Alar Crease Creation Suture in Nasal Reconstruction.

SUMMARY: The crescentic alar groove serves as a topographic landmark that frames the ala and separates this convex structure from the surrounding cosmetic subunits. This aesthetic landmark can be attenuated or even obliterated during wound repair in this area. Flaps spanning the alar crease are often noticeably bulky with a pin-cushioned appearance in nasal reconstruction, and it is challenging to reproduce a natural-appearing alar groove. The authors proposed a novel technique with a modified, interrupted inverted horizontal mattress suture to create an alar groove. From March of 2016 to May of 2021, 22 consecutive patients with alar defects who underwent nasal reconstruction with the paramedian forehead flap were identified. All patients underwent the authors' novel technique for the creation of the alar groove. The mean follow-up time was 3 years 7 months (range, 14 months to 5 years). A total of 32 alar crease creation suture operations were performed. All uneven wounds healed uneventfully within 2 weeks. Two cases of postoperative fading alar grooves required alar crease creation sutures to be redone. The authors' novel alar crease creation suture is a safe, straightforward, and reliable technique to create an aesthetic alar groove in forehead flap nasal reconstruction. It can create a medially shallow and laterally deep alar crease without apparent complications. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Forehead Flap Reconstruction in Different Nasal Defect: 58 Patients' Psychological Outcomes.

Forehead flap nasal reconstruction is a lengthy process; the final outcome requires multiple stages and several months to achieve. After flap transfer, the pedicle flap has to be kept attached to the face for weeks, which may lead to a variety of psychosocial distress and challenges for patients. From April 2011 to December 2016, 58 patients who underwent forehead flap reconstruction for nasal reconstruction were included. The general satisfaction questionnaire, Derriford Appearance Scale 19, and Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, were utilized to assess the change in psychosocial functioning over 4 time points: preoperative (time 1), 1 week after forehead flap transfer (time 2), 1 week after forehead flap division (time 3), and final outcome after refinement procedures (time 4). The patients were also divided into 3 groups based on the severity of nasal defects: defects involving only a single subunit (n=19), subtotal nasal defects (n=25), and total nasal defects (n=13). Between- and within-group comparisons were conducted. The vast majority of patients had the highest levels of postoperative distress and social avoidance immediately after flap transfer; these levels decreased after flap division and refinement procedures. The psychosocial functioning was more strongly affected by the stage time point than by the severity of the original nasal defects. The forehead flap nasal reconstruction can not only help patients gain a relatively normal nose but also restore their self-esteem and social confidence. The lengthy process is beneficial and worthwhile, even though it involves short-term psychosocial distress.

Machine learning approach for predicting inhalation injury in patients with burns.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease pandemic has had a tangible impact on bronchoscopy for burn inpatients due to isolation and triage measures. We utilised the machine-learning approach to identify risk factors for predicting mild and severe inhalation injury and whether patients with burns experienced inhalation injury. We also examined the ability of two dichotomous models to predict clinical outcomes including mortality, pneumonia, and duration of hospitalisation. METHODS: A retrospective 14-year single-centre dataset of 341 intubated patients with burns with suspected inhalation injury was established. The medical data on day one of admission and bronchoscopy-diagnosed inhalation injury grade were compiled using a gradient boosting-based machine-learning algorithm to create two prediction models: model 1, mild vs. severe inhalation injury; and model 2, no inhalation injury vs. inhalation injury. RESULTS: The area under the curve (AUC) for model 1 was 0·883, indicating excellent discrimination. The AUC for model 2 was 0·862, indicating acceptable discrimination. In model 1, the incidence of pneumonia (P < 0·001) and mortality rate (P < 0·001), but not duration of hospitalisation (P = 0·1052), were significantly higher in patients with severe inhalation injury. In model 2, the incidence of pneumonia (P < 0·001), mortality (P < 0·001), and duration of hospitalisation (P = 0·021) were significantly higher in patients with inhalation injury. CONCLUSIONS: We developed the first machine-learning tool for differentiating between mild and severe inhalation injury, and the absence/presence of inhalation injury in patients with burns, which is helpful when bronchoscopy is not available immediately. The dichotomous classification predicted by both models was associated with the clinical outcomes.

