A Very Simple Suture Technique for Correction of Primary Multiple Folds in Asian Eyelids.

BACKGROUND: Upper blepharoplasty is 1 of the most popular cosmetic procedures in Asia. As people become older, they develop soft tissue atrophy and multiple folds due to a sunken upper eyelid. Furthermore, people with thin upper eyelid skin are more likely to develop multiple folds, even at a young age. The authors investigated the effectiveness of a transverse mattress suture technique to prevent recurrence during upper blepharoplasty in patients with primary multiple folds. PATIENTS/METHODS: Data on 656 patients with primary multiple folds who underwent upper blepharoplasty from March 2017 to January 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The authors compared the operative time, patients' satisfaction, panel assessment, and complications according to whether the suture technique was used. RESULTS: Among 656 patients, 228 were lost to follow-up or had incomplete data; therefore, the files of 428 patients were analyzed. In total, 199 patients did not undergo the suture technique, whereas 229 patients did. Statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups in patients' satisfaction, aesthetic results, and recurrence. However, between-group difference was not significant in terms of symmetry or complications such as hematoma and swelling. CONCLUSIONS: People with thin upper eyelid skin or slightly protruding eyes are more likely to develop multiple folds at a young age, even in their teens or 20s. The authors performed a skin suture during upper blepharoplasty, and then performed a transverse mattress suture on the spots where multiple folds are expected. Patients who underwent the suture technique showed better aesthetic results and a significantly lower recurrence rate.

The Postoperative Changes of Nasal Septum and Maxilla After Alveolar Bone Grafts in Patients With Unilateral Alveolar Cleft.

BACKGROUND: Alveolar clefts give rise to many aesthetic and functional problems among affected patients. Therefore, surgical adjustments of the bony defective anomalies are important. The authors performed secondary bone grafts and analyzed the effects particularly on the nasal septum and maxillary area (midface). METHODS: The patients who had alveolar bone grafts were retrospectively reviewed with pre/postoperative 3-dimensional computed tomography; the measurements included distances between the anterior nasal spine (ANS) and the vertical midline, angles between the nasal septum and the transverse line, and angles between the floor of the pyriform aperture and the transverse line. RESULTS: A total number of 23 patients were finally included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 9.7 ±â€Š1.95 years (range, 7-14 years). The mean distance between the ANS and the vertical midline was 5.3 ±â€Š4.70 mm/4.9 ±â€Š4.15 mm pre/postoperatively, showing the mean paired difference of 0.4 ±â€Š0.89 mm (P < 0.05). The mean angles between the nasal septum and the transverse line and between the floor of the pyriform aperture and the transverse line were 64.5 ±â€Š14.69°/65.9 ±â€Š13.73° and 21.7 ±â€Š8.94°/11.5 ±â€Š7.03° pre/postoperatively, showing the mean paired differences of -1.4 ±â€Š2.78° and 10.1 ±â€Š8.20°, respectively (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that secondary alveolar bone grafting has expanded effects on the adjacent midfacial structures.

A Rotational Flap Combined With a Mucosal Advancement Flap for the Lip Reconstruction.

The lips play an important role in both esthetics and oral functions, so it should be reconstructed in the light of both. The authors present a patient with the upper lateral lip defect after widely excising the basal cell carcinoma. The lip reconstruction was completed with a rotational flap combined with a mucosal advancement flap. By using 2 flaps simultaneously, the defect was covered with sufficient adjacent tissue without severe deformity and tension. At 2-month follow-up, the patient retained good aesthetic results as the scar was on the natural lines of the face. There was no noticeable deformity on the vermilion contour and oral commissure. Oral competence was also good.

Percutaneous Autologous Fat Injection Following 2-Layer Flap Lower Blepharoplasty for the Correction of Tear Trough Deformity.

