Facial reanimation by staged, split masseter muscle transfer.

BACKGROUND: Facial paralysis of the lower face presents severe functional and aesthetic disturbance to patients. The gamut of facial paralysis correction is diverse and must be tailored to the patient. When nerve repair or free functional muscle transfer is unavailable, regional muscle transfer has become a staple in surgical management of facial paralysis. Previous masseter transfers relied on orbicularis oris attachment, which may be atrophic, adhered, or lengthened. Using fascia lata grafts, we describe the senior author's method of staged, split masseter transfer as a reliable method for reanimating the lower third of the face in appropriate candidates. METHODS: The staged, split masseter muscle transfer is a 3-part repair. The first stage places a hemioral fascia lata graft to act as an anchor reinforcement. The second stage transfers the split masseter muscle, suturing to the fascia lata reinforced oral commissure. The third stage, a reefing procedure, is performed 6 to 10 months later under local anesthesia to reinforce attachments. RESULTS: Six patients underwent the staged, split masseter muscle transfer. Mean age was 43 (15-67) years. Mean time to surgery from onset of deficit was 174 months (3 months to 65 years). All patients had significant improvement over preoperative symptoms. Symmetry was restored in repose. On movement, commissure excursion went from 0 to 6.67 mm in the superolateral vector. Of the 6 patients, 5 required an average of 1.5 outpatient revisions to achieve satisfactory results on average of 4.67 (4-127) months after the final stage. CONCLUSIONS: The staged, split masseter transfer is useful for restoring subtle reanimation in patients presenting with facial paralysis. The staged, split masseter transfer provides bulk and restores both static and dynamic function. We present a case series demonstrating excellent long-term functional results.

Inferior turbinoplasty during cosmetic rhinoplasty: techniques and trends.

BACKGROUND: The sheer number of accepted inferior turbinoplasty techniques emphasizes the fact that there is no general agreement on which approach yields optimal results, nor are there data available that describes prevalent techniques in turbinate surgery among plastic surgeons. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify practice patterns among plastic surgeons who perform inferior turbinoplasty during rhinoplasty. METHODS: Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons were invited to participate in an anonymous, Internet-based survey containing questions related to personal preferences and outcomes in inferior turbinate surgery. RESULTS: A total of 534 members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons participated in the survey. Most (71.7%) trained in an independent plastic surgery program with prerequisite training in general surgery. More than half (50.6%) had more than 20 years of operative experience; only 15.2% reported performing greater than 40 rhinoplasties per year. The 5 most preferred inferior turbinate reduction techniques were outfracture of the turbinates (49.1%), partial turbinectomy (33.3%), submucous reduction via electrocautery (25.3%), submucous resection (23.6%), and electrocautery (22.5%). Fewer than 10% of the respondents reported the use of newer techniques such as radiofrequency thermal ablation (5.6%), use of the microdebrider (2.2%), laser cautery (1.1%), or cryosurgery (0.6%). Mucosal crusting and desiccation were the most frequently reported complications. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this survey provide insights into the current preferences in inferior turbinate reduction surgery. Plastic surgeons are performing more conventional methods of turbinate reduction rather than taking advantage of the many of the more novel technology-driven methods.

Septoturbinotomy.

The inferior turbinates are a principal cause of nasal airway obstruction. To some extent, the bony septum (the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid) also, on occasion, contributes to that airflow obstruction. There are many excellent methods to resect or ablate the turbinates, including submucous resection and cauterization. However, some have been associated with bleeding, crusting, and the development of synechiae. In this Featured Operative Technique article, we propose 2 mechanical means to expand the nasal vault: (1) the insertion of a large and long speculum that outfractures the turbinates and also centralizes the bony septum when the handles are compressed and (2) the insertion of a large clamp, which is expanded (in reverse "nutcracker" fashion) to achieve a similar result. Mechanical dilation (expansion) of the nasal vault with the speculum or large clamp substantially improves vault diameter such that further work on the turbinates in the form of turbinectomy is seldom necessary. The nasal vault is not necessarily expanded to the maximal diameter that could be achieved with resection procedures but need not be to achieve satisfactory air flow. Septoturbinotomy is a quick and simple way to deal with inferior turbinate hypertrophy. It is a minimally invasive procedure that improves the airway in virtually all cases, such that turbinectomy is seldom employed. It can be used prophylactically on all rhinoplasty cases requiring lateral osteotomy, which potentially shrinks the nasal vault slightly.

