• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.296-302
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• 2021

Background: The reconstruction of large full-thickness alar defects requires complex surgical procedures that are usually performed in two stages, with concomitant disadvantages in terms of patient trauma, surgical risk, and cost. This study presents a functional folded nasolabial island flap (FNIF) that can be used to repair large-sized full-thickness alar defects in a straightforward manner. Methods: This retrospective study included seven patients who received a FNIF for a full-thickness alar defect between January 2007 and December 2020. The FNIF is different from the conventional nasolabial flap in that it is folded and twisted to achieve nostril reconstruction with a satisfactory three-dimensional mucosal lining in a single stage. The cosmetic and functional results of FNIF were evaluated by both patients and physicians. Results: The age ranged from 51 to 82 years (mean, 65.6 years). The causes of the defects were squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and trigeminal trophic syndrome. The nostril lining did not collapse, there was no hypertrophic scarring, and air movement through the nostrils on the flap side was normal. Overall, FNIF produced excellent aesthetic and functional outcomes, with minimal patient discomfort. There were no postoperative complications. Conclusion: Compared with existing reconstruction methods for large full-thickness alar defects, FNIF can easily achieve aesthetic and functional success in a single-stage procedure. It provides satisfactory results for both the patient and the surgeon.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.212-233
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• 2024

This is a retrospective review of surgical management for primary lymphedema. Data were extracted from 55 articles from PubMed MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials between the database inception and December 2022 to evaluate the outcomes of lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT), and outcomes of soft tissue extirpative procedures such as suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL) and extensive soft tissue excision. Data from 485 patients were compiled; these were treated with LVA (n = 177), VLNT (n = 82), SAL (n = 102), and excisional procedures (n = 124). Improvement of the lower extremity lymphedema index, the quality of life (QoL), and lymphedema symptoms were reported in most studies. LVA and VLNT led to symptomatic relief and improved QoL, reaching up to 90 and 61% average circumference reduction, respectively. Cellulitis reduction was reported in 25 and 40% of LVA and VLNT papers, respectively. The extirpative procedures, used mainly in patients with advanced disease, also led to clinical improvement from the volume reduction, as well as reduced incidence of cellulitis, although with poor cosmetic results; 87.5% of these reports recommended postoperative compression garments. The overall complication rates were 1% for LVA, 13% for VLNT, 11% for SAL, and 46% for extirpative procedures. Altogether, only one paper lacked some kind of improvement. Primary lymphedema is amenable to surgical treatment; the currently performed procedures have effectively improved symptoms and QoL in this population. Complication rates are related to the invasiveness of the chosen procedure.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.453-460
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• 2015

Background Reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects after resection of oropharyngeal cancer is a significant challenge. The purpose of this study is to introduce reconstruction using a combination of a buccinator myomucosal flap and a buccal fat pad flap after cancer excision and to discuss the associated anatomy, surgical procedure, and clinical applications. Methods In our study, a combination of a buccinator myomucosal flap with a buccal fat pad flap was utilized for reconstruction after resection of oropharyngeal cancer, performed between 2013 and 2015. After oropharyngectomy, the defect with exposed vital structures was noted. A buccinator myomucosal flap was designed and elevated after an assessment of the flap pedicle. Without requiring an additional procedure, a buccal fat pad flap was easily harvested in the same field and gently pulled to obtain sufficient volume. The flaps were rotated and covered the defect. In addition, using cadaver dissections, we investigated the feasibility of transposing the flaps into the lateral oropharyngeal defect. Results The reconstruction was performed in patients with squamous cell carcinoma. The largest tumor size was $5cm{\times}2cm(length{\times}width)$. All donor sites were closed primarily. The flaps were completely epithelialized after four weeks, and the patients were followed up for at least six months. There were no flap failures or postoperative wound complications. All patients were without dietary restrictions, and no patient had problems related to mouth opening, swallowing, or speech. Conclusions A buccinator myomucosal flap with a buccal fat pad flap is a reliable and valuable option in the reconstruction of oropharyngeal defects after cancer resection for maintaining functionality.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.465-471
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• 2011

