The Facelift in South American Patients.

South America is a vast territory; its people were made from all parts of the world. The miscegenation made a unique population comprised of Indian, Asian, Caucasian, African, Mestizo, Mulatto, and Zambo. The South American patients tend to have a wider face with a skin-soft tissue envelope (S-STE) that is thicker, heavier, and has less elasticity than the Caucasian patient. Upper eyelids may hood easily. In the same way, malar eminences and round face look are more prominent. The chin can be a little retracted. With aging, the S-STE tends to sag more, making nasolabial folds and jowl area more prominent, and redundant neck skin will appear loose and heavy. Facelift is popular in South American patients. They have peculiar characteristics like heavy dark sebaceous skin which lead to peculiarities in face lifting. It is usually a procedure designed to rejuvenate all thirds of the face. In the forehead, skin excision in temporal incisions is usually necessary. Midface subperiosteal lift is a possibility for heavy skin patients who need great improvement in the center of the face. The neck lift is almost indispensable to the rejuvenation of the lower third. Extended superficial muscular aponeurotic system or deep plane dissection is commonly performed so the soft tissues of the midface, the jowls, and the neck can be lifted to reestablish their youthful relationship with the underlying skeleton.

Transpalpebral Eyebrow Lift.

Forehead rejuvenation goals are to raise the eyebrow, attenuate forehead wrinkles, and decrease glabellar frown lines. Endoscopic forehead lift represents a significant progress, even replacing the classic coronal and pretriquial techniques. The transpalpebral eyebrow lift allows safe direct visualization of anatomic structures comparable to the allowed by the endoscopic-assisted technique but dispenses the endoscopic instrumentation, is less expensive, and takes less time to learn. Transpalpebral eyebrow lift is a technique that produces satisfactory results in mild-to-moderate eyebrow ptosis improving eyebrow lateral third ptosis and glabellar wrinkles.

Validation of the Brazilian Portuguese language version of the facial feminization surgery outcomes evaluation the Brazilian Portuguese language version of the FFSOE.

OBJECTIVE: To translate and validate the Facial Feminization Surgery Outcomes Evaluation in Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: A standard back-translation method was applied to obtain the final Brazilian Portuguese language version. In total, 21 Brazilian native Portuguese speakers transgender women with surgical intent and 21 Brazilian native Portuguese speakers transgender women without surgical intent were included in the study. The FFSOE was administered to both groups and all patients underwent a test-retest two weeks later. RESULTS: The FFSOE showed a high internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha greater than 0.8. The test-retest reliability was high with repeated measures being highly correlated in all items, except for item 3, where the difference was significant (p =  0.027). CONCLUSION: The FFSOE showed reliability, internal consistency and reproducibility in the evaluations. It is easy to understand and quick to apply, making it a simple tool for pre- and post-operative assessment in facial feminization surgeries. THE OXFORD 2011 LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

Bacterial load in the nose and its correlation to the immune response in leprosy patients.

INTRODUCTION: Leprosy, whose etiologic agent is M. leprae, has its clinical manifestations correlated with distinct immunologic forms. The mechanism of infectivity and dissemination of the disease are not completely known, although the nasal mucosa is supposed to have an important role in pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: To correlate the clinical and bacteriological parameters with that of nasal biopsy and immunological tests, such as lepromin and ML-Flow results, in untreated leprosy patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Two hundred and twenty-two patients were evaluated, clinically classified and subjected to skin smear, nasal biopsy, ML-Flow, and Mitsuda test. RESULTS: 689% of the cases were borderline cases. Nasal biopsy revealed 91.4% positivity in those who had specific antibodies against M. leprae on blood sample. Lepromatous leprosy cases were 100% positive on ML-flow test, had a large involvement in the nasal mucosa (91%), positive skin smears (100%) and negative Mitsuda test. Nasal bacillary index showed a good correlation with ML-Flow and had similar results when compared to skin smear. The tests agreement was good, revealing that nasal biopsy can be reliable in the diagnosis of multibacillary clinical forms and in the evaluation of the immunological status of leprosy patients. CONCLUSION: The presence of disseminated bacilli in the nasal mucosa was similar to skin involvement, when correlated with Mitsuda test and ML-Flow. As a result, the role of nasal bacillary index may play an important role in the clinical and immunologic characterization of leprosy patients.

