Evidence-Based Medicine for Lower Facial Rejuvenation.

Lower facial rejuvenation is an expanding area in facial plastic surgery with both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. Evidence-based medicine is essential to providing high-quality care and creating long-lasting results. A systematic approach and understanding of the layers of the aging lower face is important to develop an individualized treatment plan. This review will focus on surgical and nonsurgical treatments for the aging lower face with an emphasis on evidence-based medicine.

Effectiveness of Prophylactic Preoperative Antibiotics in Mandible Fracture Repair: A National Database Study.

OBJECTIVE: This is the first database study to assess the effectiveness of prophylactic preoperative antibiotics (PPAs) in mandible fracture repair. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Database study using US inpatient and outpatient insurance claims submitted from July 2006 to March 2015. METHODS: The IBM MarketScan Commercial Database was queried for adults aged 18 to 64 years who had undergone first-time mandible fracture repair according to Current Procedural Terminology codes for open and closed repair. Primary outcomes included surgical revision, local infection, and osteomyelitis. Rates were compared between cohorts based on whether or not patients had filled antibiotic prescriptions during the preoperative period alone. The effects of drug abuse and type of mandible repair (open vs closed) were explored. Multivariate Poisson regression models were used to calculate adjusted relative risk estimates, and 95% CIs were used to determine statistically significant differences. RESULTS: A total of 2676 patients were included, with 847 (31.7%) filling PPAs and 1829 (68.3%) filling no antibiotics. Rates were 38.9% for revision, 5.8% for local infection, and 2.1% for osteomyelitis. After multivariate analysis, exposure to PPAs was not associated with surgical revision (adjusted relative risk, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.94-1.15), local infection (1.16; 0.82-1.64), or osteomyelitis (1.21; 0.68-2.14). Patients were more likely to fill PPAs if they underwent open repair (35.3%) versus closed (26.6%) (proportion difference, 8.7%; 95% CI, 5.2%-12.2%), but exposure to antibiotics did not predict outcomes on subgroup analysis. CONCLUSION: PPAs do not improve mandible repair outcomes, regardless of repair type.

Perception of upper lip augmentation utilizing simulated photography.

BACKGROUND: No head to head comparison is available between surgical lip lifting and upper lip filler injections to decide which technique yields the best results in patients. Despite the growing popularity of upper lip augmentation, its effect on societal perceptions of attractiveness, successfulness and overall health in woman is unknown. METHODS: Blinded casual observers viewed three versions of independent images of 15 unique patient lower faces for a total of 45 images. Observers rated the attractiveness, perceived success, and perceived overall health for each patient image. Facial perception questions were answered on a visual analog scale from 0 to 100, where higher scores corresponded to more positive responses. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventeen random observers with an average age of 47 years (standard deviation, 15.9) rated the images. The majority of observers were females (n=183, 84%) of white race (n=174, 80%) and had at least some college education (n=202, 93%). The marginal mean score for perceived attractiveness from the natural condition was 1.5 points (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9-2.18) higher than perceived attractiveness from the simulated upper lip filler injection condition, and 2.6 points higher (95% CI, 1.95-3.24) than the simulated upper lip lift condition. There was a moderate to strong correlation between the scores of the same observer. CONCLUSIONS: Simulated upper lip augmentation is amenable to social perception analysis. Scores of the same observer for attractiveness, successfulness, and overall health are strongly correlated. Overall, the natural condition had the highest scores in all categories, followed by simulated upper lip filler, and lastly simulated upper lip lift.

Postoperative Complications of Paramedian Forehead Flap Reconstruction.

