Kailash Narasimhan

Five-step neck lift: integrating anatomy with clinical practice to optimize results.

Background: A harmonious and youthful appearing neckline is arguably the most vital aspect of a successful facial rejuveation. Without sound principles, the neck appears skeletonized, tethered, and hollow. The anatomical studies that the authors have performed regarding the neck, jowl, and subplatysmal elements have influenced the techniques that they now use. The authors’ approach modifies the classic techniques of the past, and seeks a nuanced approach to each patient by resuspension and reshaping of deeper neck elements. Methods: In this article, the authors apply their anatomical research and cadaveric studies to demonstrate and support their neck-lift techniques. The authors integrate their knowledge to describe how the technique of one of the senior authors (R.J.R.) has evolved over time. Results: The main tenets of the authors’ approach have evolved into a sequence that involves skin undermining over the neck and cheek, submental access to the neck, with possible excision of fat and midline plication of the platysma with release of the muscle inferiorly, platysmal window suspension laterally, precise release of the mandibular septum and ligament if needed, and finally redraping of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) by plication or SMASecomy. These five steps ensure correction of jowling, a smooth jawline, and a well-shaped neck. Conclusions: The five-step neck lift helps to optimize results in creating the ideal neck contour. The authors provide four points that should be considered in any neck-lift procedure. The end result is a well-defined, well-contoured neck, with an approach grounded in sound anatomical principles.

Complicated infantile hemangioma of the lip: outcomes of early versus late resection.

Background: Lip hemangiomas have traditionally been approached with expectant management. However, intervention is warranted for associated complications, including facial disfigurement, feeding difficulties, speech impairment, and psychosocial manifestations. The authors evaluated outcomes of complicated lip hemangiomas resected during the proliferative as compared with the involutional phase. Methods: A retrospective review of patients with complicated lip hemangiomas managed with resection in the proliferative or involutional phase from 2005 to 2011 was performed. A transverse elliptical vermilion-mucosal resection technique was used. Review parameters included demographics, lesion size and location, growth phase, hemangioma-related complications, and preoperative management (corticosteroid or pulsed dye laser). Evaluated outcomes included surgical complications, recurrence, and patient- and surgeon-reported aesthetics. Results: Twenty-one patients underwent surgical resection of a lip hemangioma (10 proliferative and 11 involutional), with a mean follow-up of 21.4 and 23.3 months, respectively. The two groups were comparable with respect to lesion size and location. Patients in the involutional group experienced higher rates of hemangioma-related complications (bleeding, 45 percent versus 10 percent; speech impairment, 82 percent versus 0 percent; feeding difficulties, 82 percent versus 20 percent; and psychosocial issues, 100 percent versus 80 percent). There were no postoperative aesthetic concerns. One recurrence in the proliferative group was treated with reresection. Speech therapy was required for 82 percent of patients in the involutional group. Conclusions: Surgical resection is efficacious treatment for hemangiomas of the lip and yields acceptable aesthetic results during both the proliferative and involutional phases. Resection in the proliferative phase should be considered to prevent complications associated with delayed treatment. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Qualitative and quantitative outcomes of audience response systems as an educational tool in a plastic surgery residency program.

Background: In-training evaluations in graduate medical education have typically been challenging. Although the majority of standardized examination delivery methods have become computer-based, in-training examinations generally remain pencil-paper–based, if they are performed at all. Audience response systems present a novel way to stimulate and evaluate the resident-learner. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of audience response systems testing as compared with traditional testing in a plastic surgery residency program. Methods: A prospective 1-year pilot study of 10 plastic surgery residents was performed using audience response systems–delivered testing for the first half of the academic year and traditional pencil-paper testing for the second half. Examination content was based on monthly “Core Quest” curriculum conferences. Quantitative outcome measures included comparison of pretest and posttest and cumulative test scores of both formats. Qualitative outcomes from the individual participants were obtained by questionnaire. Results: When using the audience response systems format, pretest and posttest mean scores were 67.5 and 82.5 percent, respectively; using traditional pencil-paper format, scores were 56.5 percent and 79.5 percent. A comparison of the cumulative mean audience response systems score (85.0 percent) and traditional pencil-paper score (75.0 percent) revealed statistically significantly higher scores with audience response systems (p = 0.01). Qualitative outcomes revealed increased conference enthusiasm, greater enjoyment of testing, and no user difficulties with the audience response systems technology. Conclusions: The audience response systems modality of in-training evaluation captures participant interest and reinforces material more effectively than traditional pencil-paper testing does. The advantages include a more interactive learning environment, stimulation of class participation, immediate feedback to residents, and immediate tabulation of results for the educator. Disadvantages include start-up costs and lead-time preparation.

