Short-Term Changes in Posture and Pain of the Neck and Lower Back of Women Undergoing Lipoabdominoplasty: A Case Series Report.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze short-term variations in posture and intensity of neck and lower back pain in women undergoing lipoabdominoplasty. Methods: This prospective case series study involved 17 women (age 43 ± 12 years, presurgical body mass index 27.0 ± 3.7 kg/m2). Participants were assessed preoperatively (T0) and at 15 (T15) and 30 days (T30) after surgery for clinical data (number of pregnancies, number of deliveries, presurgical body mass), neck and lower back angles calculated by photogrammetry, and pain intensity by numeric pain rating scale. Postoperative complications were assessed at T15 and T30. Results: After adjusting for age and presurgical body mass index, there was an increase in forward head position in T15 and a return by T30 (marginal R2 = 0.411). The lower back showed an increase in flexion at T15 and return by T30 (marginal R2 = 0.266). No statistical evidence of significance was observed for changes in the intensity of neck (P > .355) or lower back (P > .293) pain. Complications were mild and common at T15; most of them resumed at T30. Conclusion: A transient, nonlinear compensatory change in neck and lower back lordosis was observed 15 days after lipoabdominoplasty, with almost full recovery in the short term (30 days). No systematic change in pain intensity was observed within this period. Postsurgical complications were mild and common, and most of them resumed shortly after surgery.

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma in Brazil: What Are We Missing?

BACKGROUND: Breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) has been diagnosed in more than 1000 patients in more than 30 countries, although only a few cases have been reported in Latin America and the Caribbean to date. As the second-largest global market for breast implants with a predominance of textured-surface implants, Brazil is a major global market for cosmetic augmentations, making it unlikely that cases of BIA-ALCL are actually scarce. METHODS: A local and voluntary registry of patients with BIA-ALCL was initiated in 2018. All patients diagnosed with BIA-ALCL were confirmed by the World Health Organization criteria. Implant characteristics, disease symptoms, treatment, and oncologic outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Fourteen cases of BIA-ALCL in a Brazilian population were identified in the Paraná state. Disease-specific diagnostic tests were omitted before surgical intervention in 50 percent of patients. With additional cases from a literature review, the treatment and outcomes of 29 cases of BIA-ALCL in Brazil were assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with other populations, these initial observations suggest that awareness of the disease by the local breast surgery community remains low and that a number of cases may remain undiagnosed. Lack of preoperative diagnostic testing compromises disease treatment, oncologic outcomes, and both short- and long-term surveillance.

Modulation of Photoaging-Induced Cutaneous Elastin: Evaluation of Gene and Protein Expression of Markers Related to Elastogenesis Under Different Photoexposure Conditions.

INTRODUCTION: Photoaging is the process by which ultraviolet rays gradually induce clinical and histological changes in the skin through the production and organization of biological molecules, such as elastin, which is critical to skin strength and elasticity. After exposure to radiation, elastin may undergo alternative mRNA splicing, resulting in modified proteins that contribute to the formation of aging characteristics, such as solar elastosis. The present work aimed to study two different forms of elastin under these conditions: normal elastin and elastin that had been altered in exon 26A. METHODS: These different forms of elastin were characterized for gene expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and for protein expression by immunohistochemistry of ex vivo skins (from photoexposed and non-photoexposed areas) and in vitro reconstituted skin. In addition, up- and downstream molecules in the elastin signaling cascade were evaluated. RESULTS: As a result, a significant increase in the gene expression of elastin 26A was observed in both ex vivo photoexposed skin tissues and the in vitro photoexposed reconstituted skins. Additionally, significant increases in the gene expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP12) and lysyl oxidase (LOX) were observed in the ex vivo skin model. The evaluation of protein expression levels of some photoaging markers on the reconstituted skin revealed increased tropoelastin and fibrillin-1 expression after photoexposure. CONCLUSION: This work contributes to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in photoaging, making it possible to obtain new strategies for the development of dermocosmetic active ingredients to prevent and treat skin aging.

