• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제33권6호
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• pp.688-694
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• 2006

Purpose: Reconstruction of the craniofacial defects can be carried out with autogenous tissues, allogenic implants, or alloplastic materials. Titanium mesh systems have been used for bony reconstruction in non load-bearing areas. They offer several advantages: immediate availibility without any donor site morbidity, easy handling, stable 3-D reconstruction, and low susceptibility to infection. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness and complications of titanium mesh system in the reconstruction of the craniofacial defects. Methods: From Jan. 2000, to Dec. 2004, we performed reconstruction of craniofacial bone defects in 21 patients who had benign or malignant tumor and fracture events in the cranium, orbit, nasal bone, maxilla, zygoma and the mandible. The size of the defects ranged from $1.0{\times}1.5cm$ to $12{\times}10cm$. Two different mesh systems, micro-titanium augmentation mesh and dynamic mesh was used for bony reconstruction in non load-bearing areas. The patients were evaluated from 1 to 4 yrs clinically and radiographically with a mean follow up period of 1.5 yrs. Results: There were no serious complications, including wound infection, foreign body reaction, exposures or loos of the mesh, central infection and pathologic findings of bone around mesh exception of one patient, who had expired of skull base tumor recurrence. Long-term stability of the reconstructions and the overall functional and aesthetic outcome was excellent. Conclusion: Our experiences demonstrate that the Titanium mesh system is a relatively safe and efficient method in the craniofacial reconstruction and have broadens our choices of therapeutic procedures in the craniomaxillofacial surgery.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제35권2호
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• pp.187-192
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• 2008

Purpose: Generally speaking, most of Korean have smaller eyes than those of Caucasian and they have epicanthus with narrow palpebral fissure. It makes external appearance looking dull because the length of the palpebral fissure is short and there is a epicanthus. In case the function of the levator muscle is weak, their eyes look much smaller. Epicanthus and weak levator muscle function make the eyes look dull. The above mentioned, authors want to introduce double eyelid operation, epicanthoplasty, levator plication to extend and lengthen the palpebral fissure. Methods: From August 2001 to August 2004, there were 138 cases that had double eyelid operation with epicanthoplasty or levator plication. the 69 cases of them had double eyelid operation and epicanthoplasty, the 33 cases of them had double eyelid operation and levator plication and the 36 cases of them had double eyelid operation and epicanthoplasty and levator plication. Results: After the operation, the length and height of the eyelid are improved remarkably, and most of the patients were satisfied. The length of the eyelid is improved 3 to 5mm($3.4{\pm}0.5mm$) in case of the epicanthoplasty, the width of the eyelid is improved 3 to 4mm($3.1{\pm}0.3mm$) by the levator plication. The length of the eyelid is improved 3 to 5($3.4{\pm}0.4mm$) and the width is improved 2 to 4mm($2.9{\pm}0.5mm$) by the epicanthoplasty used levator plication. Conclusion: The improvement of the eyelid length is almost the same as epicanthoplasty and levator plication are done simultaneously. But the improvement of the eyelid width is less shorter when epicanthoplasty and levator plication are done simultaneously than the case of levator plication alone. This is because there is a tension influencing on the limitation of widening palpebral fissure to fix the epicanthal tendon. This method is recommendable for the patients who want to have much bigger eyes.

• 대한두개안면성형외과학회지
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.133-140
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• 2024

Background: The medial canthal region features a complex three-dimensional and internal anatomical structure. When reconstructing a defect in this area, it is crucial to consider both functional and aesthetic aspects, which presents significant challenges. Generally, local flaps are preferred for reconstruction; however, skin grafts can be used when local flaps are not feasible. Therefore, we conducted a comparative analysis of surgical outcomes skin grafts when local flaps were not feasible, to determine which surgical method is more effective for medial canthal region reconstruction. Methods: Twenty-five patients who underwent medial canthal region reconstruction using skin grafts or local flaps from 2002 to 2021 were enrolled. Patient information was obtained from medical records. Five plastic surgeons evaluated the surgical outcomes based on general appearance, color, contour, and symmetry. Results: Skin grafts were used in eight patients and local flaps were used in 13. Combined reconstructions were employed in four cases. Minor complications arose in four cases but improved with conservative treatment. No major complications were reported. Recurrence of the skin cancer was noted in two cases. All categories showed higher scores for the local flap compared to both skin graft and combined reconstruction; however, the differences were not statistically significant respectively. Conclusion: The choice of appropriate surgical methods for reconstructing defects in the medial canthal region depends on various factors, including the patient's overall health, the size and depth of the defect, and the degree of involvement of surrounding structures. When a local flap is not feasible, a skin graft may provide favorable surgical outcomes. Therefore, a skin graft can serve as a viable alternative for reconstructing the medial canthal region.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제41권2호
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• pp.126-132
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• 2014

