Sub-muscular Breast Augmentation Using Tumescent Local Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) consists of infiltration of saline solution with lidocaine and epinephrine into the tissues to obtain regional anesthesia and vasoconstriction. The use of TLA in augmentation mammoplasty has been described for sub-glandular positioning. We describe a modified TLA technique for primary sub-muscular breast augmentation reporting our experience during the past 7 years. METHODS: From 2010 to 2017, 300 patients underwent bilateral primary sub-muscular breast augmentation under TLA and conscious sedation. The tumescent solution was prepared with 25 mL of 2% lidocaine, 8 mEq of sodium bicarbonate, and 1 mL of epinephrine (1 mg/1 mL) in 1000 mL of 0.9% saline solution. Firstly, the solution was infiltrated between the pectoral fascia and the mammary gland, secondarily, during surgery, under the pectoralis major muscle. RESULTS: The average amount of tumescent solution infiltrated while performing TLA was 740 mL per breast. No signs of adrenaline or lidocaine toxicity were reported and conversion to general anesthesia was never required. In all patients, no pain nor discomfort was reported during the pre-operating infiltration and surgical procedure. We reported a major complication rate of 3.3% (4 hematomas and 6 seromas) and a minor complication rate of 6.0% (8 implant dislocation and 10 dystrophic scars formation). CONCLUSIONS: TLA represents a safe and efficacious technique for performing breast augmentation surgery with sub-muscular implant positioning. This technique guarantees good pain control during and after surgery and has low incidence of postoperative side effects. Patients subjected to sub-muscular breast augmentation with TLA were satisfied. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The Outcome of Primary Subglandular Breast Augmentation Using Tumescent Local Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) technique to obtain regional anesthesia and vasoconstriction of the skin and subcutaneous tissues is routinely adopted for several plastic surgery procedures. Here, we describe the use of TLA in primary subglandular breast augmentation. This series evaluates advantages and disadvantages of TLA in elective augmentation breast surgery as well as patients' response to this procedure. METHODS: Between December 2008 and November 2011, 150 patients underwent bilateral primary subglandular breast augmentation under TLA and conscious sedation in the presence of a board-certified anesthesiologist. Midazolam 0.05 mg/kg IV and ranitidine 100 mg IV were given as premedication. Tumescent local anesthesia was composed of 25 mL of lidocaine 2%, 8 mEq of sodium bicarbonate, and 1 mL of epinephrine (1 mg/1 mL) in 1000 mL of 0.9% NS. The solution was delivered between the pectoral fascia and the mammary gland via a spinal needle. After infiltration, 45 minutes were allowed before surgery for local anesthetic effects to take place. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 34.3 years. The average amount of tumescent solution infiltrated was 1150 mL, with a maximal dose of 17 mg/kg of lidocaine used. Operating time was 45 minutes and recovery room time averaged 125 minutes. Minor complications were found in a total of 9 (5.3%) patients, with no main surgery-related complications such as hematoma or seroma formation. CONCLUSIONS: Breast augmentation under TLA and conscious sedation proved to be safe in the presence of a board-certified anesthesiologist and when performed with meticulous surgical technique.

Augmentation Mammaplasty After Breast Enhancement With Hyaluronic Acid.

BACKGROUND: Macrolane is a stabilized, hyaluronic acid-based gel that has been available since 2007 as a minimally invasive, nonpermanent option for breast enhancement. However, numerous controversies pertaining to its side effects have highlighted the need for studies involving larger groups of patients. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to determine complications of Macrolane injections for breast enhancement and performed surgical evacuation of cysts comprising collections of hyaluronic acid in patients who previously received Macrolane treatment and presented for augmentation mammaplasty. METHODS: The authors reviewed a case series of 20 patients who were treated elsewhere with intramammary injection of Macrolane for cosmetic purposes and who presented at the authors' medical studio with multiple intramammary and intramuscular cysts. All patients underwent surgical evacuation of the hyaluronic acid-based cysts in association with augmentation mammaplasty. RESULTS: Good aesthetic results were achieved in all patients. Three months after surgery, 15 of 20 (75%) patients rated themselves as very much improved; 4 patients (20%) rated themselves as moderately improved, and 1 patient (5%) rated herself as somewhat improved. CONCLUSIONS: The authors suggest that Macrolane cannot be considered a valid alternative for breast augmentation at this time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Therapeutic.

