• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.245-249
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• 2005

Various surgical procedures have been described for treating osmidrosis axillare. Elimination of the apocrine glands is prime goal. Optimal operative procedure is characterized as follows: minimal axillary scar(which has cosmetic merits), less complications such as hematoma and seroma, short and less painful recuperating period, minimal damage to the skin and low recurrence rate. Three types of incision technique in subdermal shaving method have beeb commoly used. First, single incision method has an advantage of minimal scarring but more recurrence due to incomplete removal of apocrine glands may occur. Second, double incision technique(Bipedicled flap) has advantages of complete excision, low recurrence rate and relatively minimal scarring, but it could cause frequent necrosis of skin and folding of skin flap. Skoog's method is the third method, which makes four flaps by offset cruciate incisions. It is a better technique in aspect of complete excision of apocrine glands and low recurrence rate but has disadvantages such as development of hypertrophic scar or scar contracture in the line that lies perpendicular to natural axillary skin crease. We used a modified procedure which has shorter length in vertical and transverse incision compared with the classic Skoog's method. We dissected further subcutaneous tissue through the diamond-shaped incision and utilize wide operation field that provide adequate excision of subdermal tissue and proper hemostasis. Between 1999 and 2004, we operated 160 osmidrosis axillare in 80 patients in this technique. Most patients obtained satisfactory result with very low complications. Hematoma or seroma 3.1% Infection 0.6% Partial wound disruption 10% Recurrence 1.2%. Modified Skoog's method for treating osmidrosis axillae could be a optimal technique providing wide operation field for adequate excision of apocrine glands and proper hemostasis and leaving relatively inconspicuous scar and low incidence of scar contracture.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2009

Purpose: Excessive scarring in the forms of keloid and hypertrophic scar could be a consquence of the accumulation of granulation tissue cells due to aberrant control of apoptosis. Verapamil retard extracelluar matrix production and inhibits VEGF production in primary cultured keloid fibroblast. The object of this study was effect of verapamil on VEGF expression and apoptosis in early wound scarring of the rabbit ear. Methods: Full thickness wounds were created on the ventral side of 6 New Zealand rabbits's ear. 16 days after initial wounding verapamil and saline were injected each scars and scars were harvested 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks later. The wounds were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, TUNEL stain, immunohistochemical stain for VEGF and calculated scar elevation index. Results: Histologic analaysis demonstrated significant reduction in inflammation, vascularity and improvement in dermal collagen organization in experimental group. In TUNEL staining apotosis positive cells were increased and immunohistochemial staining of VEGF demonstrated significant reduction of VEGF expression in experimental group. No significant difference was noted in scar elevation index between two groups. Conclusion: This study suggest that intralesional injection of verapamil on early wound scarring of the rabbit ear decreased VEGF production and increased apoptosis and have a benefit on the pathophysiology of scar formation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.508-511
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• 2007

Purpose: Dermoid cysts are almost always caused by congenital events. The most widely accepted pathogenesis is that the cysts are dysembryogenetic lesions that arise from ectodermic elements entrapped during the midline fusion. We report a rare case of dermoid cyst, which occurred not congenitally but newly in the subcutaneous scar tissue secondary to trauma. Methods: A 26-year-old man had a deep submental laceration caused by a car accident and got a primary wound closure 16 months ago. There were 18 cm-long submental hypertrophic scar and newly developed palpable masses inside the subcutaneous layer at the center of the scar. Initial impression was an epidermal cyst or a thyroglossal duct cyst. Ultrasonographic finding showed two cystic masses inside the scars at the submental area, but impressed dermoid cysts. The cystic masses were completely removed with W-plasty and histological examination were followed. Results: The histological diagnosis was dermoid cysts which were mainly composed of keratotic squamous epithelium in their inner surface linings and numerous skin appendages such as sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and hair follicles in their cystic lumens histopathologically. During the follow-up period of 25 months, there was no recurrence of any subcutaneous mass in the site of scar. Conclusion: We report a very unusual case of dermoid cysts developed by an acquired cause, considering that the accidental inclusion of deep skin elements caused by a trauma can be a critical origin of dermoid cysts.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.345-350
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• 2018

