• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.238-242
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• 2017

Background: Conservative treatment is performed for isolated anterior wall of the maxillary sinus fractures, in many cases when the fracture is clinically not severe and asymptomatic. Despite the absence of symptoms, complications such as sinusitis, rhinitis, and chronic purulent secretion may develop; therefore, successful reduction is required. We attempted to reduce the risk of complications using an alternative technique: reduction of the fracture with two urinary balloon catheters inserted through the maxillary ostium and fixation using fibrin glue, which minimizes the damage to the bony fragments and sinus mucosa. Methods: In this study, 38 patients who were diagnosed with an isolated anterior wall of the maxillary sinus fracture at our hospital between January 2014 and January 2017 were enrolled. The fracture site was exposed via the Caldwell-Luc approach followed by reduction through the insertion of two urinary balloon catheters using a nasal endoscope and fixation with fibrin glue. The sex, cause of fracture, physical examination, and presence of complications were examined and patient's medical records and facial bone computed tomography scans were analyzed. Results: Radiological evaluation showed that there was no evidence of collapsed reduction fragments. Although some patients had remaining symptoms of hypoesthesia (15%; 3 patients), there were no complications such as infection, rhinitis, sinusitis, and chronic purulent secretion at the surgical site. Conclusion: In this study, we present an alternative surgical technique using two urinary balloon catheters and fibrin glue for the successful reconstruction of an isolated anterior wall of the maxillary sinus fracture. This technique enables precise restoration with a reduced risk of complications.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.268-275
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• 2021

Background: The study aimed to evaluate nasal reconstruction techniques customized for Asians. The currently available nasal reconstruction guidelines are based on Caucasian patients, and their applicability is limited in Asian patients due to differences in anatomical and structural features. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of the medical records of 76 patients who underwent nasal reconstruction at a single center between January 2010 and June 2020. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted of patients' baseline demographics and clinical characteristics, including age, sex, medical history, defect size and location, reconstructive procedure, pathological diagnosis, postoperative complications, and recurrence. Results: In 59 cases (77%), nasal defects resulted from tumor ablation, and the remaining 17 cases involved post-traumatic (20%) and infection-induced (3%) tissue damage. The most common defect location was the alae, followed by the sidewalls, tip, and dorsum. Forehead flaps were the most commonly used reconstructive technique, followed by nasolabial advancement flaps, rotation flaps, and skin grafts. Each procedure was applied considering aspects of structural anatomy and healing physiology specific to Asians. Complications included nasal deformity, hypertrophic scarring, secondary infection, and partial flap necrosis, but no cases required additional surgical procedures. Tumors recurred in two cases, but tumor recurrence did not significantly affect flap integrity. Conclusion: Nasal reconstruction techniques applied considering Asians' facial features resulted in fewer postoperative complications and higher patient satisfaction than the approaches that are currently in widespread use. Therefore, this study is expected to serve as an essential reference for establishing treatment guidelines for nasal reconstruction in Asians.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.93-98
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• 2021

Background: Pediatric nasal fractures, unlike adult nasal fractures, are treated surgically as early as 7 days after the initial trauma. However, in some cases, a week or more elapses before surgery, and few studies have investigated the consequences of delayed surgery for pediatric nasal fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the postoperative outcomes of pediatric nasal fractures according to the time interval between the initial trauma and surgery. Methods: The records of pediatric patients under 12 years old who underwent closed reduction of nasal bone fracture from March 2012 to February 2020 were reviewed. The interval between trauma and surgery was divided into within 7 days (early reduction) and more than 7 days (delayed reduction). Postoperative results were classified into five grades (excellent, good, moderate, poor, and very poor) based on the degree of reduction shown on computed tomography. Results: Ninety-eight patients were analyzed, of whom 51 underwent early reduction and 47 underwent delayed reduction. Forty-two (82.4%) of the 51 patients in the early reduction group showed excellent results, and nine (17.6%) showed good results. Thirty-nine (83.0%) of the 47 patients in the delayed reduction group showed excellent results and eight (17.0%) showed good results. No statistically significant difference in outcomes was found between the two groups (chi-square test p= 0.937). However, patients without septal injury were significantly more likely to have excellent postoperative outcomes (chi-square test p< 0.01). Conclusion: No statistically significant difference was found in the outcomes of pediatric nasal fractures between the early and delayed reduction groups. Successful surgical results were found even in patients who received delayed reduction (more than 7 days after trauma).

