• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.117-120
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• 2014

Background: Lipomas can be categorized into deep and superficial lipomas according to anatomical depth. Many cases of forehead lipomas are reported to be deep to the muscle layer. We analyze ultrasound in delineating depth of forehead lipomas. Methods: A retrospective review was performed for all patients who underwent excision of forehead lipomas between January 2008 and March 2013 and for whom preoperative ultrasound study was available. Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound imaging was evalauted against depth finding at the time of surgical excision. Results: The review identified 42 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Preoperative ultrasound reading was 18 as deep lipomas and 24 as superficial. However, intraoperative finding revealed 2 of the 18 deep lipomas to be superficial and 13 of the 24 superficial lipomas to be deep lipomas. Overall, ultrasonography turned out to be 69% (29/42) accurate in correctly delineating superficial versus deep lipomas. Conclusion: Lipomas of the forehead tend to be located in deeper tissue plane compared to lipomas found elsewhere in the body. Preoperative ultrasonography of lipomas can be helpful, but was not accurate in identifying the depth of forehead lipomas in our patient population. Even if a forehead lipoma is found to be superficial on ultrasound, operative planning should include the possibility of deep lipomas.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.601-609
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• 2023

Background The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is a preferred option in the reconstruction of a wide variety of defects, enabling multiple tissue components and thicknesses. Methods This study was conducted to investigate the correlation of the thickness of the traditional subfascial ALT flap and superficial fat flap with age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). A total of 42 patients (28 males and 14 females) were included in the study. Results Mean age was 50.2 (range, 16-75) years and mean BMI was 24.68 ± 4.02 (range, 16.5-34.7) kg/m². The subfascial flap thickness was significantly thinner in male patients (16.07 ± 2.77 mm) than in female patients (24.07 ± 3.93 mm; p < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was found between male (4.28 ± 1.15 mm) and female patients (4.85 ± 1.09 mm) regarding superficial fat flap thickness (p = 0.13). The thickness of both flaps had a positive correlation with BMI, and the strongest correlation was found for subfascial ALT thickness in female patients (r = 0.81). Age had no effect on both flap thickness measurements. The anterior thigh is thicker in women than in men, although it varies according to BMI. This shows that flap elevation is important in the superthin plane, especially if a thin flap is desired in female patients in defect reconstruction with the ALT flap. Thus, a single-stage reconstruction is achieved without the need for a defatting procedure after subfascial dissection or a second defatting procedure 3 to 6 months later. Conclusion The appropriate ALT flap plane should be selected considering the gender and BMI of the patient.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.584-588
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• 2013

Background The ability to achieve a long-term, stricture-free urethral repair is one of the ongoing challenges of reconstructive urologic surgery. A successful initial repair is critical, as repeat procedures are difficult, owing to distortion, scarring, and short urethral stumps. Methods We describe a technique in which the gracilis muscle flap is laid on or wrapped around the urethral repair site to provide a well-vascularised soft tissue reinforcement for urethral repair. This technique promotes vascular induction, whereby a new blood supply is introduced to the repair site to improve the outcome of urethral repair or anastomotic urethroplasty. The surface contact between the muscle flap and the repair site is enhanced by the use of fibrin glue to improve adherence and promote inosculation and healing. We employed this technique in 4 patients with different urethral defects. Results After a follow-up period of 32 to 108 months, all of the urethral repairs were successful without complications. Conclusions Our results suggest that the use of a gracilis muscle flap to vascularise urethral repairs can improve the outcome of challenging urethral repairs.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.714-716
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• 2021

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.640-642
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• 2015

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.666-675
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• 2013

Background Stem cells are a unique cell population characterized by self-renewal and cellular differentiation capabilities. These characteristics, among other traits, make them an attractive option for regenerative treatments of tissues defects and for aesthetic procedures in plastic surgery. As research regarding the isolation, culture and behavior of stem cells has progressed, stem cells, particularly adult stem cells, have shown promising results in both translational and clinical applications. Methods The purpose of this review is to evaluate the applications of stem cells in the plastic surgery literature, with particular focus on the advances and limitations of current stem cell therapies. Different key areas amenable to stem cell therapy are addressed in the literature review; these include regeneration of soft tissue, bone, cartilage, and peripheral nerves, as well as wound healing and skin aging. Results The reviewed studies demonstrate promising results, with favorable outcomes and minimal complications in the cited cases. In particular, adipose tissue derived stem cell (ADSC) transplants appear to provide effective treatment options for bony and soft tissue defects, and non-healing wounds. ADSCs have also been shown to be useful in aesthetic surgery. Conclusions Further studies involving both the basic and clinical science aspects of stem cell therapies are warranted. In particular, the mechanism of action of stem cells, their interactions with the surrounding microenvironment and their long-term fate require further elucidation. Larger randomized trials are also necessary to demonstrate the continued safety of transplanted stem cells as well as the efficacy of cellular therapies in comparison to the current standards of care.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.433-440
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• 2019