Purpose: Blepharoptosis is often associated with telecanthus and the presence of epicanthal fold in telecanthus is one of unique features in Asian eyelids. The purpose of this article is to define telecanthus and pseudotelecanthus, and to determine optimal surgical procedure depending on classification of telecanthus. Methods: Among 187 patients with blepharoptosis who had the advancement procedure of the Muller's musclelevator aponeurosis composite flap for ptosis, 55 patients underwent Flowers' split V-W plasty concomitantly with shortening the medial canthal tendon for correction of telecanthus from September 2003 to January 2011. Among them, 52 patients were followed up for 16 months. We newly defined telecanthus because Mustarde ratio is inaccurate to measure in certain cases and then made a definition of pseudotelecanthus. Besides, we also classified telecanthus into mild, moderate and severe types based on its severity. Results: Telecanthus is defined when the ICD (inner canthal distance) is greater than 110% of normal ICD. Pseudotelecanthus is a telecanthus like a wide skin bridge formed between the eyes because of the epicanthal fold in the normal ICD. Flowers' split V-W plasty combined with shortening medial canthal tendon was very effective in mild and moderate telecanthus with almost invisible scar and no recurrence occurring. In severe types, however, it showed high incidence (28%) of incomplete correction of telecanthus. Conclusion: New definition of telecanthus can be easily applied to any case and we think the classification of telecanthus is useful to select an appropriate operative procedure. Split V-W plasty with shortening of medial canthal tendon is a very effective procedure in mild and moderate telecanthus. Besides, it is also effective in improving the treatment outcomes of ptosis in cases of blepharoptosis associated with telecanthus.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.34-38
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• 2022

Severe temporal hollowing deformities can occur in patients who undergo craniectomy after intracranial hemorrhage. Reconstruction surgery for cosmetic purposes using silicone implants in patients with temporal hollowing deformities after craniectomy is advantageous because the procedure is simple and rapid, with a short recovery time, resulting in lower overall treatment costs. Of paramount importance, this option yields highly satisfactory results for patients. The authors present three cases of simple and fast surgery using silicone implants where highly satisfactory outcomes were obtained.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.22-26
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• 2024

Background: This study analyzed the demographic characteristics of patients with facial palsy who were treated using either dynamic or static procedures. This study aimed to compare the frequency of procedure implementation and age distribution between the two groups. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients treated for facial palsy at a single institution from 2014 to 2022. Among cases included in our study, dynamic procedures involved cross-facial nerve graft and latissimus dorsi or gracilis muscle flap transfer. Static procedures included gold weight insertion, canthopexy, browlift, and thread lift/static slings. Results: Among the 31 patients included in our study, eight (25.8%) incorporated dynamic techniques, and the average age of patients was 44.75 years (range, 24-68 years) with a male to female ratio of 1:4. The remaining 23 patients (74.2%) underwent a static procedure, of which the average age was 59.17 years (range, 23-81 years) which was statistically significantly higher than the average age of 44.75 of dynamic patients (p= 0.013). Regarding the timing of treatment after diagnosis, no patient underwent dynamic procedures more than 20 years after initial diagnosis. A greater diversity in the timing of treatment was observed in the static group. All patients who underwent dynamic procedures were treated using static procedures during the study period. Conclusion: Because aesthetics-based static techniques are typically quick outpatient procedures that can be performed under local anesthesia, our study shows that these are often preferred treatments for all age groups, especially for debilitated or older patients. Further research is required to investigate the long-term functional outcomes of these surgical techniques in a wider population of patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.709-715
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• 2008

Purpose: Axillary osmidrosis is caused by excessive apocrine gland secretion, which causes an unpleasant odor. Axillary osmidrosis causes difficulty in social activities and personal handicap. We studied the long term follow up results of our surgical procedures and sought to find a best surgical treatment methods. Methods: From January 1991 to December 2006, a total of 1864 patients(587 men, 1277 women) had been treated with this procedure for axillary osmidrosis and hyperhidrosis. Follow up periods varied from 10 to 15 years. We used the subdermal excision technique, using two small incisions over the axilary folds and using a Kawata dissector(instrumental shaving) and additional manual subdermal excision(manual shaving). Results: Among the total patients, 782 patients were followed up. Except a pure hyperhidrosis patients, 759 osmidrosis patients was included. 588 patients(77.4%) had a good results, 148 patients(19.5%) had a moderate results and 23 patients(3.1%) had a recurrence. Complication developed in 189 patients(10.1%): hematoma or seroma in 25 patients, wound dehiscence in 86 patients, partial skin necrosis in 45 patients, and infection in 28 patients. Conclusion: We conclude that our method has several advantages such as 1) short operation time, 2) minimal scaring, 3) lower complication rates, 4) high satisfactory rates.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.126-134
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• 2020