Carbon Dioxide Laser Transconjunctival Lower Blepharoplasty: An Objective and Quantitative Comparison to Monopolar Electrosurgery.

BACKGROUND: The ability to simultaneously cut and perform hemostasis with low lateral thermal injury makes carbon dioxide laser a useful tool in blepharoplasty. Monopolar electrosurgery is another commonly used cutting tool that improves the quality of hemostasis and cutting speed. This study aimed to objectively and quantitatively assess the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty using either a carbon dioxide laser or monopolar electrosurgery. METHODS: Between August of 2018 and March of 2021, 78 patients who underwent transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty were assigned randomly to the carbon dioxide laser group or the monopolar electrosurgery group. Patient-related parameters were recorded. Periorbital bruises were assessed objectively and quantitatively using the ecchymosis evaluation score. Analyses were performed using the independent sample t test, the Mann-Whitney U test, the chi-square test, and the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Sex, age, local anesthesia injection volume, and fat removal volume were not different between the groups. Patients' subjective intraoperative heat sensation was significantly higher in the monopolar electrosurgery group than in the carbon dioxide laser group. The carbon dioxide laser group had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative chemosis than the monopolar electrosurgery group. All patients had uncomplicated wound healing, except three (7.89%) patients in the monopolar electrosurgery group who developed conjunctival granuloma. Operation time, intraoperative pain sensation, intraoperative blood pressure, postoperative ecchymosis, conjunctivitis, and patients' aesthetic satisfaction did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: The authors' findings revealed that carbon dioxide laser is a useful technique for reducing intraoperative heat sensation and postoperative chemosis and may prevent conjunctival wound complications. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Objective Comparison of Eyebrow Position after Internal and External Browpexy.

BACKGROUND: Several brow-lift techniques have been used to prevent brow ptosis after blepharoplasty. For example, both internal and external browpexies have been adopted worldwide. However, few studies have compared these two methods. The authors compared postoperative eyebrow position changes between upper eyelid skin excision, internal browpexy, and external browpexy. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the cases of 87 patients who underwent upper blepharoplasty performed by a single clinician at their institute between April of 2018 and June of 2020. Patients with routine outpatient photographs taken before and after surgery were enrolled in the study. ImageJ was used to measure brow height at eight points in each eye. Brow height changes were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: Routine photographs were available for 68 patients (133 eyes). Thirty-nine patients underwent internal browpexy (78 eyes), nine underwent external browpexy (17 eyes), and 20 underwent upper eyelid skin excisions (38 eyes). Three months after surgery, significant elevation was noted on the lateral side of the brow in the internal browpexy group and across the whole brow in the external browpexy group. In the upper eyelid skin excision group, whole brow ptosis was observed. Brow-lift outcomes were better in the external than in the internal browpexy group, whereas both browpexy groups showed better outcomes than the upper eyelid skin excision group. CONCLUSIONS: Within 3 months of surgery, both internal and external browpexy provided significant brow-lift effects, preventing brow ptosis caused by blepharoplasty with skin excision. External browpexy had better brow-lift outcomes than did internal browpexy. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Simultaneous free flap and forehead flap for nasal reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of total or near-total nasal defects is challenging and requires the re-creation of three nasal layers. Fasciocutaneous free flaps have been used effectively for restoring the vascularized nasal lining and staged forehead flap for nasal skin replacement, which is a long process. The aim of this study is to share our experience of combination of preliminary free tissue transfer with paramedian forehead flap reconstruction in the same stage of complex nasal reconstruction. METHODS: From December 2015 to July 2021, 10 patients underwent nasal reconstruction with free flaps including 4 medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flaps, 5 anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps and 1 radial forearm flap for lining and forehead flaps for skin coverage simultaneously for total or subtotal nasal defects. Nasal obstruction symptoms evaluation (NOSE) score was utilized to evaluate the functional outcome and the aesthetic results were evaluated with the last follow-up photos with score 1-5 by 5 plastic surgeon and 5 laypersons. RESULTS: The size of the free flaps ranged from 3 cm x 6 cm to 6 cm x 13 cm. After excluding one patient who expired before forehead flap division due to comorbidities, the average duration between combination surgery and the division of the forehead flap pedicle of the remaining patients was 5.7 months (range, 2-12). For patients without any postoperative events, the duration was 2.2 months (range, 2-3). One free flap had partial necrosis due to infection. The average follow-up duration was 29.6 months (range, 12-64). The NOSE score was 5.9 (range, 0-10) and the aesthetic score is 4.1 (range, 3-5) in average. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of preliminary free tissue transfer for nasal lining restoration with a paramedian forehead flap for nasal skin replacement in the same stage may shorten the long process and achieve satisfactory reconstruction in complex nasal reconstruction.

