Comparison of Different Suture Techniques on Nasal Soft Tissue Envelope to Prevent Supratip Deformity: A Histologic Study.

BACKGROUND: Studies have described various surgical maneuvers in rhinoplasty to limit thickening from excessive scarring in the supratip region. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of three maneuvers-a simple suture, a U suture, and bolster dressing-used to avoid supratip deformity in a rabbit model. METHODS: Thirty-two male New Zealand white rabbits were included. The animals were divided into four groups, and dissection was performed in the supra-perichondrial plane up to the supratip region through an open rhinoplasty incision. After dissection, the following approaches were applied to the supratip region: Group 1, simple approximation suture; Group 2, U suture; Group 3, bolster dressing; and Group 4 (control group), no suture. All animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks. Histological analysis was performed. RESULTS: In Group 4, scar thickness was significantly greater than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Group 3 had greater scar thickness than Group 2 (p < 0.05). The ratio of scar thickness to skin thickness was higher in Group 4 compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). Finally, there was no difference in the ratio of scar thickness to skin thickness between Groups 1, 2, and 3 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, it was concluded that surgical methods using sutures in the supratip region reduced scar thickness in a rabbit model, and these surgical methods had similar levels of effectiveness. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. 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 .

Comparison of Polypropylene and Polydioxanone in the Hemitransdomal Suture: A Novel Rabbit Ear Cartilage Model.

BACKGROUND: Lower lateral cartilage reshaping is one of the basic steps in rhinoplasty. Hemitransdomal suture is frequently used for dome narrowing. Different suture materials can be used for hemitransdomal suture. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of polypropylene and polydioxanone in hemitransdomal suture by designing a new experimental model in the rabbit ear cartilage. METHODS: Twelve young adult male New Zealand White rabbits were used. The bipedicled inverted-U-shaped cartilage was elevated in each ear of the rabbits. Two hemitransdomal sutures were applied using 5-0 polypropylene on one ear and 5-0 polydioxanone on the other ear randomly. A 5 mm high cartilage mound was created with two hemitransdomal sutures on each side. The sample size was twelve both in the polypropylene group and the polydioxanone group (n = 12). All animals were sacrificed after three months. Cartilage mound heights were measured. The samples were examined histologically regarding fibroadipose tissue, inflammation, foreign body granuloma, cartilage degeneration, and the presence of inclusion cyst. RESULTS: Cartilage mound height was significantly higher in the polypropylene group than in the polydioxanone group at the end of the third month [3.75 mm (± 0.68) vs. 3.03 mm (± 0.69); p < 0.05]. There was no significant difference between the two groups in histological analysis (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Polypropylene suture may be more effective in maintaining the shape given to the dome by hemitransdomal sutures in rhinoplasty. No Level Assigned This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Progressive Contouring of the Platysma With Barbed Sutures.

BACKGROUND: As the prevalence of neck lift surgeries increases, the field is continually enriched by evolving techniques for enhancing neck aesthetics. While many recent publications focus on deep neck procedures, it is essential not to overlook the significance of platysmal contouring as an integral aspect of neck rejuvenation surgery. Accordingly, we would like to elucidate our unique approach to contouring the platysma. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to assess the efficacy of the progressive contouring concept, a technique wherein the neck is reshaped using barbed sutures synergistically with other treatment strategies. METHODS: Our study encompassed 337 patients who received neck rejuvenation treatment using the progressive contouring concept from 2014 to 2021. We conducted a retrospective review to evaluate the change in cervicomental angle (CMA) using Mirror software during the preoperative and postoperative stages. RESULTS: The study sample predominantly comprised females (304 out of 337), with a median age of 61 years (24-88). Most patients (95%) underwent deep cervicoplasty, with a surgical net used in all cases for skin adaptation. After a median follow-up of 14 months, significant improvements were observed in CMA values (reducing from 149.8° to 106.7°). This demonstrated statistically significant differences when comparing preoperative and postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Progressive shaping of the neck with barbed sutures is an effective technique in neck rejuvenation. It utilizes multipoint and multi-vector plication, particularly when integrated with other adjunctive surgical maneuvers.