Background Pectus excavatum is less common in females than in males, and it often aggravates a coexistent breast asymmetry. We conducted a study comparing female patients' versus medical professionals' evaluation of pectus excavatum repair to assess differences in aesthetic outcome ratings. Moreover, we evaluated the influence of surgical correction on patients' self-perception. Methods Of 30 female patients who were initially screened, 18 patients (mean age, 20 years) who underwent bar removal after surgical correction of pectus excavatum deformity participated in the survey (60%). They completed a questionnaire rating their appearance before and after surgery and responded to a psychological questionnaire about the changes that they had experienced. The mean interval between pectus bar removal and evaluation was 28 months. Standardized preoperative and postoperative patient photographs were evaluated using the same questionnaire by a panel of medical professionals and students (n=24) and the results were compared. Results Patients rated their preoperative deformity as more severe than the other evaluators, revealing the significant impact of the deformity on patients' self-perception. Postoperatively, patient and professional evaluations were much better than before and were very similar. The psychological evaluation showed a clear improvement in well-being. The ratings of the medical professionals were not influenced by their degree of medical education. Conclusions Surgical correction of pectus excavatum in female patients positively influences body perception and psychological well-being. It should therefore not be considered as a merely aesthetic correction, but as an important procedure to restore a patient's self-perception.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.329-332
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• 2021

Although lipoma is a common benign tumor, it occurs relatively infrequently in the oral and maxillofacial areas, and only 31 cases of lipoma in the buccal fat pad have been reported. Herein, we present an extremely rare case of symmetric lipomas in both buccal fat pads. These masses were incidentally discovered during a facelift procedure in a 50-year-old woman with a 4-year history of tamoxifen use. during which she had gained 10 kg. The patient stated that cheek protrusion had developed concomitantly with weight gain and was exacerbated by an injection lipolysis procedure she had received 1 year previously. This case underscores the importance of paying careful attention to the patient's medication use and surgical history when evaluating suspected cases of lipoma, and sheds light on tamoxifen use and subcutaneous injections of phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate as potential risk factors for lipoma development.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.84-88
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• 2019

Background: Epidermal cysts are benign, slow growing cysts that often develop on the head, neck, chest, and back of adults. The most common method of surgical excision involves the use of a scalpel and often leaves a scar proportional to the size of the cyst. Therefore, minimally invasive techniques are required. Among these techniques, the $CO_2$ laser-based technique is minimally invasive and has lower complication rate, shorter recovery times, and lesser scarring. This paper aimed to compare the results and postoperative complications associated with a $CO_2$ laser-based excision against conventional surgical excision for epidermal cysts. Methods: We surveyed 120 patients, aged 16 to 65 years, with epidermal cysts on the face measuring 0.5 to 2.2 cm in diameter. Twelve months later, we compared the scar length, recurrence rate, patient satisfaction, and complications between patients treated with $CO_2$ laser excision versus surgical excision. Results: The mean scar length (12 months postoperative) after $CO_2$ laser excision was $0.30{\pm}0.15cm$, and that following surgical excision was $1.23{\pm}0.43cm$ (p= 0.001). The procedure time (time from incision after local anesthesia to the end of repair) was $16.15{\pm}5.96minutes$ for $CO_2$ laser excision versus $22.38{\pm}6.05minutes$ for surgical excision (p= 0.001). The recurrence rates in the surgical excision group and $CO_2$ laser excision group were 3.3% and 8.3%, respectively; this difference was not statistically significant (p= 0.648). Conclusion: The cosmetic outcome of $CO_2$ laser excision is excellent. For epidermal cysts measuring 2.2 cm or smaller, $CO_2$ laser excision is recommended, especially when aesthetic outcome is considered important.