• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.224-230
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• 2021

Background Little is known about the sensate recovery of skin grafts over free non-neurotized muscle flaps. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of free gracilis muscle flaps and meshed skin grafts without nerve coaptation. Methods Thirteen consecutive patients with a median age of 55 years (range, 21-70 years) who underwent lower extremity reconstruction between September 2014 and October 2016 were included. Complications, flap contour, skin perception, and sensate recovery were assessed. Results All flaps survived completely. In one patient, wound dehiscence and infection occurred 1 month after surgery. After a median follow-up of 14 months (range, 10-51 months), a satisfactory contour and skin perception were achieved. The Semmes-Weinstein (SW) monofilament test (154.8±22 g) and static two-point discrimination (2-PD) (12.6±0.7 mm) showed intermediate recovery compared to the surrounding site (41% and 76%, respectively). There was an intermediate correlation between flap size and sensate recovery (2-PD: r=0.27, P=0.36; SW test: r=0.45, P=0.12). Vibration sensation recovered to 60%, whereas thermal sensation remained poor (19% at 5℃ and 25% at 25℃). Conclusions Finer sensation could be partially restored. However, thermal sensation remained poor.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.200-206
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• 2022

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy. Studies have shown that results of CTS surgery are poorer in patients with diabetes. In this study, the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on nerve regeneration was investigated through clinical and electromyographic findings in patients with diabetes who underwent CTS surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis of 20 patients with diabetes who had surgically decompressed CTS was conducted. Patients were divided into two groups. The study group received PRP treatment following surgery. The control group did not receive any treatment. Patients were assessed using electromyography and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire preoperatively as well as postoperatively at 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-ups visits. Results There was a decrease in complaints and an improvement in sensory and motor examinations in both groups. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire scores did not show any statistically significant differences between the two groups. However, electromyographic findings showed that there were statistical differences between preoperative and postoperative (3 months, 6 months, and 1 year) results in both groups. When the two groups were compared using preoperative and postoperative (3 months, 6 months, and 1 year) electromyographic values, no statistically significant differences were seen. Conclusion Single injections of PRP did not have a significant impact on median nerve regeneration following CTS surgery in patients with diabetes. The effectiveness of multiple PRP injections can be investigated in patients with diabetes in future studies.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.367-373
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• 2013

Background Breast-conserving surgery is widely accepted as an appropriate method in breast cancer, and the lateral thoracodorsal flap provides a simple, reliable technique, especially when a mass is located in the lateral breast. This study describes the usefulness of a lateral thoracodorsal flap after breast conserving surgery in laterally located breast cancer. Methods From September 2008 to February 2013, a lateral thoracodorsal flap was used in 20 patients with laterally located breast cancer treated at our institution. The technique involves a local medially based, wedge shaped, fasciocutaneous transposition flap from the lateral region of the thoracic area. Overall satisfaction and aesthetic satisfaction surveys were conducted with the patients during a 6-month postoperative follow-up period. Aesthetic results in terms of breast shape and symmetry were evaluated by plastic surgeons. Results The average specimen weight was 76.8 g. The locations of the masses were the upper lateral quadrant (n=15), the lower lateral quadrant (n=2), and the central lateral area (n=3). Complications developed in four of the cases, partial flap necrosis in one, wound dehiscence in one, and fat necrosis in two. The majority of the patients were satisfied with their cosmetic outcomes. Conclusions Partial breast reconstruction using a lateral thoracodorsal flap is well matched with breast color and texture, and the surgery is less aggressive than other techniques with few complications. Therefore, the lateral thoracodorsal flap can be a useful, reliable technique in correcting breast deformity after breast conserving surgery, especially in laterally located breast cancer.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.81-85
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• 2011

