Ronnie A. Pezeshk

Role of Autologous Fat Transfer to the Superficial Fat Compartments for Perioral Rejuvenation.

Background: Autologous fat transfer to the deep compartments of the face has proven to be a powerful adjunct to volume restoration during rhytidectomy. However, to treat all components of volume deflation in facial aging, the perioral superficial compartments must be addressed. Various fillers have been used to augment these compartments; however, few studies have assessed the efficacy of autologous fat transfer to these areas. This study is the largest series to date to assess the utility of autologous fat transfer to the perioral superficial compartments. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on an individualized component rhytidectomy database. Patients who underwent autologous fat transfer to the perioral superficial fat compartments were identified; patients who did not undergo autologous fat transfer served as controls. All patients had follow-up images that had been obtained a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. Three independent observers reviewed preoperative and postoperative images using the Modified Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale. Results: Sixty-five consecutive patients underwent rhytidectomy without perioral rejuvenation (group A), and 65 patients underwent rhytidectomy with autologous fat transfer to the perioral superficial compartments (group B). Group B had a two times more significant improvement in perioral aesthetics than group A. Conclusions: This study is the largest review to date demonstrating safety, longevity, and success of autologous fat as an ideal filler of the perioral superficial compartments. In light of the aesthetic improvements with autologous fat transfer to the perioral region, this surgical adjunct should be a fundamental component to achieve global facial rejuvenation during rhytidectomy.

Anatomy of the Facial Danger Zones: Maximizing Safety during Soft-Tissue Filler Injections

Summary: With limited downtime and immediate results, facial filler injections are becoming an ever more popular alternative to surgical rejuvenation of the face. The results, and the complications, can be impressive. To maximize safety during injections, the authors have outlined general injection principles followed by pertinent anatomy within six different facial danger zones. Bearing in mind the depth and the location of the vasculature within each zone, practitioners can tailor their injection techniques to prevent vessel injury and avoid cannulation.

Role of the Cephalic Trim in Modern Rhinoplasty.

Summary: There have been a variety of techniques describing nasal tip refinement. The cephalic trim has long been accepted as a means for shaping the nasal tip, but it has been misinterpreted by many surgeons. The improper use of a cephalic trim poses potential long-term sequelae. During analysis of the nasal tip, several anatomic findings must be noted to ensure appropriate correction as well as to avoid pitfalls. These findings include the type of boxy tip or bulbous tip, cartilage strength, and the skin quality. The goal of this article is to describe five types of cephalic trim techniques to assist in refining the nasal tip and an algorithm for selection of the appropriate technique based on these anatomic findings.

An Evidence-Based Model for the Successful Treatment of Flank and Lateral Abdominal Wall Hernias.

Background: Lateral abdominal wall defects are a significant contributor to patient morbidity and mortality in the United States. Reconstruction involving flank hernias and bulges is relatively scarce in the literature despite its serious consequences. The authors aim to identify an objective approach for the evaluation and successful repair of defects of the lateral abdominal wall. Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out on patients presenting for open repair of a lateral wall defect performed by a single surgeon. Over a 5-year period, there were 29 consecutive patients with a mean follow-up period of 21.2 months. Patient demographics including body mass index, number of hernia defects, number of previous repairs/abdominal operations, defect size, operative time, blood loss, and complications (e.g., recurrence/bulge, seroma, hematoma, wound infection, persistent pain, skin breakdown, and fascial dehiscence) were collected. Results: Patients who underwent flank hernia repairs using an inlay/underlay nonbridged technique with the use of acellular dermal matrix had low recurrence and overall complication rates. Only one patient (3.4 percent) had a recurrence at follow-up, and another patient (3.4 percent) had developed a bulge. Conclusions: The authors’ data indicate successful results when their technique is applied. Proper patient selection is essential, along with a thorough understanding of anatomy and techniques for successful reconstruction. The authors recommend using an inlay (preferred) or underlay repair with acellular dermal matrix to reinforce the surrounding musculofascial closure. This technique, in conjunction with the authors’ holistic abdominal wall reconstruction protocol, has optimized outcomes and identified a successful multidisciplinary strategy for the reconstruction of lateral wall defects. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

The Importance of the Upper Lateral Cartilage in Rhinoplasty.

Summary: The upper lateral cartilages are instrumental in obtaining optimal outcomes in aesthetic and functional rhinoplasty. Knowledgeable manipulation of the upper lateral cartilages can take advantage of the crucial malleable parameters of projection, width, nasal dorsal shape, and tip rotation. A lucid understanding of the anatomical intricacies in this portion of the cartilaginous framework permits the surgeon to use their unique characteristics to consistently achieve the desired results.

