• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.63-67
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• 2016

Background: The subciliary approach is commonly used for reconstruction of orbital wall or zygomaticomaxillary fractures. However, this approach is associated with postoperative complications, especially lower eyelid malposition. We report the experience of managing postoperative lower eyelid malposition with triamcinolone acetonide. Methods: A retrospective review was performed for all traumatic facial fractures requiring surgery via the subciliary approach at Chosun University Hospital in 2014. For each patient meeting inclusion criteria, the medical chart was reviewed for demographic information and postoperative course, including the presence of postoperative eyelid malposition or scleral show. Results: The review identified 189 cases in which the subciliary approach was used, and postoperative lower eyelid malposition was found in 7 cases (3.7%). For these 7 patients, the mean therapeutic period (interval to correction of the malposition) was 10.5 weeks (range, 8 to 14 weeks). On average, patients received 3 injections of triamcinolone. In all cases, degrees of the malposition were improved, and none of the patients required an operative intervention to correct the malposition. Conclusion: Triamcinolone injection is an appropriate treatment modality for lower eyelid malposition after subciliary approach. Treatment duration is relatively short, requiring fewer than 4 outpatient clinic visits, with relatively earlier recovery compared to conservative "wait-and-see" management.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.14-21
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• 2014

Background: There are several options for replacement of the dermal layer in fullthickness skin defects. In this study, we present the surgical outcomes of reconstruction using acellular dermal substitutes by means of objective and subjective scar assessment tools. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 78 patients who had undergone autologous split-thickness skin graft with or without concomitant acellular dermal matrix (CGDerm or AlloDerm) graft. We examined graft survival rate and evaluated postoperative functional skin values. Individual comparisons were performed between the area of skin graft and the surrounding normal skin. Nine months after surgery, we compared the skin qualities of CGDerm graft group (n=25), AlloDerm graft group (n=8) with skin graft only group (n=23) each other using the objective and subjective measurements. Results: The average of graft survival rate was 93% for CGDerm group, 92% for AlloDerm group and 86% for skin graft only group. Comparing CGDerm grafted skin to the surrounding normal skin, mean elasticity, hydration, and skin barrier values were 87%, 86%, and 82%, respectively. AlloDerm grafted skin values were 84%, 85%, and 84%, respectively. There were no statistical differences between the CGDerm and AlloDerm groups with regard to graft survival rate and skin functional analysis values. However, both groups showed more improvement of skin quality than skin graft only group. Conclusion: The new dermal substitute (CGDerm) demonstrated comparable results with regard to elasticity, humidification, and skin barrier effect when compared with conventional dermal substitute (AlloDerm).

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2014

Background: The ear is composed of elastic cartilage as its framework, and is covered with a thin layer of skin. Auricular reconstruction using autogenous cartilage in microtia patients requires delicacy. This paper reports clinical experiences related to elevation of reconstructed ear in the last 11 years. Methods: This study was based on 68 congenital microtia patients who underwent auricular elevation in our hospital. Among these 68 patients, 47 patients were recruited. We compared the differences in the ear size, auriculocephalic angle, and conchal depth with those in the opposite ear, and the patients' satisfaction levels were investigated using a survey. Results: The difference in the sizes of the two ears was less than or equal to 5 mm in 32 patients, 5 to 10 mm in 10 patients, and greater than or equal to 10 mm in 5 patients. The difference in the auriculocephalic angles of the two ears was less than or equal to 10 degrees in 14 patients, 10 to 20 degrees in 26 patients, and greater than or equal to 20 degrees in 7 patients. The difference in the conchal depths of the two ears was less than or equal to 5 mm in 24 patients, 5 to 10 mm in 19 patients, and greater than or equal to 10 mm in 4 patients. The average grade of 3.9 points out of 5 points was obtained by the patients with satisfactory surveys. Conclusion: We could make enough protrusion and maintain the three-dimensional shape for a long time to satisfy our patients.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.172-178
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• 2017

Background: The conventional cervicofacial flap may cause the aesthetic problem of sideburns with a mismatched shape and arrangement. We developed a modified method with the goals of minimizing the destruction of the shape and arrangement of the sideburns and minimizing complications in comparison with the conventional method. Methods: The incision line was designed to descend just in front of the sideburns, without passing through them, and then to ascend with the sideburns posteriorly when a cervicofacial flap is performed, unlike the conventional method. Patients in whom this method was applied (group B) and patients who underwent surgery using the conventional method (group A) were investigated in a retrospective study. The method was evaluated by assessing changes in the arrangement of the sideburns and patients' satisfaction, and differences in the complication rate. Results: In group A, 23 of the 31 patients experienced changes in the arrangement of their sideburns. Most patients who experienced a change in the arrangement of their sideburns were dissatisfied with the change. The patients in group B did not experience such changes, and the defects were well reconstructed. Most of them were satisfied with the final sideburn arrangement. Conclusion: A novel method was used to preserve the sideburns while performing a cervicofacial flap. As a result, the appearance of the sideburns was well preserved and the satisfaction of patients was also high. Moreover, this technique could also prove useful for reconstruction without any increase in complications compared to the conventional method.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.162-165
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• 2017