Tear trough deformity has been an area that has received much attention in terms of esthetic improvements. Fat transposition has been commonly used for the treatment of tear trough deformity. As some patients have had minimal improvement by that method, we propose the use of fat grafting combined with open blepharoplasty to complement the sunken area, including some of anterior maxilla region, and evaluate and precisely remove the excessive tissue.Lower blepharoplasty was performed by separating the skin and muscle flap. The excessive or laxed tissue was evaluated during the procedure and resected in each flap. Fat grafting was performed after completing a lower blepharoplasty, to ensure accurate placement on the spot where the surgeon originally intended. Overcorrection is not recommended.No serious complications were reported during a period of 10 years. Only 4 patients required a secondary fat injection.Patients who require structural correction of the lower eyelid area (eg, aggressive herniated fat, excessive skin laxity, or bulky orbicularis oculi muscle) and who need complementary material to fill the lower lid area (eg, deep, wide sunken area or relative exophthalmos) are good candidates for blepharoplasty with a fat grafting procedure.

Formation of the Philtral Column Using a Dermal Graft in Secondary Unilateral Cleft Lip.

INTRODUCTION: The philtral column has an important aesthetic significance and is especially important in patients with cleft lip. If the integrity of the philtrum cannot be preserved in patients of unilateral clefts, these patients will have profound abnormalities in their facial musculature. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of dermal grafting on the philtral column in patients with a unilateral alveolar cleft. METHODS: The authors retrospectively studied dermal grafts performed in Konkuk University Medical Center between January 2009 and January 2015. A total of 26 patients with unilateral cleft lip were included in this study; the authors measured philtral symmetry based on differences in convexity and angle using clinical photos. Additionally, panel evaluation was performed. RESULTS: Of 26 patients enrolled, 21 completed follow-up and had adequate photographs. Five patients who were lost to follow-up were excluded. The difference in convexity decreased from 0.25 to 0.15 (P < 0.005) and the difference in angle decreased from 10.76 to 6.43 (P < 0.005). The panel evaluation indicated that patient appearances were significantly improved (P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: In patients with secondary cleft lip deformity of the philtral depression, the authors' procedure may augment the thickness of the philtral ridge and have positive aesthetic outcomes.

Alveolar Bone Grafting Changes the Inclination of Teeth and Affects Malocclusion in Patients With Unilateral Alveolar Cleft.

INTRODUCTION: Alveolar bone grafting not only stabilizes the alveolar arch, but also provides positive aesthetic outcomes. However, there have been no reports about the inclinations of the incisor and canine or the change in occlusion after alveolar bone grafting. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of alveolar bone grafting on tooth angles and changes in occlusion in patients with a unilateral alveolar cleft, using three-dimensional computed tomography. METHODS: The authors retrospectively studied alveolar bone grafts performed in Konkuk University Medical Center between January 2008 and January 2013. A total of 40 patients with unilateral alveolar cleft were included in this study; the authors measured the changes in tooth angles and changes in anterior and molar occlusion before and after bone grafting. RESULTS: Of the 40 patients enrolled, 21 completed follow-up and had adequate computed tomography imaging studies. Ten patients who were lost during the follow-up period, and 9 with inadequate images, were excluded. The anterior occlusion increased from -2.21 to 0.19 mm (P < 0.0001) and the molar occlusion increased from 0.75 to 2.10 (P < 0.0001). The dental angle decreased from 25.23° to 15.32° (P = 0.001). DISCUSSION: Alveolar bone grafting provides support to the tooth root and changes the inclination of the tooth, resulting in changes in occlusion and positive aesthetic outcomes.

Autologous Tissue Graft in Revision Medial Epicanthoplasty Using Subciliary Fat and Orbicularis Oculi Muscle.