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.324-329
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• 2019

Background Multiple approaches for nipple reconstruction exist, and none is considered superior to all others. The star flap is one of the most popular methods for nipple reconstruction, but gradual height loss is a major concern. We present a new modification of the star flap that incorporates a de-epithelialized dermal flap, along with the associated surgical results. Methods We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent nipple reconstruction using the modified star flap method. The design was different from the conventional star flap in that the lateral wings were changed into a trapezoidal shape and de-epithelialized dermal flaps were added. The patients were followed up at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and nipple height was measured. The postoperative nipple height achieved using the modified method was compared with that obtained using the traditional method. Results From February 2013 to June 2017, 32 patients received surgery using the modified star flap, and 18 patients who underwent nipple reconstruction before 2013 comprised the conventional method group. All patients had undergone breast reconstruction with an abdominal tissue-based flap. The mean follow-up period was 14.4 months in the modified method group and 17.3 months in the conventional method group. The mean maintenance of projection at 12 months postoperatively was $56.28%{\pm}18.58%$ in the modified method group, and $44.23%{\pm}14.15%$ in the conventional method group. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions The modified method using a de-epithelialized dermal flap provides reliable maintenance of projection in patients who have undergone abdominal tissue-based breast reconstruction.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.111-118
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• 2022

Background: Although the zygomatic arch is an important structure determining facial prominence and width, no consensus exists regarding the classification of isolated zygomatic arch fractures, and the literature on this topic is scarce. To date, five papers have subdivided zygomatic arch fractures; however, only one of those proposed classifications includes the injury vector, although the injury vector is one of the most important factors to consider in fracture cases. Furthermore, the only classification that does include the injury vector is too complicated to be suitable for daily practice. In addition, the existing classifications are clinically limited because they do not consider greenstick fractures, nondisplaced fractures, or coronoid impingement. In the present study, we present a rearrangement of the previously published classifications and propose a modified classification of isolated zygomatic arch fractures that maximizes the advantages and overcomes the disadvantages of previous classification systems. Methods: The classification criteria for isolated zygomatic arch fractures described in five previous studies were analyzed, rearranged, and supplemented to generate a modified classification. The medical records, radiographs, and facial bone computed tomography findings of 134 patients with isolated zygomatic arch fractures who visited our hospital between January 2010 and December 2019 were also retrospectively analyzed. Results: We analyzed major classification criteria (displacement, the force vector of the injury, V-shaped fracture, and coronoid impingement) for isolated zygomatic arch fracture from the five previous studies and developed a modified classification by subdividing zygomatic arch fractures. We applied the modified classification to cases of isolated zygomatic arch fracture at our hospital. The surgery rate and injury severity differed significantly from fracture types I to VI. Conclusion: Using our modified classification, we could determine that both the injury force and the injury vector meaningfully influenced the surgery rate and the severity of the injuries.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.541-549
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• 2023

Background Despite its many advantages, prepectoral breast reconstruction also carries the risk of implant rippling. The recent introduction of partial superior implant coverage using a pectoralis muscle slip in prepectoral direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction has shown the potential to minimize upper pole rippling. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with rippling and the effectiveness of our surgical technique. Methods In total, 156 patients (186 breasts) who underwent prepectoral DTI breast reconstruction between August 2019 and March 2021 were identified retrospectively. Patient data were analyzed from medical records. Univariable and multivariable logistic analyses were performed to contextualize the risks associated with rippling deformity relative to demographic characteristics and other clinical factors. Retrospective propensity-matched analysis was performed to identify the relationship between rippling deformity and the reconstruction method. Results Patients with body mass index (BMI; odds ratio [OR], 0.736; p < 0.001), those with a postoperative chemotherapy history (OR, 0.324; p = 0.027) and those who received breast reconstruction via the superior coverage technique (OR, 0.2; p = 0.004), were less likely to develop rippling deformity. The median follow-up period was 64.9 weeks, and there were no significant differences between patients in types of mastectomy, implant, or acellular dermal matrix. Patients who underwent superior coverage technique-based reconstruction showed significantly reduced rippling (OR, 0.083; p = 0.017) Conclusion Patients with higher BMI and prior postoperative chemotherapy were less likely to develop rippling deformity. The superior coverage technique can be effective in minimizing upper pole rippling.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.19-25
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• 2016