Alar Contour Grafts in Rhinoplasty: A Safe and Reproducible Way to Refine Alar Contour Aesthetics.

Background: Alar rim deformities such as retraction, notching, collapse, and asymmetry are common problems in rhinoplasty patients. Although alar rim deformities may be improved through rhinoplasty, this area is prone to late changes because of scarring of the soft triangles and a paucity of native structural support. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of alar contour grafts on primary rhinoplasty. Methods: Fifty consecutive primary rhinoplasty patients with preoperative and postoperative photographs who received alar contour grafts were evaluated for alar aesthetics; 50 consecutive primary rhinoplasty patients without such grafts served as controls. Differences among alar retraction, notching, collapse, and asymmetry from anterior, lateral, and basal views were evaluated. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 4 years and was graded on a four-point scale. Results: The average difference between the two groups’ aggregate preoperative scores was 0.21 (p = 0.24). The average preoperative and postoperative scores in the nongraft group were significant for worsening retraction, notching, and collapse but insignificant for asymmetry. The preoperative and postoperative scores for the graft group were insignificant for retraction but improved significantly for notching, collapse, and asymmetry. Postoperatively, the aggregate average of the scores in the nongroup was 0.32 points worse (p < 0.01), whereas the graft group had a 0.33-point improvement (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Alar contour grafts have a clear and important impact on cosmetic results of primary rhinoplasty. Use of alar contour grafts has been shown to improve aesthetics, whereas there is a worsening of the measured parameters postoperatively without use of these grafts. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Neck Rejuvenation through the Lateral Platysma Window: A Key Component of Face-Lift Surgery

Summary: Rejuvenating an aged face relies on maintaining facial harmony to provide optimal aesthetic results. Restoration of more youthful facial contours is dependent on blending the aesthetic facial topographic units. Many authors continue to debate the best approach for neck rejuvenation through a medial approach, a lateral approach, or a combination of the two. The authors present their approach to neck rejuvenation through medial platysma plication, inferior release, and lateral platysma window.

Implications of Facial Asymmetry in Rhinoplasty

Summary: Many rhinoplasty patients present with a chief complaint of nasal deviation and are unaware of any inherent facial asymmetries; however, recognizing and discussing the interrelation between the deviated nose and facial asymmetry is an important consideration in surgical planning. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a surgeon’s subjective assessment of facial analysis in the setting of nasal deviation correlates with objective anthropometric measurements. In addition, this study sought to further quantify the frequency of facial asymmetry associated with nasal deviation to highlight important anatomical trends for the rhinoplasty surgeon. Finally, this study presents the senior author’s (R.J.R.) method of addressing a deviated nose on an asymmetric face. In this study, the authors demonstrated that nasal deviation is closely related to facial asymmetry. Furthermore, the authors demonstrated that objective facial analysis closely correlates to anthropometric facial measurements. In addition, the wide side of the face correlates to the short side of the face and the nose tends to deviate away from the wide side of the face. During surgical correction of the deviated nose in the setting of facial asymmetry, the surgeon’s goal should be to obtain nasal symmetry and center the nose on a line between the mid glabella and the mid Cupid’s bow. This may reduce the perception of a facial asymmetry, leading to increased patient satisfaction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, IV.

Facial Danger Zones: Techniques to Maximize Safety during Soft-Tissue Filler Injections.

Summary: Given the short recovery and immediate results, facial fillers have become a popular alternative to surgical rejuvenation of the face. Reported complications arising from facial filler injections include erythema, tissue loss, blindness, stroke, and even death. In this article, the authors describe their anatomically based techniques to minimize risk and maximize safety when injecting in the facial danger zones, including the glabella/brow, temporal region, perioral region, nasolabial fold, nose, and infraorbital region. Complications generally arise secondary to vasculature injury and/or cannulation with filler. The authors have outlined their preferred injection techniques in the facial danger zones with respect to the pertinent anatomy in an attempt to minimize risk and maximize results. Most importantly, the practitioner should be able to recognize complications and address them immediately.

The Indian Nose

Summary: Despite the growing number of rhinoplasty procedures being performed on Indian patients, there is a very limited body of literature regarding nuances of the Indian rhinoplasty. The authors review the spectrum of nasal phenotypes that fall under the category of the Indian nose; goals of rhinoplasty in these patients; operative techniques that can be used to address them; and, importantly, the specific pitfalls to be avoided in these groups.