The medial epicanthal fold is one of the racial anatomic characteristics of Asians. As medial epicanthoplasty has become one of the most common cosmetic surgeries among Asians, the need for revision of overcorrected medial epicanthus also increased. In revision medial epicanthoplasty, an autologous tissue graft to the subcutaneous plane is used to reduce postoperative scar. Medial epicanthoplasty, using V-Y advancement and rotation flap, was performed in 93 patients (revision medial epicanthoplasty with autologous tissue graft, 60 patients; revision medial epicanthoplasty only, 33 patients). A V-Y and rotation flap was designed to cover the overexposed lacrimal lake. A small amount of fat tissue and orbicularis oculi muscle were harvested from the upper eyelid through the double-fold line and grafted to the subcutaneous space of the medial epicanthal area. We evaluated the patients' satisfaction with the overall outcome and scar. The mean intercanthal distance increased from 32.3 mm before surgery to 34.6 mm after surgery. Satisfaction with the scar and overall outcome was higher in the patient group who underwent medial epicanthoplasty with autologous tissue graft. No complication was observed in the autologous tissue graft group, whereas 1 patient who underwent medial epicanthoplasty without autologous tissue graft showed recurrence of the medial epicanthal fold, 5 months after surgery. Medial epicanthoplasty with autologous tissue graft is a simple and reliable method to repair the overcorrected medial epicanthus that can efficiently increase the intercanthal distance and prevent scar contracture.

Secondary Cleft Nasal Deformity Correction Using Bioabsorbable Mesh.

INTRODUCTION: Septorhinoplasty in cleft patients is relatively difficult to perform and the outcomes are often unsatisfactory owing to weakness of the cartilage. Therefore, providing support to the cartilage is necessary. The authors used bioabsorbable mesh as a spreader or batten graft to support the septum in cleft patients those with weak cartilages. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of bioabsorbable mesh when performing septorhinoplasty in cleft patients. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2013, 34 patients with cleft lip and nose underwent open septorhinoplasty by using bioabsorbable mesh at the Konkuk University Medical Center. The authors determined the nasolabial angle, Goode ratio, alar base-nasal tip-columellar base angle, and columellar axis angle and performed a panel evaluation. RESULTS: In all, 29 of the 34 patients were included; 5 patients were excluded as lost to follow-up. The nasolabial angle increased from 85.69° to 91.62° (P = 0.0032), and the mean Goode ratio increased from 0.51 to 0.55, which was approximately the ideal value (P = 0.0017). The alar base-nasal tip-columellar base angle decreased from 36.28 to 31.74 (P < 0.0001). The columellar axis angle increased from 82.36 to 86.90 (P < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: As bioabsorbable mesh can provide strong support, results in good esthetic outcomes, and causes minimal complications, it can be used in septorhinoplasty for cleft patients.

Maxillary Distraction Osteogenesis Using a Rigid External Distractor: Which Clinical Factors Are Related With Relapse?

INTRODUCTION: Maxillary distraction osteogenesis is a reliable treatment for cleft lip and palate with midfacial retrusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of long-term follow-up in patients with cleft lip and palate after maxillary distraction osteogenesis and to find clinical factors related to relapse. From February 2002 to June 2008, 21 patients with severe class III malocclusion were treated at our hospital. We performed distraction osteotomy with a rigid external distractor device. The distraction length was more than 15 mm in all patients. METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative lateral cephalometric radiographs were used for analysis. The sella-nasion-subnasale, sella-nasion-supramentale, and point-A-point-B-nasion (sella-nasion-subnasale-sella-nasion-supramentale) angles were recorded. The timelines for follow-up were preoperatively, after distraction, after consolidation, at 3 years, and once fully grown (5- to 8-year follow-ups). A comparative analysis of clinical factors was performed for the relapsing and nonrelapsing groups. RESULTS: Of the 21 patients, 14 had relapsed. The mean age in the relapsing group was 9.1 years (7 boys and 7 girls) with 9 patients with unilateral cleft palate and 5 c bilateral cleft palate. The mean age in the nonrelapsing group was 11.7 years (4 boys and 3 girls) with 5 patients with unilateral cleft palate and 2 patients with bilateral cleft palate. DISCUSSION: Despite greater anterior overcorrection, relapse occurred owing to scar tissue retraction and mandibular compensatory hypertrophy. The results suggest that the younger the patient, the more likely relapse will occur.

