• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.789-791
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• 2006

Purpose: The inverted nipple presents many problems in both cosmetic and functional aspects. The histopathologic features of inverted nipple are that inverted nipple has less fibromuscular tissue than normal nipple, short lactiferous duct and dense fibrous tissue. Many papers have been reported for correction of the inverted nipple, however not many medical literatures has specifically described about traction method. Although traditional traction methods were using half of urine cup or lid of bottle, they were uncomfortable and incapable for wearing brassiere. Methods: We invented a simple and more natural method using a dome-shape plastic disposable lid of take-out cup. We applied new device for three patients after corrective surgery. Results: For long term follow up, all patients satisfied their postoperative status and they were comportable with the lids. Conclusion: This new method is very simple, comfortable, and effective method for traction. It also allows patients to wear the brassiere.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.687-691
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• 2008

Purpose: An inverted nipple presents both cosmetic and functional problems. It is a source of repeated irritation and inflammation, and interferes with nursing. In addition, its abnormal appearance may cause psychological distress. With consideration of its underlying pathophysiologic components and severity, a number of techniques have been introduced for correction of this anomaly. The diversity of techniques indicates the lack of a good, sustainable, and durable solution for this quite common problem. We report our method as an alternative solution for correcting of the inverted nipple. Methods: From August 2003 to November 2007, 273 nipples in 147 patients were treated. 126 patients had bilateral inverted nipples. Patient age at the operation ranged from 21 to 63 years(mean age, 34 years). All nipples were congenital anomaly. 45 nipples were graded as grade I, 179 nipples as II, and 49 nipples as III. In the our study, we made some modification to the classic purse-string suture: (1) twice purse-string suture: (2) excision of diamond-shaped skin at the nipple neck: (3) buried suture of the breast parenchyma at the nipple base: (4) some timely release of retraction using Bovie's electrocautery dissection at inner surface of the nipple neck. Results: The operation time averaged 15 minutes. The mean follow-up period ranged from 3 to 48 months, with an average of 8.4 months. There were no complications associated with the surgery, such as infection, hematoma, permanent sensory disturbance, or total nipple necrosis except temporary sensory loss in 9 cases, partial nipple necrosis in 7 cases, and recurred inversion in 15 cases. All patients except recurred inversion were satisfied with their results. Conclusion: We believe that our modified purse-string suture is a reliable, simple, safe, and effective method for correcting the inverted nipple.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.322-326
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• 2009

Purpose: Severe type of inverted nipple (cannot be pulled out above the areola plane by manipulation, grade III) usually cannot be corrected by a relatively simple purse - string suture technique. Most patients want to avoid visible scars. To treat the severe case and avoid visible stigma, we introduce this invisible dermal flap method. Methods: This new surgical procedure makes bilateral incisions on the sidewall of nipple and dissections vertically to free the ducts from the contracted tissues. After dissection, the tunnel is formed. We insert "dermal flaps" into the tunnel underneath nipple base. Then through - and - through sutures are performed vertically (6 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions) and the purse - string suture is added with 4 - 0 nylon. Results: We had treated 35 primary inverted nipples (grade III) in 27 patients and 13 recurrent nipples in 7 cases. The results were excellent in 45 nipples (93.7%). All but 3 recurred cases was fully or very satisfied with the results. Conclusion: This technique is effective for the correction of severe inverted nipples and recurrent cases. We can avoid the visible scars on the areola surface.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.653-655
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• 2007

Purpose: The umbilicus is an important aesthetic component of the abdomen. Its absence is both cosmetically and psychologically distressing to the patient. Umbilical reconstruction should always be aimed at creating an umbilicus of sufficient depth and good morphology with less scarring. The C-V flap developed for nipple reconstruction was used in an inverted fashion in case of umbilical reconstruction. The aim of this article is to report our experience of scarred umbilical reconstruction using inverted C-V flap. Methods: A 22-year-old woman presented with contracted scar tissue in the umbilical region because she had undergone surgical correction of an umbilical hernia at 5 year of age. Pedicle of the inverted C-V flap was based cephalically. For enhancing depth of the umbilicus, three anchoring sutures to linea alba were done at both lateral and caudal aspects of the umbilical tube. Primary closures were done at donor sites of the V flaps and bolster sutures were done in the caudal direction of the inverted umbilical tube. Results: The patient was satisfied with the appearance of umbilicus. Major complications such as dehiscence, infection, and delayed healing did not occur. Conclusion: The inverted C-V flap is easy and simple technique, and it can produce a satisfactory reconstruction of umbilical structure.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.262-266
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• 2019