Purpose: Nasal bone fracture is the most common facial fracture. Although nasal bone fractures are considered to be minor injuries, the incidence of post-traumatic nasal deformity remains high. This study is designed to support management and patient satisfaction by classifying the simple nasal bone fracture, and survey the care method and result, which is compared with other studies. Methods: From May 2008 to April 2010, 334 patients with simple nasal bone fractures visited our hospital. The incidence, cause, types of nasal bone fracture, treatment, and complications are analyzed according to clinical examination, patient's record and radiographic images. Results: The mean age of patients was 30 years old, with 74% of the patients having been male, and 26% were female. The highest incidence of this fracture was between late teens to late twenties. The causes of nasal bone fracture were the following: having slipped or fallen down (39%), violence (16%), sports accident (14%), traffic accident (11%), industrial accident (6%), and others (16%). Patient's radiographic images were analyzed by Stranc and Robertson classification, frontal impact plane I was 38%, plane II was 16%, plane III was 1%, lateral impact plane I was 21%, plane II was 21%, and plane III was 3%. On average, surgical treatment was performed 7.2 days after trauma under general anesthesia. Closed reduction of nasal bone fracture was performed in 99% of patients. In patients with septal injuries, septal management was performed in 76.7% of cases. Aesthetic surgery was done on same time in 24% of patients. There were some complications, such as residual nasal deformity (7.2%), nasal obstruction (0.9%) and hyposmia (0.3%). Conclusion: According to this study, nasal bone fractures occurred commonly in physically active age groups (age 15~29 years), as a result of having slipped or fallen down, at afternoon and at night time. And it could be treated successfully by closed reduction and septoplasty by 7 days after trauma.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.619-625
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• 2012

Background After skin tumor excision on the face, extremities, or trunk, the choice of treatment for a skin defect is highly variable. Many surgeons prefer to use a local flap rather than a skin graft or free flap for small- or moderately-sized circular defects. We have used unilateral or bilateral V-Y advancement flaps, especially on the face. Here we evaluated the functional and aesthetic results of this technique. Methods All of the patients were pathologically diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), or malignant melanoma or premalignant lesion (Bowen's disease). Thirty-two patients underwent V-Y advancement flap repair (11 unilateral and 21 bilateral) from January 2007 to June 2011. We analyzed the patients' age and satisfaction, and location and size of defect. The patients were followed up for 6 months or more. Results There were 22 women and 10 men. The ages ranged from 47 to 93 years with a mean age of 66 years. The causes were SCC in 15 cases, BCC in 13 cases, malignant melanoma in 1 case, Bowen's disease in 2 cases, and another cause in 1 case. The tumor locations were the face in 28 patients, and the scalp, upper limb, and flank each in one patient. All of the flaps survived and the aesthetic results were good. Postoperative recovery was usually rapid, and no complication or tumor recurrence was observed. Conclusions The V-Y advancement flap is often used not only for facial circular defects but also for defects of the trunk and extremities. Its advantages are less scarring and superior aesthetic results as compared with other local flap methods, because of less scarification of adjacent tissue and because it is an easy surgical technique.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.582-588
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• 2005

Digital imaging is emerging as a standard method for patient documentation in clinical setting. Managing patient expectations before aesthetic surgery can greatly improve patient satisfaction after surgery. The patient who visited for plastic surgery wants a predicted figure after the operation. A virtual plastic surgery software is necessary in order to satisfy the desire of patients. Adobe $Photoshop^{(R)}$ is the professional standard in desktop digital imaging, offers indispensable new features for graphic and web design, photography, and video. Using imaging technology, it takes just minutes to realistically simulate the results of double eyelid operation, liposuction, rhinoplasty or any other aesthetic procedure. The aim of this study is to analyze the significance of the digital image processing and to introduce the virtual plastic surgery using Adobe $Photoshop^{(R)}$.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.453-456
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• 2017

Patients are increasingly seeking repair of their earlobes following ear gauging. Research has shown that current repair techniques either excessively reduce the lobular volume or leave an obvious scar along the free edge of the earlobe. In our case series, we describe the use of a novel technique for repairing earlobes following ear gauging using a rolling earlobe flap that preserves the lobular volume and avoids leaving a scar on the free edge of the lobule. The procedure was performed on 3 patients (6 earlobes) who had defects from ear gauging that ranged from 3.0 to 6.5 cm. There were no postoperative complications of infection, wound dehiscence, flap necrosis, hypertrophic scars, or keloids, and all patients were highly satisfied with the postoperative results. This versatile technique allows for an aesthetically pleasing reconstruction of the lobule with the advantages of: the absence of a surgical scar on the free edge of the lobule, preserving the lobule volume, and presenting a highly customizable technique that allows lobules to be created with various shapes and volumes.

