Skin Perfusion After Hemostatic Net: An Anatomic and Radiologic Study in a Cadaver Model.

BACKGROUND: The hemostatic net is a recent technique initially developed to reduce the occurrence of postoperative hematomas following facelift procedures. Its applications have expanded to include skin redraping, deep plane fixation, and other areas beyond the face. However, no experimental study has investigated its effect on skin blood supply. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze facial skin vascularization after applying a hemostatic net to fresh cadavers. METHODS: Fourteen hemifaces from fresh adult cadavers were examined. The study model involved a deep plane facelift procedure with the use of a hemostatic net. The first step, involving 4 hemifaces, included dissections and two-/three-dimensional angiographies by digital microangiography and computed tomography scan, respectively. The purpose was to evaluate the influence of the hemostatic net on vascular perfusion. The second step involved a sequential dye perfusion study performed on 10 other hemifaces that underwent facelift procedures with the hemostatic net to determine its impact on skin perfusion. RESULTS: The anatomic and radiologic techniques enabled visualization of skin, and showed the arterial system reaching the subdermal vascular plexus and branching between the vascular territories, without interference from the net. The sequential dye perfusion study showed staining after injection in each facelift flap, with comparable coloration distributions before and after the application of the net. CONCLUSIONS: The hemostatic net did not affect the skin blood supply, correlating with no clinical increases in ischemia and necrosis rates in the facelift flap. This study provides additional evidence supporting the safety of the hemostatic net in clinical practice.

Complete Hemifacial Paralysis Post-facelift: Making Sense of a Plastic Surgeon's Worst Nightmare.

BACKGROUND: Postrhytidectomy hemifacial paralysis is a frightening clinical condition affecting the proximal facial nerve and most often associated with Bell's palsy. Associated symptoms are common and include auditory, salivary, vestibular, and gustatory complaints. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to provide increased awareness of postrhytidectomy hemifacial paralysis secondary to Bell's palsy in the plastic surgery community. METHODS: Following a roundtable discussion with the senior author's (J.C.G.) plastic surgery colleagues located all over the world, 8 surgeons reported having had firsthand experience with hemifacial paralysis in patients following facelift. Descriptions of their cases, including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative courses were collected and reported. RESULTS: A total of 10 cases of postrhytidectomy hemifacial paralysis were analyzed based on results of a clinical questionnaire. Eight of the 10 cases involved all facial nerve branches, with 2 cases sparing the marginal mandibular branch. The vast majority of cases were referred to a neurologist and steroids initiated. Two patients were returned to the operating room for exploration. Associated symptoms reported included pain in the ear, hearing loss, ocular symptoms such as tearing or dryness, vestibular symptoms such as vertigo, changes in taste, and in 1 patient an electric-shock type sensation to the face. CONCLUSIONS: Hemifacial paralysis associated with Bell's palsy following rhytidectomy is a rare but known clinical entity that should be included in the preoperative informed consent process before facelift. Current management trends are neurology referral and steroid initiation.

Wound Healing Complications With Tranexamic Acid: Not the Silver Bullet After All.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been popularized as an adjunct to decrease the risk of bleeding and subsequent bruising and edema in aesthetic surgery. The most notable risks of TXA are thrombus and seizures, which are associated with higher plasma concentrations of the acid. In an effort to mitigate these risks, surgeons have begun using TXA locally, either as a topical irrigation or mixed into the local anesthetic. Although local use is thought to be safer from a side-effect standpoint, because there is decreased systemic absorption, its use is not without risk. We present 4 patients who developed wound healing complications thought to be related to locally administered TXA. One patient had TXA delivered topically, and 3 patients had TXA mixed into their local anesthetic. These adverse events have not been published in the literature previously. This case report serves as a warning to other surgeons about using locally administered TXA.

The Short Neck: Challenges and Techniques.

Establishing a pleasant cervical contour in short-neck patients is of one the most difficult challenges for a facial plastic surgeon. Subplatysmal volume reduction, platysma tightening, and skin distribution adequately coupled with the middle third facelift are the pillars of the surgical approach. Additionally, treating the small chin, which is frequently observed in these patients, improves the overall result. In this paper, an objective method to define short-neck patients is offered. The applied surgical anatomy of the neck is revised. Innovative strategies to treat the supra and infrahyoid subplatysmal structures are presented, including the sternohyoid muscles plicature and the use of the interplatysmal/subplatysmal fat flap. A novel chin augmentation technique, using a subperiosteal en bloc fat graft is also introduced. A modified deep plane approach is described, including a continuous suture of the middle third fasciocutaneous flap. A combined lateral platysma tensioning with the sternocleidomastoid rejuvenation is demonstrated. Lastly, the hemostatic net is revisited as a critical approach to resolve the defying skin accommodation.

