The Patient Journey in Facial Aesthetics: Findings from a European Consensus Meeting on Improving the Quality of Life for Patients Receiving Botulinum Toxin Injections.

Purpose: Successful treatment of facial lines with botulinum toxin is largely dependent on patient satisfaction; thus, a structured treatment journey that uses patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is helpful for maximizing botulinum toxin results. To develop a patient-centric approach for botulinum toxin injections in facial aesthetics, a group of clinicians met to provide opinions on an optimal treatment journey that uses PROs to quantify treatment benefits on patient quality of life. Patients and Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of 9 clinicians with expertise in facial aesthetic procedures convened for an advisory board that was preceded by and followed up with a structured, multistep consensus discussion. Based on current literature, the panel's expertise, structured questions, and group discussion, panelists assessed, reconciled, and agreed upon on a patient journey for botulinum toxin treatment in facial aesthetics. Results: Panelists agreed that an optimal patient journey includes screening, assessment, treatment, posttreatment, and follow-up visits. A compact, easy-to-complete, and digital PRO questionnaire should be provided before the visit. During screening, thorough assessments are integral for a successful patient journey because they provide an opportunity to understand treatment goals, address patient concerns, discuss risks and benefits, obtain medication lists/medical history, and take pretreatment photographs. Treatment strategies should include discussing and educating on the approach/choice of botulinum toxin and ensuring patients are comfortable. Posttreatment, clinicians should request intense muscle movements to enhance product uptake and be available to address patient concerns. Finally, during follow-up, PRO questionnaires can be provided to gauge patient satisfaction with treatment, and pretreatment photographs can be provided to allow patients to track their progression. Follow-ups should be scheduled with new patients or those reporting low satisfaction. Conclusion: Establishing a relationship, being aware of the patient's goals, and developing an individualized care plan allows for a structured, patient-centered treatment journey that promotes positive aesthetic outcomes.

Comparison of the effectiveness and safety of the "endoscope-assisted polypropylene mesh lift" and "gliding brow lift" techniques for the treatment of lateral brow ptosis.

BACKGROUND: There are many techniques used to treat lateral brow ptosis. This study compared two techniques that are used for lateral brow rejuvenation in terms of effectiveness and safety-namely, endoscope-assisted polypropylene mesh lift (EAML) and gliding brow lift (GBL). METHOD: Eighty-six patients who underwent brow lift surgery between March 2018 and June 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Forty-four patients were operated on using the EAML technique, whereas 42 patients were operated on using the GBL technique. The measurement of defined distances in photographs was carried out using a software, and the Brow Positioning Grading Scale (BPGS) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) were applied in the pre and postoperative periods. RESULTS: The measurement results obtained in the postoperative period were better than those obtained in the preoperative period for both the techniques, whereas the results obtained at postoperative month 3 were found to be better than those obtained at month 12 (p < 0.05). The results were similar between the measurements at postoperative months 3 and 12 for both the techniques. The loss of brow height from postoperative months 3-12 was greater in the GBL group (p < 0.05). The postoperative scores on the BPGS were found to be better in both techniques than the preoperative scores (p < 0.05). The GAIS score at postoperative month 12 was found to be better in the EAML group. The two groups had similar rates of complications. CONCLUSION: The two techniques were found to have similar effectiveness and safety profiles for brow rejuvenation.

First Composite Woman-to-Woman Facial Transplantation in Turkey: Challenges and Lessons to Be Learned.

ABSTRACT: After the first face transplantation from woman to woman we performed in our clinic, it was aimed to eliminate the lack of knowledge about the subject in the literature by transferring our experiences and long-term results to the problems we had with the patient. A 20-year-old patient underwent partial osteomyocutaneous facial transplant (22nd facial transplant), which included 2 functional units of the face. The patient had no major problems in the early period and had a good aesthetic appearance. In the postoperative period, the patient ended her social isolation and adopted the transplanted face.In the late period, secondary surgical interventions, management of the problems caused by immunosuppression, and the patient's living in a remote location to our clinic were the difficulties encountered. Six revision surgeries were performed after the transplantation. Due to immunosuppression, opportunistic infections and metabolic problems required intermittent hospitalization. The patient died at the end of 56 months because of complications secondary to immunosuppression.A successful transplant involves the management of long-term problems rather than a successful tissue transfer in the early period. In today's conditions, long-term success can be achieved with a good patient compliance, as well as each team member should take an active role in the team at the transplantation centers. More case series are needed to adapt the standard treatment and follow-up protocols for solid organ transplantations for composite tissue allotransplantations. This will be possible by sharing the results and experiences transparently in the centers where face transplantation is performed worldwide.

