Effects of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid During Rhytidectomy: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent shown to decrease intraoperative bleeding, reduce transfusions, and improve outcomes across multiple specialties. Within plastic surgery, initial reports are encouraging but formal studies are lacking. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether intravenous (IV) TXA has any effect on intraoperative bleeding or postoperative sequelae in patients undergoing a deep-plane facelift. METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, case series in a private practice surgery center. The participants were 44 patients undergoing rhytidectomy with the senior authors (R.A.G. or M.J.G). The treatment group received a 1-g dose of IV TXA prior to skin incision and the same dose 4 hours later (vs saline). Bleeding was rated mild, moderate, or severe. Postoperative ecchymosis and edema were subjectively evaluated by patient and surgeon and scores were aggregated for analysis. RESULTS: The TXA group showed decreased intraoperative bleeding but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Postoperative ecchymosis/edema ratings were lower for patients who received TXA, including a statistically significant decrease in surgeon-rated bruising. TXA resulted in a statistically significant decrease in postoperative collections in this study and no major complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: TXA is a safe, low-cost addition to any existing surgical protocol and may lead to fewer surgical sequelae and improved satisfaction. Although we did not observe a dramatically different intraoperative experience, postoperative bruising and collections were significantly reduced. TXA acid may have great value in the management of patients undergoing rhytidectomy and its use warrants further study.

Cell Enriched Autologous Fat Grafts to Follicular Niche Improves Hair Regrowth in Early Androgenetic Alopecia.

BACKGROUND: Adipose and adipose derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) play an increasing role in androgenetic alopecia. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to evaluate the safety and feasibility of fat grafts enriched with ADRCs in early androgenetic alopecia. METHODS: Seventy-one patients were treated: 16 with Puregraft fat and 1.0 × 106 ADRCs/cm2 scalp; 22 with Puregraft fat and 0.5 × 106 ADRCs/cm2 scalp, 24 with Puregraft fat alone, and 9 with saline control. Treatments were delivered into the skin and subcutaneous layer of the scalp. A total of 40 cm2 of scalp was treated and macrophotography and global photography were obtained at baseline and at 6, 24, and 52 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients tolerated the procedures well. No unanticipated associated adverse events were reported. When evaluating all patients at 24 weeks, there were no statistical differences between any of the treatment groups with respect to nonvellus (terminal) hair counts or width. There were increases (mean change from baseline) in terminal hair count for the low-dose ADRC group in the Norwood Hamilton 3 subgroup at week 6 (13.90 ±â€…16.68), week 12 (11.75 ±â€…19.42), week 24 (16.56 ±â€…14.68), and week 52 (2.78 ±â€…16.15). For this subgroup, the difference in hair count between the low-dose ADRC group and no-fat saline control was statistically significant (P = 0.0318) at week 24. CONCLUSIONS: Puregraft fat and ADRCs are safe and well tolerated. In early male hair loss, this therapy demonstrated a statistically significant increase in terminal hair counts relative to the control population at 24 weeks and represents a promising approach for early androgenetic alopecia.

Long-term volumetric retention of autologous fat grafting processed with closed-membrane filtration.

BACKGROUND: Some practitioners have criticized the unpredictable retention associated with autologous fat transfer. Potential causes of variations in predictability include intrinsic (patient-related) or extrinsic factors, such as harvesting, processing, and graft-delivery technique. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to determine the long-term retention of autologous fat graft processed with a closed-membrane filtration system, to compare this retention with centrifuge-processed fat, and to analyze factors that affect graft retention. METHODS: This was a prospective analysis of 26 female patients (representing 52 hemi-midfaces) who underwent autologous fat transfer to the midface via the closed-membrane filtration system. The Vectra 3D camera and software were employed for all photography, which was then analyzed to compare immediate preoperative images with long-term follow-up images (obtained at least 10 months postprocedure). The authors compared the findings with data from their previous study of centrifuge-processed fat grafts (historical controls). RESULTS: Mean values were as follows: age, 55 years; follow-up period, 17 months; amount of autologous fat injected, 8.88 mL; absolute volume augmentation measured at the last postoperative visit, 3.71 mL; and retention, 41.2%. Results of Welch's t test, in which the membrane-filtration data were compared with the previous centrifuge data (31.8% long-term retention), showed a significant difference (P=.03). Retention in this study was significantly higher in patients younger than 55 years (53.0% vs 31% for older patients; P=.001) and lower in patients who underwent rhytidectomy (23.8% vs 47.6% for nonrhytidectomy patients; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Autologous fat processed by closed-membrane filtration had a significantly higher long-term retention rate than did centrifuged-processed fat injected by the same surgeons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Fat harvesting techniques for facial fat transfer.