Transsexual individuals with gender dysphoria or gender identity disorder are rare, with a prevalence reported to range from 0.002% to 0.014%. Studies have shown that mastectomy yields significant improvements in body image and self-esteem in female-to-male transsexual patients. In patients with grade III breast ptosis, mastectomy with a nipple-areolar complex (NAC) graft is the most commonly used technique, although it has several disadvantages. In the case described herein, a bilateral mastectomy preserving the NAC in an inferior pedicle was performed. Additionally, a thin superior thoracic dermal-fat flap was preserved and eventually sutured at the previous inframammary fold, preventing an inverted T scar. This case shows the advantage of this technique for preserving the blood supply and innervation of the NAC, with a low hypopigmentation risk. Furthermore, in this technique, the patch effect does not impair the results of the NAC graft, and there is no need to use an inverted T scar that may result in thoracic feminization.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.300-308
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• 2011

Purpose: The goal of reduction mammaplasty is breast with natural cone shape, minimizing scars, well-placed and sensate nipple-areolar area and maintaining breast physiology. In order to satisfy that goal, variable reduction mammaplasty methods are performed, however, two methods such as vertical reduction method and inverted T-scar method are currently most used. We compared indications and advantages of the two methods and set up useful guidlines. Methods: For 15 years from 1995 to 2010, we experienced 84 patients (162 breasts). We performed vertical reduction method as Lejour's superior pedicle technique (45 patients) and inverted T-scar method as Goldwyn's inferior dermal flap technique (39 patients). We evaluated the result of the operation comparing patient's age, amount of resected tissue, complications and post-operative scars of the two methods. Results: The mean age was 36 years and the vertical reduction group was 3 years younger than inverted T-scar group. The mean breast tissue resection amount per one breast, inverted T-scar group (712 gm) was lagger than vertical reduction group (395 gm). Conclusion: There is no ideal method for reduction mammaplasty until now. However, we suggest that guide line, the vertical reduction method is effective for minimal and moderate macromastia in young and middle aged women and inverted T-scar method is appropriate for severe macromastia with ptosis in elderly women. Recently, all procedures tried shorter and smaller scar on the vertical line as small I, J or L shape scar, and inframammary fold as short inverted T-scar.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.680-686
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• 2008

Purpose: Breast conserving surgery(BCS) for breast cancer has a common treatment protocol. Oncoplastic surgery represents a form of BCS which combines both a cosmetic mammoplasty approach and oncologic resection for the treatment of breast cancer. Depending on the tumor site, BCS can make an unsatisfactory cosmetic result, especially in inferiorly placed tumors. This study describes the use of oncoplastic techniques for inferiorly located breast tumors in immediate partial mastectomy reconstruction. Methods: From September of 2006 to February of 2008, these techniques were used in 11 patients at the ${\bigcirc}{\bigcirc}$ hospital. After BCS was preceded, breast reshaping by oncoplastic techniques were selected depending on the location and size of the tumor within the breast as well as the size of breast itself. Oncoplastic techniques after partial mastectomy included 'Wise pattern (inverted T)' reduction mammoplasty, 'vertical pattern' mammoplasty, 'J-pattern' mammoplasty. In order to improve the cosmetic outcome, repositioning of the nipple areola complex(NAC) or reshaping of the contralateral breast may be considered additionally. Results: These techniques have been used in 11 patients. The mean age was 51 and the average follow-up period was 8 months. Eleven of these patients underwent the 'Wise pattern(inverted T)' reduction mammoplasty(n=6), 'vertical pattern' mammoplasty(n=3) and 'J-pattern' mammoplasty(n=2). There was one wound dehiscence during the follow-up periods. This complication was treated by conservative approach. The overall cosmetic result was evaluated in 6 months. The majority of patients were satisfied at the cosmetic result. Conclusion: Oncoplastic techniques in inferiorly located breast tumors could be a reasonable and safe option for breast cancer patients who desire conserving surgery with esthetical breast.