Topographic relationships between the transverse facial artery, branches of the facial nerve, and the parotid duct in the lateral midface in a Korean population.

BACKGROUND: The aims of the present study were to clarify the topographic relationships between various structures in the lateral midface and to provide important anatomical information pertinent to face lifting or treatment of damage to the midface structure. METHODS: Thirty-two fixed cadavers were dissected (23 males and 9 females; mean age, 66.8 years) and 55 sides of midface were used. The transverse facial artery (TFA), zygomatic branch (Zb) and buccal branch (Bb) of the facial nerve, and the parotid duct (PD) were identified. The structures of the lateral midface were measured relative to the zygion and tragion. The vertical average distances from the zygion to each structure increased in the following order: ZB of the facial nerve, TFA, first Bb of the facial nerve, and PD. The horizontal average distance from the tragion to the point of emergence from anterior border of the parotid gland was also measured. RESULTS: The TFA was the closest and the third Bb of the facial nerve was the farthest away. The angles between the horizontal line and ZB of the facial nerve, TFA, PD, and first Bb of the facial nerve were +10.4, -2.3, -18.5, and -27.1 degrees, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results may be used to establish the precise locations and the courses of the important midface structures, and represent valuable data that may help to prevent complications during surgery for face lifting and reconstruction of the facial nerve and PD.

Anatomical characteristics of the nasal cartilages for successful rhinoplasty in Koreans.

BACKGROUNDS: The aims of the present study were to determine the exact level of separation of the upper lateral cartilage from the septal cartilage, and to classify the patterns of connection between the upper lateral cartilage and the lower lateral cartilage. METHODS: We dissected and photographed 60 sides of noses; 18 specimens were sectioned and stained with Masson's trichrome. RESULTS: The mean length of the connection between the upper lateral cartilage and septal cartilage was 16.1 mm. The mean level for separation of the upper lateral cartilage was 7.5 mm from the nasal bone. The pattern of connection between the upper lateral cartilage and lower lateral cartilage could be classified into five types: disconnection, end-to-end, overlap, scroll, and reverse scroll. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study will be helpful for surgical procedures such as nasal hump reduction and nasal cartilage work and also provide information for the anthropometric study of the nose.

Morphometric analysis of the upper lip in Koreans.

The aims of this study were to provide the various dimensions of the philtrum and upper red lip in Korean young adults and to identify morphological characteristics of these structures in Koreans. A total of 10 dimensions of the philtrum and upper red lip were measured in 251 healthy young adults. Various indices were calculated among the measured features. The philtrum could be classified into three types according to its shape and index data. The mean height of the philtrum was 15.6 mm and the mean width of the mouth was 45.5 mm. The width of the superior and inferior philtrum, the height of philtrum, the width of the mouth, and the height of the upper red lip were significantly larger in males than in females (p < 0.05). A subtle morphological difference in Cupid bow was observed between the genders. There was a negative correlation between the length of the philtral column and the height of the upper red lip (p < 0.05). Furthermore, differences were identified in the dimensions of the philtrum and the upper red lip between Koreans and Caucasians. The results of this study could be a useful morphological basis for correction and reconstruction of the upper lip.

Centralization or decentralization of facial structures in Korean young adults.

It is well known that facial beauty is dictated by facial type, and harmony between the eyes, nose, and mouth. Furthermore, facial impression is judged according to the overall facial contour and the relationship between the facial structures. The aims of the present study were to determine the optimal criteria for the assessment of gathering or separation of the facial structures and to define standardized ratios for centralization or decentralization of the facial structures.Four different lengths were measured, and 2 indexes were calculated from standardized photographs of 551 volunteers. Centralization and decentralization were assessed using the width index (interpupillary distance / facial width) and height index (eyes-mouth distance / facial height). The mean ranges of the width index and height index were 42.0 to 45.0 and 36.0 to 39.0, respectively. The width index did not differ with sex, but males had more decentralized faces, and females had more centralized faces, vertically. The incidence rate of decentralized faces among the men was 30.3%, and that of centralized faces among the women was 25.2%.The mean ranges in width and height indexes have been determined in a Korean population. Faces with width and height index scores under and over the median ranges are determined to be "centralized" and "decentralized," respectively.