Subfascial versus Subglandular Breast Augmentation: A Randomized Prospective Evaluation Considering a 5-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Subfascial breast augmentation is becoming popular because of a better understanding of breast anatomy. However, because the subglandular approach is also another popular method, it is critical to assess the influence of the superficial fascia of the pectoralis major muscle on the subfascial and subglandular pockets to determine if one method is superior to another. This study investigated whether there are clinical/radiological differences between subfascial and subglandular pockets following primary breast augmentation. METHODS: Twenty patients were recruited, and each was randomly sorted to the subfascial and/or subglandular pocket per breast. Both patients and surgeons were blinded. Differences were evaluated through five independent surgeons and by magnetic resonance imaging scans. Subsequently, 1-year and 5-year follow-ups were conducted. RESULTS: The results of the 5-year follow-up considering the aesthetics of the breast contour were significantly different between groups, with more good and excellent evaluations in the subfascial group. Regarding breast shape, there were also statistical differences, also with more good and excellent evaluations in the subfascial group. For breast consistency, subglandular had 84.20 percent of patients classified into Baker I and II, whereas subfascial had 100 percent. Magnetic resonance imaging scans showed a smaller implant base in the subglandular pockets, which was a significant result. There were no significant differences in implant projection. Comparison of the number of folds revealed significant differences between groups, with more folds in the subglandular group. CONCLUSION: Statistical differences between methods were found regarding breast shape and contour, capsular contracture, implant base, and the number of folds, showing that subfascial breast augmentation is superior to subglandular breast augmentation. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Tear Trough Treatment with Orbicularis Oculi Muscle Suspension.

BACKGROUND: Blepharoplasty is a very requested surgery for aesthetic rejuvenation of the eyes with grateful results. Lower blepharoplasty involving a variety of different techniques can be considered to refresh the oculopalpebral area. The approach of the treatment of the tear trough as releasing the tear trough ligament and plication of orbicularis oculi muscle in the palpebral portion to fill the tear trough concavity is essential in our surgical technique demonstrated here. METHODS: From July 2014 to January 2020, 435 patients were submitted to blepharoplasty surgery for rejuvenation of the eyes. Lower blepharoplasty was performed with releasing of the tear trough ligament and suspension and fixation of the palpebral part of the orbicularis oculi muscle in the medial part of orbital bone corresponding to the tear trough area. The follow-up was 12 months. RESULTS: Patient satisfaction was high, and no complications were observed. Ten patients (2.2%) needed the addition of hyaluronic acid fillers in the tear trough 12 months after the surgery. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the use of the orbicularis oculi muscle suspension improves the long-term aesthetic results for the tear trough and the technique is easy to perform. 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 .

Correction to: Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and the Textured Breast Implant Crisis.

Anne K. Groth's name was wrongly tagged in the original publication of this article. It has been corrected here.

Simultaneous Augmentation Mastopexy: An Innovative Anatomical Approach-The Fascioglandular Flap for Improved Lower Pole Support.

Simultaneous breast augmentation and mastopexy is very challenging often considered to be one of the most difficult cosmetic breast surgeries. Although a patient is sometimes better served with 2 separately staged procedures, the demand for single-stage combined augmentation mastopexy is increasing associated with increasing demands for larger implants. Combining these 2 operations presents special problems because of the interplay of opposing forces. To avoid bottoming out, wound dehiscence, and ultimately implant extrusion, it is essential to provide proper coverage and support of the inferior breast pole. The goal of this report is to illustrate the benefit of an inferiorly based fascioglandular flap in providing adequate breast lower pole support in simultaneous breast augmentation mastopexy. 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 .

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and the Textured Breast Implant Crisis.