Effect of Flap Selection on the Postoperative Success of Sacral Pressure Injuries: A Retrospective Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Pressure injuries (PIs) continue to be a substantial problem and burden for the present-day health care system and are the leading cause of chronic wounds worldwide. There is no current consensus on the long-term results of the use of flaps in sacral PI reconstruction and optimal flap choice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether flap selection influences postoperative results in sacral PI reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery for PIs in the authors' clinic between 2002 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 63 patients with stage 3/stage 4 sacral PIs and who underwent reconstruction with fasciocutaneous (FC) flaps (group 1), musculocutaneous (MC) flaps (group 2), or perforator (P) flaps (group 3) were included in the study. The mean duration of the follow-up period was 14.4 months, and patients were evaluated in terms of their demographic data, length of hospital stay, complications, and recurrence. RESULTS: The mean age, sex distribution, and ambulatory status were similar between the groups. In group 2 (MC), the mean length of hospital stay and mean drain removal time were significantly longer. The mean daily drainage amount was significantly higher in group 2 (MC) than in the other groups, and long-term relapses were less frequently observed in group 3 (P). A significant difference was observed between groups 2 (FC) and 3 (MC) in terms of wound dehiscence. The authors determined that P flaps were associated with a reduced mean length of hospital stay and daily drainage. CONCLUSIONS: For these patients, P flaps appear to be the optimal flap choice for sacral area reconstruction. However, new prospective randomized studies are needed to support these findings.

Arterial Occlusion After Hyaluronic Acid Injection: Treatment With Hyaluronidase and Streptokinase.

ABSTRACT: The most feared complication of the hyaluronic acid injections in the periorbital region is embolism of the central retinal artery. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of hyaluronidase administered intravenously (systemically) alone or in combination with streptokinase with that of intra-arterial revascularization. Thirty rats were divided into 5 groups. The bilateral oblique groin flap of the rats was raised; the right side was the experiment group, and the left side was the sham control. The right superficial epigastric artery was occluded with a hyaluronic acid injection. After occlusion, no additional procedures were performed in group 1, whereas group 2 received systemic hyaluronidase, group 3 received intra-arterial hyaluronidase, group 4 received systemic hyaluronidase and streptokinase, and group 5 received intra-arterial hyaluronidase and streptokinase. On the seventh day, the rats were killed, flap necrosis rate was calculated, and histological examination was performed. There was no significant difference in the necrosis rates of the rats in groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 (P > 0.05). In histological evaluation, the histological view closest to normal arterial structure was observed in group 4. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the ischemia scores of systemic therapy were significantly lower than those of intra-arterial therapy. These results have shown that hyaluronidase and streptokinase administered systemically is as effective as intra-arterial revascularization and does not cause arterial wall degeneration. It has been shown that systemic administration of hyaluronidase and streptokinase is as successful as intra-arterial revascularization in the treatment of arterial embolism with hyaluronic acid.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Reduces Radiation-Induced Periprosthetic Capsular Fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: The capsular contracture is one of the main complications after radiotherapy in patients with implant-based reconstruction. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of ramipril for the prevention of radiation-induced fibrosis around the silicone implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats in 5 groups were used. Group 1: implant; group 2: implant + radiation; group 3: ramipril + implant; group 4: ramipril + implant + radiation; group 5: sham. Ramipril treatment was started 5 d before surgery and continued for 12 wk after surgery. A mini silicone implant was placed in the back of the rats. A single fraction of 21.5 Gy radiation was applied. Tissues were examined histologically and immunohistochemically (TGF-ß1, MMP-2, and TIMP-2 expression). The alteration of plasma TGF-ß1 levels was examined before and after the experiment. RESULTS: After applying implant or implant + radiation, capsular thickness, percentage of fibrotic area, tissue and plasma TGF-ß1 levels significantly increased, and MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio significantly decreased compared with the sham group. In ramipril-treated groups, the decrease in capsular thickness, fibrosis, TGF-ß1 positivity, and an increase in MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio were found significant. In the ramipril + implant + radiation group, the alteration values of TGF-ß1 dramatically decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that ramipril reduces radiation-induced fibrosis and contracture. The results of our study may be important for the design of the clinical trials required to investigate the effective and safe doses of ramipril, which is an inexpensive and easily tolerated drug, on humans.

