In Suck Suh

Case Reports of Adipose-derived Stem Cell Therapy for Nasal Skin Necrosis after Filler Injection.

With the gradual increase of cases using fillers, cases of patients treated by non-medical professionals or inexperienced physicians resulting in complications are also increasing. We herein report 2 patients who experienced acute complications after receiving filler injections and were successfully treated with adipose-derived stem cell (ADSCs) therapy. Case 1 was a 23-year-old female patient who received a filler (Restylane) injection in her forehead, glabella, and nose by a non-medical professional. The day after her injection, inflammation was observed with a 3×3 cm skin necrosis. Case 2 was a 30-year-old woman who received a filler injection of hyaluronic acid gel (Juvederm) on her nasal dorsum and tip at a private clinic. She developed erythema and swelling in the filler-injected area A solution containing ADSCs harvested from each patients abdominal subcutaneous tissue was injected into the lesion at the subcutaneous and dermis levels. The wounds healed without additional treatment. With continuous follow-up, both patients experienced only fine linear scars 6 months postoperatively. By using adipose-derived stem cells, we successfully treated the acute complications of skin necrosis after the filler injection, resulting in much less scarring, and more satisfactory results were achieved not only in wound healing, but also in esthetics.

Conjunctival cul-de-sac reconstruction with radial forearm free flap in anophthalmic orbit syndrome.

Contracted eye socket is a constant cosmetic embarrassment to the patient. It not only renders patients unable to maintain an eye prosthesis, but it becomes a source of chronic discharge and irritation. Eye socket reconstruction with free skin, mucous membrane, cartilage, or dermis‐fat usually remains unsatisfactory in many cases, due to secondary graft contracture. Traumatic injuries to the orbit and neighboring soft tissue frequently lead to a contracted eye socket. This condition results from the need for removal of the traumatized conjunctiva at the time of the enucleation, along with the traumatized eyeball, for satisfactory wound closure. In traumatic anophthalmos patients, a radial forearm free flap was used for conjunctival cul‐de‐sac reconstruction. Eye socket beds were developed as hinge‐shaped flaps and used as lining for the upper and lower palpebrae. The authors conclude that the radial forearm flap is a useful alternative in the treatment of traumatic anophthalmos. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 107: 914, 2001.)

Effect of Botulinum Toxin Type A on Differentiation of Fibroblasts Derived from Scar Tissue.

Background: Although botulinum toxin type A has been shown to inhibit the formation of hypertrophic scars, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of action. Studies have reported that botulinum toxin type A is able to inhibit fibroblast proliferation and transforming growth factor (TGF)-&bgr;1 expression; therefore, in this study, the authors evaluated its effect on the differentiation of fibroblasts derived from normal and hypertrophic scar tissue. Methods: Under local anesthesia, tissue specimens from 10 scars (five normal mature scars and five hypertrophic scars) were obtained from nine patients who visited the authors’ department for scar revision. Fibroblasts isolated from the tissue specimens were cultured until confluent and pretreated with TGF-&bgr;1 to induce differentiation before treatment with botulinum toxin type A. Expression of the myofibroblast marker &agr;-smooth muscle actin in cell cultures was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation was further evaluated by immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy. Results: The authors’ results showed that &agr;-smooth muscle actin mRNA and protein levels were significantly lower in the botulinum toxin type A–treated group than in the control group (treated with TGF-&bgr;1 only) of fibroblasts derived from hypertrophic scars, but not fibroblasts derived from normal scars. Immunocytochemistry results also showed that fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation was significantly decreased after botulinum toxin type A treatment in fibroblasts derived from hypertrophic scars. Conclusion: The authors’ results show that botulinum toxin type A directly inhibits fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation in vitro, and indicate its potential for use in treating wounds expected to develop into hypertrophic scars after trauma, burn, or surgery. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

Treatment Algorithm of Complications after Filler Injection: Based on Wound Healing Process

