• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권6호
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• pp.707-713
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• 2009

Purpose: The deep inferior epigastric perforator(DIEP) free flap is well known as an ideal donor site for the breast reconstruction. The flap can provide huge amount of fat tissue for breast and buttock contour, while it is also very useful as a thin skin flap to reconstruct the upper and lower extremities. We used a DIEP free flap in various site reconstructions besides the breast and would like to reinsure the usefulness of this flap. Methods: Twenty nine consecutive patients who underwent DIEP free flap surgery from 2001 January to 2007 December were reviewed. The case constituted seven male patients and twenty two female patients. There were sixteen breast reconstructions, five face reconstructions, five lower extremity reconstructions, two upper extremity reconstructions, and one buttock contour reconstruction. All clinical data were based on the patient's medical records. Results: All DIEP free flaps survived without major complications. There was no hematoma, seroma, or partial necrosis. The donor sites were closed primarily with linear scar on lower abdomen. The thinnest part of flap was 0.7 cm in thickness. The size of the largest flap was $38{\times}13cm$. The flaps were used in various types of skin and adipose tissue, adipose tissue only, and skin only according to the requirement of recipient site. Conclusion: The DIEP free flap was enough to provide a thin and huge flap for both breast and extremity reconstructions. It was able to provide versatile designs with sufficient adipose tissue. So we use it for 3 - dimentional face and buttock contour reconstructions. The DIEP free flap is a valuable reconstructive donor for face, upper and lower extremity in addition to breast without compromising the integrity of abdominal wall.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제41권5호
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• pp.529-534
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• 2014

Background In 2012, a new anatomic breast implant of form-stable silicone gel was introduced onto the Korean market. The intended use of this implant is in the area of aesthetic breast surgery, and many reports are promising. Thus far, however, there have been no reports on the use of this implant for breast reconstruction in Korea. We used this breast implant in breast reconstruction surgery and report our early experience. Methods From November 2012 to April 2013, the Natrelle Style 410 form-stable anatomically shaped cohesive silicone gel-filled breast implant was used in 31 breasts of 30 patients for implant breast reconstruction with an acellular dermal matrix. Patients were treated with skin-sparing mastectomies followed by immediate breast reconstruction. Results The mean breast resection volume was 240 mL (range, 83-540 mL). The mean size of the breast implants was 217 mL (range, 125-395 mL). Breast shape outcomes were considered acceptable. Infection and skin thinning occurred in one patient each, and hematoma and seroma did not occur. Three cases of wound dehiscence occurred, one requiring surgical intervention, while the others healed with conservative treatment in one month. Rippling did not occur. So far, complications such as capsular contracture and malrotation of breast implant have not yet arisen. Conclusions By using anatomic breast implants in breast reconstruction, we achieved satisfactory results with aesthetics better than those obtained with round breast implants. Therefore, we concluded that the anatomical implant is suitable for breast reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제41권5호
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• pp.513-519
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• 2014

Background Currently, breast conservation therapy is commonly performed for the treatment of early breast cancer. Depending on the volume excised, patients may require volume replacement, even in cases of partial mastectomy. The use of the latissimus dorsi muscle is the standard method, but this procedure leaves an unfavorable scar on the donor site. We used an endoscope for latissimus dorsi harvesting to minimize the incision, thus reducing postoperative scars. Methods Ten patients who underwent partial mastectomy and immediate partial breast reconstruction with endoscopic latissimus dorsi muscle flap harvest were reviewed retrospectively. The total operation time, hospital stay, and complications were reviewed. Postoperative scarring, overall shape of the reconstructed breast, and donor site deformity were assessed using a 10-point scale. Results In the mean follow-up of 11 weeks, no tumor recurrence was reported. The mean operation time was 294.5 (${\pm}38.2$) minutes. The postoperative hospital stay was 11.4 days. Donor site seroma was reported in four cases and managed by office aspiration and compressive dressing. Postoperative scarring, donor site deformity, and the overall shape of the neobreast were acceptable, scoring above 7. Conclusions Replacement of 20% to 40% of breast volume in the upper and the lower outer quadrants with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap by using endoscopic harvesting is a good alternative reconstruction technique after partial mastectomy. Short incision benefits from a very acceptable postoperative scar, less pain, and early upper extremity movement.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제40권5호
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• pp.564-569
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• 2013