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an uncommon T-cell, CD-30+/ALK lymphoma. Late (9 years) periprosthetic fluid (seroma) is the most common presentation (90% of the cases). A combination of textured breast implant, bacterial contamination, and genetic predisposition seems to be necessary for BIA-ALCL to occur. There are 35 million patients with implants in the world, and at the present moment, 573 cases of BIA-ALCL have been reported. The risk of developing BIA-ALCL in Australia varies from 1:2832 to 1:86,029, with texture grades 3 and 4 seeming to pose a higher risk than grades 2 and 1. NCCN has established guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, and early diagnosis is the key to cure. At an early stage and for the vast majority of patients, the treatment consists of capsulectomy and implant removal. However, at stages II to IV, a systemic treatment is warranted, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy (residual disease), and brentuximab vedotin. The majority of patients can be cured, and complete capsular removal is the most important factor. So far, 33 patients have died from BIA-ALCL worldwide, with deaths related to delay in diagnosis and treatment. Textured implants have been in the midst of the current implant crisis, and Biocell was recalled worldwide after the latest FDA update on the disease. At the present moment, no medical society or regulatory agency has recommended implant removal. It is about time that we start robust breast implant registries to determine risks. Besides, based on scientific criteria, we must consider all the benefits and risks associated with the available breast devices.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.

Is There a Breast Augmentation Outcome Difference Between Subfascial and Subglandular Implant Placement? A Prospective Randomized Double-Blinded Study.

INTRODUCTION: Subfascial breast augmentation is gaining popularity because of no distortion when the pectoral muscle is contracted and minimizing visualization of the edges of the implant. Although some studies have reported a satisfactory outcome with subfascial technique, it still is controversial the influence of the pectoral fascia and outcome compared to the subglandular technique. Therefore, this prospective randomized study aimed to investigate whether there are clinical/radiological differences between subfascial and subglandular pockets following primary breast augmentation. METHODS: Twenty patient candidates for primary breast augmentation were recruited. Each patient was selected for subfascial or subglandular pockets in a randomized fashion. Both patient and surgeon were blinded. Clinical and radiological differences were evaluated through five independent surgeons and MRI (capsule, folds, fluids, base and projection). Median follow-up was 12 months. RESULTS: Breast consistency (p = 0.24), implant pocket (p = 0.52), symmetry (p = 1), contour, and shape (p = 0.09) demonstrated no statistically significant difference after the surgeons' assessments at 3 and 12 months after surgery. MRIs demonstrated a larger implant base in the subfascial group (p = 0.024). No differences were observed in capsule thickness (p = 0.42), folds (p = 0.51), fluids (p = 0.28), or projection (0.20). CONCLUSION: The choice between subfascial and subglandular planes shows no clinical differences and can be selected according to individual professional experience, not evidencing any advantages of one over the other. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: 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.

Breast Auto-augmentation (Mastopexy and Lipofilling): An Option for Quitting Breast Implants.

BACKGROUND: Breast augmentation with implants is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgical procedures, but has potential complications-asymmetry, implant displacement, rippling and wrinkling, capsular contracture, late seromas, and benign and malignant tumors-and potential financial costs. The auto-augmentation procedure, with mastopexy and lipofilling, is a second option to offer to patients who do not desire to continue with breast implants in secondary procedures. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to present a series of patients who intended to quit having breast implants, and they went to an auto-augmentation procedure, with mastopexy and lipofilling. METHOD: The study included patients who underwent a mastopexy plus lipofilling following breast implant removal. The indications for the surgical procedure were: desire of not having breast implants anymore and smaller breasts, capsular contracture, and implant rupture. The surgical procedure is detailed. Fat grafting and mastopexy are done immediately at the time of explantation. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients (mean age 59.1 years) underwent mastopexy plus lipofilling following breast implant removal. The mean follow-up was 18 months. The mean amount of lipofilling was 258 cc. No major complications were observed, no infection, dehiscence, hematoma, or seroma. One patient had an oil cyst which was handled with resection. CONCLUSION: The auto-augmentation procedure after implant removal with local flaps and lipofilling is the better option for patients in whom breast implants are not an option anymore. Complication and reoperation rates are low and patient satisfaction is good. 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 .