Soft tissue filler injection has been a very common procedure worldwide since filler injection was first introduced for soft tissue augmentation. Currently, filler is used in various medical fields with satisfactory results, but the number of complications is increasing due to the increased use of filler. The complications after filler injection can occur at any time after the procedure, early and delayed, and they range from minor to severe. In this review, based on our experience and previously published other articles, we suggest a treatment algorithm to help wound healing and tissue regeneration and generate good aesthetic results with early treatment in response to the side effects of filler. Familiarity with the treatment of these rare complications is essential for achieving the best possible outcome. Graphical Abstract

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy of Chronically Infected Wounds Using 1% Acetic Acid Irrigation

Background Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) induces angiogenesis and collagen synthesis to promote tissue healing. Although acetic acid soaks normalize alkali wound conditions to raise tissue oxygen saturation and deconstruct the biofilms of chronic wounds, frequent dressing changes are required. Methods Combined use of NPWT and acetic acid irrigation was assessed in the treatment of chronic wounds, instilling acetic acid solution (1%) beneath polyurethane membranes twice daily for three weeks under continuous pressure (125 mm Hg). Clinical photographs, pH levels, cultures, and debrided fragments of wounds were obtained pre- and posttreatment. Tissue immunostaining (CD31, Ki-67, and CD45) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], vascular endothelial growth factor receptor [VEGFR]; procollagen; hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha [HIF-1-alpha]; matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-1,-3,-9; and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase [TIMP]) were also performed. Results Wound sizes tended to diminish with the combined therapy, accompanied by drops in wound pH (weakly acidic or neutral) and less evidence of infection. CD31 and Ki-67 immunostaining increased (P<0.05) post-treatment, as did the levels of VEGFR, procollagen, and MMP-1 (P<0.05), whereas the VEGF, HIF-1-alpha, and MMP-9/TIMP levels declined (P<0.05). Conclusions By combining acetic acid irrigation with negative-pressure dressings, both the pH and the size of chronic wounds can be reduced and infections be controlled. This approach may enhance angiogenesis and collagen synthesis in wounds, restoring the extracellular matrix.

Nasal anthropometry on facial computed tomography scans for rhinoplasty in koreans.

Background Cephalometric analysis is essential for planning treatment in maxillofacial and aesthetic facial surgery. Although photometric analysis of the Korean nose has been attempted in the past, anthropometry of the deeper nasal structures in the same population based on computerized tomography (CT) has not been published. We therefore measured three anthropometric parameters of the nose on CT scans in our clinical series of patients. Methods We conducted the current retrospective study of a total of 100 patients (n=100) who underwent a CT-guided radiological measurement at our institution during a period ranging from January of 2008 to August of 2010. In these patients, we took three anthropometric measurements: the nasofrontal angle, the pyramidal angle, and the linear distance between the nasion and the tip of the nasal bone. Results The mean nasofrontal angle was 131.14° in the male patients and 140.70° in the female patients. The mean linear distance between the nasion and the tip of the nasal bone was 21.28 mm and 18.02 mm, respectively. The mean nasal pyramidal angle was 112.89° and 103.25° at the level of the nasal root, 117.49° and 115.60° at the middle level of the nasal bone, and 127.99° and 125.04° at the level of the tip of the nasal bone, respectively. Conclusions In conclusion, our data will be helpful in the preparation of silicone implants for augmentation and/or corrective rhinoplasty in ethnic Korean people.

Classification and surgical correction of asymmetric calves in Asians.