Liporeduction: A Faster and Safer Breast Remodeling Technique.

BACKGROUND: Breast reduction is a time-consuming procedure with a relatively high complication rate. Furthermore, recurrent breast enlargement can occur in case of postoperative weight gain. The authors describe a breast reduction technique based on liposuction, followed mostly by skin resection alone, which makes this operation easier, faster, and safer, with more stable results. METHODS: Two hundred thirty-three patients were treated by breast liporeduction between 2006 and 2017, with an age range of 18 to 70 years (average age, 42 years). The patients were selected after careful clinical and instrumental assessment among those in whose breasts the fat component was prevalent over the gland. Most of the soft-tissue reduction consisted of fat aspiration. The follow-up ranged from 12 months to 9 years (average, 4.5 years). RESULTS: The results of this study have been extremely satisfactory. Most of the patients healed uneventfully and were happy with the final outcome. Very few complications were encountered, among which were small steatonecroses and partial nipple-areola complex necroses. CONCLUSIONS: For the past 15 years, all four authors have preferred this breast reduction technique over others. Fat only is selectively removed by aspiration with a blunt cannula, sparing the vascular network and easily mobilizing the nipple-areola complex. Liporeduction provides a good stable result because any postoperative weight variation will not change the volume of a breast consisting mainly of glandular and fibrous tissue. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Gliding Brow Lift (GBL): A New Concept.

BACKGROUND: Creating the ideal aesthetic eyebrow shape and position is an important goal in facial rejuvenation. One challenge of an eyebrow lift is to find a predictable procedure that balances the advantages and disadvantages of the available strategies. The gliding brow lifting (GBL) is a technique that provides minimal incisions, an effective and stable eyebrow lift, and offers the advantage of precise reshaping of the eyebrow. METHODS: In a retrospective review, 124 patients, who underwent GBL technique from November 2015 through April 2016, were evaluated. With minimal incisions and tumescent infiltration, the subcutaneous plane of the forehead, eyebrows and temporal face is undermined releasing the skin from the underlying frontalis muscle, orbicularis oculi muscle, corrugator muscle and temporal parietal fascia. Fixation of the repositioned and reshaped eyebrow is achieved with the use of a hemostatic net for temporary cutaneous fixation. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 17 months. Adequate brow repositioning and/or reshaping was achieved in 118 patients. Six patients had bilateral or unilateral recurrence of ptosis. Of these patients with recurrence, four patients had the same procedure re-performed within 1 month postoperatively with successful repositioning and/or reshaping of their brow. There was no incidence of hematoma, seroma, infection, permanent sensory changes, motor dysfunction, skin flap necrosis or alopecia. CONCLUSION: The "gliding brow lifting" (GBL), which combines subcutaneous frontal undermining with minimal incisions, elevation and reshaping of eyebrow and use of a temporary cutaneous fixation with hemostatic net (Net), allows effective, long-lasting results with low rates of complications and satisfactory results. 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.

Management of the Submandibular Gland in Neck Lifts: Indications, Techniques, Pearls, and Pitfalls.

Neck contour deformities are common among patients who present for facial rejuvenation. A thorough physical examination and photographic analysis, including an upward view of the flexed neck, enable the surgeon to determine which structures should be treated. Common causes of neck concerns include hypertrophy of the subplatysmal fat, the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, and/or the submandibular salivary glands. Partial removal of the submandibular salivary glands requires advanced knowledge of subplatysmal anatomy and surgical expertise but can be performed safely and reliably to yield favorable results of neck rejuvenation.