Simplified Septal Stabilization in Closed-Approach Low-Septal-Resection Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Septal fixation is a basic step in low-septal-resection dorsal preservation rhinoplasty. Inadequate septal stabilization can lead to supratip depression or more severe saddle nose deformity. This paper presents a simple surgical maneuver to stabilize quadrangular septal cartilage instead of suture fixation to the anterior nasal spine. METHODS: Thirty patients who underwent closed-approach low-septal-resection dorsal preservation rhinoplasty between July and December 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Depending on the surgical maneuver performed to stabilize quadrangular septal cartilage, the patients were divided into 2 groups as follows: (1) a group in which the septum was stabilized with transfixion sutures (the transfixion suture group) and (2) a group in which the septum was fixed to the anterior nasal spine with suture (the anterior nasal spine suture fixation group). Standardized postoperative 12-month lateral-view photographs were scanned for the presence of supratip depression or saddle nose deformity that may indicate insufficient septum stabilization. RESULTS: Supratip depression was observed in 1 patient in the transfixion suture group (n = 16) and in 1 patient in the anterior nasal spine suture fixation group (n = 14; P > 0.05). No saddle nose deformity was observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Transfixion sutures seem effective in providing septal stabilization to prevent supratip depression or saddle nose deformity in closed-approach low-septal-resection dorsal preservation rhinoplasty. Transfixion sutures can be used for septal stabilization in closed-approach rhinoplasty, allowing the surgeon to take advantage of the ease of placement.

Lateral Crural Turn-Up Flap for Increasing the Volume of Cartilaginous Nasal Sidewall in Closed-Approach Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Dorsal preservation rhinoplasty can also be applied in crooked nose cases. This article describes a lower lateral cartilage-based flap (lateral crural turn-up flap) used to correct cartilaginous nasal sidewall asymmetries. It was aimed to introduce a flap to be used in crooked nose cases operated with dorsal preservation rhinoplasty and to show possible modifications of this flap. METHODS: Eight patients who had lateral crural turn-up flap due to crooked nose between July and December 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Standardized preoperative and postoperative 12-month front-view photographs were analyzed and scored for correction of midvault nasal sidewall asymmetries by 2 plastic surgeons. The Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) scale was applied at 12 months. RESULTS: The mean score given by the surgeons for correction of midvault nasal sidewall asymmetries was 4.18. The mean ROE score was 89, and all patients were satisfied according to their ROE scores. There were no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral lateral crural turn-up flap seems to be effective in correcting cartilaginous nasal sidewall asymmetries in crooked nose cases operated with dorsal preservation rhinoplasty.

Inferior and Medially Based Breast Parenchymal Rotation Flap: A New Mastopexy Technique for Replacing Breast Volume After Breast Implant Explantation.

BACKGROUND: Recently, a growing number of patients have been opting for the removal of breast implants. This often results in a degree of volume loss that can vary from mild to substantial, contingent on the size of the implant, with many patients requiring a mastopexy. Although autoaugmentation mastopexy serves as the primary surgical approach to restore shape and fill the void left by the implant, the fullness attained with the implant cannot be replicated through autoaugmentation. OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to present the technical details and utilization of an inferomedial pedicle-based breast parenchymal flap, without rotational restriction from the parenchyma, for autoaugmentation after explantation. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of 12 patients who underwent surgery with this technique between the years of 2019 to 2022, with emphasis on reasons for explantation, early and late complications, and satisfaction scores on a Likert scale. RESULTS: Capsular contracture was the most common reason for explantation, and only 2 patients experienced minor wound dehiscence in the early postoperative period. With a mean follow-up of nearly 2 years, no bottoming out was encountered in any of the patients, and satisfactory breast shape was obtained. Further, postoperative satisfaction was significantly higher than preoperative satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The inferomedial-based parenchymal rotation flap is a new procedure that can be applied in this patient group because of its wide rotation arc and reliable vascularity. It is also an effective option for creating the desired conical breast shape in patients who do not want breast implants over the long term.

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.

Relationship between the nasal profile and craniofacial structures: does part of the nasal profile reflect some craniofacial structures?