An adipocitolitic aqueous micro-gelatinous solution for buffalo hump deformity reduction.

Buffalo hump is a manifestation of HIV related lipodistrophy, it is characterized by an enlargment of dorsocervical fat pad and is distressing for patients. Surgical correction until a few years ago was the only option for treatment, however in last years non surgical corrections was carried out with minimally invasive techniques. Authors report this case that describe a longer follow up of an already published study were this deformity was treated with the injection of an adipocitolitic aqueous micro-gelatinous solution and during all the follow up no relapse was observed.

Safety and efficacy of one-step rehabilitation of human immunodeficiency virus-related facial lipoatrophy using an injectable calcium hydroxylapatite dermal filler.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related facial lipoatrophy seems to be the most distressing manifestation for individuals with HIV. It can be stigmatizing, severely affecting quality of life and self-esteem. Ever-increasing numbers of individuals with HIV receiving medication for HIV infection are presenting to plastic surgeons and requesting reconstructive surgery to counteract the unwanted side effects of their treatment protocols, for example facial lipoatrophy. The authors show their results with a one-step rehabilitation in cases of facial lipoatrophy using an injectable calcium hydroxylapatite dermal filler mixed with local anesthetic and adrenaline. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted as a clinical prospective study; 26 individuals with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy and with facial lipoatrophy received injections of an injectable calcium hydroxylapatite dermal filler mixed with local anesthetic and adrenaline. RESULTS: No major complications were registered. A stable result was observed in all the cases at the end of follow-up (3 months). High patient satisfaction was achieved in all cases. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of this study confirm that calcium hydroxylapatite dermal filler safely and effectively ameliorates the appearance of patients with HIV-related facial lipoatrophy, and mixing it with local anaesthetic and adrenaline can reduce pain during injection and ecchymosis.

A facial marker in facial wasting rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Facial lipoatrophy is one of the most distressing manifestation for HIV patients. It can be stigmatizing, severely affecting quality of life and self-esteem, and it may result in reduced antiretroviral adherence. Several filling techniques have been proposed in facial wasting restoration, with different outcomes. The aim of this study is to present a triangular area that is useful to fill in facial wasting rehabilitation. METHODS: Twenty-eight HIV patients rehabilitated for facial wasting were enrolled in this study. Sixteen were rehabilitated with a non-resorbable filler and twelve with structural fat graft harvested from lipohypertrophied areas. A photographic pre-operative and post-operative evaluation was performed by the patients and by two plastic surgeons who were "blinded." The filled area, in both patients rehabilitated with structural fat grafts or non-resorbable filler, was a triangular area of depression identified between the nasolabial fold, the malar arch, and the line that connects these two anatomical landmarks. RESULTS: The cosmetic result was evaluated after three months after the last filling procedure in the non-resorbable filler group and after three months post-surgery in the structural fat graft group. The mean patient satisfaction score was 8.7 as assessed with a visual analogue scale. The mean score for blinded evaluators was 7.6. CONCLUSION: In this study the authors describe a triangular area of the face, between the nasolabial fold, the malar arch, and the line that connects these two anatomical landmarks, where a good aesthetic facial restoration in HIV patients with facial wasting may be achieved regardless of which filling technique is used.

A modified scalpel in hair restoration.

One limiting factor of hair transplantation is the amount of hair available in the patient donor scalp. Several techniques have been proposed as steel punches, multiblade knives, FUE (follicular unit extract) and single-strip harvesting. The authors introduce a modified surgical scalpel with a No. 10 blade to minimize side effects. This scalpel is folded at 120-degree angle and allows the incision to be parallel to the hair follicles and help the surgeon to avoid resection of the hair during dissection. The authors propose this modified scalpel as a new ideal instrument for removing the donor area in hair transplantation.