Subplatysmal Necklift: A Retrospective Analysis of 504 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Improvement of neck contour is a primary goal of patients who seek rejuvenation of the face and neck. Subplatysmal structures, including fat, the digastric muscle, and the submandibular salivary glands (SMSGs), may contribute to the appearance of a disproportionately large neck. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and predictability of necklift combined with reshaping and repositioning of the subplatysmal structures. METHODS: The records of 504 patients were reviewed retrospectively. Surgical maneuvers for subplatysmal necklift were described comprehensively and supplemented with videos. The subplatysmal anatomy was detailed by means of 2 cadaver dissections. RESULTS: A total of 430 patients (85.3%) underwent subplatysmal necklift. The most commonly treated structures were fat (423 patients [83.9%]), the SMSGs (307 patients [60.9%]), and the digastric muscle (91 patients [18.1%]). The most common complications were weakness of the lower lip depressor (29 patients [5.7%]), followed by sialoma of the parotid gland (10 patients [2%]). No patients experienced subplatysmal hematoma. CONCLUSIONS: Subplatysmal necklift is a safe, effective, and reliable option for patients who desire improved cervical contour. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Therapeutic.

Hemostatic net in rhytidoplasty: an efficient and safe method for preventing hematoma in 405 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: Hematoma is the most common postoperative complication of rhytidoplasty, resulting in higher morbidity and longer recovery. Quilting suture for closure of the undermined area in abdominoplasty avoids the occurrence of seroma. Based on this principle and with the objective of reducing the number of patients with hematomas in rhytidoplasty, a similar surgical tactic was developed in which a hemostatic net is created with a running transfixing suture of 5-0 nylon encompassing the skin and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system-platysma. METHODS: The study enrolled 525 consecutive patients who underwent rhytidoplasty between July 2009 and February 2013. The first 120 patients (group A) were evaluated retrospectively and considered control subjects. The remaining 405 patients (group B) had application of the described tactic, with data collected prospectively. The occurrence of hematoma, ischemia, and necrosis was observed during the first 72 h after surgery. RESULTS: Control group A included 17 patients with hematoma (14.2 %) during the first 72 h, whereas no patient in group B experienced such a complication (p < 0.001). The surgical tactic did not significantly increase the occurrence of ischemia. This complication was experienced by 11 patients in group A (9.2 %) and 26 patients in group B (6.4 %) (p = 0.408). The tactic also did not change the incidence of necrosis, which was present in three group A patients (2.5 %) and six group B patients (1.5 %) (p = 0.723). CONCLUSION: The hemostatic net is an efficient and safe method for preventing early hematomas in rhytidoplasties. 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 .

Innovative tactic in submandibular salivary gland partial resection.

SUMMARY: Adequate neck contour is one of the goals in facial rejuvenation. In some patients, treating the submandibular salivary gland (SMSG) ensures a satisfying result. Hematoma, sialoma, and paralysis of the depressors of the lower lip may occur when the deep neck is approached. The objective of this work is to present a new tactic to prevent the aforementioned complications. Two hundred forty consecutive neck lift patients with partial resection of the SMSG were studied. The tactic consisted of placing sutures to facilitate the retraction of the platysma muscle and the accompanying marginal mandibular and cervical branches of the facial nerve during the resection of the SMSG. It also included stitches that bring the platysma muscle in contact with the remaining SMSG, sealing the dissected area. The first 25 (control) subjects did not undergo the tactic; the remaining 215 (study group) did. The occurrence of paralysis of the depressors of the lower lip and of hematoma and sialoma originating from the SMSG resection was observed. When comparing the control group with the study group, the rates of hematoma (8% vs 0%) and sialoma (24% vs 0%) were significantly higher in the former. Paralysis of the depressors of the lower lip also had a higher rate in the control group (4% vs 0.9%) although this difference was not statistically significant. The surgical tactic described is efficient in preventing the occurrence of hematoma, sialoma, and paralysis of the depressors of the lower lip in neck lift with partial resection of the SMSG.

Influência do envelhecimento na qualidade da pele de mulheres brancas: o papel do colágeno, da densidade de material elástico e da vascularização / Influence of aging on the skin quality of white-skinned women: the role of collagen, elastic material density, and vascularization