Background Mastectomy in male transgender patients is an important (and often the first) step toward physical manhood. At our department, mastectomies in transgender patients have been performed for several decades. Methods Recorded data were collected and analyzed for all male transgender patients undergoing mastectomy over a period of 24 years at our department. Results In total, 268 gender-reassigning mastectomies were performed. Several different mastectomy techniques (areolar incision, n=172; sub-mammary incision, n=96) were used according to patients' habitus and breast features. Corresponding to algorithms presented in the current literature, certain breast qualities were matched with a particular mastectomy technique. Overall, small breasts with marginal ptosis and good skin elasticity allowed small areolar incisions as a method of access for glandular removal. In contrast, large breasts and those with heavy ptosis or poor skin elasticity often required larger incisions for breast amputation. The secondary correction rate (38%) was high for gender reassignment mastectomy, as is also reflected by data in the current literature. Secondary correction frequently involved revision of chest wall recontouring, suggesting inadequate removal of the mammary tissue, as well as scar revision, which may reflect intense traction during wound healing (36%). Secondary corrections were performed more often after using small areolar incision techniques (48%) than after using large sub-mammary incisions (21%). Conclusions Choosing the suitable mastectomy technique for each patient requires careful individual evaluation of breast features such as size, degree of ptosis, and skin elasticity in order to maximize patient satisfaction and minimize secondary revisions.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.124-128
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• 2013

Cystadenocarcinoma of the salivary gland is a rare malignant tumor. It was first defined as papillary cystadenocarcinoma in the 1991 World Health Organization (WHO) classification, and it was reclassified as cystadenocarcinoma in the 2005 WHO classification. It is a low-grade neoplasm that features slow growing and predominantly cystic growth. We report a case of cystadenocarcinoma occurring on the parotid gland of a 61-year-old female patient presenting palpable mass on her left cheek. Preoperative examination may not reveal typical malignant characteristics. Such as in our case, the differential diagnosis between cystadenocarcinoma and benign lesion is difficult occasionally. We discuss the clinical and histopathological features of cystadenocarcinoma with the review of the literature.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.119-132
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of adolescents' need on their attitudes to aesthetic surgery and clothing. Subjects were 627 middle and high school students. In this statistical analysis, SPSS 10.0 for Windows Program was used to calculate percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Also, these data were verified by Factor analysis, t-test, One-way Anova, Duncan' multiple range, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and Multiple Regression Analysis. The results of this research were as follows: Adolescents with higher need for achievement showed negative attitudes toward the secret and risk of aesthetic surgery. On the other hand, those with higher need for dominance and exhibition were in favor of the surgery and willing to have it despite its high cost and risk. Individuality of clothing was directly affected by need for achievement and dominance. Adolescents with higher need for achievement and dominance considered individuality as one of the most important factors. And sexual attractiveness of clothing had a positive correlation with both need for dominance and exhibition. Such a fact leaded that adolescents with higher need for dominance and exhibition considered sexual attractiveness as one of the most important factors, along with individuality. As a conclusion, adolescents' need play an important role in explaining the recently observed trends among adolescents in aesthetic surgery attitude and clothing attitude.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.88-91
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• 2019

The burn center in our hospital is a national and regional (Southeast Asia) center. Of all admissions, 10% are related to blast explosions, and 8% due to chemical burns. In the acute burn management protocol of Singapore General Hospital, early surgical debridement is advocated for all acute partial-thickness burns. The aim of early surgical debridement is to remove all debris and unhealthy tissue, preventing wound infection and thereby expediting wound healing. In chemical burns, there can be stubborn eschars that are resistant to traditional debridement. We would like to present a novel technique using the diathermy scratch pad as a cheap and efficient tool for the dual purpose of surgical debridement and dermabrasion.