Selection of Site for Harvesting Dermal Grafts as a Spacer in the Correction of Eyelid Retraction.

BACKGROUND: Several materials can serve as spacer grafts in the repair of retracted lower eyelids. However, previous studies did not reveal any of these to be superior to the others. From our perspective, autologous dermal grafts are ideal because they are biologically compatible and abundantly available. However, the absorption of these grafts is an issue, and the thickness of the dermal grafts is crucial. We evaluated the dermal thickness at five potential donor sites using ultrasonography and the efficacy and safety of the posterior neck dermis as a spacer graft in the correction of retracted lower eyelids. METHODS: In 20 healthy volunteers, the dermal thickness was assessed using ultrasonography and compared between the posterior neck, upper arm, inguinal area, intergluteal cleft, and gluteal sulcus. Between January 2018 and June 2021, eight retracted lower eyelids in eight patients were repaired using a posterior neck dermal graft. The surgical results of these grafts were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the volunteers was 37.8 years, and the mean body mass index was 24.45 kg/m2. The intergluteal cleft provided the thickest dermis followed by the posterior neck and gluteal sulcus, which were not significantly different. The upper arm and inguinal area had the thinnest dermis without significant differences between them. The mean marginal reflex distance 2/iris ratio decreased by 0.15 (p=0.008). The mean cosmetic score (0-10) for evaluation of lower eyelid reconstruction increased by 3.38 (p=0.011). The mean Vancouver Scar Scale score for evaluation of donor site scarring was 3.21. CONCLUSIONS: Although the posterior neck dermis is the second thickest, it is an ideal spacer graft in the reconstruction of retracted lower eyelids. Adequate thickness, uncomplicated methods, and a closer surgical field are its advantages. Additionally, donor site morbidity is minimal, with acceptable scarring. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A Combination of Three-Step Lower Blepharoplasty to Correct Four Types of Lower Eyelid Deformities in Asian People.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to propose a novel four-type deformity and treatment-oriented classification of the lower eyelids that directs the therapeutic combination of three-step lower blepharoplasty for Asian populations. METHODS: We reviewed 183 patients who underwent a therapeutic combination of three steps of lower blepharoplasty after being diagnosed with four types of lower eyelid deformities between July 2018 and April 2021. The three-step lower blepharoplasty includes: (1) mid-face and lower eyelid augmentation, (2) transconjunctival eye bag removal, and (3) skin pinch removal. Consecutive digital images, detailed fat graft volume, fat removal amount, skin pinch removal amount, complications, and patient's satisfaction and aesthetic improvement score were recorded. RESULTS: The overall patient's satisfy score is 91. Aesthetic improvement score is 80.2 and 83.3 among lay persons and experts, respectively. The volume of the fat graft ranges from 2 to 3 mL per orbit according to the severity of the deformity. The amount of fat removed was 0.53 ± 0.36 and 0.61 ± 0.40 mL per orbit in types II and III patients, respectively. There is no lower lid malposition. Eleven patients had over-correction of fat grafting, and they need steroid injection; 20 patients had under-correction of fat grafting, and they need secondary fat grafting. Ten patients need secondary skin pinch excision due to post-op skin redundancy. Two patients had conjunctiva wound granuloma. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of three-step lower blepharoplasty according to the novel classification is a straightforward and effective method to correct lower eyelid deformities. The complication rate was low with high patient satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A Comparative Study Between Classic Derotation Graft and Novel Double V Cutting Folded Derotation Graft.