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the nasal profile and other craniofacial structures. Lateral cephalometric images of 124 adults were collected for this purpose. Statistical analyses such as regression analysis and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) were conducted on nasal and craniofacial anatomical parameters and their relationships. The regression analysis revealed that nasal length was related to maxillary height; nasal depth was related to the position of the maxilla and anterior cranial base length; and nasal base angle was related to upper dentoalveolar height. CCA revealed that nasal parameters (nasal length, depth, and hump) correlated more strongly with craniofacial parameters (maxillary height, anterior-posterior position of the maxilla, and maxillary length). Individuals with maxillary development curved anteriorly upwards had a straighter and smaller nasal profile, while those with maxillary development curved posteriorly downwards had a more arched and large nasal profile. The shape of the nasal dorsum was affected by the maxillomandibular rotation, while the increase in nasal base inclination was accompanied by an upward rotation of the maxillary plane, an increase in the upper dentoalveolar height, and an increase in the lower facial height. While it was observed that each nasal parameter was correlated with the underlying craniofacial structures to some extent, it was also observed that it would be more useful to evaluate the cumulative effects posed by craniofacial parameters. Various combinations of skeletal and dental structures are related to the nasal profile in varying forms and knowing these relationships will help reshape the face and provide aesthetic harmony.

Evaluation of Orbitomalar Region Projection in Patients With Operated Cleft Lip and Palate (Cephalometric Study).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the orbitomalar region projection in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) with skeletal class 1 cases. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Single center. PATIENTS: Cephalometric data of 52 cases with unilateral CLP, 25 cases with bilateral CLP, and 60 healthy participants in skeletal class 1 without CLP were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): A total of 5 parameters, 3 in the orbital and 2 in the suborbital region, that determine the projection of the orbitomalar region on lateral cephalograms, and 13 parameters of the craniofacial region were evaluated. RESULTS: Lateral, inferior, and anterior orbital parameters were similar between groups, while suborbital parameters were in a retrusive position in the CLP groups compared to the control group (P < .05). No significant difference was found between the CLP groups in terms of suborbital parameters. A moderate positive correlation was found between orbitomalar parameters and the anteroposterior positions of the maxilla and mandible. The lateral orbital region had a moderate negative correlation with anterior maxillary height, and the suborbital region had a negative moderate correlation with maxillary inclination. CONCLUSION: Suborbital projection was more retrusive in CLP compared to the control group, but no difference was found between the CLP groups. On the other hand, the correlation between orbitomalar projection and maxillary and mandibular development was significant. The results show that there is a need for alternative treatment modalities for the suborbital region in patients with CLP.

Comparison of the Results of Suture and Resorbable Plate-Screw Fixation in Craniosynostosis.

BACKGROUND: Although many fixation methods are used alone or in combination for craniosynostosis, only few studies have compared the effectiveness and long-term results of these methods. METHOD: In this study, patients in whom suture or resorbable plate-screw system was used for fixation were evaluated in terms of postoperative results and complications. The data of patients who underwent surgery for craniosynostosis between 2002 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed and evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients, 41 in the suture group and 29 in the resorbable plate-screw group, were included in the study. Whitaker classification was used for head shape evaluation, and anthropometric head circumference measurements were performed in all patients in the preoperative and postoperative periods. In the postoperative period, all patients were compared in terms of the operation time, transfusion requirement, discharge, follow-up period, and complications according to the chosen fixation method.The mean age, postoperative complication rates, anthropometric head circumference measurements, and Whitaker scores of both groups were found to be statistically similar. Although the resorbable plate-screw group had a longer follow-up period, the operation time was longer in the suture group. Furthermore, the suture group had lower transfusion requirement and earlier discharge from the hospital than the resorbable plate-screw group. CONCLUSIONS: If fixation with suture is chosen in suitable patients, in addition to the low patient cost, this method can be safely applied in centers with limited logistical possibilities, because of the results and complication rates being similar to fixation with resorbable plate-screws.

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.

Revision Rhinoplasty after Open Rhinoplasty: Lessons from 252 Cases and Analysis of Risk Factors.