Subungual Osteochondromas of the Toe: Two Case Reports for Diagnosis and Treatment.

Benign cartilaginous tumors, known as chondrogenic tumors, show cartilage components in the microscopic diagnosis. We present two clinical cases with cartilaginous tumors of the toes showing distinctive clinical manifestations. Two juvenile patients visited our outpatient clinic due to tumors with toenail deformities. A 10-year-old girl presented with a palpable mass with a nail deformity on the left third toe. The initial pathology report was soft tissue chondroma until complete resection. Another 15-year-old male patient visited the dermatology department with a toenail deformity and underwent a punch biopsy. The pathology report was fibrosis with myxoid degeneration. Excisional biopsies were performed for both patients. In the operative field, we observed exophytic tumors connected to the distal phalangeal bones. The final pathology reports were subungual osteochondroma on both patients. The specimen exhibited mature bone trabeculae with a focal cartilaginous cap. Benign cartilaginous tumors have a slow, progressive course and do not show significant symptoms. However, tumors in subungual areas are accompanied by toenail deformities and they can cause pain. Their clinical characteristics lead to a delayed diagnosis. Surgeons can be confused between soft tissue and chondrogenic tumors. When they conduct physical examinations, these categories should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Objective analysis of facial bone fracture CT images using curvature measurement in a surface mesh model.

The human facial skeleton consists of multiple segments and causes difficulty during analytic processes. We developed image analysis software to quantify the amount of injury and validate the smooth curvature of the surface after facial bone reduction surgery. Three-dimensional computed tomography images of facial bone were obtained from 40 patients who had undergone open reduction surgery to treat unilateral zygomaticomaxillary fractures. Analytic software was developed based on the discrete curvature of a triangular mesh model. The discrete curvature values were compared before and after surgery using two regions of interest. For the inferior orbital rim, the weighted average of curvature changed from 0.543 ± 0.034 to 0.458 ± 0.042. For the anterior maxilla, the weighted average of curvature changed from 0.596 ± 0.02 to 0.481 ± 0.031, showing a significant decrement (P < 0.05). The curvature was further compared with the unaffected side using the Bray-Curtis similarity index (BCSI). The BCSI of the inferior orbital rim changed from 0.802 ± 0.041 to 0.904 ± 0.015, and that for the anterior maxilla changed from 0.797 ± 0.029 to 0.84 ± 0.025, demonstrating increased similarity (P < 0.05). In computational biology, adequate analytic software is crucial. The newly developed software demonstrated significant differentiation between pre- and postoperative curvature values. Modification of formulas and software will lead to further advancements.

Anatomical verification and designation of the superficial layer of the temporalis muscle.

The temporalis muscle, which is one of the masticatory muscles, enables elevation and retraction of the mandible. Direct injury to the temporalis muscle, facial nerve, or temporal fat pad during cranial-base surgery can cause temporal hollowing. The temporalis muscle is currently described in almost all atlases and textbooks as comprising a single layer. In this study, a superficial layer of the temporalis muscle is described, clarifying the anatomy of this muscle. Twenty heads of adult cadavers were dissected. The gross anatomy of the temporalis muscle was examined after removing the skin, subcutaneous tissue, superficial temporal fascia, and deep temporal fascia. The superficial layer of the temporalis muscle was clearly distinguishable from the deep layer. The superficial layer originated from the same region as the deep layer, and the muscle fibers of the two layers were intermingled in the superior part of the muscle. The deep layer of the temporalis muscle, which is referred to in textbooks and atlases simply as the temporalis muscle, was exposed after removing the superficial layer. The existence of this superficial layer was confirmed herein both histologically and by magnetic resonance imaging. Henceforth, the superficial layer of the temporalis muscle must be included in descriptions of the temporalis muscle in anatomy textbooks and atlases. The findings of this study are important not only from the perspective of simply acquiring correct anatomical knowledge, but also from the surgical perspective in preventing temporal hollowing during related surgical procedures.