Background Extensive degloving injuries of the extremities usually result in necrosis of the flap, necessitating comprehensive skin grafting. Provided there is a sufficient tool to evaluate flap viability, full-thickness skin can be used from a nonviable avulsed flap. We used a Wood's lamp to determine the viability of avulsed flaps in the operation field after intravenous injection of fluorescein dye. Methods We experienced 13 cases during 16 months. Fifteen minutes after the intravenous injection of fluorescein dye, the avulsed skin flaps were examined and non-fluorescent areas were marked under Wood's lamp illumination. The marked area was defatted for full-thickness skin grafting. The fluorescent areas were sutured directly without tension. The non-fluorescent areas were covered by defatted skin. Several days later, there was soft tissue necrosis within the flap area. We measured necrotic area and revised the flap. Results Among all the cases, necrotic area was 21.3% of the total avulsed area. However, if we exclude three cases, one of a carelessly managed patient and two cases of the flaps were inappropriately applied, good results were obtained, with a necrotic area of only 8.4%. Eight patients needed split-thickness skin grafts, and heel pad reconstruction was performed with free flap. Conclusions A full-thickness skin graft from an avulsed flap is a good method for addressing aesthetic concerns without producing donor site morbidity. Fluorescein dye is a useful, simple, and cost-effective tool for evaluating flap viability. Avulsed flap injuries can be managed well with Wood's lamp illumination and a full-thickness skin graft.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제38권6호
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• pp.903-906
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• 2011

Purpose: Accessory tragus is a fairly common congenital malformation and usually located at pretragal area. Surgical removal is a common treatment of accessory tragus irrespective of location and morphology. Most accessory tragi do not have depression site around them, but some do. So in those cases, simple surgical excision was not enough to promote the aesthetic facial appearance. For depression site remodeling, the excess amount of skin and cartilage need to be remained partially instead of total excision. This method can achieve the symmetric contour of pretragal area. The authors excised the epidermis and cartilaginous tissue totally and remained the dermis for reconstruction of the depression site around accessory tragus. The depression site is filled with dermal turnover flap. The purpose of this report is to present new idea to promote cosmetic result in treatment of accessory tragus containing the depression site. Methods: Two patients had a pair of accessory tragi at pretragal area. One was a common featured accessory tragus, but the other was different. Depression site was found around accessory tragus. After epidermis and cartilaginous tissue were removed from it, dermis component was used as turnover flap for reconstruction of depression site. Results: After accessory tragus was removed and depression site was reconstructed, facial contour and cosmetic result was achieved. Complication such as flap necrosis and wound dehiscence was not observed. Conclusion: The accessory tragus has variant morphology and degree of invasive depth. And some has a depression site around them. In those cases, simple surgical removal results in morphological distorsion and do not promote facial symmetry. The authors suggest dermal turnover flap as reconstruction method of the depression site. This method improves both surgical outcome and cosmetic result.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제38권6호
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• pp.829-835
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• 2011

Purpose: The two major concerns in skin grafting are poor color match in the recipient site and the donor site morbidity. And, glabrous skin on the palmar aspect of the hands and plantar aspect of the feet attributes define the skin on the palm and fingers sole as functionally and aesthetically different from skin on other parts of the body. When there is a glabrous skin defect, it should be replaced with similar skin to restore function and aesthetics. The palmar crease areas were used to minimize these problems. The purpose of this study is to present the precise surgical technique of the full thickness skin graft using distal palmar and midpalmar creases for aesthetic better outcome for hand injuries. Methods: From May 2006 to April 2010, 10 patients with 11 defects underwent glabrous full thickness skin grafting of finger defects. Causes included seven machinery injuries, two secondary burn reconstructions, and one knife injury. Donor sites included ten glabrous full thickness skin graft from the distal palmar crease and one from the midpalmar crease. Results: Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 24 months. All glabrous skin grafts demonstrated complete taking the recipient sites and no incidence of the complete or partial loss. The donor site healed without complications, and there were no incidences of significant hypopigmantation, hyperpigmentation, or hypertrophic scarring. Conclusion: The important aspects of this method involve immediate return of glabrous skin to the defect site and restoration of the recipient site's crease by simple primary closure from adjacent skin. The glabrous skin of the palm provides the best tissue match for the reconstruction of the hands, but only a limited amount of tissue is available for this purpose. Full thickness skin grafting using palmar crease of the defects is the ideal way of reconstructing glabrous skin to restore both function and aesthetics and minimize donor site morbidity.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제45권6호
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• pp.495-503
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• 2018