BACKGROUND: To introduce an innovative refinement, the "double V cutting folded derotation graft" (DVCFD graft), which is a method for nasal tip lengthening in aesthetic rhinoplasty with strong holding force and efficient cartilage use. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted from January 2018 to July 2019 with 101 patients, including 11 males and 90 females with an average age of 36.87 ± 10.12 years, at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; the patients received classic derotation grafts (n = 49, 17 of them were one layer and 32 of them were two layers) and DVCFD grafts (n = 52) for cosmetic tip plasty. The tip projection, columella labial angle and nasolabial angle were measured through clinical photography at three different times (T0: pre-operation, T1: two weeks post-operation and T2: five months post-operation). The differences between the original derotation graft and the DVCFD graft were identified using paired-t and independent-t tests. RESULTS: The final relapse ratios of the classic derotation graft and DVCFD graft were 36.78% versus 36.92% for tip projection, 40.65% versus 38.58% for columella labial angle and 45.00% versus 47.76% for nasal labial angle, respectively. The P values of the independent-t tests were 0.991, 0.564 and 0.439, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both the classic derotation graft and DVCFD graft possess similar stability in tip plasty. The novel modification of the DVCFD graft has more efficient cartilage usage and is a feasible and safe surgical option for patients with limited harvestable cartilage for tip lengthening. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Paranasal Augmentation With Composite Graft Transfer in Overresection of Alar Base and Nostril Contracture.

BACKGROUND: Many Asian patients desire a narrower nasal base with less flaring of the alar lobules. However, patients who underwent multiple rhinoplasty surgeries with nostril contracture or an overreduction of the alar base may experience nostril contracture and deformity, which may lead to further airway obstruction. We present a technique that combines paranasal augmentation with composite chondrocutaneous graft transfer to overcome this problem. METHODS: Nine patients underwent composite chondrocutaneous graft transfer to the soft triangle or alar base combined with paranasal augmentation using preshaped porous polyethylene implants to correct nostril contracture and airway obstruction between September of 2014 and May of 2018. Preoperative and postoperative alar base distances and cross-sectional areas of the nostrils were measured and compared. RESULTS: The average thickness of paranasal augmentation was 5.5 mm (range, 4.0-7.0 mm). Eighteen composite grafts were located over the soft triangle (n = 3) and the alar base (n = 15). The average number of composite grafts for each person was 2 (range, 1-4). All composite grafts survived totally or partially, and no graft failed. The average follow-up was 10.9 months (range, 3-28 months). The alar base increased 13.9% (range, 2.2%-23.9%), and the nostril area increased an average of 78.1% (range, 4.5%-316.8%) postoperatively. Patients had satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Combining paranasal augmentation and composite graft transfer increased the cross-sectional area of the external valve and improved nostril contracture and airway obstruction after the overresection of the alar base or nose contracture after multiple rhinoplasty surgeries.

The Upper Buccal Musculomucosal Flap for Nasal Lining and Columellar Defect Reconstruction.

ABSTRACT: Restoring the nasal lining is a great challenge in the reconstruction of nasal defects. In this series, the authors present our experience in using the upper buccal musculomucosal (UBMM) flap for the reconstruction of full thickness columellar or nasal lining defects. Ten patients who underwent UBMM flap reconstruction of columellar or nasal lining defects, with or without composite grafting, were identified between December of 2014 and February of 2017. The records were retrospectively reviewed to determine the demographics, nasal deformity etiology, surgical technique, complications, flap survival rate and duration of follow-up. Of these ten patients, three were men, and seven were women; the average age was 48.1 years (range, 34-66 years). Four patients underwent bilateral UBMM flaps, and 6 patients underwent unilateral UBMM flap reconstruction. All of the donor sites were closed without complications, except for one small granuloma that occurred 8 months later. Of the total 14 flaps, 7 healed well, 6 healed well after minimal debridement in the clinic, and one failed and was replaced with a contralateral UBMM flap. The average follow-up time was 20.1 months (range, 8-38 months). All patients had satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes. Due to the limited availability of healthy local tissue for nasal lining reconstruction after multiple surgeries, the UBMM flap serves as an applicable choice to restore columellar or nasal lining defects, with minimal donor site morbidity and no visible external scarring.