Split, temporalis muscle flap for repair of recalcitrant cerebrospinal fluid leaks of the anterior cranial fossa.

Cerebrospinal fluid repair after dural disruption is critical in preventing morbidity and mortality in trauma and cancer patients. Among reconstructive options, coverage with the temporalis muscle has been a staple in many surgeons' armamentarium. However, the donor-site morbidity has been a major drawback in the use of this technique. Here, we present our method of split, temporalis harvest for anterior cranial base reconstruction, which seeks to regain dural integrity, while maintaining aesthetic and functional elements of the donor site. We present 2 patients, demonstrating the ease of harvest, fulfillment of both cosmetic and reconstructive goals, widespread applicability, and versatility of our split, temporalis muscle flap.

Experiential learning in aesthetic surgery training: a quantitative comparison among surgical subspecialties.

BACKGROUND: The specialty of plastic surgery has evolved to encompass a wide breadth of both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Practitioners in other specialties have increasingly advanced on procedures and areas that have traditionally been served by plastic surgeons. To date, no evaluation and comparison of the operative experience of graduating residents from various specialties has been performed. METHODS: The authors review the case log statistical reports of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. For each specialty, this annual report highlights the average number of cases performed for all graduating residents. The national case log reports were reviewed for dermatology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and plastic surgery. Four procedures (i.e., blepharoplasty, face lift, liposuction, and rhinoplasty) were compared for residents graduating in the 2006 to 2010 academic years. The hypothesis that no difference exists between the average numbers of aesthetic procedures performed by various specialty residency training was tested using a two-sample t statistic. RESULTS: For blepharoplasty, face lift, and liposuction, the higher number of cases performed by graduating plastic surgery residents was statistically significant (p < 0.00001) for all years examined. Although plastic surgery trainees graduating from 2006 to 2010 had a higher number of recorded rhinoplasties, this difference in case logs was statistically significant only for plastic surgery residents graduating in 2008. CONCLUSIONS: The quantitative operative experience of graduating plastic surgery residents for selected aesthetic surgery cases exceeds that of other surgical subspecialties. Given the exposure and strength of plastic surgery training, plastic surgeons should remain at the forefront of aesthetic surgery.

Long-term follow-up of total abdominal wall reconstruction for prune belly syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Prune belly syndrome is a rare, congenital condition that consists of a major deficiency or hypoplasia of the abdominal wall musculature, bilateral cryptorchidism, and genitourinary tract malformations. Reconstruction of the abdominal wall in these patients has presented a challenge to plastic surgeons throughout the years. METHODS: The authors previously described a technique for total abdominal wall reconstruction that permitted simultaneous urinary tract reconstruction and bilateral orchiopexy. This innovative procedure used medial advancement of the fascia in a "double-breasted" fashion with preservation of the umbilicus. The authors reviewed their experience with this particular technique in one of the largest series of patients in the literature and the series with the longest follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty patients underwent total abdominal wall reconstruction with simultaneous urinary tract reconstruction and orchiopexy with a mean follow-up of 20.4 years. There were no major complications noted during this period, and all patients were extremely satisfied with their postoperative result. CONCLUSION: Total abdominal wall reconstruction using the double-breasted technique in patients with prune belly syndrome is a safe and durable procedure that achieves excellent cosmetic results. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

The inverted-v chevron umbilicoplasty for breast reconstruction and abdominoplasty.

The umbilicoplasty is a key component of abdominoplasty and closure of autologous abdominal wall donor sites in breast reconstruction (TRAM/DIEP). The aesthetically-pleasing umbilicus tends to be small and vertically-oriented in nature, with superior hooding and shadow, inferior retraction and slope, and positioning at the topmost level of the iliac crest. In this Featured Operative Technique, the authors describe their technique for performing an inverted-V chevron umbilicoplasty, which is their method of choice for restoring the umbilicus to an aesthetic and youthful appearance with minimal scarring.