A review of 25-year experience of nasal septal perforation repair.

OBJECTIVE: To report the long-term follow-up of 25 years of experience in 100 consecutive cases of septal perforation (SP) repair using the technique of the senior author (F.P.). DESIGN: From 1981 to 2006, a total of 100 consecutive patients were surgically treated and followed up for 1 to 10 years. The medical records of 68 of the patients were retrospectively examined. Outcomes were assessed based on comparison of the results of preoperative and last follow-up assessment of SP size and symptoms. The SP repair technique consists of subperichondrial/periosteal dissection, rotation of nasal mucosa for tension-free closure, with no mucosa incision if possible, and a multilayer closure with interposition graft. RESULTS: The most common symptoms were nasal obstruction (72%), crusts (50%), and epistaxis (31%). Previous nasal surgery was the pathogenetic factor in 39 cases (57%). Fifty-two patients (76%) presented with SPs measuring 1.0 to 3.0 cm in diameter. The internal approach was used in 54 cases (79%), and temporal muscle fascia and conchal cartilage were concomitantly used in 45 cases (66%). The great majority of patients (40 [59%]) received more than 5 years of follow-up. The success rate of closure was 97%. Two patients (3%) presented with reperforation measuring less than 1.0 cm in diameter. CONCLUSIONS: The senior author's SP repair technique is easily accomplished, provides good visualization, and is low in cost. Also, in our experience, the success rate of closure has been 97%.

Open rhinoplasty for African-American noses.

Our aim was to evaluate the use of open rhinoplasty for cosmesis on African-American noses. Thirty African-American patients with Fitzpatrick skin type V or VI and typical African-American noses who had had open rhinoplasty between January 1997 and November 2000, and at least 3-years' follow-up were selected and their casenotes examined retrospectively. Patients' evaluations were recorded at all consultations and the data was recorded on standard protocols together with objective measurements including wound healing and complications. All patients thought that the definition and projection of the tip was successful and 27 of the under projected tips were improved. Two had a persistently slightly wider interalar distance than they wanted. In one the nostrils were asymmetrical. The nasal dorsum was improved in all patients, with no complaints of under or over correction. Revision was necessary in one patient who complained of mobility of the silicone rubber (Silastic) implant that had been placed over the anterior nasal spine. Only one patient was unsatisfied on the subjective evaluation. Columellar scarring was noticed only by the staff, and there were no signs of keloid and hypopigmentation, or hyperpigmentation. Postoperatively, there were two synechiae and one haemorrhage. Open rhinoplasty using the transcolumellar external incision for aesthetic correction of African-American noses gives satisfactory results with few complications.

A comparative study between ketorolac and ketoprofen in postoperative pain after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

UNLABELLED: Postoperative pain is a serious problem, requiring an appropriate response from the medical doctor. In otolaryngology special attention is needed after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UP3). AIM: To compare the efficacy of postoperative analgesia using ketorolac and ketoprofen after UP3. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was made of 24 patients that were divided into 2 groups (14 received ketorolac and 10 received ketoprofen). Pain intensity was based on an analog visual scale and the need for opioids (tramadol). RESULTS: Of the 13 patients that received ketorolac, 3 (21%) required opioids; 7 of 10 (70%) patients in ketoprofen group used opioids. 12 hours after surgery, 71% of the patients that received ketorolac had mild or absence of pain. 70% of the ketoprofen users reported moderate to significant pain. 24 hours after surgery, 60% of the patients using ketoprofen reported moderate to significant pain, while 86% of the ketorolac users reported mild or absence of pain. CONCLUSION: We concluded that ketorolac is more effective compared to ketoprofen in the treatment of immediate postoperative pain after UP3, as patients using ketorolac had less pain and used opioids to a lesser degree.