Upper Lip Reconstruction With Modification for Creating a Philtrum With Single-Stage Full-Thickness Skin Graft in Burned Face Injury.

BACKGROUND: The philtrum plays an important role in determining the shape and form of the upper lip and creates individual identity. Postburn scar contracture in this area often leads to severe functional and aesthetic disfigurement. In this report, we present a novel method of philtrum reconstruction using full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) after burn injury. METHODS: Between August 2011 and October 2017, 8 patients with postburn philtrum deformity who underwent FTSG for replacement of the whole upper lip unit with a silastic tube for creation of the philtral dimple were included. A review of photographic documentation was used to evaluate the aesthetic results. RESULTS: The size of FTSG ranged from 4 × 9 to 6 × 17 cm. No patient had immediate postoperative complications, such as hematoma, infection, or necrosis. The crests of the ridges preserved their height and length, and the dimple remained visible after an average follow-up of 30.4 months (range, 3-69 months). All patients were satisfied with both functional and aesthetic results. CONCLUSIONS: This technique of single-stage reconstruction of the upper lip and philtrum with FTSG and silastic tube produced favorable results in the formation of the philtral ridges and the dimple. Through thoughtful preoperative design, meticulous scar release, and skin grafting, satisfactory functional and aesthetic results are achievable.

Grazoprevir/elbasvir in peginterferon alfa plus ribavirin experienced patients with chronic genotype 1 HCV/HIV co-infection: a non-randomized, open-label clinical trial.

Background and aims: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of grazoprevir/elbasvir in patients with chronic genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV co-infection who experienced peginterferon alfa plus ribavirin (PegIFN/RBV) (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03098121). Methods: This non-randomized, open-label trial study was conducted in Taoyuan General Hospital. HIV-infected patients were screened for HCV antibody since June 1, 2012, and HCV and HIV co-infected patients were tested for HCV RNA. The subjects who experienced PegIFN/RBV were enrolled in the study, and of whom with chronic genotype 1a or 1b received grazoprevir 100 mg and elbasvir 50 mg in a fixed-dose combination tablet once daily with or without ribavirin for 12 to 16 weeks. Results: Of 2,419 HIV-infected patients, 40 patients with chronic genotype 1 HCV and HIV co-infection who failed PegIFN/RBV treatment were enrolled. Sixteen patients had genotype 1a and 24 patients had genotype 1b, with or without cirrhosis. The median age was 42 (41-47) years, and 5 patients (12.5%) were diagnosed with liver cirrhosis (child Pugh score A). The median CD4 count was 504 cells/µL (321-689). All patients (100%) had HIV viral load <200 copies/mL, and HCV viral load was 6.3 log10 IU/mL (3.98-7.12). At the end of treatment, all patients (100%, 40/40) had undetectable HCV viral load, and 95.0% (38/40) of patients achieved sustained virologic response at 12 weeks. Conclusion: Grazoprevir/elbasvir was effective in genotype 1 patients co-infected with HIV with or without cirrhosis. This finding is consistent with that of previous trials of this regimen in monoinfected population.

Preventing nasal airway collapse with irradiated homologous costal cartilage versus expanded polytetrafluoroethylene: a novel animal model for nasal airway reconstruction.