Total upper and lower eyelid reconstruction using an expanded forehead flap.

Surgical modalities have been described with varying success for the correction of eyelid defects. The reconstructive surgeon must choose the procedure on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the following criteria: mechanism of injury, comorbidities, and goals of surgery. In this study, we describe a unique case of total upper and lower eyelid reconstruction using an expanded forehead flap technique in an adult patient who underwent left eye enucleation and radiation to the orbit for rhabdomyosarcoma in infancy. After this patient reached adulthood, examination revealed a contracted, anophthalmic left orbit with paper-thin upper and lower eyelids adhering to the concave walls of the orbit. There was absence of significant periorbital soft tissue. The expanded forehead flap procedure achieved our aims of providing not only an aesthetic result, but also adequate soft tissue support for placement of an ocular prosthesis.

Temporalis fascia for lip augmentation.

BACKGROUND: The pervasiveness of the desire for beautiful lips persists today, with women in the United States spending almost 2.9 billion dollars annually on cosmetics and lip products. The lips occupy the central feature of the lower third of the face and are of paramount importance to facial beauty. Various surgical approaches and methods are used in lip augmentation. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 7 patients who underwent temporalis fascia lip augmentation to evaluate the temporalis fascia as a safe and effective means for lip augmentation. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 5 years (range, 4-6 years). All patients who underwent lip augmentation were female. The average age of the patients was 47 years old with a range of 36 to 67 years. All patients were very satisfied with the results of their surgical lip augmentation postoperatively and no patients required any revision operations. CONCLUSION: Temporalis fascia is a safe method of lip augmentation and is durable and long lasting. Lip augmentation with temporalis fascia can easily be performed in conjunction with other procedures.

Surgical reconstruction of nasal sarcoidosis: a case report.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease of unknown etiology that is characterized by noncaseating granulomatous inflammation of various organs. Isolated nasal cutaneous involvement is very uncommon (0.3%-4.0% of the patients reported) and rarely do sarcoid lesions present as severe nasal deformities and surgical treatment is rarely warranted. We present a 52-year-old black female patient who first was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in the early 1980s and had been treated traditionally for over 25 years and has developed a severe nasal deformity in which surgical treatment was warranted. Although severe nasal deformities caused by sarcoidosis are very uncommon, this case demonstrates a simple and straight forward surgical approach to obtain an excellent nasal reconstruction.

Difficulties with subpectoral augmentation mammaplasty and its correction: the role of subglandular site change in revision aesthetic breast surgery.

BACKGROUND: Difficulties that arise with subpectoral breast implant placement include the following: malpositioning of the implant; improper superior contouring; and unnatural movement with chest muscle contraction. Correction of these deformities is easily achieved by removal of the subpectoral implant, resuspension of the pectoralis major muscle to the chest wall, and reaugmentation with a new implant in the subglandular plane. This study defines a correction modality for the adverse results of subpectoral implant placement in augmentation mammaplasty. METHODS: Pectoralis major resuspension was performed in 36 patients undergoing revision aesthetic breast surgery from 1995 to 2006. All patients had previously placed subpectoral breast implants performed elsewhere with unwanted movement, malposition, and/or capsular contracture. All patients underwent explantation of the breast implant, modified capsulectomy, pectoralis major resuspension, and reaugmentation of the breast in the subglandular position. In cases of symmastia, medial capsulodesis and sternal bolster sutures were used. Patients were evaluated for resolution of symptoms, satisfaction, and complications. RESULTS: Malposition (62 percent), capsular contracture (53 percent), and symmastia (10 percent) were the most common indications for revision, but 100 percent of patients were dissatisfied with abnormal breast movement. The average follow-up time was 20 months. The silicone implants were commonly used, with an average volume change decrease of 27 cc. Unwanted implant movement was eliminated completely (100 percent), symmastia was corrected (100 percent), and capsular contraction was significantly decreased in each respective group. Patient satisfaction with this procedure was high, with a low complication rate. CONCLUSIONS: Pectoralis major resuspension can be performed successfully in aesthetic breast surgery. It can be applied safely to correct problems of unwanted implant movement, symmastia implant malposition, and capsular contraction. The use of silicone gel implants in a novel tissue plane may be beneficial in this diverse, reoperative patient population.