IMPORTANCE: Paramedian forehead flaps are commonly used to reconstruct facial defects caused by skin cancers. Data are lacking on the complications from this procedure, postoperative outcomes, and association of cancer diagnosis with rate of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to determine complication rates after paramedian forehead flap reconstruction for defects resulting from resection of facial cancers; and the secondary objective was to determine patient factors and complications that are associated with readmission. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent paramedian forehead flap reconstruction for skin cancer reconstruction from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2013. Data analysis took place between October 1, 2017, and June 1, 2018. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Complication rates including DVT, emergency department visits, and hospital readmissions. RESULTS: A total of 2175 patient were included in this study; mean (SD) age, 70.3 (13.4) years; 1153 (53.5%) were men. Postoperative DVT occurred in 10 or fewer patients (≤0.5%); postoperative bleeding in 30 (1.4%), and postoperative infection in 63 (2.9%). Most patients went home on the day of surgery (89.6%; n = 1949), while 10.4% stayed one or more days in the hospital (n = 226). Overnight admission was associated with tobacco use (odds ratio [OR], 1.65; 95% CI, 1.11-2.44), hypothyroidism (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.10-3.39), hypertension (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.29-2.57), ear cartilage graft (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.51-3.21), and adjacent tissue transfer (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.33-2.67). Risk factors strongly associated with immediate return to the emergency department or readmission within 48 hours of surgery included postoperative bleeding (OR, 13.05; 95% CI, 4.24-40.16), neurologic disorder (OR, 4.11; 95% CI, 1.12-15.09), and alcohol use (OR, 7.70; 95% CI, 1.55-38.21). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this study, the most common complication of paramedian forehead flap reconstruction was infection. Risk factors for readmission included development of postoperative bleeding, having a neurologic disorder, and alcohol use. Deep venous thrombosis was a rare complication. Because bleeding is a more common complication in this patient population, discretion should be used when deciding to administer anticoagulation medication to low- to medium-risk patients prior to surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

Reporting of Cosmesis in Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the method and rate at which cosmesis is reported after reconstruction from head and neck surgery among adults. DATA SOURCES: A medical librarian implemented search strategies in multiple databases for head and neck reconstruction, outcome assessment/patient satisfaction, and cosmesis/appearance. REVIEW METHODS: Inclusion and exclusion criteria were designed to capture studies examining adults undergoing reconstruction after head and neck cancer surgery with assessment of postoperative cosmesis. The primary outcome was the method to assess cosmesis. Secondary outcomes were types of instruments used and the rate at which results were reported. Validated instruments used in these studies were compared and critically assessed. RESULTS: The search identified 4405 abstracts, and 239 studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these, 43% (n = 103) used a scale or questionnaire to quantify the cosmetic outcome: 28% (n = 66), a visual analog, Likert, or other scale; 13% (n = 30), a patient questionnaire; and 3% (n = 7), both. Of the 103 studies that used an instrument, 14% (n = 14, 6% overall) used a validated instrument. The most common validated instrument was the University of Washington Quality of Life (UWQOL) questionnaire (4%, n = 9). The most highly rated instruments were the UWQOL and the Derriford Appearance Scale. CONCLUSIONS: Reporting of cosmetic outcomes after head and neck cancer reconstruction is heterogeneous. Most studies did not report patient feedback, and a minority used a validated instrument to quantify outcomes. To reduce bias, improve reliability, and decrease heterogeneity, we recommend the UWQOL to study cosmetic outcomes after head and neck reconstruction.

A 3-Dimensional-Printed Short-Segment Template Prototype for Mandibular Fracture Repair.

IMPORTANCE: After reduction of complex mandibular fractures, contouring of the fracture plates to fixate the reduced mandibular segments can be time-consuming. OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential application of a 3-dimensional (3-D)-printed short-segment mandibular template in the management of complex mandibular fractures. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A feasibility study was performed at a tertiary academic center using maxillofacial computed tomography data of 3 patients with comminuted mandibular fractures who required preoperative planning with a perfected complete mandible model. INTERVENTIONS: Thresholding, segmentation, and realignment of the fractured mandible were performed based on computed tomography data. Each reduced mandible design was divided to create 3-D templates for 6 fracture sites: right and left angle, body, and symphyseal/parasymphyseal. Sessions were conducted with junior otolaryngology and plastic surgery residents, during which mandibular fracture plates were contoured in a "preoperative" setting against the 3-D-printed short-segment templates, and an "intraoperative" setting against the previously manufactured, complete mandible model. The previously manufactured, complete model served as a surrogate for the intraoperative mandible with the fracture site reduced. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The time for 3-D template printing, the "preoperative" (measure of the time consumed preoperatively), and "intraoperative" (measure of the time saved intraoperatively) times were recorded. Comparisons were made for cost estimates between a complete model and the 3-D-printed short-segment template. The operating room charge equivalent of the intraoperative time was also calculated. RESULTS: Of the 3 patients whose data were used, 1 was a teenager and 2 were young adults. The total time for 3-D modeling and printing per short-segment template was less than 3 hours. The median (range) intraoperative time saved by precontouring the fracture plates was 7 (1-14), 5 (1-30), and 7 (2-15) minutes, and the operating room charge equivalents were $350.35 ($50.05-$700.70), $250 ($50.05-$1501.50), and $350.35 ($100.10-$750.75) for the angle, body, and symphyseal/parasymphyseal segments, respectively. The total cost for a single 3-D-printed template was less than $20, while that for a perfected complete model was approximately $2200. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: We demonstrate that patient- and site-specific 3-D-printed short-segment templates can be created within the timeframe required for mandibular fracture repair. These novel 3-D-printed templates also demonstrate cost efficiency in the preoperative planning for complex mandibular fracture management compared with perfected models and facilitate plate contouring in a similar fashion. Estimation of reduced operative room cost and time with the application of these short-segment templates warrants studies in actual patient care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

Principles of Nasal Reconstruction.