Background The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) has remained a leading choice of many plastic surgeons as a fasciocutaneous flap due to its versatility, pedicle length, and simple elevation technique. However, donor site morbidity has led many reconstructive surgeons to limit their use of the RFFF and to use other flaps instead. We propose that using a narrow RFFF (nRFFF) decreases the aesthetic and functional morbidity of the donor site. Methods We report our experiences with the nRFFF from April 2012 through May 2015 at the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgery at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi. The donor defects were closed primarily. The Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale and comparison with the contralateral hand were used to assess aesthetic and functional outcomes, respectively. Results A total of 24 patients underwent nRFFF procedures during the study period. The donor arm showed excellent motor function in 22 cases (91.7%), and very good function in the remaining two cases (8.3%). The aesthetic outcomes were excellent in four patients (16.6%), very good in eight patients (33.3%), good in 10 patients (41.6%), and fair in two patients (8.3%) who developed a hypertrophic scar. All flaps were successful and there were no cases of partial or complete loss. Conclusions For small to medium-sized soft tissue defects, the nRFFF had acceptable outcomes due to its thinness, pliability, and major reduction in donor site aesthetic and functional morbidity.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.378-383
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• 2017

Background This study aimed to assess the effects of the topical application of tamoxifen on wound healing of burned skin in Wistar rats by evaluating 3 healing characteristics: fibrotic tissue thickness (FTT), scar surface area (SSA), and angiogenesis in the healed scar tissue. Methods Eighteen male Wistar rats were used in this study. A third-degree burn wound was made on the shaved animals' back, measuring $2{\times}2{\times}2cm$. In the first group, a 2% tamoxifen ointment was applied to the wound twice daily for 8 weeks. The second group received a placebo ointment during the same period. The third group did not receive any treatment and served as the control group. Results The median (interquartile range=[Q1, Q3]) FTT was 1.35 (1.15, 1.62) mm, 1.00 (0.95, 1.02) mm, and 1.25 (0.8, 1.5) mm in the control, tamoxifen, and placebo groups, respectively (P=0.069). However, the FTT in the tamoxifen group was less than in the placebo and control groups. The median angiogenesis was 3.5 (3.00, 6.25), 8.00 (6.75, 9.25), and 7.00 (5.50, 8.25) vessels per high-power field for the control, tamoxifen, and placebo groups, respectively (P=0.067). However, the median angiogenesis was higher in the tamoxifen group than in the control group. No significant difference was observed in the mean SSA between the tamoxifen group and the control group (P=0.990). Conclusions Local application of tamoxifen increased angiogenesis and decreased the FTT, with no change in the SSA in burned skin areas. These effects are expected to expedite the wound healing process, reducing contracture and preventing hypertrophic scar and keloid formation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.649-654
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• 2011

Purpose: Split-or full-thickness skin grafts are used to reconstruct palmar skin and soft tissue defects after trauma or to release burn scar contracture on the hand. Glabrous skin defects should be substituted with similar skin to preserve function and aesthetics. The authors report their experiences with a technique that uses a full-thickness graft taken from glabrous skin on the ulnar edge of the palm for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the hand. Methods: During a three-year period from 2007 to 2010, 22 patients with burn scar contracture and 12 patients with post-traumatic skin defects on their hands were treated with full-thickness skin graft operations. The palmar skin and soft tissue defects after release of burn scar contracture or debridement of post-traumatic wounds were reconstructed with full-thickness skin grafts harvested from the ulnar border of their palms. All donor-site wounds were primarily closed. Results: The followup periods ranged from 3 to 25 months. Contractures of the hand were corrected without recurrence, and the grafts showed relatively good contour and color match to the adjacent fields. There were no reported complications such as significant color change or hypertrophic scarring. The grafted skin showed an average 5.9 mm static two-point discrimination obtained in fingertip reconstruction cases, indicating satisfactory reinnervation. Conclusion: Glabrous full-thickness grafts harvested from the palmar ulnar border is a very useful way of reconstructing soft tissue defects on hands, including fingertips, for function restoration, favorable aesthetic results, and low donor-site morbidity.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.1099-1102
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• 1988

