Laurie A. Casas

Long-term predicatable nipple projection following reconstruction

The creation of the nipple-areola complex is often the final step in the surgical treatment of breast cancer patients, and it consequently has important symbolic and aesthetic implications. Patient expectations and the need for symmetry make nipple projection a crucial aesthetic determinant of nipple reconstruction. We hypothesize that long-term nipple projection and shape can be achieved in a predictable fashion using the modified star dermal fat flap technique. Prospectively, 93 nipples were reconstructed by a single surgeon using a modified star dermal fat flap technique in 44 implant and 49 TRAM flap breast reconstructions. Flap dimensions (base diameter and flap length) were designed according to patient desire or to the base diameter and projection of the opposite breast nipple. A standardized, 3-month postoperative care regimen was observed in all patients. Nipple projection was assessed by the same observer at each follow-up examination. The average length of follow-up was 730 days (745 for TRAM reconstructions and 713 for implants). Consistently, an average of 41 percent of the intraoperative projection remained intact in both groups at final evaluation (SD 12 percent). The total flap length was strongly predictive of intraoperative and long-term projection (r = 0.64 and 0.86, p < 0.0001). Flap lengths ranged from 5.5 to 9.0 cm, and in a linear correlation, resulted in intraoperative projection of 1.0 to 2.1 cm, respectively, and long-term projection of 0.4 to 0.83 cm, respectively. Based on the linear relationship, every 1-cm increase in flap length could be expected to result in a 0.16-cm increase in projection. When controlled for flap length and intraoperative projection, there was no difference between TRAM and implant nipple reconstruction in predicting postoperative nipple projection. Intraoperative planning and execution are critical to achieve predictable nipple shape, size, and projection. The dimensions of the star dermal fat flap can be strategically modified to allow the surgeon predictable projection with a consistent 41-percent preservation of intraoperative nipple projection in both TRAM and implant patients at 2 years.

A prospective, multi-site investigation of patient satisfaction and psychosocial status following cosmetic surgery

BACKGROUND Although several studies have investigated patient satisfaction and changes in body image following aesthetic plastic surgery, few have investigated more specific dimensions of body image, including dysphoric emotions that occur in specific social situations or body image quality of life. In addition, few studies have investigated changes in body image that may occur in concert with changes in more general areas of psychosocial functioning, such as depressive symptoms and self-esteem. OBJECTIVE This prospective, multi-site study investigated postoperative satisfaction and changes in psychosocial status following cosmetic surgery. METHODS One hundred patients recruited from 8 geographically diverse surgical practices completed psychometric measures of body image, depressive symptoms, and self-esteem prior to surgery. Seventy-two patients completed the 3-month postoperative assessment, 67 completed the 6-month assessment, and 63 completed the 12-month assessment. All statistical tests on changes after surgery were conducted using the sample of 72 patients who completed the 3-month assessment. A Last Observation Carried Forward analysis was used to account for patients who did not complete the subsequent follow-up assessments. In addition, they reported their postoperative satisfaction as well as self-rated attractiveness at the 3 postoperative assessment points. RESULTS Eighty-seven percent of patients reported satisfaction with their postoperative outcomes. Patients also reported significant improvements in their overall appearance, as well as the appearance of the feature altered by surgery, at each of the postoperative assessment points. Patients experienced significant improvements in their overall body image, their degree of dissatisfaction with the feature altered by surgery, and the frequency of negative body image emotions in specific social situations. All of these improvements were maintained 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS These results add to a growing body of literature documenting improvements in body image following cosmetic surgery.

A reliable approach to the closure of large acquired midline defects of the back

A systematic regionalized approach for the reconstruction of acquired thoracic and lumbar midline defects of the back is described. Twenty-three patients with wounds resulting from pressure necrosis, radiation injury, and postoperative wound infection and dehiscence were successfully reconstructed. The latissimus dorsi, trapezius, gluteus maximus, and paraspinous muscles are utilized individually or in combination as advancement, rotation, island, unipedicle, turnover, or bipedicle flaps. All flaps are designed so that their vascular pedicles are out of the field of injury. After thorough debridement, large, deep wounds are closed with two layers of muscle, while smaller, more superficial wounds are reconstructed with one layer. The trapezius muscle is utilized in the high thoracic area for the deep wound layer, while the paraspinous muscle is used for this layer in the thoracic and lumbar regions. Superficial layer and small wounds in the high thoracic area are reconstructed with either latissimus dorsi or trapezius muscle. Corresponding wounds in the thoracic and lumbar areas are closed with latissimus dorsi muscle alone or in combination with gluteus maximus muscle. The rationale for systematic regionalized reconstruction of acquired midline back wounds is described.