Background Scalp defects may be caused by various etiological factors, and they represent a significant surgical and aesthetic concern. Various surgical techniques can be applied for reconstructive work such as primary closure, skin grafting, pedicled or free flaps. In this article, the authors share their clinical experience with scalp operations using the technique of local flaps and discuss the application of this method from the perspective of not only the size of the defect, but also in relation to the anatomical area, quality of surrounding tissue, and patient's condition. Methods During the period from December 2007 to December 2012, 13 patients with various scalp defects, aged 11 to 86 years, underwent reconstruction with local pedicle flaps. The indications were based on the patients' condition (age, sex, quality of surrounding tissue, and comorbidities) and wound parameters. Depending on the size of the defects, they were classified into three groups as follows: large, 20 to 50 $cm^2$; very large, 50 to 100 $cm^2$; extremely large, 100 $cm^2$. The location was defined as peripheral (frontal, temporal, occipital), central, or combined (more than one area). We performed reconstruction with 11 single transposition flaps and 1 bipedicle with a skin graft on the donor area, and 2 advancement flaps in 1 patient. Results In all of the patients, complete tissue coverage was achieved. The recovery was relatively quick, without hematoma, seroma, or infections. The flaps survived entirely. Conclusions Local flaps are widely used in scalp reconstruction since they provide healthy, stable, hair-bearing tissue and require a short healing time for the patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제40권5호
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• pp.553-558
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• 2013

Background Skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction is increasingly becoming a proven surgical option for early-stage breast cancer patients. Areola-sparing mastectomy (ASM) has also recently become a popular procedure. The purpose of this article is to investigate the reconstructive and aesthetic issues experienced with one-stage nipple and breast reconstruction using ASM. Methods Among the patients who underwent mastectomy between March 2008 and March 2010, 5 women with a low probability of nipple-areolar complex malignant involvement underwent ASM and immediate breast reconstruction with simultaneous nipple reconstruction using the modified C-V flap. The cosmetic outcomes of this series were reviewed by plastic surgeons and patient self-assessment and satisfaction were assessed via telephone interview. Results During the average 11-month follow-up period, there were no cases of cancer recurrence, the aesthetic outcomes were graded as excellent to very good, and all of the patients were satisfied. Two patients developed a gutter-like depression around the reconstructed nipple, and one patient developed skin erosion in a small area of the areola, which healed with conservative dressing. The other complications, such as necrosis of the skin flap or areola, seroma, hematoma, or fat necrosis did not occur. Conclusions Since one-stage nipple and breast reconstruction following ASM is an oncologically safe, cost-effective, and aesthetically satisfactory procedure, it is a good surgical option for early breast cancer patients.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.7-12
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• 2013

Purpose: Breast reconstruction with lower abdominal tissue can produce the best outcome with acceptable rates of long-term complication. However, for cases in which sufficient abdominal tissue is not available, an superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap can be considered as the next option for autologous breast reconstruction. Materials and Methods: Among a total of 63 women who underwent breast reconstruction with free autologous tissue transfer from July 2010 to April 2011, SGAP flap was performed for four patients. In two cases, patients did not have enough abdominal tissue for sizable breast reconstruction. In another case, the patient had a long abdominal scar due to donor hepatectomy of liver transplantation. In the last case, which was a revisional case after radiation necrosis of a previous pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap, a large amount of healthy skin and soft tissue was needed. SGAP flap was elevated in lateral decubitus position. The internal mammary vessels were used for recipient vessels in all cases. Results: Breast reconstruction was performed successfully in all four cases without flap loss. Donor site complication was not observed, except for one case of seroma. The shape of the reconstructed breast was satisfactory in all patients. Conclusion: SGAP flap is an excellent alternative option for the TRAM or deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap for breast reconstruction. In terms of narrower width, harder consistency of soft tissue, and shorter pedicle, it is clear that the SGAP flap is less competent than the TRAM flap. However, in cases where abdominal tissue is not available, SGAP flap is the only way of providing a large amount of healthy tissue.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제38권5호
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• pp.621-626
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• 2011

Purpose: Implant-based breast reconstruction has multiple advantages such as decreased morbidity, shorter operative time and faster recovery. However, postoperative infection with tissue expander increases medical cost and causes a delay in concurrent antineoplastic treatment. To reduce tissue expander infection, it is important to identify related risk factors and minimize them when possible. Methods: A retrospective review of patient records in a single breast cancer center was performed. Eighty-six tissue expanders were placed in 80 women for postmastectomy breast reconstruction. Variables including patients'age, body mass index (BMI), preoperative breast volume, operation time, drain indwelling time, postoperative seroma/hematoma formation, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy were evaluated. Infection was defined as the status that shows any symptom of local inflammation and identification of pathogens. Representative values were compared through Student's t-test and univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: We examined 86 postmastectomy tissueexpanders which were placed between June 2004 and April 2010. Seven cases of tissue expander infection (8.1%) were identified. The infected tissue expander was removed in three of the cases. The relationship between BMI, and preoperative breast volume and that between infection and non-infection groups were significant ($p$ <0.05). Univariate analysis showed significant association between BMI ($p$=0.023) and preoperative breast volume ($p$=0.037). Multivariate analysis revealed that BMI and preoperative breast volume were independent variables regarding tissue expander infection. Conclusion: Certain characteristics of implant-based breast reconstruction patients increase infection rate of tissue expander. These risk factors should be monitored and evaluated before surgeries for more successful outcome.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제38권5호
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• pp.703-706
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• 2011