• Archives of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2017

Background Creating a natural-looking umbilicus during closure of the donor-site in abdominally based free flap breast reconstruction is a factor of satisfaction for both the patient and surgeon. We present a simple method of umbilical transposition that results in an aesthetic, natural-looking umbilicus. Methods From March 2011 to November 2014, fifty three consecutive female patients received abdominal flap breast reconstruction. Twenty patients (from March 2011 to February 2013) underwent umbilical transposition through a cross like incision in the abdominal flap, with fascial fixation sutures but no dermal flaps. Thirty three patients (March 2013 to November 2014) received umbilical transposition in the following method. An oval-shaped incision is made at the location of the new umbilicus on the abdominal flap. This oval is deepithelialized, and full-thickness incisions are made at the 2, 6, and 10 o'clock directions to create three triangular dermal flaps. These are pulled down to the abdominal fascia using sutures that pass through the umbilical stalk and the abdominal fascia at the 3, 9, and 12 o'clock directions. This results in an umbilical stalk lined with dermal flaps, creates a natural periumbilical concavity, and anchors the abdominal flap inward to minimize tension. The cranial flap enhances superior hooding. Results Patient and surgeon satisfaction, surveyed 2 months after surgery with a satisfaction scoring system, were higher in the dermal flap group. Conclusions The technique using three dermal flaps in an oval skin incision is simple, relatively easy to learn, and results in an aesthetic, natural-looking umbilicus.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.414-424
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• 2013

Background In esthetic surgery, understanding the factors that influence patient satisfaction is important for successful practice. We hypothesize that the factors that influence patient satisfaction include not only aesthetic and functional outcomes, but also personal factors such as the level of familiarity with factors affecting wound healing and expectations regarding aesthetic outcome. Methods One hundred patients who underwent esthetic closure after thyroidectomy were included in this study. In order to evaluate the individual characteristics of the patients, a preoperative survey was administered to the patients. We estimated the patient satisfaction six months postoperatively and assessed the aesthetic and functional outcomes using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Results According to the results of correlation analysis, level of familiarity with wound healing factors had a positive correlation with satisfaction. High expectations, pain, itching, and high observer scale score had negative correlations with satisfaction. The factors that were correlated with satisfaction were included in the multiple regression analysis. Level of familiarity with wound healing factors was found to have a positive relationship with satisfaction, while itching and observer scale were found to have a negative relationship with satisfaction. After excluding 10 patients who had hypertrophic scars, only level of familiarity with wound healing factors and expectations affected satisfaction. Conclusions The level of familiarity with factors affecting wound healing and expectations were found to independently affect satisfaction. Improving patients' level of familiarity with wound healing factors and reducing their expectations by providing suitable preoperative education has the potential to improve patient satisfaction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.264-270
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• 2014

Background The technique of delayed-immediate breast reconstruction includes immediate insertion of a tissue expander, post-mastectomy radiation, followed by reconstruction. The aesthetic benefits of delayed-immediate reconstruction compared to delayed reconstruction are postulated but remain unproven. The purpose of this study was to compare aesthetic outcomes in patients following delayed and delayed-immediate autologous breast reconstruction. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients who underwent delayed or delayed-immediate autologous breast reconstruction by the senior author from 2005 to 2011. Postoperative photographs were used to evaluate aesthetic outcomes: skin quality, scar formation, superior pole contour, inferior pole contour, and overall aesthetic outcome. Ten non-biased reviewers assessed outcomes using a 5-point Likert scale. Fisher's Exact and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests were used for comparative analysis. Results Patient age and body mass index were similar between delayed (n=20) and delayed-immediate (n=20) cohorts (P>0.05). Skin and scar quality was rated significantly higher in the delayed-immediate cohort (3.74 vs. 3.05, P<0.001 and 3.41 vs. 2.79, P<0.001; respectively). Assessment of contour-related parameters, superior pole and inferior pole, found significantly improved outcomes in the delayed-immediate cohort (3.67 vs. 2.96, P<0.001 and 3.84 vs. 3.06, P<0.001; respectively). Delayed-immediate breast reconstruction had a significantly higher overall score compared to delayed breast reconstructions (3.84 vs. 2.94, P<0.001). Smoking and the time interval from radiation to reconstruction were found to affect aesthetic outcomes (P<0.05). Conclusions Preservation of native mastectomy skin may allow for improved skin/scar quality, breast contour, and overall aesthetic outcomes following a delayed-immediate reconstructive algorithm as compared to delayed breast reconstruction.