Background The vermilion plays an important role in both the aesthetic and functional aspects of facial anatomy. Due to its structural features, the complete excision of vascular anomalies on the vermilion is challenging, making it difficult to determine the appropriate treatment strategy. Thus, the authors analyzed the results of surgical treatment of vascular anomalies on the vermilion. Methods The medical records of 38 patients with vascular anomalies on the vermilion who underwent surgery from 1995 to 2013 were analyzed. Nine of the cases had an involuted hemangioma, and 29 cases had a vascular malformation; of the vascular malformations, 13, 11, one, and four cases involved were capillary malformations (CMs), venous malformations (VMs), lymphatic malformations (LMs), and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), respectively. We investigated the surgical methods used to treat these patients, the quantity of surgical procedures, complications and instances of recurrence, and self-assessed satisfaction scores. Results A total of 50 operations were carried out: 28 horizontal partial excisions, eight vertical partial excisions, and 14 operations using other surgical methods. All cases of AVM underwent complete excision. Six cases experienced minor complications and one case of recurrence was observed. The overall average satisfaction score was 4.1 out of 5, while the satisfaction scores associated with each lesion type were 4.2 for hemangiomas, 3.9 for CMs, 4.2 for VMs, 5.0 for LMs, and 4.0 for AVMs. Conclusions It is difficult to completely excise vascular anomalies that involve the vermilion. This study suggests that partial excision focused on correcting the overall contour of the lips is effective and leads to satisfactory results.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.126-129
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• 2012

Background : Facial capillary malformations (CMs) rarely recede; they often become darker and raised in proportion to their growth. These malformations may hypertrophy in adulthood, resulting in increased disfigurement and dysfunction. Laser treatment is considered a first-line therapy for focal CMs, but thick wide lesions, which are accompanied by hypertrophy and have a well-circumscribed nodularity, may be treated with surgical excision and reconstruction. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the records of 25 consecutive patients who had undergone complete or partial excisions of facial capillary malformations in our unit. After the excisions, the defects that encompassed their facial aesthetic units were subsequently covered by various methods, including primary closures, local flaps, expanded flaps, split-thickness skin grafts, and full thickness skin grafts. Results : The data demonstrated satisfactory results and reliability. Our patients were treated without significant complications, and all of the patients were moderately or fully satisfied with the outcome of their surgeries. Conclusions : Among the many reconstructive options for adult patients with facial capillary malformations, thick split-thickness skin grafts can be a good choice for the coverage of widely excised wounds.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.467-472
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• 2020

Background Dimples on the cheeks can make the smile look more cheerful and attractive. Therefore, some people who do not have dimples may choose to undergo dimple creation surgery. Although dimple surgery is quite common, those desiring this procedure often lack information about it. Therefore, we conducted the present study to share our surgical tips and clinical experiences regarding safe dimple creation surgery. Methods This study included 2,048 patients who underwent dimple creation surgery at our plastic surgery clinic between April 2010 and June 2014. These patients were selected from those who displayed no scarring from injury or tumor removal in the central face during the presurgical evaluation. Medical records were used to identify the age and sex of each patient, the location of dimple creation, any postoperative complications, reoperation, and the reason for reoperation. Results Of the 2,048 patients, 159 (7.7%) underwent reoperation. The reason for reoperation was undercorrection in 78 cases (49.0%), disappearance of the dimple in 62 cases (38.9%), and overcorrection in nine cases (5.6%). Five patients (3.1%) had their stitches removed to eliminate the created dimple because they changed their minds, and five patients (3.1%) had their stitches removed because of infection. No patients reported complications after reoperation, and no other complications, such as hyperpigmentation or foreign body reaction, were observed. Conclusions Safe surgery with minimal complications and satisfying cosmetic results can be achieved via accurate knowledge of the relevant anatomy and its relationship with dimples, as well as appropriate surgical methodology.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.22-26
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• 2020

Background: This study investigated the outcomes of pharyngeal flap surgery in Asian patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD), with a focus on postoperative improvements in speech articulation and complications. Additionally, this study explored whether the cause of VPD and the timing of surgery affected outcomes in terms of speech improvement. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of the medical records of 72 Asian VPD patients who underwent pharyngeal flap surgery performed by a single surgeon from 1996 to 2014. Operative complications were analyzed for all 72 patients, and preoperative and postoperative speech articulation tests were compared for the subset of 43 patients in whom such testing was possible. The relationships of age at surgery and the cause of VPD with the extent of improvement in speech articulation were also investigated. Results: Nine of the 72 patients (13%) experienced wound-related complications. Furthermore, 34 patients (47%) reported persistent snoring lasting for over 3 months, and 16 (22%) reported snoring for over 1 year. Three patients (4%) underwent reoperation. Speech articulation scores significantly improved postoperatively across all groups. Younger age at surgery was associated with greater improvements in speech outcomes, but no significant relationship was found between the cause of VPD and the extent of the postoperative improvement in speech outcomes. Conclusion: Speech outcomes improved after pharyngeal surgery in Asian patients with VPD. Early surgery was associated with favorable speech outcomes, but no association was found between the cause of VPD and postoperative speech outcomes.