INTRODUÇÃO: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a influência do envelhecimento na qualidade da pele de mulheres brancas, analisando o colágeno, as fibras elásticas e a vascularização. MÉTODO: Foi realizada análise histológica e morfométrica de 218 retalhos pré-auriculares de mulheres brancas, que se submeteram a cirurgia estética facial. Foram utilizados o imunomarcador AntiCD 34, que evidencia os vasos sanguíneos, a coloração de Weigert, para visibilização das fibras elásticas, e a coloração de Picrosirius Ultrared, para analisar e quantificar os colágenos I, III e total. Os dados foram analisados de acordo com a faixa etárias das doadoras: < 40 anos, 40 anos a 49 anos, 50 anos a 59 anos, 60 anos a 69 anos, e > 70 anos. RESULTADOS: Foi observada fragmentação e desorganização das fibras de colágeno, especialmente acima de 60 anos. Não houve diferenças significantes entre a idade e a espessura da derme e da epiderme, porém foi identificada relação com as porcentagens de colágeno I, III e total (P < 0,001). Houve aumento da densidade de fibras elásticas com a progressão da idade (P < 0,001). Comparando-se as peles das pacientes de faixas etárias vizinhas, com diferença de uma década entre elas, não houve diferença significativa na quantidade de material elástico dessas peles; porém, ao se comparar aquelas com diferença de 2 ou mais décadas nas faixas etárias, o aumento foi significante (P < 0,05). A diferença do número de vasos não foi significante (P = 0,112). CONCLUSÕES: O envelhecimento promoveu redução do colágeno, degradação e fragmentação das fibras, e aumento da densidade de material elástico desorganizado, e não influenciou no número de vasos sanguíneos da derme.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the influence of aging on the skin quality of white-skinned women by assessing collagen levels, elastic material density, and vascularization. METHODS: Histological and morphometric analyses were performed on 218 preauricular skin fragments from white-skinned women who underwent facial cosmetic surgery. Anti-CD34 was used to identify the blood vessels, Weigert's staining was used to visualize elastic fibers, and Picro-sirius Ultra Red staining was employed for analyzing and quantifying the expression of type I, III, and total collagen. Data were analyzed according to the following donor age groups: < 40, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and > 70 years. RESULTS: Fragmentation and disorganization of collagen fibers were observed in certain samples, particularly in samples from patients aged > 60 years. Significant differences between age and the thickness of the dermis and epidermis were not detected. However, a relationship was identified between age and the percentages of type I, III, and total collagen, and an increase of elastic fibers density was associated with age progression (P < 0.001). The comparison of the skin of patients with a decade difference in age did not reveal a significant difference in the elastic material quality; however, when the age difference was of 2 decades or more, there was a significant difference in elastic fibers (P < 0.05). The difference in the number of blood vessels between the groups was not significant (P = 0.112). CONCLUSIONS: Aging promoted collagen reduction, fiber degradation and fragmentation, and increased disorganized elastic material density; however, it did not affect the number of dermal blood vessels.

Perfil do cirurgião plástico paranaense / Profile of plastic surgeons in the state of Paraná, Brazil

INTRODUÇÃO: Esta pesquisa tem por objetivo traçar o perfil do cirurgião plástico do estado do Paraná. É um projeto inicial que não tem a pretensão de indicar respostas, mas sim de entender o que pensa, quais os anseios e objetivos na profissão e como atua o profissional dessa especialidade. MÉTODO: Foi idealizada uma pesquisa com 37 perguntas de múltipla escolha, em sua maioria com foco no mercado de trabalho. Ela foi enviada por e-mail aos 263 membros da Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica - Regional Paraná (SBCP-PR), sob forma de um link que dava acesso ao questionário. O link também estava disponível no website da SBCP-PR, com um banner em sua página inicial. O tempo médio para preenchimento do questionário variou de 3 minutos a 5 minutos. RESULTADOS: O índice de resposta foi de 40,5%. A maioria dos entrevistados atua apenas em uma cidade, e mais da metade atende apenas convênios e particulares. Metade dos participantes considera o mercado extremamente competitivo e procura várias alternativas para se manter, entre elas: aumentar parcelamento, baixar preços e atuar em outros locais. Uma parcela significativa acredita ter perdido mais de 30 pacientes por preço no último ano e faz, em média, 10 a 20 cirurgias mensais. A maioria dos participantes não opera com auxiliar cirurgião plástico, pois consideram que aumenta o custo ou que instrumentadoras podem fazer a mesma função. A maioria dos participantes acredita que o número de residentes formados no estado é excessivo. CONCLUSÕES: O cirurgião plástico no Paraná está muito preocupado com o mercado de trabalho e procura alternativas para se manter competitivo.