An outcome study comparing intravenous sedation with midazolam/fentanyl (conscious sedation) versus propofol infusion (deep sedation) for aesthetic surgery

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in measurable outcomes following aesthetic procedures performed under intravenous sedation with incremental doses of midazolam and fentanyl and those performed under propofol infusion. The authors’ hypothesis was that the differences in these outcome parameters are not significant between these intravenous sedation protocols. All intraoperative and perioperative records of 84 consecutive patients having aesthetic surgery under a conscious sedation protocol using incremental doses of intravenous midazolam and fentanyl were retrospectively reviewed and compared with the records of a second group of 85 patients having aesthetic surgery under a deep sedation regimen based primarily on propofol infusion. All procedures were hospital based and performed by two surgeons. Twenty-eight different parameters were examined by chart review. In addition, a patient questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction and patient recall of operative and perioperative pain, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting. Multivariate statistical analysis was conducted. The two sedation groups were similar with regard to aesthetic procedures performed and patient demographics. The mean duration of operative time was statistically equivalent (152 minutes and 153 minutes). In both groups, there were minor adverse intraoperative events reported but no significant complications. Transient hypotension was more common in the propofol infusion group (12.9 percent versus 2.4 percent, p = 0.018), but no patient required intervention beyond reducing the sedative agent or increasing intravenous fluids. The amount of supplemental fentanyl given intraoperatively was significantly higher in the group whose primary agent for sedation was propofol infusion than the group who received midazolam/fentanyl (209 &mgr;g and 143 &mgr;g, respectively). The overall questionnaire response rate was 80 percent for both groups. The midazolam/fentanyl sedation group had more recall of “unpleasant intraoperative events” (17 percent versus 3 percent, p = 0.007). However, both groups had low recall of intraoperative pain, anxiety, and nausea. The propofol infusion group experienced significantly more nausea in the recovery room (p = 0.002), nausea at the time of discharge (p = 0.009), and nausea the evening after the operation (p = 0.013). Greater than 90 percent of the patients in both groups would have the same anesthetic in the future rather than undergo general anesthesia. Patient safety, outcomes, and satisfaction are similar in plastic surgery procedures performed under sedation protocols using either incremental doses of midazolam and fentanyl or propofol infusion. All operative and postoperative outcomes for pain, anxiety, and vomiting were similar in the two groups except for immediate postoperative nausea, which was higher in the propofol infusion group. The overall satisfaction of patients undergoing plastic surgery procedures under these intravenous sedation protocols appears very high.

Two-Year Results of a Prospective, Multi-Site Investigation of Patient Satisfaction and Psychosocial Status Following Cosmetic Surgery

BACKGROUND The number of cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures performed in the United States has increased by 500% over the past 10 years. Most studies of psychosocial functioning following aesthetic procedures have reported high levels of patient satisfaction and improved functioning; however, nearly all these studies focused only on changes during the first posttreatment year. OBJECTIVE This paper reports on the 2-year results of a prospective, multi-site investigation of postoperative satisfaction and changes in psychosocial status following cosmetic surgery. METHODS One hundred patients from 8 surgical practices completed psychometric measures of body image, depressive symptoms, and self-esteem before surgery. Patients completed the same measures again at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. In addition, they reported their postoperative satisfaction as well as self-rated attractiveness at the 4 postoperative assessment points. RESULTS Patients reported improvements in their overall appearance and body image, the appearance of and their degree of dissatisfaction with the feature altered by surgery, and the frequency of negative body image emotions in specific social situations through 24 months after surgery. These improvements were first evident at 3 months postoperatively and were maintained, without deterioration, through 2 years following surgery. CONCLUSIONS Patients reported high rates of satisfaction and improvements in body image within the first 3 months of cosmetic surgery. These improvements were well maintained through the first 2 postoperative years.

The effect of zafirlukast (Accolate) on early capsular contracture in the primary augmentation patient: A pilot study☆

