and in the control group between 42 and 46 mmHg and this was confirmed by arterial blood gas measurements taken during the operation. Measuring the brightness and shadows of digital photos Digital color meter was used in MacOS X as a computer software. RESULTS: The mean ratio of periorbital ecchymosis to forehead brightness was 0.84 ± 0.05 in the study group and 0.81 ± 0.03 in the control group. There was no significant difference between the study and control groups (P > .05). CONCLUSION: This study investigates the potential role of hypocapnia on postoperative ecchymosis during rhinoplasty. The severity of ecchymosis was less in the patients with induced mild hypocapnia regarding both subjective and objective evaluations, but this difference didn't reach statistical significance compared to the normocapnic control group.

A Comparison Between Piezosurgery and Conventional Osteotomies in Rhinoplasty on Post-Operative Oedema and Ecchymosis: A Systematic Review.

Piezosurgery use has become increasingly prevalent in osteotomies. Piezoelectric ultrasound waves can cut bone effectively, and some studies have shown reduced post-operative morbidities compared to conventional osteotomies. Oedema and ecchymosis are common complications of rhinoplasty and can impact patient satisfaction, wound healing, and recovery. We aim to provide an up-to-date comparison of post-operative oedema and ecchymosis in piezosurgery and conventional osteotomies. A literature search was conducted using the following online libraries; Pubmed, Cochrane, Science Direct, and ISRCTN (International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number). English publications between 2015 and 2020 were included. A systematic review was completed, and a comparison of oedema and ecchymosis in piezosurgery and conventional osteotomies was examined alongside other outcomes such as pain, mucosal injury, and surgery time. Eight randomised controlled trials (RCTs) met our criteria with a combined total of 440 patients: 191 male and 249 female. Piezosurgery had statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in short-term oedema compared to conventional osteotomies in 75% of the papers included, and in 50% this persisted across the whole follow-up period. Similarly, ecchymosis scoring was initially statistically lower (p < 0.05) in piezosurgery in 87.5% of the RCTs, and in 75% this persisted across the whole follow-up period. A reduction in pain (p < 0.05) and mucosal injury (p < 0.05) was also seen in piezoelectric osteotomies. The length of surgery time varied. Piezoelectric osteotomies reduce oedema and ecchymosis compared to conventional osteotomies, in addition to improving pain and mucosal injury. However, disadvantages such as length of surgery time and cost have been reported. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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 .

A meta-analysis of pre- and postoperative corticosteroids for reducing the complications following facial reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Edema and ecchymosis after facial plastic surgery are a troublesome concern for both patients and surgeons. Corticosteroid administration is thought to shorten the recovery period and reduce these sequelae. Data regarding the efficacy of corticosteroid administration remains controversial among surgeons. OBJECTIVE: We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of pre- and postoperative corticosteroids on postoperative complications in patients undergoing facial reconstructive surgery supported with different subgroup analysis. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of articles was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Central, SCOPUS, and EBSCO through October 2019. We included all clinical trials in which patients underwent any type of facial plastic surgery to study the effect of corticosteroids on postoperative complications. We performed subgroup analysis according to the types and doses of corticosteroid preparation, in addition to a subgroup analysis of pre- or postoperative corticosteroid usage. All statistical analysis was performed using the RevMan software. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included in this systematic review, but only 10 of them were eligible for meta-analysis. The periorbital edema and ecchymosis scores were significantly reduced in the corticosteroids group compared to placebo -0.82, 95% CI (-1.37, -0.26), and -0.95, 95% CI (-1.32, -0.57), respectively. However, these significant differences were not maintained at day 3 and 7. Smaller doses of corticosteroid (8 mg and 10 mg) were associated with smaller differences in the mean score of upper and lower eyelid edema and ecchymosis, while the higher doses were associated with greater differences. Furthermore, preoperative corticosteroid usage significantly reduced the intraoperative bleeding when compared to placebo for higher doses > 50 mg per day (p < 0.0001), but not for 8 mg corticosteroid (p = 0.06). Adding postoperative steroid dose to the preoperative one was associated with less edema and ecchymosis than preoperative administration alone. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive meta-analysis confirms a statistically significant benefit of preoperative corticosteroids. Furthermore, continuing the steroids postoperatively is associated with long-term reduction of complications. Higher doses of corticosteroids are associated with a more significant reduction in edema and ecchymosis, but further studies are recommended to determine the postoperative side effects, including surgical site infection and delayed healing.