INTRODUCTION: In the present study, we aimed to outline the overall practice profile of plastic surgeons in the state of Paraná. It represents an initial project that aimed not to provide generalizations but to understand how plastic surgeons think and their professional aspirations, goals, and performance. METHODS: A survey was conducted using a questionnaire consisting of 37 multiple-choice questions, mostly focusing on the current job market for plastic surgeons. The link to the online questionnaire was e-mailed to 263 members of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery-Regional Paraná (SBCP-PR), which was also accessible via the SBCP-PR website, through a banner on its home page. The overall time to complete the questionnaire ranged from 3 to 5 minutes. RESULTS: The response rate was 40.5%. Most interviewees operated only in one city, and more than half provided services only through health-care insurance plans and private practice. Half of the participants considered the market as extremely competitive and searched for several alternatives for self-maintenance, including increasing installment payment terms, lowering prices, and working at other locations. A significant proportion of the respondents believed that they lost more than 30 patients owing to pricing in the previous year and performed 10-20 surgeries per month on average. Most of the surgeons did not operate with an auxiliary plastic surgeon because this would increase their operational cost or because technologists could perform this function. Most participants believe that the number of trained residents in the state of Paraná is excessive. CONCLUSIONS: In Paraná, plastic surgeons are concerned about the job market and therefore search for alternatives to remain competitive.

Influence of aging on the quality of the skin of white women: the role of collagen.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the influence of aging on the quality of the skin of white women, analyzing the dermal collagen. METHODS: Pre-auricular flaps were collected for histological and morphometric analysis of 218 white women who underwent spontaneous facial aesthetic plastic surgery. Picrosirius ultrared stain was used for analysis and quantification of collagen in five age groups (<40 years, 40 to 49 years, 50 to 59 years, 60 to 69 years and 70 to 79 years) . RESULTS: Histological analysis showed changes suggestive of skin aging (fragmentation and disorganization of collagen fibers), especially in patients over 60 years. There were no significant changes in the relationship of age with the thickness of the dermis and epidermis, but there was with the percentage of the collagen I, III and total (p<0.001), which decreased with increasing aging. CONCLUSION: There is reduction in collagen with increasing age, and an increase in its degradation, leading to fragmentation of the fibers.

Influence of aging on the quality of the skin of white women: the role of collagen / Influência do envelhecimento na qualidade da pele de mulheres brancas: o papel do colágeno

PURPOSE: Evaluate the influence of aging on the quality of the skin of white women, analyzing the dermal collagen. METHODS: Pre-auricular flaps were collected for histological and morphometric analysis of 218 white women who underwent spontaneous facial aesthetic plastic surgery. Picrosirius ultrared stain was used for analysis and quantification of collagen in five age groups (<40 years, 40 to 49 years, 50 to 59 years, 60 to 69 years and 70 to 79 years) . RESULTS: Histological analysis showed changes suggestive of skin aging (fragmentation and disorganization of collagen fibers), especially in patients over 60 years. There were no significant changes in the relationship of age with the thickness of the dermis and epidermis, but there was with the percentage of the collagen I, III and total (p<0.001), which decreased with increasing aging. CONCLUSION: There is reduction in collagen with increasing age, and an increase in its degradation, leading to fragmentation of the fibers.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do envelhecimento na qualidade da pele de mulheres brancas analisando o colágeno dérmico. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se análise histológica e morfométrica de 218 retalhos pré-auriculares de mulheres brancas que se submeteram espontaneamente à cirurgia estética facial. Foi usada a coloração de Picrosirius Ultrared para analisar e quantificar os colágenos I, III e total em cinco grupos etários (<40 anos, 40 a 49 anos, 50 a 59 anos, 60 a 69 anos e 70 a 79 anos). RESULTADOS: A análise histológica mostrou alterações sugestivas de envelhecimento cutâneo (fragmentação e desorganização das fibras de colágeno), especialmente em pacientes acima de 60 anos. Não houve diferenças significantes entre a idade e a espessura da derme e da epiderme, mas houve diferenças significantes entre as percentagens de colágeno I, III e total (p<0,001) com o aumento da idade. CONCLUSÃO: Existe redução do colágeno com o aumento da idade e um aumento na sua degradação, levando à fragmentação das fibras.

Rede hemostática: uma alternativa para a prevenção de hematoma em ritidoplastia / Hemostatic net: an alternative for the prevention of hematoma in rhytidoplasty