Free Serratus Fascia Flap for Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defects Involving the Distal Upper and Lower Extremity.

BACKGROUND: Free fascial flaps are widely used for the reconstruction of defects located on the distal extremities as they provide thin yet durable soft tissue coverage. The serratus anterior fascia flap stands out from other fascial flap alternatives as it has optimal anatomical properties that can provide ideal coverage in a wide range of reconstructive challenges. The purpose of this study was to present our experience with the serratus anterior fascia flap in a variety of complex soft tissue defects. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent reconstruction with the free serratus anterior fascia flap for complex soft tissue defects involving the distal extremities. RESULTS: Complex soft tissue defects of 13 patients were reconstructed using the free serratus fascia flap. No major postoperative complications such as flap loss, dehiscence, infection, or hematoma were encountered in any of the patients. All of the patients demonstrated durable and harmonious long-term flap coverage that facilitated movement without any signs of scar contractures and tendon adhesions at the site of reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The serratus anterior fascia flap demonstrates versatility and stability for the closure of complex distal extremity defects. It creates thin yet durable coverage that facilitates underlying tendon gliding while providing harmony with the natural contours of these anatomic areas and has low donor site morbidity, making it a primary choice in the reconstruction complex soft tissue defects involving the hands and feet.

The Effect of Minocycline on Fat Graft Survival and Apoptotic Pathway.

Variable absorption rate is one of the biggest problems of fat grafting and one of the most important causes of fat graft volume loss is apoptosis. Minocycline is a tetracycline derivative and besides its antibacterial capacity, it has been widely using for anti-apoptotic effects. This study was designed to investigate the effect of minocycline on fat graft survival and adipocyte apoptosis. A total of two main and eight subgroups were designed and a total of 48 experimental animals, 6 in each group, were used. Fat grafts are obtained from Wistar albino rats and implanted to dorsal area of rats. Local and systemic minocycline was applied in the study groups. On the 9th day, apoptotic cells were detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling method and on the 90th day morphologic characteristics and viability of adipocytes were evaluated using histologic and immunohistochemical methods and statistically compared. This study revealed that the fat grafts were bigger, and they kept their structures better and they were more vascular in the minocycline groups and apoptosis was significantly lower in the minocycline groups. The authors demonstrated that minocycline increases fat graft survival and statistical improvement in apoptosis inhibition via using minocycline therapy has been shown.

Botulinum Toxin Type A: Assessing The Effects on The Brain Stem.

BACKGROUND: In this study, our aim is to investigate the possible effects of Botulinum toxin type A administrations in the early and late periods on the brain stem. METHODS: Eighteen white New Zealand rabbits were used in this study with the subjects being divided into three groups. Group I received 0.05 mL sterile saline to the left anterior auricular muscles. Group II and III were injected with Botulinum toxin type A (Botox, Allergan) to the left anterior auricular muscles. Group II was sacrificed 5 days after application and Group III was sacrificed 12 weeks after application; brain stem tissues were then taken. The samples were examined with Caspase 3, 8, and 9 immunohistochemical stainings. RESULTS: In the control group with Caspase-3 immune staining, moderate-to-strong immune reactivity was seen in a small number of neurons. In the Caspase-8 and 9 immune stainings, the immune reactive neurons were seen in greater numbers when compared with the Caspase-3 immune reactive neurons. In the early and late period, groups with Caspase-8 and 9 immune stainings, the immune reactive neurons were seen in greater numbers and in the wider area when compared with the Caspase-3 immune reactive neurons. No significant differences were recognized in the Caspase immune stainings between the early and late period groups. The results were statistically supported. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that Botulinum toxin type A application did not trigger apoptosis in stem cell tissues. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: 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 .

An algorithmic approach for the management of hand deformities in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

Treatment of hand deformities in epidermolysis bullosa patients represents a challenging field in hand surgery practice, thus a systematic approach by a team is mandatory for a successful result. A simple and practical algorithm for the surgical treatment of hand deformities in EB was employed by the authors where the deformities of each digit in EB patients was categorized according to pseudosyndactyly and interphalangeal joint contracture severity for guidance during the surgical treatment. The current study retrospectively reviewed the medical records and photographic data of 13 EB patients followed in our department, for whom a systematic approach to the management and treatment was used. Mild cases were treated by surgical release and secondary healing with non-adhesive dressing while moderate cases were treated with autologous dermal grafts harvested with a special technique that were fixed on denuded areas on the proximal interphalageal joints after release. The remaining areas were treated similarly to the mild group. Additional K-wires were applied for two weeks in severe cases. A total of 21 procedures were performed on 13 EB patients with hand deformities according to the proposed treatment strategy. Functional recovery was satisfactory for each patient and the outcomes were dependent upon the severity of deformity. A multidisciplinary and conscious approach followed by an algorithmic surgical treatment protocol described in the study has been beneficial in providing consistent and successful long-term results for these patients.