The rise in cutaneous malignancies over the past 20 years has led to significant advances in reconstructing the nose from an aesthetic and functional standpoint. The principles of nasal reconstruction center on application of the nasal subunit principle, three-layered reconstruction, nasal skin characteristics, and patient factors. Reconstructive planning starts with proper defect analysis, followed by application of the reconstructive ladder for soft-tissue repair, adequate structural support, and repair of nasal lining deficits. Optimal reconstructive methods depend on the location and size of the defect. Finally, refinement of the reconstruction is achieved through dermabrasion, scar revision, and flap thinning techniques.

Titanium Mesh Nasal Repair without Nasal Lining.

The objective of this study was to describe outcomes for patients who underwent titanium mesh reconstruction of full-thickness nasal defects without internal lining repair. This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients with through-and-through nasal defects were identified at a single academic institution between 2008 and 2016. Nasal reconstruction was performed with either titanium mesh and external skin reconstruction without repair of the intranasal lining or traditional three-layer closure. Five patients underwent titanium mesh reconstruction and 11 underwent traditional three-layer repair. Median follow-up was 11 months (range, 2-66 months). The only significant difference between groups was older age in patients undergoing titanium reconstruction (mean, 81 vs. 63 years; difference of 18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4-32 years). Defect extent including overall size and structures removed was similar between groups (p > 0.05). Paramedian forehead flap was the most common external reconstruction in both groups (100% for titanium mesh and 73% for three-layer closure). Time under anesthesia was significantly shorter for titanium mesh reconstruction (median, 119 vs. 314 minutes; difference of 195; 95% CI, 45-237). Estimated blood loss and length of hospital stay were similar between groups (p > 0.05). Complication rates were substantial although not significantly different, 40 and 36% in titanium and three-layer reconstruction, respectively (p > 0.05). All patients with complications after titanium reconstruction had prior or postoperative radiotherapy. Titanium mesh reconstruction of through-and-through nasal defects can successfully be performed without reconstruction of the intranasal lining, significantly decreasing operative times. This reconstructive technique may not be suitable for patients who undergo radiotherapy.

Thirty-Day Hospital Revisit Rates and Factors Associated With Revisits in Patients Undergoing Septorhinoplasty.

IMPORTANCE: Estimates of the 30-day hospital revisit rate following septorhinoplasty and the risk factors associated with revisits are unknown in the current literature. Surgical 30-day readmission rates are important to establish, as they are increasingly used as a quality care metric and can incur future financial penalties from third-party payers and government agencies. OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of 30-day hospital revisits following septorhinoplasty and the risk factors associated with revisits. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of 175 842 patients undergoing septorhinoplasty between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2009, using data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project state inpatient database, state ambulatory surgery database, and state emergency department database from California, Florida, and New York. Information on revisits for these patients was collected from the 3 databases between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2012. Data analysis was conducted from September 1, 2014, to May 1, 2015. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Hospital revisits within 30 days after an index septorhinoplasty and the primary diagnosis at the time of the revisit were the main outcome measures. The revisit rate was calculated within subgroups of patients based on different demographic and clinical characteristics. A multivariable model was then used to determine independent risk factors for the occurrence of a hospital revisit within 30 days of the septorhinoplasty procedure. RESULTS: In total, 11 456 of 175 842 patients (6.5%) who underwent septorhinoplasty procedures revisited the hospital within 30 days of the procedure. Most of these revisits (6353 [55.5%]) were to the emergency department. The most common primary diagnosis was bleeding or epistaxis, occurring in 2150 patients (1.2%). Multivariable logistic regression showed that patients aged 41 to 65 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.09; 99% CI, 1.02-1.16) or older than 65 years (aOR, 1.23; 99% CI, 1.06-1.43) had an increased revisit rate, as did black patients (aOR, 1.39; 99% CI, 1.16-1.66); those with Medicare (aOR, 1.55; 99% CI, 1.32-1.81) and Medicaid (aOR, 1.63; 99% CI, 1.33-2.01); those with diagnoses of autoimmune disorders or immunodeficiency (aOR, 2.69; 99% CI, 1.20-6.03), coagulopathy (aOR, 2.06; 99% CI, 1.33-3.20), anxiety (aOR, 1.79; 99% CI, 1.55-2.07), and alcohol use (aOR, 1.70; 99% CI, 1.35-2.14); and those who had a conchal cartilage graft (aOR, 2.01; 99% CI, 1.29-3.14). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The study results suggest that patients with more medical comorbidities and lower socioeconomic status most commonly returned to the emergency department for surgical complications, such as bleeding or epistaxis, in the 30-day period after the procedure. These data provide valuable preoperative counseling information for patients and physicians. In addition, this study provides data to third-party payers or government agencies in which postprocedure readmissions in the 30-day period are used as a quality care metric affecting reimbursements and financial penalties. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty.