Scalp reconstruction using the reverse temporalis muscle flap: a case report.

The scalp is the thickest skin in the body and protects the intracranial structures. The coverage of a large scalp defect is a difficult surgical procedure, the full details of which must be considered prior to the procedure, such as defect size and depth, and various factors related to the patient's general condition. Although a free flap is the recommended surgical procedure to cover large scalp defects, it is a high-risk operation that is not appropriate for all patients. As such, other surgical options must be explored. We present the case of a patient with an ulcer on the scalp after wide excision and split-thickness skin graft for squamous cell cancer. We successfully performed a reverse temporalis muscle flap for this patient.

Treatment of a naso-orbito-ethmoid fracture using open reduction and suspension sutures: a case report.

Naso-orbito-ethmoidal (NOE) fractures are complicated fractures of the mid-face. The treatment of NOE fractures is challenging and a comprehensive treatment strategy is required. We introduce a case of NOE fracture treated with open reduction and suspension sutures. A 28-year-old woman presented with a unilateral NOE fracture. To reduce the frontal process of the maxilla, a suspension suture was made by pulling the fragment using a double arm suture via a transcaruncular incision. The suture thread was placed in the horizontal plane. Another suspension suture on the inferior orbital rim assisted reduction procedure, and they passed through the overlying skin. The reduction alignment could be finely adjusted by tightening the transcutaneous suture threads while checking the degree of bone alignment through the subciliary incision. The two suture threads were suspended using a thermoplastic nasal splint. An additional skin incision on the medial canthal area, which would have resulted in a scar, could be avoided. Four months postoperatively, computed tomography showed an accurate and stable reduction. The patient was satisfied with her aesthetic appearance, and functional deficits were not present.

Controlled active exercise after open reduction and internal fixation of hand fractures.

BACKGROUND: Hand fractures can be treated using various operative or nonoperative methods. When an operative technique utilizing fixation is performed, early postoperative mobilization has been advocated. We implemented a protocol involving controlled active exercise in the early postoperative period and analyzed the outcomes. METHODS: Patients who were diagnosed with proximal phalangeal or metacarpal fractures of the second to fifth digits were included (n=37). Minimally invasive open reduction and internal fixation procedures were performed. At 3 weeks postoperatively, controlled active exercise was initiated, with stress applied against the direction of axial loading. The exercise involved pain-free active traction in three positions (supination, neutral, and pronation) between 3 and 5 weeks postoperatively. Postoperative radiographs and range of motion (ROM) in the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints were analyzed. RESULTS: Significant improvements in ROM were found between 6 and 12 weeks for both proximal phalangeal and metacarpal fractures (P<0.05). At 12 weeks, 26 patients achieved a total ROM of more than 230° in the affected finger. Postoperative radiographic images demonstrated union of the affected proximal phalangeal and metacarpal bones at a 20-week postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive open reduction and internal fixation minimized periosteal and peritendinous dissection in hand fractures. Controlled active exercise utilizing pain-free active traction in three different positions resulted in early functional exercise with an acceptable ROM.

Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoma: a case report.

Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder is a rare disease characterized by a single mass on the face or upper part of the trunk. It usually presents an asymptomatic and favorable progression, and its histopathologic findings include small and medium-sized lymphoid cells. The authors report a case of primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder on the forehead. A 51-year-old man presented with a protruding mass on his forehead that the patient had noted 1 month previously. Surgical excision and a permanent biopsy were performed under local anesthesia. Based on the biopsy results, the mass was diagnosed as a primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. There was no evidence of recurrence at a 15-month follow-up visit.