The effect of skin expansion on acellular dermis in an experimental model.

OBJECTIVE: Although acellular dermis is widely used in prosthesis-based breast reconstruction, there is no study evaluating its expandability and histological, ultra-structural related changes. The purpose of this study is to determine whether acellular dermis could be expanded and whether the histological changes occurring in the skin with tissue expansion is different from normal when acellular dermis is used. METHODS: Twenty-two male Wistar rats were used in this study. In group 1 (n = 6), a rectangular-shaped tissue expander with final volume of 35 ml was placed subcutaneously. In group 2 (n = 6) tissue expander was placed submuscularly. In group 3 (n = 6), a 4 × 5 cm, acellular dermis was inserted and sutured in place, tissue expander was placed underneath acellular dermis. Group 4 (n = 4) was control, no procedure was done after creation of a pocket. After day 30, tissue expanders were inflated with 2 ml every 2 days with saline solution. On day 66, midvertical, midhorizontal surface expansion measurements were recorded. Samples were examined macroscopically. Biopsies were taken from mid-point of the expanded full-thickness flap. Histological evaluation, total skin thickness, epidermal thickness, and the amount of vascularisation were measured. RESULTS: There was no expansion noted on the acellular dermis; however, acellular dermis increased vascularity and decreased the thinning of the overlying skin and thickening of the epidermis when compared to other groups. CONCLUSION: Acellular dermis use can be beneficial in implant-based breast reconstruction in terms of morbidity and its tissue support.

Surgical treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum following deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction.

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by painful cutaneous ulcers. The etiology remains unknown; however, pyoderma gangrenousm can be triggered by surgery. Here we report the case of a 34-year-old Caucasian female that developed pyoderma gangrenosum following deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction. The patient was successfully treated with systemic immunosuppressive therapy and primary closure.

The Effect of Thrombolytic, Anticoagulant, and Vasodilator Agents on the Survival of Random Pattern Skin Flap.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of subcutaneously applied thrombolytic, anticoagulant, and vasodilator agents on the survival of random-pattern skin flap. METHODS: A caudally based dorsal flap model was used in 24 rats in four groups. In group 1 (n = 6), flap was elevated and sutured. In group 2 (n = 6), enoxaparin sodium was injected subcutaneously immediately after surgery, on days 1 and 2. In group 3 (n = 6), a transdermal nitroglycerin was applied directly following surgery, on days 1 and 2. In group 4 (n = 6), alteplase was injected subcutaneously immediately after surgery, on days 1 and 2. Blood flow was measured with laser Doppler flowmetry at the proximal and distal halves of flap before, immediately after surgery, and on days 3 and 7. Histologic samples were taken from the same locations on day 3 and day 7 postoperatively. Vessel and lymphocyte count was obtained. Photographs were taken to determine flap necrosis areas at day 7 postoperatively. RESULTS: Area of skin necrosis was found to be less in all medication groups. But only enoxaparin sodium group showed significant decrease in skin necrosis (p < 0.05). Laser Doppler flowmetry showed a gradual decrease in all groups over time, with no statistically significant result. The histologic findings revealed the induction of angiogenesis in all experimental groups. CONCLUSION: Subcutaneously applied thrombolytic, anticoagulant, and vasodilator agents increase random-pattern skin flap survival with only enoxaparin sodium showing significant decrease in flap necrosis.

The Effect of Subcutaneous Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection on Viability of Auricular Cartilage Grafts.