Nasopharyngeal encephalocele: report of transcranial and transpalatal repair with a 25-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: : Encephaloceles are an extension or protrusion of any intracranial matter through a cranial bone defect. The sphenoethmoidal encephalocele is often fatal. For those who survive long enough, expeditious repair is critical. We report a case that was repaired successfully via a combined transcranial and transpalatal approach, and because of successful repair, the patient underwent multiple secondary reconstructions resulting in a 25-year follow-up. CLINICAL REPORT: : A 3960-g, term male infant from a normal gestation was delivered via cesarean delivery for breech position. Initial examination revealed a 2 x 3-cm gray intraoral nasopharyngeal mass with smooth mucosal covering extruding through a midline palatal cleft. At 4 weeks of life, extradural and intradural exploration of the encephalocele was performed via a bifrontal craniotomy. At 15 months of age, the patient underwent median cleft lip repair. At 6 years of age, hypertelorism was corrected by wedge resection of the frontal and nasal bones and medial mobilization of the orbits. Follow-up was continued until 25 years of age, which revealed excellent maintenance of correction. CONCLUSION: : Sphenoethmoidal encephalocele is a rare sporadic congenital cranial floor defect associated with typical facial and cerebral anomalies. Encephaloceles extending into the nasopharynx may cause airway obstruction and feeding difficulty and present a potential pathway for central nervous system infection. Repair of the encephalocele should then be performed as soon as possible. Care of patients with nasopharyngeal encephaloceles requires a lifetime of reconstructive surgery. Care of these patients can be rewarding to both families and surgeons.

Enlargement of nasal vault diameter with closed septoturbinotomy.

BACKGROUND: Septal deviation and inferior turbinate hypertrophy are important contributors to nasal airflow obstruction. In recent years, a closed septoturbinotomy, whereby a speculum is inserted into the nose and the blades are spread, has been shown to centralize the bony septum and outfracture the turbinates in most cases. It is a minimally invasive procedure that frequently corrects bony septal deviation and reduces enlarged inferior turbinates. However, the extent of vault enlargement by that method has not been quantified. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate and quantify the extent to which a closed septoturbinotomy enlarges the maximal diameter of the nasal vault. METHODS: Measurements and silicone molds of the nasal vault were obtained before and immediately after performing closed septoturbinotomy in nine human cadavers. Measurements were taken with standardized graduated rubber tubing. Molds were obtained with commercially available sealant. RESULTS: All cadaver noses demonstrated enlargement of maximal internal diameter of the obstructed side on both calibrated tubing and silicone mold measurements (p < 0.05). The mean postosteotomy-to-preosteotomy vault diameter ratio was 1.64 (range, 1.25 to 2.3) for the obstructed side and 1.16 (range, 1.0 to 1.4) for the unobstructed side. This 64 percent increase in radius permits a theoretical 7-fold increase in flow by Poiseuille's law. CONCLUSIONS: Closed septoturbinotomy is a minimally invasive technique that enlarges the nasal vault in the overwhelming majority of cases. A clinical trial with rhinomanometry is needed to verify the extent of functional improvement.

Correction of involutional entropion by horizontal tangential wedge excision of the tarsus.

Involutional entropion, a condition in which the lower eyelid margin is rotated inward, occurs often in elderly people. It can result in corneal and conjunctival irritation by the inverted eyelashes. The pathophysiology has been attributed to multiple factors, including attenuation of the tarsal plate with age, enophthalmus occurring with aging, decreased action of the inferior palpebral muscle, and the overridge of the preseptal orbicularis oculi. Many surgical options have been described for the treatment of involutional entropion. We present an innovative surgical procedure for correction of involutional entropion by a horizontal tangential wedge excision of the tarsal plate.