• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.740-747
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• 2014

Background Autologous fat graft has become a useful technique for correction of acquired contour deformity in reconstructed breasts. However, there remains controversial regarding the efficacy and safety of the practice for reconstructive breast surgery. Methods A retrospective review was performed on 102 patients who had secondary fat grafting after breast reconstruction. Fat harvest, refinement and injection were done by Coleman's technique. All patients were followed up postoperatively within 1 month and after 6 months including physical examination and ultrasonography. In 38 patients, the reabsorption rate was calculated by serial changes of thickness between skin and pectoral fascia in the ultrasonic finding. Locoregional recurrence rate was compared with control group of 449 patients who had breast reconstruction without fat graft in the same time period. Results Average 49.3 mL fat was injected into each breast. The most common location of fat graft was upper pole, followed by axilla, lower and medial breasts. During 28.7 months of average follow-up period, 2.9% of total patients had symptoms of palpable mass on fat graft side and ultrasonography identified fat necrosis and cyst formation in 17.6% of the patients. Calculated fat reabsorption rate was 32.9%. Locoregional recurrence was occurred in 1 patient (0.9%) and the rate was not different significantly with control group (2%). Conclusions Although further studies are required to provide surgeons with definitive guidelines for the implementation of fat grafting, we propose autologous fat graft is an efficient and safe technique for secondary breast reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.845-850
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• 2011

Purpose: In general, orientals including Korean, have a mesocephalic face whereas Caucasians, among the western, have a dolichocephalic face. Unlike the western, in orientals including Korean, prominent malar bones are recognized as stubborn and unattractive appearance. That is why reduction malarplasty is one of the most popular aesthetic surgical procedure in Korea. Many surgical methods to reposition prominent malar bones have been performed by means of a coronal incision or a combined incisions, using both the intraoral and the external incision. Bicoronal approach has advantage such as wide operative field, easy to maintain symmetry and possibility of combining facial lift but has shortcoming, such as external scars, long operative time, and the possibility of facial nerve or artery injury. Intraoral approach has advantages of short operative time, simplicity of procedure and no external scar. But this approach is associated with problems of cheek drooping, limited exposure and difficulty in making symmetry. Methods: During 8 years, we performed a reduction malarplasty without internal fixation through an minimal intraoral incision and dissection in 39 patients. Results: The patients were followed for 46 months, with satisfactory results and no cheek drooping. There was no patient who want to revise the inappropriate operative result such as asymmetry and incomplete correction. Conclusion: We conclude that minimal intraoral incision and dissection could acquire satisfactory result of reduction malarplasty along with prevention of cheek drooping.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.533-538
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• 2005

Due to its safety and softness, autologous fat transplantation has been commonly performed for soft tissue correction. However, the injected fat is absorbed resulting in the reduction of volume of the graft by 40-60% within a few months. Thus, there was an attempt to use adipocytes differentiated from preadipocytes in vitro for transplantation. Differentiated adipocytes were biocompatible and matured with gradual volume increase at transplantation site in clinical study(unpublished data). In addition, they did not induce immune rejection in response to nonself lymphocytes in a mixed lymphocyte reaction(MLR)(unpublished data). The purpose of this study is to differentiate mouse preadipocytes following labeling into adipocytes to establish an animal model for allogenic transplantation. Preadipocytes isolated from inguinal and retroperitoneal fat pad of C57BL/6 mice were proliferated with growth medium by passage 3 and differentiated into adipocytes with different culture conditions after labeled with BrdU. At most suitable conditions, above 90% of preadipocytes were differentiated and BrdU labeling did not affect differentiation rate and function of differentiated adipocytes. These results demonstrate that BrdU-labeled adipocytes resulting from this in vitro differentiation protocol are useful for allogenic transplantation study.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.22-26
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• 2020

Background: This study investigated the outcomes of pharyngeal flap surgery in Asian patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD), with a focus on postoperative improvements in speech articulation and complications. Additionally, this study explored whether the cause of VPD and the timing of surgery affected outcomes in terms of speech improvement. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of the medical records of 72 Asian VPD patients who underwent pharyngeal flap surgery performed by a single surgeon from 1996 to 2014. Operative complications were analyzed for all 72 patients, and preoperative and postoperative speech articulation tests were compared for the subset of 43 patients in whom such testing was possible. The relationships of age at surgery and the cause of VPD with the extent of improvement in speech articulation were also investigated. Results: Nine of the 72 patients (13%) experienced wound-related complications. Furthermore, 34 patients (47%) reported persistent snoring lasting for over 3 months, and 16 (22%) reported snoring for over 1 year. Three patients (4%) underwent reoperation. Speech articulation scores significantly improved postoperatively across all groups. Younger age at surgery was associated with greater improvements in speech outcomes, but no significant relationship was found between the cause of VPD and the extent of the postoperative improvement in speech outcomes. Conclusion: Speech outcomes improved after pharyngeal surgery in Asian patients with VPD. Early surgery was associated with favorable speech outcomes, but no association was found between the cause of VPD and postoperative speech outcomes.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.48-52
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• 2011