Face lifting in the massive weight loss patient: modifications of our technique for this population.

Background: The authors evaluated their experience with facial rejuvenation in the massive weight loss patient. Methods: A retrospective chart review of the senior author’s (R.J.R) face-lift patients was conducted. Data on patient age and body mass index, surgical techniques used (when available), and intraoperative and postoperative complications were collected. Results: Of the senior author’s 25-year database of 1089 patients, 22 were identified (15 women and seven men). Nineteen patients had primary face lifts performed; three patients were secondary cases. Average age at face lift was 52.7 years (range, 41.0 to 67.0 years). Body mass index at the time of surgery was 26.0. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications included one hematoma that responded to drainage. Nineteen patients (86 percent) had volume loss in the midface and nasolabial groove regions. Thirteen patients (59 percent) had perioral volume loss, all had skin excess and redundancy in the jowl and submental region, and 18 (82 percent) had documented platysmal bands. The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) was addressed in 20 patients (91 percent) with a SMASectomy. Fat augmentation was performed in all patients. On average, almost twice as much fat was used (22 ml versus 12 ml in non–massive weight loss patients). Conclusions: In the massive weight loss population, there are common techniques that can enhance results. (1) Individualized components analysis can be used; (2) to treat laxity of skin and deflation of fat compartments, twice as much fat augmentation is needed; (3) SMASectomy is used for redundant skin; and (4) SMAS neck suspension sutures are used in thicker-skinned patients. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Evolution of Hypertension Management in Face Lifting in 1089 Patients: Optimizing Safety and Outcomes

Background: Hematoma continues to be the most common complication after rhytidectomy. Perioperative hypertension is a known risk factor, and meticulous control of this has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative hematoma development, thus improving outcomes and decreasing patient morbidity. Despite this, there are few well-described hypertension management regimens in the literature today. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 1089 patients undergoing rhytidectomy performed by a single surgeon was conducted. A predetermined antihypertensive protocol was used in all patients that included the routine use of transdermal clonidine. A target systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or less was the goal of therapy, and close hemodynamic monitoring was used throughout the entire perioperative phase. The incidence of postoperative hematoma was then assessed. Results: The overall incidence of postoperative hematoma was 0.9 percent (10 patients). Of these patients, five were female (0.05 percent) and five were male (5.2 percent). Preoperatively, 170 patients were noted to be hypertensive, with a systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg. Postoperatively, 355 patients were found to be hypertensive (p < 0.001). Of the patients who developed a postoperative hematoma, eight patients (80 percent) had documented hypertension (systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg) in the postanesthesia care unit (p = 0.045). Male sex was found to be a significant risk factor for the development of hematoma (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Meticulous perioperative blood pressure control significantly reduces the rate of postoperative hematoma formation. The use of a specific protocol developed by our senior author and primary anesthesia provider contributed to our very low hematoma rates. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Secondary Neck Lift and the Importance of Midline Platysmaplasty: Review of 101 Cases.

Background: The authors believe that open access to the submental region, platysmaplasty, and wide skin undermining provide the most long-lasting results in neck rejuvenation, and sought to evaluate this hypothesis by reviewing their neck-lift patients. Methods: The authors performed a retrospective chart review of their experience with neck-lift procedures and patients who underwent a secondary procedure. Patient age, sex, initial technique, visible neck deformities, and reasons for revision were assessed. Photographs were used to assess the features of persistent or recurrent neck-lift deformity and techniques to correct them. Results: Of 1089 neck lifts reviewed, 101 patients underwent secondary or revision procedures (approximately 10 percent of total). The average patient age was 57.4 years, 95 percent were women, and secondary procedures were performed 10.3 years after the first procedure. Seventy percent of the revisions were of the authors’ own primary neck lifts, and all of these after 10 years. The most common aesthetic deformities—recurrent platysmal bands (87 percent), persistent/recurrent jowling (48 percent), fat malposition/irregularities (10 percent), and vertical band deformity (8 percent)—were most often corrected with open platysmaplasty and medial or lateral plication and skin redraping. All patients had their submental region opened in the secondary procedure. All secondary operations were performed at least 10 years after primary surgery. Conclusions: The authors believe their technique of open submental neck access and platysmal approximation in patients with medial bands provides long-lasting results. The authors use precise preoperative evaluation, recontouring of neck fat irregularities, opening of the submental region with platysmaplasty, drains, and strict hemostasis. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Refining the anesthesia management of the face-lift patient: Lessons learned from 1089 consecutive face lifts