INTRODUCTION: Although cartilage grafts are frequently used for structural integrity and volume restoration, one of the main concerns dealing with cartilage grafting is gradual volume loss and unpredictable viability rates of cartilage grafts. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a well known platelet concentrate reported to enhance cartilage repair and stimulates chondrocyte proliferation and matrix biosynthesis. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of subcutaneous PRP injection on improving the viability of cartilage grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six circular cartilage grafts were obtained from auricular cartilages of 6 New Zealand white rabbits. Cartilage grafts were prepared in 3 forms: block, crushed, and crushed/wrapped with Surgicel (Surgical, Ethicon, Somerville, NJ). Grafts were placed to 6 dorsal subcutaneous pockets and pockets were closed. Autologous PRP was prepared and injected subcutaneously into the pockets of experiment groups. At the end of 8 weeks, cartilage grafts were removed. Cartilage mass reduction rates were measured. Resorption rates of cartilage grafts and formation of fibroelastic and bone tissue were microscopically evaluated. RESULTS: All of the cartilage grafts lost significant weight. Viability scores of block cartilages were higher than crushed cartilages. Although less weight loss rates and higher histopathologic scores were obtained in subcutaneously PRP injected cartilage graft groups, these results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Although our study gives a new insight about increasing the viability of cartilage grafts, the subcutaneous PRP injection did not result in improving the viability of cartilage grafts in this experimental design.

Giant acquired periungual fibrokeratoma of the thumb: case report and review.

Fibrokeratoma is a benign fibrous tumor which usually arises in fingers and toes. Tumor size is usually small, around 3-5 mm. We report a giant acquired periungual fibrokeratoma of the thumb in this study. The size of the tumor is 40 × 25 × 21 mm(3). Clinical and histopathological characteristics of acquired fibrokeratoma are also reviewed.

The Inhibitory Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Botulinum Toxin Type-A: An Experimental Study in Rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Combination treatments of botulinum toxin type-A and other rejuvenation agents or instruments are gradually becoming more popular. After observing a high incidence of therapy failure following simultaneous applications of botulinum toxin type-A and platelet-rich plasma mesotherapy, we aimed to investigate whether PRP has an inhibitory effect on botulinum toxin type-A. METHODS: Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 4 groups, and the anterior auricular muscle and overlying skin were used for injections. Groups I and II both received onabotulinumtoxinA intramuscular injections. In addition, autologous platelet-rich plasma mesotherapy was performed in Group I while Group II received saline mesotherapy. Group III was designed as the in vitro mixture group in which onabotulinumtoxinA and platelet-rich plasma were mixed and then administered intramuscularly. Group IV received saline within the mixture instead of platelet-rich plasma. The contralateral ears of all the rabbits served as control and were only treated with onabotulinumtoxinA. Visual evaluation of ear positions and electroneuromyographic studies were done prior to all procedures and at day 14. Anterior auricular muscles were harvested at day 14 and were evaluated with quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS: Visual and electroneuromyographic studies revealed less onabotulinumtoxinA activity in Groups I and III. When platelet-rich plasma was administered through skin mesotherapy, onabotulinumtoxinA activity failure was more severe in comparison with direct contact. No significant difference in SNAP-25 mRNA expression through quantitative real-time PCR was observed between groups. CONCLUSION: Although we could not explain the exact mechanism underlying this interaction, platelet-rich plasma applications result in less onabotulinumtoxinA muscle paralysis activity.

Disulfiram Implantation for the Treatment of Alcoholism: Clinical Experiences from the Plastic Surgeon's Point of View.

BACKGROUND: Disulfiram implantation is a widely used treatment alternative for alcohol abuse, yet reports on the surgical aspect of disulfiram implantation with respect to patient and drug-related treatment efficacy and wound complications are very limited. We present our clinical experiences with disulfiram implantation and discuss the surgical outcomes obtained with different anatomical planes for implantation. METHODS: Medical records of all patients referred to our clinic from the psychiatry department between 2007 and 2013 for disulfiram implantation were retrospectively analyzed. Implantation was carried out using 10 sterile Disulfiram tablets (WZF Polfa S.A.), each tablet containing 100 mg of disulfiram. The procedure was carried out by implanting the tablets randomly in either a subcutaneous or an intramuscular plane. The location and the plane of implantation and the complications were recorded for each patient and compared to determine the differences in the outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 32 implantation procedures were evaluated for this study. Twenty-five implants were placed in the intramuscular plane (78.2%), while seven implants were placed subcutaneously (21.8%). Exposure was encountered in three of the seven subcutaneous implants (42.9%), while no exposure was seen with the intramuscular implants. Incomplete absorption of the tablets was encountered in one patient with a previous subcutaneous implant who presented 1 year later for re-implantation as part of the continuation of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: To overcome the issue of treatment continuation in the case of disulfiram therapy, which may be ceased due to frequently encountered wound complications, we believe that implantation in the subscapular intramuscular plane allows both uneventful healing and an out-of-reach implant location.