Purpose: Microfat graft is a common procedure for correcting tear trough deformity and dark circle. Because the tissue in this area is very thin, the grafted fat, sometimes, induces palpable lumps and uneven skin contour. When it happens, the surgical removal of the grafted fat is often needed. The authors made attempt of transconjunctival approach for removal, and this made infraorbital fat repositioning possible at the same time. Methods: 15 female patients with history of microfat graft on lower eyelid, got operation for the grafted fat removal with transconjunctival approach from April of 2009 to July of 2010. The dissection was performed in accordance with infraorbital fat repositioning surgery. Through the transconjunctival incision, knotted fat on orbital septum and orbicularis oculi muscle was removed without damage on skin. After grafted fat removal, subperiosteal space was made 1~2 mm below the inferior orbital rim by elevating periosteum. With preserving orbital septum, infraorbital fat was repositioned and anchored to subperiosteal space. Finally, transconjunctival incision was closed with absorbable suture material. Results: 14 patients in the study showed satisfactory results. The problems like uneven skin contour and knotted fat mass, were all solved. In only one patient, incomplete correction was observed, as bulging on her right lower eyelid still remained. One patient complained of transient numbness on lower eyelid, but there was no specific complication other than this. Conclusion: The authors attempted the method of transconjunctival approach to remove former grafted fat in lower eyelid and reposition infraorbital fat simultaneously. Since the study brought great results, the method would be helpful to patients and surgeons.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.499-502
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• 2006

Purpose: Grave's disease is an autoimmune disease with chronic and systemic features. It affects the orbital fat and muscle bringing about defect in extrinsic eye motility, diplopia, optic nerve defect and lid retraction. In patients with lagopthalmos and resulting facial deformity, treatment can be done by rectus muscle recession or filling with various material. Autogenous auricular cartilage graft is often used and synthetic material such as synthetic acellular dermis, polyethylene meshs are also used for filling of the depressed area. Nevertheless, autogenous auricular cartilage grafts are difficult to utilize and synthetic materials sometimes result in protrusion or infection. Therefore, hard palate mucosa was considered as an alternative. We report two cases of patients with lower eyelid retraction corrected with autogenous hard palate mucosa. Methods: We performed this operation in two patients of Graves' ophthalmopathy. The capsulopalpebral fascia was incised and elevated through an incision on the conjunctiva. Then, the harvested hard palate mucosa was sutured to the inferior border of the tarsus and covered with the conjunctiva. Results: The lower eyelid retraction was corrected successfully. No hypertrophy or deformation of the transplanted hard palate mucosa was noted 6 months after the surgery. Conclusions: From the results above, we may conclude that the hard palate mucosa serves as an ideal spacer for the curvature and the inner lining in lower lid retraction. Hard palate mucosa is as sturdy as the autogenous cartilage but is much easier to utilize. It can be also used for lid retraction after lower lid aesthetic surgeries or traumas.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.335-340
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• 2006

Lower palpebral bags and tear trough grooves are the common signs of aging. Weakness of the orbital septum, atrophy of the orbicularis oculi muscle, slackness and laxity of the lower lid skin are the main causes of these aging changes. Tear trough groove with skeletonization of the lower orbital rim can not be corrected easily by the conventional lower blepharoplasty, but the augmentation of the volume, can be an effective method. Lower lids provide a well vascularized recipient site, which is vital for proper grafting of fat to occur. We treated tear trough groove with free fat graft of surgically removed orbital fat. Surgical excision of the fat pad and septal reinforcement with free fat graft below the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle were performed to correct tear trough groove. This technique was performed in 29 consecutive individuals from October, 2001 to January, 2005. Palpebral bags and tear trough groove were corrected concomitantly and obtained a youthful attractive midface with no secondary hollowness of lower lid and irregularity. The overall results obtained were satisfactory without any complications. Recurrence of tear trough deformity due to grafted fat absorption was not noted during the 7 months of the follow-up period. The authors conclude that the procedure is safe and effective in selected patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.279-286
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• 2011