Airway collapse can occur when the forces of inhalation overpower the strength of the nasal lining flap. The authors established an animal model of the reconstructed nasal airway, and examined mechanical properties of tissue composites based on various materials. Twenty-three Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three experimental groups: control (n = 5), irradiated homologous costal cartilage (IHCC, n = 10), and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE, n = 8). Two dorsal skin flaps represented nasal lining and skin envelope. No framework, an IHCC or ePTFE rim graft was used as framework. At three weeks, changes in the cross-sectional area of the lining flap were measured when negative pressure was applied. En-bloc specimens containing the graft and soft tissue were examined for histological change and tissue ingrowth. Reduction of cross-sectional area with simulated inhalation was 87.74% in the control group, 82.76% (IHCC), and 67.29% (ePTFE). Cross-sectional reduction was significantly less in ePTFE group than control group (p = 0.004) and IHCC group (p = 0.001). The difference was not significant in the control and IHCC groups. There was histologic evidence of tissue ingrowth in the ePTFE group. This novel animal model of nasal airway reconstruction supports the use and potential benefit of using ePTFE for prevention of airway collapse.

Management of Major Burns in 37 Casualties of a Colored Powder Explosion: Experience of the Linkou Burn Center in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: On June 27, 2015, a colored powder explosion occurred in Taiwan. As a result, 499 people were injured, and over 200 people were in critical condition because of severe burns. Forty-nine casualties were transported to the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. METHODS: We undertook a single-center retrospective observational study using clinical data for 37 patients with major burns with more than 20% total burn surface area (TBSA). We describe the experience of managing patients with acute burn injuries in these patients. Patient-specific data were analyzed and expressed as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: Thirty-seven major burn patients were admitted to our hospital. The mean ± SD age was 22.5 ± 5 years. The mean ± SD TBSA was 48.9% ± 20%. All patients were stabilized within 6 hours after admission, and no patient experienced hypothermia or hypovolemia. We performed 95 debridement procedures and 88 skin grafts. A mean of 5.6 surgeries were performed for each patient. The mean ± SD hospital stay was 62 ± 32 days. The ratio for hospital days/%TBSA was 1.36, and hospital charges/hospital days ratio was US $973 a day for surviving patients. Two mortalities (2/37, 5.4%) were reported: one was related to cardiac insult, and another was caused by sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: We share our experience in managing 37 major burn patients in a colored powder explosion to improve the holistic care in modern mass burn casualties. Aggressive early debridement and skin grafting reduced hospital stay and costs.

The Influence of Paranasal Augmentation on the Measurement of the Nose for the Treatment of Midfacial Concavity.

BACKGROUND: A concave midface with its associated deep nasolabial folds is more aesthetically displeasing than a convex midface. Midfacial concavity may be addressed with autologous tissue and implants. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of paranasal augmentation on photogrammetric parameters. METHODS: Between July 2013 and August 2016, 12 patients underwent paranasal augmentation to address midface concavity. Augmentation was performed with autologous rib cartilage, autologous mandibular bone, or preshaped porous polyethylene (PPE). All operations were performed through the upper gingivobuccal approach. Twelve patients who underwent malar reduction using the same approach acted as a control group to account for the influence of the approach on soft tissue change. Preoperative and postoperative measurements were made photogrammetrically. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 12.8 months (range, 5-30 months) for both groups. The mean thickness of augmentation grafts was 5.18 mm (range, 3-7 mm). Alar width and alar base width increased 4.84% (P = 0.01) and 7.66% (P = 0.01), respectively. The nasolabial angle increased from 97.2°to 103.6° and the columellar inclination increased from 116.0° to 119.1° but neither were statistically significant. Photogrammetric parameters did not change significantly in the control group. Partial wound dehiscence occurred in one case. There was greater postoperative increase in alar width (P = 0.020), alar base width (P = 0.024), and nasolabial angle (P = 0.033) in the experimental group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Paranasal augmentation using PPE or autologous material generates measurable soft tissue changes designed to enhance paranasal aesthetics.

Nose resurfacing with free fasciocutaneous flaps in burns patients.