Treatment of poikiloderma of Civatte using intense pulsed light source: 7 years of experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The treatment of choice of poikiloderma of Civatte should address both pigmented and vascular lesions at the same time. A broad-spectrum, noncoherent intense pulsed light (IPL) source can be used to obtain this effect. In this study, we investigated the clinical efficacy and side effects of treating this condition with IPL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 175 patients with poikiloderma of Civatte of the neck and chest were treated with IPL at various settings. The mean age of patients of various skin types (Fitzpatrick I to III) was 49 years. They were subjected to a treatment protocol including three sessions every 3 weeks. At follow-up visit, performed 3 months after the last treatment, clinical improvement was evaluated for all patients by comparing pre- and posttreatment photographs. The patients also scored their overall satisfaction. RESULTS: Clearance of more than 80% of vascular and pigmented components of poikiloderma of Civatte was observed. Minimal and transient side effects occurred in 5% of the patients. No scarring or pigment disturbances were noted after the treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The IPL source can be considered a safe and effective therapeutic option for poikiloderma of Civatte, allowing a marked improvement of vascular and pigmented lesions with minimal side effects.

Recombinant interferon alpha-2b and coenzyme Q10 as a postsurgical adjuvant therapy for melanoma: a 3-year trial with recombinant interferon-alpha and 5-year follow-up.

Early surgical intervention remains the most successful therapy for melanoma. Despite better outcomes observed in soft tissue and lymph node metastases, the results of pharmacological therapies are still disappointing. Currently, there is no standard adjuvant therapy for melanoma. Low concentrations of coenzyme Q10 have been demonstrated in melanoma cell lines and in sera of melanoma patients. These data and the results of clinical trials of patients with other advanced cancers prompted this study of the long-term administration of an optimized dose of recombinant interferon alpha-2b and coenzyme Q10 to patients with stage I and II melanoma. A 3-year trial envisaging uninterrupted treatment with low-dose recombinant interferon alpha-2b (9 000 000 000 IU weekly) administered twice daily and coenzyme Q10 (400 mg/day) was conducted in patients with stage I and II melanoma (American Joint Committee on Cancer criteria 2002) and surgically removed lesions. Treatment efficacy was evaluated as incidence of recurrences at 5 years. All patients completed the treatment and the follow-up. Significantly different rates of disease progression were observed in the interferon+coenzyme Q10 and the interferon group for both stages. No patient withdrew from the study owing to side effects. Long-term administration of an optimized dose of recombinant interferon alpha-2b in combination with coenzyme Q10 seemed to induce significantly decreased rates of recurrence and had negligible adverse effects. A survival study could not be undertaken owing to the small patient sample and the short duration of follow-up.

Nonsurgical tightening of skin laxity: a new radiofrequency approach.

BACKGROUND: Improvement in skin laxity can be difficult to achieve without invasive surgical procedures. Monopolar radiofrequency (RF) treatment is used by physicians to heat skin and promote tissue tightening and contouring. RF technology produces an electric current that generates heat through resistance in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The thermal effect depends on the conductivity features of the treated tissue. When heated, collagen fibrils will denature and contract, which is believed to lead to the observed tissue tightening. METHODS: Ninety-three consecutive patients with mild to moderate laxity were included in the study. The Surgitron Dual Frequency RF (Radiowave technology, Ellman International) was used to treat skin laxity. The application of RF energy took place in an ambulatory setting with no need for skin sterilization or anesthesia. RESULTS: Patients immediately noticed a microlifting retraction in the treated tissues according to the vectors mapped in the area. There were no significant complications and the majority of patients were satisfied with the procedure and able to return to their daily routine after leaving the office, thereby substantiating the popularity of noninvasive rejuvenating procedures.

Low plasma coenzyme Q10 levels as an independent prognostic factor for melanoma progression.

