Modified deep-plane facelift and lower midface lifting using deep fat compartment mobilization and zygomaticus major muscle plication.

BACKGROUND: Most facelift techniques greatly improve the lower face; however, techniques for lifting the midface are limited and difficult. Original deep plane face lift is a way to lift the SMAS and skin as a compound unit. Though it minimizes SMAS tear during dissection, damage to the vascular system and incidence of skin necrosis and can be easily used in secondary cases, it does not adequately improve nasolabial fold. We perform a modified and enhanced deep plane facelift to improve the midface. Herein, we explain the effects and procedures of the method. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients (n=632) on whom deep-plane facelift (DPF group, n=299) and modified deep-plane facelift (M-DPF group, n=333) was performed by a single surgeon from January 2014 to January 2017 and February 2017 to December 2020, respectively, at a local clinic. The degree of improvement in wrinkles in the patients' nasolabial fold was assessed using a 5-grade wrinkle severity rating scale (WSRS). RESULTS: Preoperative WSRS was 2.95 ± 0.89 in the DPF group and 2.89 ± 0.92 in the M-DPF group. There was no significant difference in preoperative WSRS between the two groups (p=0.058). Postoperative WSRS was 1.81 ± 0.68 in the DPF group, which was significantly greater than the 1.65 ± 0.66 found in the M-DPF group. CONCLUSIONS: This method developed by us that combines deep-plane facelift with deep fat compartment mobilization and zygomaticus major muscle plication is safe and directly improves the nasolabial fold and promotes a smiling expression for rejuvenation effects.

Post-traumatic Telecanthus Induced by a Missed Diagnosis of Avulsion Fracture of the Medial Canthal Tendon.

Telecanthus is commonly accompanied by severe naso-orbito-ethmoid fractures. If there is only an avulsion fracture of the medial canthal tendon (MCT), the initial diagnosis may be missed, and post-traumatic telecanthus may follow. To avoid misdiagnosis of post-traumatic telecanthus, the following should be considered: avulsion fracture of the MCT should be suspected in the presence of an injury or edema of the medial canthal area; the facial computed tomography images should be carefully analyzed to confirm the presence of bone segment caused by the avulsion fracture of the MCT; physical examinations, such as the bowstring test and bimanual palpation, also provide essential data for early diagnosis. And even if early diagnosis is delayed, post-traumatic telecanthus can be improved through aggressive surgical correction.

Cosmetic Open Rhinoplasty in Acute Nasal Bone Fracture With Pre-Existing Deformity.

The simultaneous reduction of nasal bone fracture and cosmetic rhinoplasty is a challenging procedure, because of fracture severity and skeletal instability. Our aim was to investigate the surgical strategy and outcomes of cosmetic rhinoplasty according to the pre-existing nasal deformity when performing simultaneous reduction of nasal bone fracture and cosmetic rhinoplasty. In total, 71 patients who underwent cosmetic rhinoplasty were included. All patients were categorized according to pre-existing deformity, dorsal hump and irregularities, and deviation of the nose, wide nose, and flat nasal dorsum. The authors performed individual maneuvers to correct each deformity. Autologous tissue was used in all maneuvers for graft. Photoanalysis was performed to measure the deviation, nasal length, radix height, dorsal height, tip projection, nasofrontal angle, and nasolabial angle. Subjective evaluation of the functional and esthetic problems was confirmed through rhinoplasty outcome evaluation. In the analysis of the photographs, most patients presented improved scores ( P <0.05). The scores of satisfaction were significantly higher in the postoperative state ( P <0.05). As a postoperative complication, 2 cases of deviated tip occurred due to septal instability and were successfully revised with septoplasty and columellar strut graft. The authors created a harmonious face by evaluating, categorizing, and treating each deformity of the nose in patients with nasal fractures according to our algorithm.

Effect of acellular dermal matrix thickness and surface area on direct-to-implant breast reconstruction.