Fat grafting has become popular as a stand-alone technique or as part of a combined procedure for facial rejuvenation, as volume restoration has increasingly become recognized as an important component in overall facial aging. Many facial plastic surgeons who are experienced in operating only in the head and neck region are unaccustomed to working elsewhere in the body. Accordingly, this article sets out to detail the specific technique for safe and effective lipoharvesting for facial fat transfer. In addition, site-specific considerations for the lower abdomen, inner/anterior/outer thighs, triceps, inner knee, buttock, and lower back are also discussed.

Volume loss versus gravity: new concepts in facial aging.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The earliest techniques of facial rejuvenation have been continuously adapted to reflect changes in the understanding of the aging face. Significant, paradigm-shifting advances in this understanding have been made in recent years which have allowed application of specific therapeutic modalities, resulting in dramatically improved results over those achieved with traditional facial rejuvenation. RECENT FINDINGS: Pioneering work by several authors has shown that gravity is not the sole determinant of the aging face. These authors have demonstrated that volume loss, including that of soft tissue and bone, is at least equally important in the pathogenesis of the stigmata of aging. Rejuvenative techniques developed to reverse these atrophic changes have exhibited outstanding results. The consequence is an increasing emphasis on the use of volume restoration procedures to address the aging face. SUMMARY: Recent improvements in the understanding of the facial aging process have brought about newly refined techniques for facial rejuvenation, ushering in a new era of plastic surgery for the aging face which is being manifested by increasingly natural results.

Midface sculpting with autologous fat.

There is currently a major paradigm shift from excision-based surgery to strictly volume enhancement. Because there is still no perfect facial filler, development of synthetic facial injectables continue to advance at a remarkable pace. Each type of filler carries a specific characteristic that makes it more suitable for a certain clinical application. The continuing change in facial fillers offers the possibility for volume augmentation procedures with less downtime and without the need for harvesting fat. We predict that volume enhancement will continue to play an increasing role as both a complementary and as a stand-alone procedure in facial rejuvenation.

Correction of the soft tissue pollybeak using triamcinolone injection.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique for correction of the soft tissue pollybeak deformity using intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide. METHODS: We discuss our philosophy, regimen, and technique for treatment of the soft tissue pollybeak using triamcinolone injection. We include results from a series of 173 patients who underwent rhinoplasty performed by one of us (N.J.P.). RESULTS: Triamcinolone was injected at 1 week after surgery in 127 patients (73%). A second injection was performed in 92 (72%) of the 127 patients at 4 weeks after surgery. One hundred eight (85%) of the 127 patients had an acceptable result, as judged by the surgeon, with good supratip definition. Nineteen (15%) of the 127 patients had a less than optimal result, with residual supratip fullness, as judged by the surgeon. There were no complications caused by triamcinolone injection. CONCLUSIONS: Because revision surgery is difficult and may be associated with complications, intralesional triamcinolone injection is the first-line treatment for the soft tissue pollybeak deformities caused by subdermal scarring. Should intralesional steroid injection fail to satisfactorily treat the deformity, revision rhinoplasty can subsequently be performed.

3D photography in the objective analysis of volume augmentation including fat augmentation and dermal fillers.

The authors present quantitative and objective 3D data from their studies showing long-term results with facial volume augmentation. The first study analyzes fat grafting of the midface and the second study presents augmentation of the tear trough with hyaluronic filler. Surgeons using 3D quantitative analysis can learn the duration of results and the optimal amount to inject, as well as showing patients results that are not demonstrable with standard, 2D photography.