INTRODUÇÃO: Hematoma é a complicação pós-operatória mais frequente em ritidoplastia. Sua ocorrência aumenta a morbidade e prejudica a recuperação. Pontos de adesão internos para fechamento das áreas descoladas em abdominoplastias evitam o surgimento de seroma. Baseados neste princípio, e com o objetivo de reduzir o número de pacientes com hematomas em ritidoplastia, foi desenvolvida tática cirúrgica análoga em que se confecciona uma rede hemostática de pontos contínuos e transfixantes de náilon 4-0, englobando a pele e o SMAS-platisma. MÉTODO: Foram incluídos no estudo 366 pacientes consecutivos, submetidos a ritidoplastia de pelo menos o terço médio da face, entre julho de 2009 e setembro de 2011. O grupo A, incluindo os primeiros 120 pacientes avaliados retrospectivamente, foi considerado controle. O grupo B foi constituído pelos demais 246 pacientes, operados com a tática cirúrgica proposta e avaliados prospectivamente. Observaram-se as incidências de hematoma, isquemia e necrose nas primeiras 72 horas de pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: No grupo A, 17 (14,2%) pacientes apresentaram hematoma, enquanto no grupo B não houve nenhum caso. A tática cirúrgica não aumentou significativamente a ocorrência de isquemia: 11 (9,2%) pacientes no grupo A e 16 (6,5%) no grupo B tiveram essa complicação (P < 0,3964). Também não houve alteração significativa na incidência de necrose, complicação observada em 3 (2,5%) pacientes do grupo A e em 4 (1,6%) do grupo B (P < 0,4298). CONCLUSÕES: A rede hemostática é método eficaz na prevenção de hematomas precoces em ritidoplastias. Essa tática cirúrgica não levou a aumento significativo da incidência de isquemia e necrose.

BACKGROUND: Hematoma is the most common postoperative complication of rhytidoplasty. Its occurrence increases morbidity and impairs recovery. Internal sutures to close detached areas are used in abdominoplasty to prevent seromas. Taking this into account and in order to reduce the number of patients with hematomas post rhytidoplasty, we have developed a similar surgical procedure in which a hemostatic net is made of continuous nylon 4-0 transfixing stitches to include the skin and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system-platysma. METHODS: A total of 366 patients who underwent rhytidoplasty of at least the middle third of the face between July 2009 and September 2011 were included in the study. Group A was identified as the control group; it included the first 120 patients assessed retrospectively. The remaining 246 patients, who underwent the surgical procedure here proposed and who were evaluated prospectively formed group B. We observed the incidence of hematoma, ischemia, and necrosis in the first 72 postoperative hours. RESULTS: In group A, 17 (14.2%) patients developed hematomas, whereas none occurred in group B. The surgical procedure did not significantly increase the occurrence of ischemia: 11 (9.2%) patients in group A and 16 (6.5%) in group B had this complication (P < 0.3964). There was also no significant increase in the incidence of necrosis, which was observed in 3 (2.5%) patients in group A and 4 (1.6%) in group B (P < 0.4298). CONCLUSIONS: The hemostatic net is an efficient method for the prevention of early hematomas following rhytidoplasty. This surgical procedure did not result in a significant increase in the incidence of ischemia and necrosis.

Breast augmentation and mastopexy using a pectoral muscle loop.

BACKGROUND: Augmentation mastopexy has historically challenged the creativity of plastic surgeons. Recurrent breast ptosis is the main cause for revision after such a primary operation. Avoiding the need for reoperation and achieving long-term projection and upper pole fullness have been the main focus for the work of many authors. In this study, a new approach for a stable and lasting breast shape based on the use of the pectoral muscle was conceived. METHOD: Augmentation mastopexy was performed for patients with breast ptosis grades 2 and 3 according to Regnault's classification. With the proposed surgical technique, a loop of the pectoral muscle was used to keep the implant in a stable position. An inferior chest wall-based flap optimized coverage of the lower pole of the prosthesis. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2009, 22 patients underwent augmentation mastopexy using the described technique. Of these 22 patients, 12 were indicated for grade 2 and 10 for grade 3 ptosis. The mean follow-up period was 11.9 months. A high level of satisfaction was observed. No major complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Augmentation mastopexy using a loop of the pectoral muscle to hold the implant is a new and effective way to obtain long-lasting projection and upper pole fullness.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction: an analysis of 348 cases.

The early experiences using ultrasound-assisted liposuction in treating difficult fibrous cases, such as gynecomastia, have led to the evolution and improvement of ultrasound-assisted liposuction techniques. This prospective study examined 348 consecutive patients treated with ultrasound-assisted liposuction over two and a half years, from October of 1998 to July of 2001. We use a three-stage technique consisting of infiltration, ultrasound-assisted sculpturing, and suction-assisted liposuction. This technique has improved our final outcome, with better skin contraction, shorter operative time, and minimization of complications, resulting in the optimization of liposuction as a safe procedure.