Background: The use of an acellular dermal matrix is advantageous for direct-to-implant breast reconstruction after skin-preserving mastectomy, but is associated with postoperative complications, especially increased seroma. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether acellular dermal matrix surface area and thickness are associated with an increased risk of seroma. Methods: This retrospective chart review was based on the medical records of patients who underwent submuscular direct-to-implant breast reconstruction from January 2011 to June 2018 by a single surgeon. The acellular dermal matrices were divided into groups according to surface area and thickness (group I, thin and small; group II, thin and large; group III, thick and small; and group IV, thick and large). The drainage volume and period were analyzed between the groups using an analysis of variance. The factors influencing drainage were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: Of the 219 cases of direct-to-implant breast reconstruction (217 patients), 77, 63, 42, and 37 were in groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. A large acellular dermal matrix resulted in a larger drainage volume, longer drainage period, and more complications. The drainage volume increased as the body mass index (r=0.217; P<0.01), mastectomy volume (r=0.358; P<0.01), and implant volume (r=0.385; P<0.01) increased. There was no difference in drainage volume, drainage period, and complications depending on the thickness and manufacturer of the acellular dermal matrix. Conclusions: In direct-to-implant breast reconstruction, the use of a larger acellular dermal matrix, not a thicker acellular dermal matrix, increases the drainage volume and period, thereby resulting in a greater risk of seroma or infection.

Delayed inflammatory response evoked in nasal alloplastic implants after COVID-19 vaccination: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Delayed inflammatory reactions (DIRs) in alloplast rhinoplasty are a rare complication that may occur several months to years after surgery. The exact causes and mechanisms are unclear, but several triggering factors, including infections, trauma, dental procedures, and vaccination, have been reported. CASE SUMMARY: A 39-year-old male patient who had undergone augmentation rhinoplasty 8 years ago had DIRs after the administration of the first dose of the mRNA Pfizer coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. He suddenly had tender, erythematous swelling on his face 6 d after vaccination. As there was no improvement in the patient's condition after the conservative treatment, surgical removal of an alloplastic nasal implant was performed. Immediately after the surgery, the DIRs and accompanying symptoms ameliorated rapidly. A histological study conducted during surgery was fibrosis and small fragments of the hyaline cartilage. CONCLUSION: The correlation between DIRs and COVID-19 vaccination has not been reported yet and the exact mechanism is unclear. Because the uncontrolled inflammatory reactions on the nose leave serious sequelae, surgeons should be conscious of the correlation between COVID-19 vaccines and DIRs associated with nasal alloplastic implants. And further histological or microbiological studies should be performed to determine the cause of DIRs.

Dll4 Inhibition Promotes Graft Retention in Fat Grafting Enriched with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.

Autologous fat grafting is among the safest and most effective treatments for soft-tissue restoration and augmentation, and many efforts have been made to improve its efficiency, including adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) supplementation. Here, we investigated the role of Notch ligand Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) in angiogenesis within grafted fat and its effect on graft retention, as well as the effect of Dll4 inhibition on ASC supplementation. Using a murine fat graft model, we investigated the expression of Dll4 in fat grafts and assessed the graft volume, vascularity, and perfusion within the graft, and ASC differentiation patterns depending on the blockade of Dll4. The underlying mechanism of Dll4 inhibition on ASC supplemented fat grafts was investigated using transcriptome analysis. Dll4 was highly expressed in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) within grafted fat, where Dll4-blocking antibody treatment-induced angiogenesis, promoting fat graft retention. In addition, its effect on fat graft retention was synergistically improved when ASCs were concomitantly supplemented. The expression of junctional proteins was increased in ECs, and inflammatory processes were downregulated in grafted fat upon ASC supplementation and Dll4 inhibition. Dll4 inhibition induced vascularization within the grafted fat, thereby promoting graft retention and exhibiting synergistic effects with concomitant ASC supplementation. This study serves as a basis for developing new potential therapeutic approaches targeting Dll4 to improve graft retention after cell-assisted transfer.

Analysis of the risk factors influencing complications in surgical treatment of mandibular fractures: A retrospective study.

The study aim was to identify risk factors associated with complications following open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular fractures. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients who were treated for mandibular fractures in a single center between January 2010 and December 2020. Authors classified postoperative complications as overall complications, infections, and reoperations. Factors that may be associated with these complications were grouped as patient, wound, and management variables. Statistical analysis was performed to determine whether these factors influenced complications. Among 175 patients, 125 underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Among patient variables, alcohol consumption was a risk factor for overall complications (p = 0.03) and reoperation (p = 0.02). Among wound variables, the more severe the external wound, the greater the incidence of overall complications (p = 0.001) and infections (p < 0.001). Presence of two or more fracture sites was a risk factor for reoperation (p = 0.038). Among management variables, intraoral and extraoral approaches increased the rates of overall complications, infections, and reoperation. In the multivariate analysis, only intraoral and extraoral approaches were associated with significant risks for overall complications (OR = 5.63, p = 0.017) and infections (OR = 11.53, p = 0.005). Alcohol consumption, external wound severity, multiple fracture site, and incision approach were related to postoperative complications. These findings can help guide surgical decisions and manage patient expectations after surgery.