Surgical treatment of a Pattern I Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome individual - clinical case report.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSA) is a multifactorial disease that highly alters a persons quality of life. It is characterized by the repeated interruption of breathing during sleep, due to an obstruction or the collapse of the upper airways. Since it is a multifactorial etiological disorder, it requires a thorough diagnosis and treatment with an interdisciplinary team, which comprises several professionals such as a surgical dentist, phonoaudiologist, otorhinolaryngologist, sleep doctor, neurologist and physiotherapist. The diagnosis and the degree of severity of the syndrome is determined through a polysomnography examination. After that, the best form of treatment is devised depending on the gravity of the case. In cases of moderate to severe apnea, invasive treatment through surgical procedures such as maxillomandibular advancement remains the preferred option as it increases the posterior air space, reducing and/or eliminating the obstruction. Thus, improving the patients respiratory function and, consequently, his quality of life as it is shown in the clinical case at hand. In which the male patient, facial pattern type I, 41 years of age, diagnosed with moderate OSA (Apnea-Hypopnea Index - AHI of 23.19), decided to have a surgical treatment instead of a conservative one, resulting in the cure of apnea (AHI of 0.3).

Seagull wing graft: a technique for the replacement of lower lateral cartilages.

OBJECTIVES: To present and evaluate outcomes with the seagull wing technique, which was designed to replace the lower lateral cartilages and to reconstruct the nasal tip. METHODS: The seagull wing technique is illustrated and described in detail. Sixty patients who underwent surgery 1981 and 2002 were retrospectively evaluated. A preoperative diagnosis of tip deformities was made based on photographs, which were compared with the postoperative results. Patient satisfaction was subjectively evaluated. RESULTS: The postoperative results showed a significant statistical improvement in the following tip deformities: underprojected tip (P<.001), poorly defined tip (P<.001), alar retraction (P<.001), alar pinch (P<.001), overrotated tip (P<.001), and tip ptosis (P<.01). The average follow-up period was 14.6 months. Fifty-five patients (92%) stated that they were very satisfied with the surgical results; they required no additional revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The seagull wing technique is a safe and efficient reconstructive treatment for the aesthetic and functional problems that were caused by the overresection of the nasal tip cartilaginous framework. The outcomes were pleasing, and the results were stable during the follow-up period. Patient satisfaction was high.

Earlobe cleft reconstructive surgery.

UNLABELLED: The earlobe occupies a unique position among facial structures and has its own importance when we consider the secular tradition of wearing decorations and jewels on it. AIM: To present and discuss the technique used in the Departments of Otolaryngology of the Federal University of Uberlândia (FAMED-UFU) and the Hospital Santa Genoveva, in the treatment of earlobe clefts. PATIENT AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients (35 ears) with earlobe clefts were evaluated, from January 2003 to May 2005. In all these cases we used the technique we call "Surgery of the Ear Ring". RESULTS: Of the 35 cases, 32 presented satisfactory results, 1 presented with an aesthetic deficit only noticed by the surgeon, and 2 presented aesthetic deficits noticed by both the patient and surgeon, needing a "second look" surgery. In these, there was a notch in the lower free border. The other case with deficit was a functional one caused by the closing of the ear lobe hole. CONCLUSIONS: We consider this technique an innovative one, of easy accomplishment, and with good aesthetic and functional results. Therefore, it is the authors preferred technique for the correction of earlobe clefts.

Surgical maneuvers performed on rhinoplasty procedures carried out at an otorhinolaryngology residency program.