Background: In Asia, one of the most important factors in being physically attractive is to have aesthetically pleasing legs, which has made calf contouring surgery an issue nowadays. When one leg is abnormally changed because of various factors (e.g., iatrogenic causes, poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy, trauma, and tumor resection), the tissue atrophies. Such asymmetric calves can be corrected by various surgical methods. Methods: Calf asymmetry is defined as a difference in the maximal circumference greater than 2.0 cm between both calves. From 2005 to 2012, the authors carried out calf contouring operations on 68 patients. For patients with mild or moderate asymmetry, selective neurectomy with or without liposuction was performed on the hypertrophic calf according to shape and severity. For patients with severe asymmetry, selective neurectomy with liposuction was performed for the hypertrophic calf, whereas the hypotrophic calf was treated with fat injection or silicone implantation. Results: At a minimum of 3 months’ follow-up, the mild group patients had a size difference less than 0.5 cm. The moderate and severe asymmetry groups showed size differences less than 1.2 and 2.3 cm, respectively. No functional problems or major complications were shown. Minor complications included five cases of wound dehiscence, three cases of hematoma, and six cases of hypertrophic scar at the incision site. Conclusion: Classifying patients into three groups according to the maximal circumferential difference between both legs and treating them separately using different surgical methods could significantly provide satisfying outcomes in both functional and aesthetic aspects. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Simultaneous Use of Selective Neurectomy With Liposuction for Calf Reduction in Asians

Background Calf contouring continues to be popular among Northeast Asians. Calf hypertrophy and distorted leg contours are stressful to many women. Several calf reduction techniques such as a selective neurectomy or calf muscle resection have been attempted, but have inconsistent results. Objectives This study was designed to demonstrate improved outcomes when combining a selective neurectomy with simultaneous liposuction. Methods A total of 780 patients with hypertrophic calves underwent calf reduction from January 2002 to December 2010. Of these, 193 patients were treated by selective neurectomy with simultaneous liposuction. Calf hypertrophy with a circumference below 34 cm was defined as mild, calves with a circumference of 34 to 38 cm were defined as moderate, and a calf circumference above 38 cm was defined as severe. In all groups, patients whose pinch test was above 2 cm underwent a simultaneous liposuction. Results Twenty-eight cases (14.5%) were defined as mild, 72 (37.3%) were moderate, and 93 (48.2%) were severe. Over an average of 8.7 months of postoperative follow up, the reduction in calf circumference averaged 3.7 cm in the mild group (11.1%), 4.0 cm in the moderate group (10.7 %), and 4.3 cm in the severe group (10.7%). Overall, 97.5% of patients were satisfied with the results. There were no severe complications including functional problem of lower extremity reported. Conclusions The shape, type, and fat distribution of the hypertrophic calves were considered in our patient analysis. A selective neurectomy with liposuction was performed on 193 patients. This technique allowed for a successful calf reduction and improved the patients aesthetic satisfaction without any reported functional complications. Level of Evidence 4

Combination of absorbable mesh and demineralized bone matrix in orbital wall fracture for preventing herniation of orbit.

Abstract After restoration of orbit wall fracture, preventing sequelae is important. An absorbable mesh is commonly used in orbit wall fracture, yet it has limitation due to orbit sagging when bony defect is larger than the moderate size (1 × 1 cm2). In this study, the authors present a satisfactory result in treating orbit wall fracture larger than the moderate size with a combination of absorbable mesh and demineralized bone matrix. From 2009 to 2012, 63 patients with bony defect larger than the moderate size, who were treated with a combination of absorbable mesh and demineralized bone matrix, were reviewed retrospectively. The site of bony defect, size, and applied amount of demineralized bone matrix were reviewed, and a 2-year follow-up was done. Facial computed tomography scans were checked preoperative, immediate postoperative, and 2-year postoperative. Among the 63 patients, there were 52 men and 11 women. Mean age was 33.3 years. The most common cause was blunt blow (35 cases); mean defect size was 13.36 × 12.82 mm2 in inferior wall fracture and 20.69 × 14.41 mm2 in medial wall fracture. There was no complication except for 3 cases of infraorbital nerve hypoesthesia. A 2-year follow-up computed tomography showed that the surgical site preserved bony formation without herniation. In treating moderate-sized bony defect in orbit wall fracture, absorbable mesh and demineralized bone matrix can maintain structural stability through good bony formation even after degradation of absorbable mesh.

New economical and simple device for intraoperative expansion on small and medium sized soft tissue defects

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.