Background: It is controversial issue that heparin decreases thrombosis for microsurgical anastomosis, and its effective role is under discussion. This study is for proving whether low-dose heparin is preventing thrombosis in free flap reconstruction. Methods: Through chart reviews of 134 patients, using low-dose heparin for free tissue transfer from 2011 to 2016, retrospective analysis was performed. 33 patients received low-dose heparin therapy after surgery. And 101 patients received no-heparin therapy. Complications included flap necrosis, hematoma formation, dehiscence and infection. Results: In no-heparin therapy group, comparing the flap necrosis revealed 16 cases (15.84%). And, flap necrosis was 6 cases (18.18%) in low-dose heparin therapy group. The statistical analysis of flap necrosis rate showed no significant difference (p=0.75). The results showed that there was no significant difference of flap necrosis rate between two groups. Conclusion: In this study, patients in the low-dose heparin group had no significantly lower rates of flap failure compared with no-heparin group. This suggests that low-dose heparin may not prevent thrombosis and subsequent flap failure to a significant extent.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.161-165
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• 2020

Background: Microstomia is defined as a condition with a small sized-mouth that results in functional impairment such as difficulty with food intake, pronunciation, and poor oral hygiene and cosmetic problems. Several treatment methods for microstomia have been proposed. None of them are universally applicable. This study aims at analyzing the cases treated at our institution critically reviewing the pertinent literature. Methods: The medical records of all microstomia patients treated in our hospital from November 2015 to April 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Of these, all patients who received surgical treatment for microstomia were included in the study and analyzed for etiology, chief complaint, surgical method, and outcomes. The functional outcomes of mouth opening and intercommissure distance before and after the surgery were evaluated. The cosmetic results were assessed according to the patients' satisfaction. Results: Five patients with microstomia were corrected. Two cases were due to scar contracture after chemical burn, two cases derived from repeated excision of skin cancer, and one patient suffered sequela of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The following surgical methods were applied: one full-thickness skin graft on the buccal mucosa, three buccal mucosal advancement flaps after triangular excision of the mouth corner, and one local buccal mucosal flap. Mouth opening was increased by 6.0 mm, and the intercommissure distance improved by 7.2 mm on average. Follow-up was 9.6 months (range, 5-14 months). Cosmetic assessment was as follows: two patients found the results excellent, three judged it as good. Conclusion: Microstomia has several causes. In order to achieve optimal functional recovery and aesthetic improvement it is important to precisely evaluate the etiologic factors and the severity of the impairment and to carefully choose the appropriate surgical method.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.249-254
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• 2017

Background: Lower eyelid incisions are widely used for the orbital approach in periorbital trauma and aesthetic surgery. In general, the subciliary approach is known to cause disposition of the lower eyelid by scarring the anterior lamella in some cases. On the other hand, many surgeons believe that a transconjunctival approach usually does not result in such complications and is a reliable method. We measured positional changes in the lower eyelid in blowout fracture repair since entropion is one of the most serious complications of the transconjunctival orbital approach. Methods: To measure the positional changes in the lower eyelids, we analyzed preoperative and postoperative photographs over various time intervals. In the analysis of the photographs, marginal reflex distance 2 ($MRD_2$) and eyelash angle were used as an index of eyelid position. Statistical analyses were performed to identify the significance in the positional changes. All patients underwent orbital reconstruction through a transconjunctival incision by a single plastic surgeon. Results: In 42 blowout fracture patients, there was no statistical significant difference in the MRD2 and eyelash angle. Furthermore, there were no clinical complications, such as infection, hematoma, bleeding, or implant protrusion, during the follow-up periods. Conclusion: The advantages of the transconjunctival approach for orbital access include minimal scarring and a lower risk of eyelid displacement compared with other approaches. Based on these results, we recommend the transconjunctival approach for orbital exposure as a safe and reliable method.

• 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.19 no.3
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• pp.235-239
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• 2018

Intraoperative expansion has been used to cover small to large defects without disadvantages of the conventional tissue expanders. Various materials, for example, expanders and Foley catheters are being used. We introduce a new, convenient and economical device immediately available in the operating room, according to the defect size for intraoperative expansion, with latex gloves or balloons. The retrospective study was done with 20 patients who presented with skin and soft tissue defects. During the operation, expansion was done with latex gloves or balloons inflated with saline through an intravenous line and a three-way stopcock. After the inflation, the glove was removed and skin was covered with expanded tissue. A careful decision was made regarding the inflation volume and placement of the expander according to the defect size. There were no postoperative complications. The skin contracture and tension was minimal with a texture similar to the adjacent tissue. The new intraoperative expansion devices with latex gloves and balloons were cheap and made easily right in the operation room. The reconstruction of small to large sized skin defects can be done successfully, functionally and aesthetically without using expensive commercial materials.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.485-489
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• 2011

Purpose: Median cleft of upper lip is defined as any congenital vertical cleft through the midline of the upper lip. It is uncommon, its embryological pathogenesis remains unexplained to date. The authors hereby report a rare case of median cleft of the upper lip associated with enlarged frenulum and palatal mass. This case offers some understanding of the possible embryologic development of this anomaly. Methods: A 10-month-old boy born by normal vaginal delivery at full-term had a notch in the midline of the upper lip with widened philtrum along with enlarged median frenulum, alveolar cleft, and mass of the hard palate. We performed en bloc resection of the enlarged frenulum and palatal mass and cheiloplasty under general anesthesia. Results: Histological examination revealed that the frenulum and palatal mass was consisted of fibrous tissue with normal mucous membrane. The postoperative course was satisfactory. Conclusion: A rare case of median cleft of the upper lip with associated enlarged frenulum and palatal mass was presented with proper surgical management. The surgical technique includes marginal excision of the clefted epithelium and reconstruction of orbicularis oris muscle, in addition to en bloc resection of the palatal mass and frenulotomy.