Surgical Burr-Assisted Lateral Osteotomy Technique in Septorhinoplasty.

ABSTRACT: Achieving aesthetic and functional results in rhinoplasty requires meticulous techniques, and postoperative edema, ecchymosis, and pain can deteriorate the desired outcomes. Different osteotomy techniques are defined to have optimal outcomes while reducing edema, ecchymosis, and pain. In this study, the authors compared conventional and power-assisted surgical burr osteotomy techniques in terms of early postoperative complications. Patients who underwent primary open septorhinoplasty were included in the study and were divided into 2 groups. The first group had lateral endonasal osteotomy with conventional guided osteotomes, and the second group had lateral osteotomy with surgical round burr. Edema and ecchymosis scoring systems were used on the postoperative first, third, and seventh day to evaluate postoperative edema and ecchymosis, and the visual analog scale was used to evaluate pain severity on the postoperative period. Out of 70 patients who had undergone septorhinoplasty, 36 received conventional osteotomy and 34 received surgical round burr osteotomy. Periorbital ecchymosis scores were significantly lower in the second group on the postoperative first, third, and seventh days. The periorbital edema scores were significantly lower in the second group on the first postoperative day but no difference was found between postoperative days 3 and 7. Also, the pain scores were significantly lower in the second group. Osteotomy with surgical round burr yields less ecchymosis, edema, and pain in the early postoperative period than conventional osteotomy in primary septorhinoplasty patients.

Quantitative Analysis of Tranexamic Acid Effects on Ecchymosis in Rhinoplasty.

Background: Many methods have been described to reduce postoperative ecchymosis in rhinoplasty with tranexamic acid (TXA) remaining controversial. TXA remains a consideration for surgeons, however, may have serious side effects, including seizures, blood clots, and vision changes. Methods: A prospective study of primary rhinoplasty patients was performed from March 2019 to June 2019. TXA was used in 50 patients and postoperative ecchymosis was compared with 50 control patients. Adobe Photoshop was used to quantitate postoperative ecchymosis using multiple objective color scales. Results: One hundred subjects were enrolled in the study. Eighty-four females and 16 males were included. Photographs were taken on postoperative day 7. There were no significant differences among any of the Red, Green, Blue (RGB) and L*a*b* color subgroups with p > 0.05. There were no adverse events with TXA. Conclusions: In this study, TXA did not reduce postoperative ecchymosis in rhinoplasty when used both through intravenous and intraoperative injections.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Evaluating the Impact of Tranexamic Acid Administration in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggests tranexamic acid (TXA) may improve outcomes in aesthetic surgery patients. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of TXA use in aesthetic plastic surgery on bleeding and aesthetic outcomes. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies evaluating TXA use in aesthetic plastic surgery. The primary outcome of interest was perioperative bleeding, reported as total blood loss (TBL), ecchymosis, and hematoma formation. Meta-analyses analyzing TBL and postoperative hematoma were performed. RESULTS: Of 287 identified articles, 14 studies evaluating TXA use in rhinoplasty (6), rhytidectomy (3), liposuction (3), reduction mammaplasty (1), and blepharoplasty (1) were included for analysis. Of 820 total patients, 446 (54.4%) received TXA. Meta-analysis demonstrated TXA is associated with 26.3 mL average blood loss reduction (95% CI, -40.0 to -12.7 mL; P < 0.001) and suggested a trend toward decreased odds of postoperative hematoma with TXA use (odds ratio, 0.280; 95% CI, 0.076-1.029; P = 0.055). Heterogeneity among reporting of other outcomes precluded meta-analysis; however, 5 of 7 studies found significantly decreased postoperative ecchymosis levels within 7 days of surgery, 3 studies found statistically significant reductions in postoperative drain output, and 1 study reported significantly improved surgical site quality for patients who received TXA (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: TXA is associated with decreased blood loss and a trend toward decreased hematoma formation in aesthetic plastic surgery. Its use has the potential to increase patient satisfaction with postoperative recovery and decrease costs associated with complications, including hematoma evacuation.