Purpose: Augmentation mammoplasty by cohesive silicone gel implant is becoming more popular nowadays. Many types of complications have been reported, such as hematoma, seroma, infection, capsular contracture and etc. But there were no report of deep vein thrombosis(DVT) after augmentation mammoplasty in Korea. The authors experienced one case of DVT after augmentation mammoplasty using a cohesive silicone gel implant. Methods: A 38-year-old woman with breast cancer underwent reconstruction by tissue expander and augmentation mammoplasty by cohesive silicone gel implant, and exchange of expander to cohesive silicone gel implant. The operation was finished without any complicating event. On 4th day after the operation, the patient complained of intermittent right lower leg pain. By doppler ultrasonography, the patient was diagnosed with acute venous thrombosis of the popliteal vein, posterior tibial vein and peroneal vein. Results: Intravenous heparinization and oral warfarin were started immediately and elastic compression stocking was applied. Intravenous heparinization was continued until INR (blood coagulation unit) reached to target levels. The patient was discharged on 11th day of operation with oral warfarin. Other complication has not been reported after 10 weeks of operation. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first report of DVT after silicone implant based breast augmentation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제47권1호
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• pp.49-53
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• 2020

Background Identifying patients who may be at high risk for wound complications postsarcoma resection and reconstruction is essential for improving functional outcomes and quality of life. Currently, the effect of timing on sarcoma reconstruction has been poorly investigated. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of delayed and immediate reconstruction in the setting of sarcoma resection requiring flap reconstruction in the lower extremity. Methods A retrospective review of the senior author's sarcoma reconstruction patients from January 2005 to July 2017 was completed. All patients undergoing flap reconstruction of the lower extremity were included. Complications in the early postoperative period were compared between delayed and immediate reconstructive procedures. Results A total of 32 patients (7 delayed, 25 immediate) were included in this study. There was a significantly increased rate of overall complications (100% vs. 28.0%, P=0.001) and rate of hematomas (28.6% vs. 0.0%, P=0.042) in the delayed reconstruction group. Other complications including dehiscence, seroma, infection, venous thrombosis, and total/partial flap loss were also increased in the delayed reconstruction group, but this was not considered to be significant. Conclusions This study suggests that delayed reconstruction following sarcoma resection of the lower extremity had a higher incidence of overall complications and hematoma formation. We emphasize the importance of early plastic and reconstructive surgeon referral and the necessity to closely monitor delayed reconstruction patients for complications.

• 대한두개안면성형외과학회지
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• 제20권3호
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• pp.170-175
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• 2019

Background: Cryptotia is a congenital anomaly in which the upper part of the retroauricular sulcus is absent and buried underneath the temporal skin. Various surgical techniques have been reported for the correction of cryptotia following Kubo's V-Y plasty in 1933. Conventional methods using a local skin flap, skin grafting, tissue expansion, Z-plasty, and any of these combined approaches can result in skin deficiency of the upper auricle. The aim of this study was to develop a new method that improves cosmetic results and has fewer complications. Methods: This study involved four patients in whom five cryptotia deformities were corrected using V-Y plasty and Z-plasty. After elevation of the flap, acellular dermal matrix (ADM; MegaDerm) that was over 5 mm in thickness was applied to the cephalo-auricular angle and positioned to enhance the projection of the ear. Lastly, the flap was transposed to complete the repair. Results: Between January 2014 and February 2018, cryptotia correction with ADM graft was performed in four patients. None of the patients developed a recurrence of cryptotia, and there were no postoperative complications such as wound infection, seroma formation, and dehiscence. In addition, the procedures resulted in a favorable cosmetic appearance. Conclusion: Based on these findings, i.e., no recurrence and a favorable cosmetic result, when using an ADM graft, it is suggested that this technique could be an alternative method of cryptotia correction. It could also lessen donor-site morbidity when compared to autologous cartilage grafting and be more cost-effective than using cartilage from a cadaver.