BACKGROUND: In this study, patients who required aesthetic revision surgery after open rhinoplasty were retrospectively screened for risk factors. METHODS: Two hundred fifty-two patients who underwent revision were included in the study. Nasal deformities before the revision were determined for each patient and evaluated in terms of their statistical relationship with preoperative nasal morphology and surgical techniques used. RESULTS: The revision rate was found to be 10.8 percent. The three most common aesthetic reasons for revision were insufficient nasal tip rotation (37.7 percent), hanging columella (30.2 percent), and supratip deformity (28.6 percent). According to logistic regression analysis, the use of a strut increased the risk of inadequate nasal tip rotation by 5.3-fold compared to the tongue-in-groove technique, whereas inadequate nasal tip projection before surgery increased this risk by 2-fold. Being older than 40 years increased the risk of hanging columella by 6.8-fold, whereas the use of strut grafting instead of the tongue-in-groove technique increased this risk by 5.9-fold. The use of strut grafts instead of the tongue-in-groove technique increased the risk of supratip deformity by 2.2-fold. CONCLUSIONS: To ensure adequate nasal tip rotation after surgery in patients with advanced age and low nasal tip projection and rotation, it will be more appropriate to either use the tongue-in-groove technique or rotate the nasal tip more than normal. In patients with advanced age (>40 years) and low nasolabial angle before surgery, the use of tongue-in-groove technique instead of strut grafting may be advantageous for reducing the incidence of supratip and hanging columella. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

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.

Endoscopic Orbital Reconstruction With Temporalis Muscle Flap.

ABSTRACT: Temporalis muscle flap is one of the most commonly used flaps in orbital reconstruction. Although multiple case series in the literature have reported elevation of the flap with an open incision and a retrograde approach from the periorbital region, to the best of the authors' knowledge, no studies have reported the use of an endoscopic method. Therefore, the authors' study presents endoscopy-assisted temporalis muscle reconstruction of a defect that occurred in the periorbital region following orbital exenteration. Minimal scarring and morbidity are some of the advantages of endoscopic methods, and healing without complications was achieved in our patient during the postoperative period. To the authors' knowledge, their study is the first to report the use of temporalis muscle flap in endoscopy-assisted periorbital reconstruction, which is a preferred method for endoscopic surgery.

A Novel Stitching Technique: Adjustable Closed-Loop Sewing Machine Lock Stitching Technique to Bend or Unbend Cartilages.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a novel adjustable, closed-loop sewing machine lock stitching technique on cartilage shape. This study was performed on 18 rabbits that were divided into 3 groups to evaluate the short- (Group I), medium- (Group II), and long-term (Group III) effects of the technique on cartilage shape. Three cartilage grafts were obtained from the right and left ears of the rabbits and measured angularly. For the cartilage grafts obtained from the right ears, contours were corrected using the stitching technique proposed herein. The cartilage grafts obtained from the left ears were not stitched; these were maintained as the control group. Angular measurements were performed for the stitched cartilage grafts, and all the cartilages grafts obtained were finally embedded into the rabbits' backs. The rabbits in Groups I, II, and III were euthanized at week 2, 6, and 12, respectively, after which the cartilages were reevaluated for angular measurement and submitted for histopathological examination. A significant improvement from baseline was detected in the angular measurements of the stitched cartilage grafts obtained from the rabbits in each group. For the stitched cartilage grafts obtained from Group II and III rabbits, the angular measurements obtained immediately after stitching were found to be better than those obtained after euthanasia. In histopathological evaluation elevated collagen, perichondrium, and connective tissue levels were detected in grafts obtained from Group III rabbits. The novel stitching technique proposed herein appears to have beneficial long-term effects on the maintenance of cartilage contour.

Before and After: What Has Changed in the Attitude of Turkish Society Regarding Face Transplantations?

Face transplantation is one of the most popular and controversial subjects of plastic surgery today. Although there are various surveys on the subject, there is no study comparing the past and the present social viewpoint and behavioral preferences for face transplantations across the world. In this study, we aimed to investigate the changes in the views of the Turkish society with respect to face transplantation from past to present. For this purpose, 1000 volunteer participants were questioned in terms of demographics and their perspective and preferences on organ and face transplantation. The results of the study were compared with the past data, and based on the results, the level of consciousness and awareness of the Turkish society about the subject has increased; the rate risk taking for immunosuppression has decreased, and instead, the rate of having an undecided stance has increased, and this attitude continues even if the risk is resolved. With these results, we can conclude that the greatest handicap for face transplantation in the Turkish society today is immunosuppression and the associated risks. We believe that new drug protocols and monitoring of patient outcomes for longer periods as well as more extensive clinical applications may be beneficial in addressing this issue.