Multiple Delayed Complications at Different Time Points After AQUAfilling Filler Injection for Facial Rejuvenation.

ABSTRACT: Delayed inflammatory and infectious complications occurred in a 63-year-old woman after receiving AQUAfilling filler injection in the forehead and nasolabial folds. The complications were idiopathic and occurred at different time points at different sites. Her condition improved after the removal of the injected materials and capsule, and administration of intravenous antibiotics. Although injection sites differ, inflammation can occur at any site at different time points. The possibility of inflammation at other injection sites should always be considered during periodic follow-up, even if the filler injection site initially shows no signs of complications.Level of Evidence: Level IV.

The Incidence of Traumatic Optic Neuropathy Associated With Subtypes of Orbital Wall Fracture.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is a rare disease but leaves critical sequelae to patient. Purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of TON in each orbital wall fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 2629 patients with orbital wall fracture was performed in from January 2010 to March 2019, based on diagnostic code, Korean Standard Classification of Diseases, 7th Revision. The orbital wall fractures were divided into 4 subtypes: superior, medial, inferior, and lateral wall. Incidence of TON is analyzed according to subtypes, single and multiple wall fracture. RESULTS: Among 2629 patients with orbital wall fractures, 27 patients were diagnosed with TON with an incidence of 1.02%. In single wall fracture, only lateral wall showed significantly high TON incidence, which only zygomatic fracture was included in single lateral wall fracture. In multiple wall fracture, it was statistically significant in the superior wall. CONCLUSIONS: Fracture on lateral and superior orbital wall showed a tendency to increase the incidence of TON. Based on the above results, radiologic evaluation and physical examination is necessary for patient who has lateral and superior orbital wall fracture.

Analysis of Complication in Mandibular Angle Fracture: Champy Technique Versus Rigid Fixation.

INTRODUCTION: The mandibular angle endures tension and compression during mastication, and proper internal fixation is essential when a fracture occurs. The authors analyzed the complication rate between Champy technique and rigid fixation, used in the treatment of mandibular angle fracture. METHODS: The retrospective study included patients with mandibular angle fracture in single center, from January 2003 to December 2019. The patients were categorized into 2 groups by fixation method of angle fracture: Champy technique which uses single miniplate and rigid fixation which uses multiple miniplate, reconstruction plate, compression plate, lag screw, and wire. Pearson chi-square test was used to analyze the complication rates. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients met inclusion criteria. Thirty-four patients had isolated angle fractures and 30 patients had multiple mandibular fractures. In isolated angle fracture, there were no significant differences in all complications between the Champy technique group and rigid fixation group. In multiple mandibular fractures, there were no significant differences in all complications between 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: For isolated angle fractures, Champy technique is a reliable treatment method. Additionally, in case of multiple mandibular fractures, Champy technique is an effective fixation method in angle fractures when proper rigid fixation is performed for accompanying fractures.

Anti-Adhesive Effect of Porous Polylactide Film in Rats.

Excessive adhesion between tissues on a significant area can cause the development of disorders, cosmetic problems, and ileus. Methods for preventing adhesion include the use of drugs and anti-adhesion barriers for physical blocking. In this study, the adhesion prevention effect of polylactide film in porous form was analyzed. A porous polylactide film was manufactured using a molecular weight of at least 100,000. To generate porosity, 98% methylene chloride and 95% ethyl alcohol were used as solvents. The thickness, surface, and internal pore shape of film were investigated. The crystal structures and melting temperature of film were measured. In the rat model, the presence and severity of adhesion were then analyzed. The thickness of the film ranged from 10 to 20 µm. The surface of the film contained pores with diameters of less than 10 µm. Partial crystallinity appeared from 15° to 20°, but the structure was amorphous overall. In the rat cecum abrasion model, adhesion occurred in 3 of the 13 rats in the polylactide experimental group, representing a 23.1% incidence rate. There were statistically significant differences in the severity of adhesion. The use of porous polylactide films can reduce the incidence of adhesion.

Mealworm Oil (MWO) Enhances Wound Healing Potential through the Activation of Fibroblast and Endothelial Cells.