UNLABELLED: Rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging surgical procedures, due both to the diversity of the techniques and to the difficulty in foreseeing long-term outcomes. Each patient has a different nasal anatomy, dictated by genetic inheritance--race, thus requiring a different technique for each case. The international literature emphasizes the techniques used for the Caucasian nose, which is rarely seen in our region. AIM: Evaluate and discuss surgical maneuvers used on rhinoplasty procedures performed on local patients at our ENT residency services. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the operative notes from all patients submitted to rhinoplasty at the Residency Program on Otorhinolaryngology at the Federal University of Uberlândia, from December 2003 to June 2004. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-six patients were submitted to rhinoplasty, in which marginal incisions were performed in 118 (71.1%), with the delivery technique performed on the inferior lateral cartilages and some procedures carried out on them (strut, sheen, sutures, etc). Only 45 patients (27.1%) were submitted to basic rhinoplasty and 3 (1.8%) to open rhinoplasty. CONCLUSION: Most of our patients demanded additional procedures, and the "basic rhinoplasty", commonly performed on the Caucasian nose was an exception on our patients.

Subperiosteal facelift: a 5-year experience.

UNLABELLED: In classic rhytidectomy, there is little improvement in the center portion of the face. Aesthetic correction of malar prominence ptosis, accentuated nasolabial line, and jawl line, in most of the cases, require different approaches, such as the subperiosteal facelift. AIM: to show the cases and to evaluate the results and complications of subperiosteal facelift in the our service. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January of 2001 to December of 2005, 25 patients, ranging from 44 to 60 years, 24 females, were submitted to subperiosteal facelift. Results and complications were retrospectively appraised. RESULTS: Of these, 20 presented satisfactory results, 4 presented aesthetic deficits noticed both by the patients and by the surgeon, and 1 presented aesthetic deficit needing revision surgery. All the patients presented improvement of nasolabial line, malar prominence and better definition of the jawl line. Revision surgery was necessary in one patient that referred little improvement. Four patients presented skin retraction in malar area due to the suspension sutures. A patient presented transitory paralysis of the front branch of the facial nerve. CONCLUSION: Subperiosteal facelift with temporal access has shown satisfactory results in the great majority of the cases.

Endoscopic frontoplasty: 3-year experience.

UNLABELLED: Endoscopic forehead lift (EFL) represents a significant progress, even replacing the classic coronal and pretriquial techniques. AIM: To demonstrate a series of cases and to evaluate results and complications with EFL in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Federal University of Uberlândia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2001 to January 2004, 67 patients were submitted to EFL, and 7 of these were submitted to the so called "triangles technique". Their ages ranged between 38 and 59 years; and 65 (97%) were females. RESULTS: Of these, 56 patients presented satisfactory result and 2 presented aesthetic deficits noticed by the surgeon and the patient. Of the 7 patients submitted to the "triangles technique", all showed satisfactory results. All the patients had improvements on their ptosis of the lateral and glabellar third of the brows and reduction in vertical and frontal wrinkles. Revision surgery was necessary in 2 patients that had ptosis recurrence. There was one unilateral paralysis of the front branch of the facial nerve. With the "triangles technique", 5 patients presented visible scars. CONCLUSION: EFL is a technique that produces satisfactory results in the great majority of patients, with low complication rates.

Detection of Mycobacterium leprae in nasal mucosa biopsies by the polymerase chain reaction.