BACKGROUND The development of capsular contracture following breast augmentation presents a challenge to the plastic surgeon. Treatment of capsular contracture with the leukotriene antagonist zafirlukast (Accolate, AstraZeneca, Wayne, PA) has received much attention in the media; however, there is limited proof of its effectiveness. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to prospectively examine a single surgeons experience using zafirlukast in the treatment of capsular contracture in primary, submuscular breast augmentation with saline-filled, smooth-walled implants. METHODS Thirty-seven patients (74 breasts) who underwent primary submuscular breast augmentation with saline-filled, smooth-walled implants were evaluated at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 weeks postoperatively by 3 independent observers and rated for capsular contracture using a modification of the Baker classification. Patients who demonstrated any capsular contracture (higher than modified Baker 1.0) were offered off-label use of zafirlukast 20 mg PO BID for 3 or 6 months after full informed consent was reviewed and accepted. In addition, patients were offered liver function chemistries at the start of treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months following zafirlukast treatment. The patients were assessed for implant mobility and capsular contracture at the initiation of leukotriene therapy and then again at 3- and 6-month time points. RESULTS Forty-one breasts in this series (55.0%) were found to have early, mild capsular contracture. Specifically, 25 breasts were graded 1.5 (33.8% of total), 14 breasts graded 2.0 (18.9%), 1 breast graded 2.5 (1.4%), and 1 breast graded 3.0 (1.4%). Mean follow-up was 6.3 months. A positive response (complete or partial) was seen in a statistically significant proportion of treated breasts (75.7%, P < 0.05). This response was maintained on a long-term basis, with a mean follow-up of 16.5 months. CONCLUSIONS Zafirlukast appears effective in treating early capsular contracture after primary submuscular breast augmentation using saline-filled, smooth-walled implants. Further prospective studies with control groups and long-term follow-up will be needed to address many unanswered questions, including whether leukotriene inhibitors have long-term effects on capsular contracture following breast augmentation.

Maximizing breast projection after free-nipple-graft reduction mammaplasty.

In 1922, Thorek described standard free‐nipple reduction mammaplasty for gigantomastia. This technique provided a simple and effective way to perform reduction mammaplasty. However, the technique is frequently criticized for producing a breast and nipple with poor projection. Even with the standard modification of the original technique, the resultant breast and nipple may be wide and flat, with unpredictable nipple‐areola pigmentation. To create a breast mound and nipple with projection and even pigmentation, the free‐nipple‐graft breast reduction technique is presented. The Wise pattern skin reduction markings and the superiorly based parenchymal reduction technique are used. After the nipple‐areola complex is removed, as a free graft, the inferior pole of the breast is then amputated along the Wise pattern skin markings, leaving lateral and medial pillars of breast tissue, with the apex of the resection corresponding to the new nipple location. The lateral and medial pillars of the superiorly based breast mound are then sutured together. Key interrupted sutures are placed, beginning at the most inferior and posterior point of the pillars, while recruiting tissue centrally to increase the projection. The intersecting point of the inverted T, at 7 cm from the new nipple position, is then sutured to the fasciae of the pectoralis major muscle. If more central projection is desired, the vertical limb design can be lengthened. The tissue inferior to the 7‐cm mark is deepithelialized and tucked under the central breast, if needed, contributing further to the final breast parenchyma projection. The skin of the vertical limb of the Wise pattern is then closed with a dog‐ear at the apex to further contribute to nipple projection. The nipple is replaced as a free, thick, split‐thickness skin graft. The breast is temporarily closed, and the medial and lateral breast tissue excess is liposuctioned to create a more conical breast. Excessive medial and lateral skin is then resected, keeping the inframammary crease incision under the breast mound. Twenty‐five patients underwent free‐nipple‐graft reduction mammaplasty using this technique between 1992 and 2000. An average of 1600 g of breast tissue per breast was removed. The average follow‐up period was 36 months. Patient satisfaction has been very high. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 107: 955, 2001.)

Buried Inferiorly Based Gluteus Maximus Musculocutaneous Flap for Reconstruction of Large, Recurrent Ischiopubic Pressure Sores

The ischium is the most common site for recurrence of pressure sores in the paraplegic population. Successful reconstruction of these wounds depends on the total excision of ulcer, soft tissue debris, bony prominence, and the durability of the soft tissue repair. The V-Y gluteus maximum musculocutaneous flap based on the inferior gluteal vessels can be advanced medially, deepithelialized, and buried to fill large, deep soft tissue ischial wounds. Local rotational flaps close the superficial wound. This buried flap, although not previously described, is useful for the reconstruction of large ischiopubic pressure sores initially or at the time of recurrence.

Monomorphic Adenoma of the Parotid in a Premature Neonate

We report the case of a monomorphic adenoma of the parotid in a neonate. Although solid tumors of the parotid are rare in the pediatric population, these lesions may develop in utero and present at any time after birth. A solid mass in the parotid must be considered malignant until proved otherwise regardless of the age of the patient.

Non-narcotic acute pain relief after ambulatory aesthetic surgery.

Acute postoperative pain after ambulatory aesthetic surgery that involves large muscles or multiple-area soft tissue traumas may be effectively managed without narcotics. The authors describe how they use COX-2 inhibitors, bolus (large-area local anesthetic), or continuous-infusion local anesthetic. (Aesthetic Surg J 2002;22:493-494.).