Mealworm and mealworm oil (MWO) have been reported to affect antioxidant, anti-coagulation, anti-adipogenic and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the function of MWO in wound healing is still unclear. In this study, we found that MWO induced the migration of fibroblast cells and mRNA expressions of wound healing factors such as alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen-1 (COL-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in fibroblast cells. The tube formation and migration of endothelial cells were promoted through the activation of VEGF/VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2)-mediated downstream signals including AKT, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 by MWO-stimulated fibroblasts for angiogenesis. Moreover, we confirmed that MWO promoted skin wound repair by collagen synthesis, re-epithelialization and angiogenesis in an in vivo excisional wound model. These results demonstrate that MWO might have potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of skin wounds.

Progerinin, an optimized progerin-lamin A binding inhibitor, ameliorates premature senescence phenotypes of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome.

Previous work has revealed that progerin-lamin A binding inhibitor (JH4) can ameliorate pathological features of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) such as nuclear deformation, growth suppression in patient's cells, and very short life span in an in vivo mouse model. Despite its favorable effects, JH4 is rapidly eliminated in in vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis. Thus, we improved its property through chemical modification and obtained an optimized drug candidate, Progerinin (SLC-D011). This chemical can extend the life span of LmnaG609G/G609G mouse for about 10 weeks and increase its body weight. Progerinin can also extend the life span of LmnaG609G/+ mouse for about 14 weeks via oral administration, whereas treatment with lonafarnib (farnesyl-transferase inhibitor) can only extend the life span of LmnaG609G/+ mouse for about two weeks. In addition, progerinin can induce histological and physiological improvement in LmnaG609G/+ mouse. These results indicate that progerinin is a strong drug candidate for HGPS.

A Comparative Analysis of Outcomes After Reduction of Zygomatic Fractures Using the Carroll-Girard T-bar Screw.

PURPOSE: Several approaches are available for managing zygomatic fractures; however, each approach has its complications. Use of the Carroll-Girard T-bar screw (CGTS) can reduce complications because it reduces the number of approaches needed for reduction. This study aimed to analyze the efficiency of the CGTS compared with the 3-point approach. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the computed tomography scans of 204 patients who underwent reduction surgery of Knight and North type 3, 4, or 5 zygomatic fractures from March 2009 to August 2017. Facial asymmetry, operative time, and complications were evaluated to compare 2 groups of patients: those who underwent CGTS and those who did not. Bilateral differences in the distance from the reference plane to the malar eminence in 3 dimensions based on computed tomography scans were used to calculate facial asymmetry. RESULTS: Among 204 patients, 91 were treated with CGTS whereas 113 patients underwent a 3-point approach. Bilateral differences in the position of the malar eminence and facial asymmetry were not statistically different in both groups. Operative time was not different in both groups. However, when patients with type 4 fracture were independently compared, the mean operative time was significantly shorter for the CGTS group. Wound dehiscence occurred in 11 patients (9.7%) in the 3-point approach group, compared with none in the CGTS group. None of the patients in the CGTS group complained of postoperative cheek scars over their incision sites. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that CGTS is a useful and feasible instrument that can reduce the number of approaches for zygomatic bone reduction and help clinicians achieve satisfactory outcomes.

Big Data Statistical Analysis of Facial Fractures in Korea.

BACKGROUND: The big data provided by Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) contains data from nearly all Korean populations enrolled in the National Health Insurance Service. We aimed to identify the incidence of facial fractures and its trends in Korea using this big data from HIRA. METHODS: We used the Korean Standard Classification of Disease and Cause of Death 6, 7 for diagnosis codes. A total of 582,318 patients were included in the final analysis. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS software and SPSS software. RESULTS: The incidence of facial fractures consistently declined, from 107,695 cases in 2011 to 87,306 cases in 2016. The incidence of facial fractures was the highest in June 2011 (n = 26,423) and lowest in January 2014 (n = 10,282). Nasal bone fractures were the most common, followed by orbit and frontal sinus fractures. The percentage of nasal bone fractures declined, whereas those of orbital fractures increased from 2011 to 2016 (P < 0.001). Among orbital fractures, inferior wall fractures were the most common, followed by medial wall fractures. Among mandibular fractures, angle fractures were the most common, followed by condylar process and symphysis fractures. Although it was difficult to predict the most common type of zygomatic and maxilla fractures, their incidence consistently declined since 2011. CONCLUSION: We observed trends in facial fractures in Korea using big data including information for nearly all nations in Korea. Therefore, it is possible to predict the incidence of facial fractures. This study is meaningful in that it is the first study that investigated the incidence of facial fractures by specific type.