Several discoveries about leprosy indicate that Mycobacterium leprae transmission mainly occurs by inhalation, and the nose is major port of entry and exit. The present study evaluated the clinical application of PCR for detection of M. leprae DNA in nasal mucosa biopsies in untreated leprosy patients (52) and their contacts (99) from the State Reference Center in Sanitary Dermatology and Leprosy, Uberlandia, MG, Brazil. PCR detection of a 372-base pair DNA fragment from M. leprae was accomplished in 36 (69.2%) patients, from which 34 (91.9%) of them were multibacillaries. Furthermore, PCR was positive in 3 (16.7%) of 18 slit-skin smear negative, 4 (25.0%) of 16 skin lesion BI negative, 8 (33.3%) of 24 nasal mucosa BI negative patients, and 10 of 99 contacts (10.1%). The presence of bacilli in 10.1% of the contacts may potentially reflect an occult leprosy, and these patients must be accompanied, followed by a chemoprophylaxy treatment. Considering all PCR results against clinical and BI classification of patients and controls, we have found a sensitivity of 69.2%, a specificity of 89.9%, and an accuracy of 82.8%. It has been demonstrated here through PCR of nasal biopsies that the bacillus invades the mucosa, passing through the nasal inferior turbinate to reach peripheral blood. Therefore, the molecular investigation of invasive nasal biopsies by PCR tests has proven to be useful in defining patients of higher risk of transmission and risk-group contacts, which is an important step to reach the World Health Organization objective towards the elimination of leprosy as a public health problem.

Endoscopic decompression of the optic nerve in pseudotumor cerebri.

Pseudotumor cerebri is a neurological condition in which patients develop headaches and visual loss that may not be successfully treated with medication. In these cases surgery is indicated, and decompression of the optic nerve is the preferred surgical procedure. We report a case of decompression of the optic nerve performed through an endonasal endoscopic approach in a patient with pseudotumor cerebri where enhancement of visual acuity was successful. To our knowledge, no previous investigators have reported this approach to treat pseudotumor cerebri.

Mandibular fracture: analysis of 293 patients treated in the Hospital of Clinics, Federal University of Uberlândia.

UNLABELLED: Mandibular fracture is the second most common facial fracture and there has been a significant increase in number of cases in the last years. Misidentification and inadequate treatment can take to permanent aesthetic or functional deformity. AIM: Evaluate cases of mandibular fracture reduction in the Hospital of Clinics of the Federal University of Uberlândia, from January of 1974 to December of 2002. STUDY DESIGN: Historical cohort. PATIENT AND METHOD: Two hundred and ninety-three cases of reduction of mandibular fractures were retrospectively analyzed according to factors related to: patient, trauma, signs and symptoms, and surgical treatment. RESULTS: There has been a clear tendency of increase of the number of mandibular fractures along the years. There was higher prevalence in male (4:1), with occurrence peak between 20 to 29 years old. The principal causes of fracture in this study were traffic accidents and violence, representing 72.4%. One hundred and thirty-five patients presented only one fracture. The most injured sites were, in decreasing order, symphysis, condyle, angle, body, ramus, and coronoid. We performed closed reduction (28), open reduction (213) and association of the two (11 patients); 56.8% of the patients were treated within the first 3 days; and, 50.4% were discharged from the hospital until the first postoperative day. About 10% of the patients presented complications, being osteomyelitis the most frequent one. CONCLUSION: The incidence of mandibular fractures was remarkably larger in the male sex, during the third decade of life. The most common cause was traffic accident, and symphysis and condyle were the most injured sites. Isolated fractures occurred in over half of the cases. Most of the patients were treated in the first three days and were discharged until the first postoperative visit. Closed reduction was the treatment most commonly employed. The most frequent complication was osteomyelitis.

Vision recovery following nasopharyngeal angiofibroma excision.

'Juvenile' nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a locally aggressive, yet histologically benign, vascular neoplasm. This neoplasm accounts for less than 0.5% of head and neck neoplasms. We report an unique case of a 14-year-old male with a nasopharyngeal angiofibroma compressing the optic nerve and causing great visual impairment. The tumor was a red lobulated mass in left nostril, invading maxillary sinus, anterior and posterior ethmoid sinus, sphenoid sinus, and cavum area. Midfacial degloving approach and total excision of the tumor resulted in almost completely visual recovery. Optic nerve decompression was not performed. We consider that an early diagnosis, an adequate approach, total tumor excision, and efforts by a team of sub-specialists are most likely to yield optimal results.