A vertical skin incision with median sternotomy for open heart surgery usually leaves an unsightly hypertrophic scar, and it makes cosmetic and psychic problems especially in young female patients. Since November 1986, we have used a bilateral submammary skin incision with dissection of a fasciocutaneous flap in 5 young female patients with uncomplicated acyanotic congenital heart disease. The exposure of the operative field was excellent. And we had good results without any significant complication associated with this type of incision.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.149-157
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• 2021

Scars vary from mature linear scars to abnormal excessive scars such as hypertrophic scars and keloid scars. Keloid scars are fibro-proliferative disease entities that reflect an abnormal process of wound healing. They can cause pain, itching, stiffness, and psychological distress, all of which can affect quality of life. Various treatment options have been advocated as ways to prevent and treat keloid scars. These include noninvasive treatments such as use of silicone gel sheeting and compression therapy, and invasive treatments such as intralesional corticosteroid injections, surgery, and radiotherapy. Novel treatments include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and anti-inflammatory therapies. Unfortunately, keloids continue to pose a significant challenge due to the lack of efficacious treatments. Therefore, clinicians should be familiar with various therapeutic options and apply the most suitable treatment plan for patients. In this review, we introduce the current therapeutic options for the management of keloid scars.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.54-60
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• 2000

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the gutter pathologies and the clinical results of arthroscopic treatment for ankle gutter syndrome. Materials and Methods : Seventy six patients(77 ankles) who had lesions in the ankle gutter were treated by arthroscopy. The gutter pathology could be divided into 3 categories; hypertrophic scar tissue, loose bodies and bone spurs. Fifty two patients were evaluated subjectively and functionally with authors' criteria. The follow-up period averaged 44 months(range, 2.9 year-8.5 year). Results : The incidence of the gutter lesion was $21\%$(77 ankles) among 366 ankles undergoing arthroscopy. The most common pathology was hypertrophic scar tissue. In 31 ankles$(40\%)$, the lesions were found only in gutter, and 46 ankles$(60\%)$ were associated with pathologies in other areas. All of parameters for subjective and functional evaluation were improved with statistical significance(p<0.001). Seventeen patients$(33\%)$ could returned to competitive or contact sports activity with same level of premorbid period. Conclusion : Ankle gutter is an important site of pathologies which cause chronic ankle pain, and should be explored in ankle arthroscopy. The ankle arthroscopy is a very effective treatment method fur the removal of pathologies in ankle gutter syndrome.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.181-188
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• 2016

Background Major problems with cervicoplasty by direct skin excision include the subjective nature of skin markings preoperatively and the confusing array of procedures offered. This technique incorporates curved incisions, resulting in a wave-like scar, which is why the procedure is called a "wave-plasty". Methods This prospective study includes 37 patients who underwent wave-plasty procedures from 2004 to 2015. Skin pinching technique was used to mark the anterior neck preoperatively in a reproducible fashion. Intra-operatively, redundant skin was excised, along with excess fat when necessary, and closed to form a wave-shaped scar. Patients were asked to follow up at 1 week, 6 weeks, and 6 months after surgery. Results The mean operation time was 70.8 minutes. The majority (81.3%) was satisfied with their progress. On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst, and 10 being the best), the scars were objectively graded on average 5.5 when viewed from the front and 7.3 when seen from the side 6 months after surgery. Complications consisted of one partial wound dehiscence (2.3%), one incidence of hypertrophic scarring (2.3%), and two cases of under-resection requiring revision (5.4%). Conclusions In select patients, surgical rejuvenation of the neck may be obtained through wave-like incisions to remove redundant cervical skin when other options are not available. The technique is reproducible, easily teachable and carries low morbidity and high patient satisfaction in carefully chosen patients.