Carlos Oscar Uebel

Subplatysmal Necklift: A Retrospective Analysis of 504 Patients

Background Improvement of neck contour is a primary goal of patients who seek rejuvenation of the face and neck. Subplatysmal structures, including fat, the digastric muscle, and the submandibular salivary glands (SMSGs), may contribute to the appearance of a disproportionately large neck. Objectives The authors sought to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and predictability of necklift combined with reshaping and repositioning of the subplatysmal structures. Methods The records of 504 patients were reviewed retrospectively. Surgical maneuvers for subplatysmal necklift were described comprehensively and supplemented with videos. The subplatysmal anatomy was detailed by means of 2 cadaver dissections. Results A total of 430 patients (85.3%) underwent subplatysmal necklift. The most commonly treated structures were fat (423 patients [83.9%]), the SMSGs (307 patients [60.9%]), and the digastric muscle (91 patients [18.1%]). The most common complications were weakness of the lower lip depressor (29 patients [5.7%]), followed by sialoma of the parotid gland (10 patients [2%]). No patients experienced subplatysmal hematoma. Conclusions Subplatysmal necklift is a safe, effective, and reliable option for patients who desire improved cervical contour. Level of Evidence 4 Therapeutic

Complications with homologous fat grafts in breast augmentation surgery

The most common complications in breast augmentation surgery with homologous fat grafts obtained from fresh cadavers are presented, showing subsequent surgical procedures to reconstruct the breasts of such patients through use of silicone prostheses and muscle flaps from the latissimus dorsi.

Refining hair restoration technique.

Hair restoration may be fine-tuned with the following techniques: (1) using intradermal sutures to close the occipital donor area and (2) using the retroauricular ellipse in a face lift procedure as a donor area for hair restoration. These methods are demonstrated by the author. (Aesthetic Surg J 2002;22:181-183.).

Autologous blood transfusion for combined plastic surgeries.

Autologous blood transfusion is indicated and helpful for any patient who is entering surgery in whom the surgeon anticipates a large blood loss because of the multiple or combined plastic operations being planned for one surgical sitting. The advantages of autologous over homologous transfusions include avoidance of incompatibility reactions, better volume expansion, and no risk of acquiring diseases.

Cellulite: A Surgical Treatment Approach

Background Cellulite is one of the most common skin and subcutaneous tissue conditions, affecting predominantly the thighs and hips in postadolescent women. Its etiology is not well defined, and multiple available treatments show variable efficacy. Objectives To describe a technique for treatment of cellulite of the gluteal region, thighs, and hips through superficial liposuction utilizing a special cannula, combined with subcutaneous autologous fat grafting. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients treated over 26 years at the Hospital São Lucas, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. Patients underwent pretreatment evaluation as to the extent of their cellulite, and pretreatment and posttreatment photographs were obtained for visual evaluation of the results. Results Procedures were performed on 126 patients: 121 (96%) women and 5 (4%) men. The majority considered their results good or excellent. The complication rate was low, with the most common complications being ecchymosis, contour irregularities, partial recurrence of cellulite, seroma, and numbness. Conclusions We describe an effective method for the treatment of cellulite. Whereas subcision techniques utilize a needle or microblade to cut fibrous septa, we utilize a special cannula; larger areas can be treated than with subcision. Fat grafting is utilized to correct depressions and improve skin quality, which are added benefits compared to traditional subcision. Considering the multiple available cellulite treatments and their limitations, and the high patient satisfaction rate we achieved, with a low recurrence and complication rate, this technique can be a safe and effective option for patients with cellulite. Level of Evidence 4

Cutaneous approach in toxic epidermal necrolysis

Introduction: Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a severe acute mucocutaneous condition usually induced by drugs associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The care of the mucous lesions and skin and a multidisciplinary approach are very important for the prognosis and future sequelae. Objectives: To discuss the main aspects of this syndrome through a literature review illustrated by a clinical case. Methods: Review of the literature using the PubMed and SciELO online databases was performed. Articles in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish were included and illustrated with a pediatric clinical case. The keywords used were as follows: “toxic epidermal necrolysis,” “Stevens-Johnson overlap,” “necrólise epidérmica tóxica,” and “síndrome Stevens-Johnson.” Results: We presented data to guide the management of patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis for plastic surgeons, pediatricians, intensivists, dermatologists, and emergency physicians. The case treated had a favorable disease course without sequelae. Conclusion: A high level of suspicion is necessary for an adequate diagnosis and risk stratification, and early support measures and treatment should be performed by a multidisciplinary team trained to minimize damage and mortality. ■ ABSTRACT

Total nasal reconstruction: use of the "sandwich technique" during residency

Introduction: One of the most common sites of skin cancer is the nose, and because of its distinct three-dimensional structure, reconstruction of the nasal tip support is challenging for plastic surgeons. Methods: This article presents an alternative option for total nasal reconstruction using the bilateral frontal flap and the block bilateral auricular cartilage graft. We present an account of the use of the “sandwich technique”, consisting of two frontal flaps interspersed by auricular cartilage. While the first flap gives rise to the new roof of the nasal fossa, the cartilage configures the threedimensional shape and provides support for the new nasal structure. The second flap is then responsible for the outer coverage. Results: In this case, both the minimal morbidity of the donor area and excellent perfusion of the autonomized flaps were verified, leading to a largely satisfactory result. Conclusions: Although total nasal reconstruction is an infrequent procedure in the career of a plastic surgeon, the technique described here is a viable option for these cases. ■ ABSTRACT

Use of absorbable hemostatic gelatin sponge in postoperative care of the vascular pedicle of interpolated flaps

Interpolated flaps are among the most important and functional flaps in reconstructive plastic surgery, representing a safe option even in the most difficult cases. The pedicle of the interpolated flap requires a dressing to avoid bleeding and local contamination. This dressing often fails to prevent minor bleedings, which occurs within the first 24-48 hours. As a result, it needs to be continuously changed, from three to five times on average. The technique proposed in this study consists in a direct application of a GELFOAM® layer. This is subsequently wrapped with petroleum gauze to prevent bleeding of the open area in the pedicle flap, improving hemostasis and reducing the manipulation of the vascular pedicle. ■ ABSTRACT

History of plastic surgery: Sir Harold Gillies, a pioneer of reconstructive plastic surgery

Historically, wars have been among the greatest catalysts for advances in medicine in general, and surgery in particular. Without doubt, the greatest practitioner of plastic surgery in the early decades of the twentieth century was Sir Harold Delf Gillies, a New Zealander living in England, who advocated the treatment of patients with facial injuries in the context of the First World War. This article examines Gillies’ personal life and the legacy he left for modern plastic and reconstructive surgery; many of his teachings are timeless and serve as an inspiration for the surgeons of today. ■ ABSTRACT

Flap and abdominal wall washing and debridement using dressings to prevent seromas and hematomas in abdominoplasty

Seroma formation remains a common complication of abdominoplasty. The use of drain, flap fixation points, and fibrin glue has been described to reduce the incidence of seroma formation. The authors present herein an easyto-reproduce technique to decrease the risk of bleeding and eliminate the devitalized tissue caused by the detachment. The proposed strategy consists of washing and debridement, which was conducted with mechanical friction using moist flap and abdominal wall dressings. ■ ABSTRACT