With significant improvements in success rates for free flap reconstruction of the head and neck, attention has turned to donor site morbidity associated with osteocutaneous free flaps. In this review, we address the morbidity associated with harvest of the four most commonly used osteocutaneous flaps; the free fibula flap, the scapula flap, the iliac crest flap and the radial forearm flap. A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify articles relevant to donor site morbidity for these flaps. We assessed morbidity in terms of incidence of delayed healing, chronic pain, aesthetic outcomes, site specific complications and patient satisfaction/quality of life. Weighted means were calculated when sufficient studies were available for review. The radial forearm and free fibula flaps are associated with high rates of delayed healing of approximately 20% compared to the scapular (<10%) and iliac flaps (5%). The radial forearm flap has higher rates of chronic pain (16.7%) and dissatisfaction with scar appearance (33%). For the majority of these patients harvest of one of these four osteocutaneous does not limit daily function at long-term follow-up. The scapular osteocutaneous flap is associated with the lowest relative morbidity and should be strongly considered when the recipient defect allows. The radial forearm is associated with higher morbidity in terms of scarring, fractures, chronic pain and wrist function and should not be considered as first choice when other flap options are available.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제40권4호
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• pp.341-347
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• 2013

Background Intractable chronic scalp ulcers with cranial bone exposure can occur along the incision after cranioplasty, posing challenges for clinicians. They occur as a result of severe scarring, poor blood circulation of the scalp, and focal osteomyelitis. We successfully repaired these scalp ulcers using a vascularized bipedicled pericranial flap after complete debridement. Methods Six patients who underwent cranioplasty had chronic ulcers where the cranial bone, with or without the metal plate, was exposed along the incision line. After completely excising the ulcer and the adjacent scar tissue, subgaleal dissection was performed. We removed the osteomyelitic calvarial bone, the exposed metal plate, and granulation tissue. A bipedicled pericranial flap was elevated to cover the defect between the bone graft or prosthesis and the normal cranial bone. It was transposed to the defect site and fixed using an absorbable suture. Scalp flaps were bilaterally advanced after relaxation incisions on the galea, and were closed without tension. Results All the surgical wounds were completely healed with an improved aesthetic outcome, and there were no notable complications during a mean follow-up period of seven months. Conclusions A bipedicled pericranial flap is vascularized, prompting wound healing without donor site morbidity. This may be an effective modality for treating chronic scalp ulcer accompanied by the exposure of the cranial bone after cranioplasty.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제44권2호
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• pp.117-123
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• 2017

Background Upper extremity soft tissue defects with complete circumferential involvement are not common. Coupled with the unique anatomy of the upper extremity, the underlying etiology of such circumferential soft tissue defects represent additional reconstructive challenges that require treatment to be tailored to both the patient and the wound. The aim of this study is to review the various options for soft tissue reconstruction of complete circumferential defects in the upper extremity. Methods A literature review of PubMed and MEDLINE up to December 2016 was performed. The current study focuses on forearm and arm defects from the level at or proximal to the wrist and were assessed based on Tajima's classification (J Trauma 1974). Data reviewed for analysis included patient demographics, causality, defect size, reconstructive technique(s) employed, and postoperative follow-up and functional outcomes (when available). Results In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 14 unique articles were identified for a total of 50 patients (mean=28.1 years). Underlying etiologies varied from extensive thermal or electrical burns to high impact trauma leading to degloving or avulsion, crush injuries, or even occur iatrogenically after tumor extirpation or extensive debridement. Treatment options ranged from the application of negative pressure wound dressings to the opposite end of the spectrum in hand transplantation. Conclusions With the evolution of reconstructive techniques over time, the extent of functional and aesthetic rehabilitation of these complex upper extremity injuries has also improved. The proposed management algorithm comprehensively addresses the inherent challenges associated with these complex cases.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.273-278
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• 2011

Purpose: It has always been an aspiration for Asians to look more balanced and feminine, considering their facial features regarding relatively flat midface with marked prominences of the zygoma. Many studies have been dealt in this subject. However, the authors would like to emphasize the concept and introduce the technique of repositioning of the malar complex to a cosmetically beneficial point and stationing it on proper position by fixation on zygoma body and arch. Methods: From January 1998 to December 2007, this method was performed in 50 patients of mild to moderate prominence and malposition of the malar complex. A simplified technique of lateral orbital osteotomy and oblique osteotomy on zygomatic arch through intraoral and preauricular incision was developed. Then, liberal malar complex can be moved to a supero-posterior direction and repositioned to a more cosmetically beneficial point. To maintain the stationed position and to protect from vector affected by the attached masticating muscle to zygomatc bone, fixation was done on both zygoma body and arch. Results: We have obtained satisfactory results using this procedure without any observable complications. The advantages of this procedure are proper exposure, inconspicuous scar, safe, more natural contour, improved stability, and shorter healing time. Conclusion: The authors suggest that reduction malarplasty should be approached with underlying concept of repositioning and fixation. In mild moderate malar prominent cases, our technique will provide with maintenance of aesthetic concept, equal to the malar reduction performed under coronal approach and provide with more natural facial contour with stability even with less invasive surgical approach.