BACKGROUND: Nasal reconstruction after burn injury can be challenging due to limited availability of local flaps. We present our experience of free flap reconstruction for full-thickness nasal defect after severe facial burn injury. METHODS: Between August 1998 and September 2015, six patients underwent nasal reconstruction with seven free flaps after burn injury. Among them, flame burn occurred in two patients, chemical burn in two, explosive burn in one, and contact thermal burn in one patient. The percentage of total body surface area ranged from 4% to 48%, and the face and forehead were involved in all patients. Their clinical and photographic records were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the aesthetic results. RESULTS: Four ulnar forearm flaps, one radial forearm flap, one anterolateral thigh flap, and one medial sural artery perforator flap were used for nasal reconstruction. The nasal framework was constructed simultaneously using costal cartilage or conchal cartilage. The facial artery and vein were typically used as recipient vessels. One case each of partial necrosis and infection were noted during the average follow-up of 59 months (range, 16-126 months). Patients had satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes after 4.5 times (range, 2-7 times) refinement operation. CONCLUSIONS: Free flap is an applicable alternative to restore nasal skin envelope, with rebuilding the nasal framework performed in the same stage after severe facial burn injury. Through thoughtful planning and sufficient refinement, satisfactory aesthetic, and functional results are achievable.

Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Reconstruction in Postburn Axillary Contractures.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of postburn axillary contractures is difficult and particularly challenging without healthy adjacent soft tissue for axillary scar resurfacing. In this case, a free soft-tissue transfer is among the best treatment options. Here, we describe our experience with free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap for reconstruction in postburn axillary contractures. METHODS: We enrolled 10 patients with postburn axillary contractures from August 2003 to July 2015. They all underwent wide scar contracture release through a transverse incision from the anterior axillary fold to the posterior axillary fold. The ALT flap was subfascially raised. The huge soft tissue defect after scar release was resurfaced with the ALT flap. RESULTS: Eight male patients and 2 female patients (age, 16-64 years; mean, 46 years) were included. The mean total burn surface area, follow-up time, duration between injury onset and free-flap transfer surgery, and flap size were 48%, 27 months, 7.7 months, and 12 × 23 cm, respectively. The most common recipient vessels were the thoracodorsal artery and vein (77%). The mean improvement in the range of motion of shoulder abduction was 86 degrees (range, 60-130 degrees). The mean operative time was 7 hours. All flaps survived without reexploration or failure. All but 1 donor site was managed by split-thickness skin grafting. No infection, hematoma, or deaths were noted postoperatively. Transient brachial palsy was noted in a 16-year-old male patient postoperatively, with full recovery 3 months after. CONCLUSIONS: For postburn axillary contractures without healthy adjacent soft tissue for scar resurfacing, ALT flap reconstruction represents a suitable treatment option. It allows simultaneous surgery on both the donor and recipient sites, without the need to change the patient's position. Furthermore, the ALT flap provides sufficient soft tissue and blood flow for reconstruction, leading to satisfactory functional outcomes.

Comparison of Steroid and Botulinum Toxin Type A Monotherapy with Combination Therapy for Treating Human Hypertrophic Scars in an Animal Model.

BACKGROUND: The authors evaluated the efficacy of a combined regimen of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) and a steroid (triamcinolone acetonide) for treating hypertrophic scars in comparison with the treatment with each drug alone. METHODS: Twenty excised human hypertrophic scar fragments obtained from surgically treated burn patients were divided into four groups: negative control (group A), triamcinolone alone (group B), Botox alone (group C), and a combination of triamcinolone and Botox (group D). These specimens were implanted into the backs of nude mice after intralesional injection from each group and were observed for 4 weeks. In total, 12 mice and 48 scars were studied. After 4 weeks, the hypertrophic scars were removed from the backs. The authors compared the scar weights, decorin staining, and the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay to evaluate treatment efficacy. RESULTS: Significant differences in scar weight reduction were observed among the four groups (group A, 10 percent; group B, 17 percent; group C, 23 percent; and group D, 30 percent; p < 0.05). Treatment groups (groups B, C, and D) showed strong decorin staining. Significant differences in reduction of fibroblast proliferation were observed among the four groups (group A, 0.58; group B, 0.44; group C, 0.21; and group D, 0.08; p < 0.05). Botox or triamcinolone intralesional monotherapy showed significant therapeutic efficacy compared with the control group. The combined therapy further exhibited a significant therapeutic effect compared with monotherapy. CONCLUSION: This study indicates the potential of Botox and triamcinolone when combined for intralesional therapy in treating hypertrophic scars.