The goal of lower eyelid blepharoplasty is to rejuvenate the lower lid while maintaining a natural, unoperated appearance. Successful lower eyelid blepharoplasty depends on knowledge of the anatomy and surgical techniques, accurate preoperative analysis, and attention to detail. Common issues of the lower eyelid such as malar descent, tear trough deformity, pseudoherniated fat, lid laxity, and skin texture changes as well as dermatochalasis and festoons must be recognized. Specific techniques to address these include transcutaneous and transconjunctival approaches, fat excision, fat transposition, orbicularis suspension, lateral canthal tightening, malar suspension, and skin excision/resurfacing.

Revision Rates and Risk Factors of 175 842 Patients Undergoing Septorhinoplasty.

IMPORTANCE: Estimates of the rate of revision septorhinoplasty and the risk factors associated with revision are unknown because the current published literature is limited to small, retrospective, single-surgeon studies with limited follow-up time. OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of revision for septorhinoplasty surgery and to determine the risk factors associated with revision. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective cohort analysis of 175 842 patients undergoing septorhinoplasty between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2009, from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's State Inpatient Databases, State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases, and State Emergency Department Databases from California, Florida, and New York. Revisit information for these patients was then collected from the 3 databases between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2012, with a minimal follow-up time of 3 years; and study analysis done January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2012. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Revision surgery after an index septorhinoplasty was the main outcome measure, and the rate of revision was calculated within subgroups of patients based on different demographic and clinical characteristics. A multivariable model was then used to determine independent risk factors for the performance of revision surgery. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 175 842 participants who underwent septorhinoplasty procedures; mean (SD) age was 41.0 (15.3) years, and 57.0% were male. The overall revision rate for any septorhinoplasty procedure was 3.3% (5775 of 175 842) (99% CI, 3.2%-3.4%). After separating the patients into primary septorhinoplasty and secondary septorhinoplasty groups, the primary group had an overall revision rate of 3.1% (5389 of 172 324), while the secondary group had an overall revision rate of 11.0% (386 of 3518). Patient characteristics associated with an increased rate of revision include younger age (5.9% [633 of 10 727]), female sex (3.8% [2536 of 67 397]), a history of anxiety (3.9% [168 of 4350]) or autoimmune disease (4.4% [57 of 1286]), and surgery for cosmetic (7.9% [340 of 4289]) or congenital nasal deformities (8.9% [208 of 2334]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The study results, derived from a large cohort of patients with long follow-up time, suggest that the rate of revision septorhinoplasty is low, but certain patient characteristics are associated with higher revision rates. These data provide valuable preoperative counseling information for patients and physicians. This study also provides robust data for third-party payers or government agencies in an era in which physician performance metrics require valid risk adjustment before being used for reimbursement and quality initiatives. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Septal Perforation Repair Using Polydioxanone Plates: A 10-Year Comparative Study.

UNLABELLED: Medium to large septal perforations are a challenging problem to the rhinoplasty surgeon. In this study, records and outcomes are reviewed for 25 patients who underwent septal perforation repair over a 10-year period. All patients underwent an open septorhinoplasty approach with use of bilateral opposing mucoperichondrial flaps and a unique intervening graft that included acellular dermis, temporalis fascia alone, or a novel closure technique using temporalis fascia and a polydioxanone plate. The authors identify that for medium to large septal perforations, the use of the polydioxanone plate with temporalis fascia provided the highest rate of closure as a method of scaffolding a fascial graft, and also provided ease of placement between opposing mucoperichondrial flaps. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.