Quantitative evaluation of volume augmentation in the tear trough with a hyaluronic Acid-based filler: a three-dimensional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the prevalent use of hyaluronic acid-based filling materials for facial soft-tissue augmentation and favorable reports of durability in the infraorbital region, no quantitative data exist on the long-term durability of these products following injection. This study represents the first attempt to use three-dimensional imaging to quantify augmentation achieved and duration of effect with one hyaluronic acid product in the tear trough. METHODS: The authors conducted a prospective, blinded case series in a clinical setting. One non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid material was used to augment 20 tear troughs to address cosmetic deficiency in this region. Patients were followed long term with three-dimensional imaging. Posttreatment and pretreatment images were compared, volume change was calculated at each time point, and percentage change between immediate and long-term posttreatment was evaluated. All measurements and calculations were performed independent of the injector. RESULTS: Residual effect from the hyaluronic acid product was demonstrable on three-dimensional imaging in 100 percent of tear troughs augmented in this study at the final follow-up visit. Average follow-up was 14.4 months (range, 8.5 to 22.75 months). Average initial augmentation measured by three-dimensional imaging was 0.21 cc per site. Average maintenance of effect for patients at the final follow-up visit was 85 percent. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term durability of a small gel particle-based hyaluronic acid in the tear trough is substantiated for the first time in an objective, quantitative fashion using three-dimensional imaging for evaluation of volumetric facial rejuvenation. Three-dimensional photographic imaging offers clinicians a precise and expeditious method for quantitatively evaluating volumetric changes in the face, and represents a significant advance in technology for studying the effects of facial aging.

Autologous fat grafting: long-term evidence of its efficacy in midfacial rejuvenation.

OBJECTIVE: To provide quantitative objective data demonstrating the longevity and amount of volume augmentation in the midface obtained with autologous fat grafting. METHODS: A prospective analysis of all patients who underwent autologous fat transfer to the midface region at our private practice and were followed up for at least 1 year. Three-dimensional imaging was performed with a Canfield Scientific Vectra camera and software, with quantitative volume measurements evaluating the amount of postoperative volume change. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (66 hemiface-midface regions) were included in the study. The mean follow-up time was 16 months. The mean amount of autologous fat injected into each midface region was 10.1 mL. Overall, the mean absolute volume augmentation measured at their last postoperative visit was 3.3 mL (31.8% take). There was variability between patients in the volume amount and percentage that remained. Touch-up procedures were performed in 8 patients. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this study is the first clinical quantification of autologous fat transfer and/or grafting in the literature that provides definitive evidence on the amount as well as the resultant longevity in the midface. Autologous fat transfer to the midface has definite long-term volume augmentation results. On average, approximately 32% of the injected volume remains at 16 months. However, some variability exists in the percentage of volume that remains that may require a touch-up procedure.

Complications following fat transfer.

Traditionally, strategies for facial rejuvenation have emphasized correction of tissue ptosis and laxity with suspensory and excisional techniques, such as face-lifting and blepharoplasty. Volume loss plays a significant role in facial aging and, until recently, had not received appropriate attention. Facial fat grafting to correct volume loss has become a crucial component of facial rejuvenation in the authors' respective practices.

Limitations, complications, and long-term sequelae of fat transfer.

Facial fat transfer has become one of the most potent methods for facial rejuvenation. The two notable problems that have limited its widespread acceptance are the perceived absorption and dissipation of the transplanted fat and the risk of difficult complications such as lumps and bulges along the periorbital expanse. This article discusses these concerns and the long-term sequelae, particularly derivative benefits beyond volume contour changes such as textural improvements in the skin, ongoing improvements in the appearance of the grafted fat after months to years, and other structural changes.

Volume restoration and facial aesthetics.

This article discusses the rationale for the use of volume restoration to restore natural, youthful contours to an aging face. Topics discussed include the discrepancy that can exist between patients' stated wishes and optimal results and the concepts of framing the eye, creating highlights, and restoring facial shape and volume.