BACKGROUND: Abnormally low plasma levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) have been found in patients with cancer of the breast, lung, or pancreas. OBJECTIVE: A prospective study of patients with melanoma was conducted to assess the usefulness of CoQ10 plasma levels in predicting the risk of metastasis and the duration of the metastasis-free interval. METHODS: Between January 1997 and August 2004, plasma CoQ10 levels were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography in 117 consecutive melanoma patients without clinical or instrumental evidence of metastasis according to American Joint Committee on Cancer criteria and in 125 matched volunteers without clinically suspect pigmented lesions. Patients taking CoQ10 or cholesterol-lowering medications and those with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus were excluded from the study. Multiple statistical methods were used to evaluate differences between patients and control subjects and between patients who did (32.5%) and did not (67.5%) develop metastases during follow-up. RESULTS: CoQ10 levels were significantly lower in patients than in control subjects (t test: P < .0001) and in patients who developed metastases than in the metastasis-free subgroup (t test: P < .0001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that plasma CoQ10 levels were a significant predictor of metastasis (P = .0013). The odds ratio for metastatic disease in patients with CoQ10 levels that were less than 0.6 mg/L (the low-end value of the range measured in a normal population) was 7.9, and the metastasis-free interval was almost double in patients with CoQ10 levels 0.6 mg/L or higher (Kaplan-Meier analysis: P < .001). LIMITATIONS: A study with a larger sample, which is currently being recruited, and a longer follow-up will doubtlessly increase the statistical power and enable survival statistics to be obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of our findings suggests that baseline plasma CoQ10 levels are a powerful and independent prognostic factor that can be used to estimate the risk for melanoma progression.

Q-switched alexandrite laser-assisted treatment of melasma: 2-year follow-up monitoring.

Melasma is a common disorder of hyperpigmentation involving sun exposed face and neck areas. Three clinical patterns of melasma are recognized: the centrofacial, the malar, and the mandibular ones. Several factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of this disorder including pregnancy, oral contraceptive therapy, sun exposure, genetic factors, cosmetics, and race. This condition is most frequently observed in women and affects all racial groups; however, it is commonly found in darker-complexioned individuals (skin types IV through VI) and in Asian women who live and work under strong sunlight exposure for long periods. Melasma is very difficult to treat and often resistant to therapy. Treatment of melasma includes various hypopigmenting agents, chemical peeling, and laser surgery with unsatisfactory results. We report 3 cases of facial melasma successfully treated with a Q-switched Alexandrite laser.

Type A botulinum toxin: a new treatment for axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis is an invalidating condition, and one that is difficult to treat. It is characterized by an excessive and uncontrolled production of sweat by the sweat glands, often causing psychological, social, and occupational problems for the patient. Hyperhidrosis can be distinguished in two forms: idiopathic (of unknown etiology), or secondary, due to an alteration of the endocrine system (ex: hyperthyroidism, neuropathy, neoplasia etc.) It is found in about 0.3-0.5% of the population and can be localized (axillary, palmar, plantar, facial) or diffused. The subcutaneous injection of type A botulinum toxin, until now used only for the treatment of blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm, has shown to be a useful treatment for localized hyperhidrosis. The objective of the authors is to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy, safety, and management of botulinum toxin treatment in patients affected with axillary or palmar hyperhidrosis resistant to conventional therapies.

Breast fat grafting with platelet-rich plasma: a comparative clinical study and current state of the art.

BACKGROUND: The role of platelet-rich plasma in enhancing fat graft take is attracting the scientific community. There is, however, a lack of clinical studies on the matter. The aim of this article is to report the authors' experience in breast fat grafting with and without platelet-rich plasma and to investigate the state of the art on adipose tissue platelet-rich plasma enrichment. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed 42 women who underwent breast fat grafting between September of 2007 and September of 2009. Seventeen of these patients (40 percent) were grafted with fat (according to Coleman) enriched with platelet-rich plasma at 10 percent (group A), and 25 patients (60 percent) received only fat grafts according to Coleman (group B). All patients underwent preoperative breast ultrasound and mammography and were regularly followed up with breast ultrasound 3 months later and then at 6-month intervals. The reconstructive and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated using the following parameters: (1) clinical outcomes according to the surgeons and the patient, (2) the rate of liponecrosis at breast ultrasound, and (3) the need of further fat grafting to achieve the planned result. RESULTS: The clinical outcomes, the rate of liponecrosis at breast ultrasound, and the need for further fat grafting reveal that fat grafting plus platelet-rich plasma at 10 percent is not superior to Coleman fat grafting alone. CONCLUSIONS: In the authors' retrospective analysis, no effect of platelet-rich plasma was seen in enhancing fat graft take when compared with the Coleman fat graft. Further research and prospective clinical studies are needed to understand the role of platelet-rich plasma, if any, in fat grafting.