Purpose: Chin is located in a prominent position, and is important to balance and harmony of the face. Genioplasty is widely performed with patients' high satisfaction, yet being relatively simple procedure. Recently in analysis of dentofacial trait, three rotational variables of yaw, pith, and roll are considered with three translational variables (forward/backward, up/down, right/left). And we could correct chin deformity effectively by applying the three rotational variables with three translational variables in genioplasty. Methods: Twenty-eight patients who have chin deformity underwent osseous genioplasty. Preoperative photography, facial three dimensional computed tomography, and cephalography were taken while chin deformities were accessed. The chin deformity was classified into four categories; macrogenia, microgenia, asymmetric chin deformity, and combined chin deformity groups. According to the nature of chin deformities and the patients' desire, preoperative plans were formulated, in consideration of three rotational variables and translational variables. Through intraoral approach, anterior mandible was exposed in the subperiosteal plane between the mental foramens and beneath the mental foramens. In the anterior mandible, vertical and horizontal grid lines with 5 mm intervals were marked to confirm the spatial location of osteomized bone segment after osteotomy. Chin repositioning was done in consideration of axial rotation and planar translation. Results: Most of the patients had achieved satisfactory results with few complications. By considering the three rotational variables, it was possible to make the chin repositioning effectively. One of the patients complained about insufficient chin correction. In other case, persistent sensory impairment around chin was observed. Conclusion: In conclusion, it is worthwhile to apply preoperative analysis and operative procedures in consideration of a three rotational variables with three translational variables in genioplasty.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.118-121
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• 2009

Purpose: Constricted ear, which is named by Tanzer includes lop ear, cup ear, and sort of prominent ear. It has classified three groups by Tanzer, especially grou I and IIA have been corrected by banner flap, Musgrave's technique, tumbling concha - cartilage flap, reversed banner flap and others. However, these techniques were too invasive for correcting mild degree of deformity. Therefore, we corrected the ear with mattress suture which is simple and less invasive. Method: The operations were done against 5 patients from 2005 March to 2008 April. All the cases were unilateral ears with constriction included helix and scaphoid fossa without difference in length between both ears. Though a posterior auricular skin incision, the folded cartilage is exposed and two parallel incisions on superior crus were made. After mattress suturing in cartilage, the superior crus of antihelix was formed and its force enables the folded portion to be in a normal anatomic position. Result: All of 5 patients got satisfactory results. There were no complications like hematoma or skin necrosis, and no recurrence during follow - up period(the average period was 9 months). And we couldn't recognize the difference between height of both auricles. Conclusion: Mattress suture is simple, less invasive, and suitable on correcting mild deformity of constricted ear with better result, so here we suggest the method.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.465-470
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• 2008

Purpose: Reduction malarplasty is a popular aesthetic surgery for contouring wide and prominent zygoma. However a few patients complain postoperative results and want to revise the midfacial contour. We analyzed the etiology of unfavorable results and treated unsatisfied midfacial contours after reduction malarplasty. Methods: Total 53 patients were performed secondary operation for correction of unfavorable results after primary reduction malarplasty from elsewhere. Midfacial contour was evaluated with plain films and three-dimensional computed tomography. Unfavorable midfacial contours were corrected by secondary malarplasty. Flaring of zygomatic arch was reduced with infracturing technique and prominent zygomatic body was reduced with shaving. Drooped or displaced zygoma complex has been suspended to higher position and fixed with interosseous wiring. As adjuvant procedure, autologous fat injection has been performed in the region of depressed zygomatic body region. Results: The etiology of unfavorable midfacial contour after reduction malarplasty was classified into 7 categories: undercorrection of zygomatic arch(n=8), undercorrection of zygomatic arch and undercorrection of zygomatic body(n=6), undercorrection of zygomatic arch and overcorrection of zygomatic body(n=28), overcorrection of zygomatic body(n=3), simple asymmetry(n=4), malunion(n=2) or nonunion(n=2). Slim and balanced malar contour was achieved with treatment. And most of the patients were satisfied with the results of the surgery. Conclusion: To prevent the unfavorable results after reduction malarplasty, complete analysis of facial contour, choice of appropriate operation technique, precise osteotomy under direct vision, and security of zygoma position are important.