Background: The importance of anesthetic technique is often underappreciated in face-lift procedures and is sparsely written about in the literature. Appropriate control of blood pressure, anxiety, pain, and nausea is essential for reducing the complications of face lift, primarily, hematoma risk. This study discusses the standard anesthetic protocol provided at the authors’ institution and describes the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of face-lift patients resulting in low hematoma and complication rates. Methods: One thousand eighty-nine patients who underwent face-lift procedures performed by a single surgeon (R.J.R) were included in a retrospective chart review following institutional review board approval. Patient demographics, operative data including additional ancillary procedures, and the anesthesia regimen were recorded. In addition, postoperative complications and reoperation rates were documented. Results: Between 1990 and 2013, 1089 face-lift procedures were performed. Of these, 10 patients developed postoperative hematomas. Benzodiazepines were commonly administered preoperatively to reduce anxiety level. Intraoperatively, a specific regimen and combination of inhalation agents, neuromuscular blockers, antiemetics, antihypertensives, and narcotics was given to control the ease of induction and emergence from anesthesia. Postoperatively, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, pain, and hypertension were treated as needed. Conclusions: The described protocol is safe and has been instituted at the authors’ facility for approximately 20 years. The benefit of this regimen is related to the synergy of combination therapy. It is successful in reducing patient anxiety and pain, controlling blood pressure and postoperative emesis, and subsequently results in a reduced risk of hematoma. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

The open approach in secondary rhinoplasty: choosing an incision regardless of prior placement.

Background: Secondary open rhinoplasty is a complex topic with many hazards. Although there has been much discussion in the literature about what transcolumellar scar design creates the best aesthetic result, placement of the scar in a previously opened nose has not been widely discussed. In light of the outstanding blood supply to the nose, and often the desire to reposition the transcolumellar scar, the senior surgeon (R.J.R.) has ignored prior incisions in the columella and has chosen to place the incision in the best location for the current operative plan. Methods: This article retrospectively reviewed 100 secondary rhinoplasty patients who had undergone two open procedures with different transcolumellar incisions performed by the senior surgeon from 2000 to 2010. Scar quality was graded preoperatively and postoperatively by three reviewers on a four-point scale from imperceptible to poor scar. Results: Scar quality averaged 1.68 preoperatively and 1.61 postoperatively, indicating scar quality between imperceptible and barely perceptible. There was no skin bridge necrosis in the series, no infection, and no wound breakdown. Patient satisfaction was noted to be high overall. Conclusions: Anatomical studies have previously shown the safety of the transcolumellar incision in rhinoplasty. This article has shown the safety of ignoring prior incisions in the columella and basing the new scar location solely on where the surgeon feels is ideal. Although caution should always be used when creating possibly devitalized skin bridges, this study lends weight to the argument that one can safely ignore prior incision patterns in this aesthetically important and well-vascularized area. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Reply: Secondary Neck Lift and the Importance of Midline Platysmaplasty

1075e Reply: Secondary Neck Lift and the Importance of Midline Platysmaplasty: Review of 101 Cases Sir: We thank the authors for their interest and insight into our article, “Secondary Neck Lift and the Importance of Midline Platysmaplasty: Review of 101 Cases.”1 As they point out, we sought to emphasize in our evolution that opening the neck has truly provided consistent and reliable results. In our practice, we have not found scarring to be an issue in our patients, and a standard submental linear scar has been acceptable to patients. As the patient experience referred to in the Mexican population has also proven, the benefits of platysmal tightening and vastly improved neck contour far outweigh the scar burden. Opening the midline neck is clearly a reproducible technique.2 DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000002802