Factors affecting complications after treatment of epidermal cyst.

Background: Epidermal cysts are the most common benign epithelial tumors in humans. The curative treatment of epidermal cyst is surgical excision. However, only few studies have investigated the cause and mechanism of postoperative complications of epidermal cysts. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the factors affecting complications of epidermal cyst after surgical treatment. Methods: Patients with histologically diagnosed epidermal cysts were selected from among 98 consecutive patients with excised benign cystic tumors from March 2014 to August 2017. Sex, age, size, mobility, site of occurrence, history of infection, history of incision and drainage, complications, history of reoperation, and method of overcoming complications was obtained by analyzing medical records retrospectively. Results: Five of the 98 patients had wound dehiscence due to surgical infection. Three of them underwent wound healing with conservative treatment without a second operation. The other two patients underwent a second operation and showed signs of preoperative infection. None of the factors showed statistical significance in relation to the occurrence of complications. Conclusion: Postoperative complications occurred when the excision of the epidermal cyst was performed at preoperative infection sites or at sites with high tension, so attention should be paid to postoperative care.

Effect of fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser with lidocaine spray on skin flap survival in rats.

BACKGROUND: Lidocaine spray is a local anesthetic that improves random-pattern skin flap survival. The fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser (FxCL) produces vertical microchannels that delivers topically applied drugs to the skin. In this study, we hypothesized that FxCL therapy would enhance the lidocaine effect to improve random-pattern skin flap survival in rats. METHODS: McFarlane random-pattern skin flaps were elevated in 48 rats, which were divided into four groups according to treatment: FxCL+lidocaine, FxCL, lidocaine, and nontreatment (control). On postoperative day 7, necrotic flap areas, the number of capillary vessels, and neutrophil count were evaluated. Anti-rat vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD31 antibody activity were also evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Flap survival rate was 53.41%± 5.43%, 58.16%± 4.80%, 57.08%± 5.91%, and 69.08%±3.20% in the control, lidocaine, FxCL, and FxCL+lidocaine groups, respectively. Mean neutrophil count in the intermediate zone excluding the necrotic tissue was 41.70± 8.40, 35.43± 6.41, 37.23±7.15, and 27.20± 4.24 cells/field in the control, lidocaine, FxCL, and FxCL+lidocaine groups, respectively. Anti-rat VEGF and CD31 antibody activity were the highest in the FxCL+lidocaine group. CONCLUSION: FxCL with lidocaine had a positive effect on random-pattern skin flap survival in rats. Thus, FxCL with lidocaine spray should be considered as a new treatment option to improve flap viability.

Publication rate of presentations at Korean plastic surgery meetings: The R&R Forum, KSAPS, and KSPRS (2011-2015).

BACKGROUND: Since the initial Research and Reconstruction Forum (R&R Forum) in 2011, the R&R Forum, Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (KSAPS), and Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS) have held annual meetings. This study was conducted to provide updated information on the publication rate of presentations at those meetings. METHODS: Plastic surgery-related abstracts presented at the R&R Forum, KSAPS, and KSPRS between 2011 and 2015 were collected. The sessions were divided into free papers, posters, and e-presentations (or e-posters) for each annual meeting. Abstract publication status was confirmed through PubMed, Google Scholar, the KCI-Korean Journal Database, and the KMbase database. RESULTS: In total, 2,335 abstracts were presented in the free paper, poster, and e-presentation sessions. Of these, 622 (26.6%) were published. The overall publication rates were 240 of 684 abstracts (35.1%) presented at the R&R Forum, 56 of 216 abstracts (25.9%) presented at the KSAPS meetings, and 326 of 1,435 abstracts (22.7%) presented at the KSPRS meetings. In terms of specific annual meetings, the 2014 R&R Forum had the highest publication rate (39.9%), followed by the 2015 KSAPS (31.0%) and the 2015 KSPRS (28.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Scientific researchers present diverse results at these professional meetings, with a focus on innovative surgical techniques and improved surgical outcomes. This is our second study on this topic. Despite its limitations, this study indirectly shows that the recognition of Korean plastic surgeons and the quality of the annual meetings of Korean societies of plastic surgery have risen to the global level.