Search

Background In patients with congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN), single-stage removal of large lesions can be difficult because the high tension created by excising and repairing a large lesion may result in scar widening. Herein, we introduce a method to effectively excise lesions while minimizing scarring and compare its outcomes to those of existing surgical methods. Methods We compared patients who underwent surgery using the anchoring technique (n=42) or the conventional elliptical technique (n=36). One side of the lesion was removed via en bloc resection up to the superficial fascia. The other side of the lesion was removed via de-epithelialization. The de-epithelialized dermal flap was then fixed by suturing it to the superficial fascia on the opposite side. The length of the lesion’s long axis and amount of scar widening were measured immediately after surgery and at 2, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. At 12 months, patients were assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Results The lesion locations included the face, arms, legs, back, and abdomen. The anchoring method resulted in shorter and smaller scars than the conventional method. There were no cases of postoperative hematoma or wound dehiscence. Significant differences in postoperative scar widening were found in the arm and leg areas (P

Performing rhinoplasty using filler injections, which improve facial wrinkles or soft tissues, is relatively inexpensive. However, intravascular filler injections can cause severe complications, such as skin necrosis and visual loss. We describe a case of blepharoptosis and skin necrosis caused by augmentation rhinoplasty and we discuss the patient’s clinical progress. We describe the case of a 25-year-old female patient who experienced severe pain, blepharoptosis, and decreased visual acuity immediately after receiving a filler injection. Our case suggests that surgeons should be aware of nasal vascularity before performing an operation, and that they should avoid injecting fillers at a high pressure and/or in excessive amounts. Additionally, filler injections should be stopped if the patient complains of severe pain, and appropriate measures should be taken to prevent complications caused by intravascular filler injections.

Background We conducted this study to analyze the values of the key cephalometric angular measurements of the mandible using 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography scans. Methods In the 106 enrolled patients, a 3D cephalometric analysis was performed to measure the angular variables of the mandible. These values were compared between the two sides and between the two sexes. Results The frontal measurements revealed that the mandibular body curve angle was larger on the left (Lt) side (right [Rt], 141.24±7.54; Lt, 142.68±6.94; P=0.002) and the gonial angle was larger on the right side (Rt, 134.37±8.44; Lt, 131.54±7.14; P0.05). Further, the transverse measurements revealed that the mandibular body curve angle was larger on the right side (Rt, 140.28±7.05; Lt, 137.56±6.23; P

Background Recently, the number of thyroid surgery cases has been increasing; consequently, the number of patients who visit plastic surgery departments with a chief complaint of swallowing deformity has also increased. We performed a scar correction technique on post-thyroidectomy swallowing deformity via platysma flap with Z-plasty and obtained satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes.Methods The authors performed operations upon 18 patients who presented a definitive retraction on the swallowing mechanism as an objective sign of swallowing deformity, or throat or neck discomfort on swallowing mechanism such as sensation of throat traction as a subjective sign after thyoridectomy from January 2009 till June 2012. The scar tissue that adhered to the subcutaneous tissue layer was completely excised. A platysma flap as mobile interference was applied to remove the continuity of the scar adhesion, and additionally, Z-plasty for prevention of midline platysma banding was performed.Results The follow-up results of the 18 patients indicated that the definitive retraction on the swallowing mechanism was completely removed. Throat or neck discomfort on the swallowing mechanism such as sensation of throat traction also was alleviated in all 18 patients. When preoperative and postoperative Vancouver scar scales were compared to each other, the scale had decreased significantly after surgery (P

Background Facial beauty depends on the form, proportion, and position of various unitsof the face. In terms of the frontal view and facial profile, the chin is the most prominentaesthetic element of the lower third of the face. Many methods have been implemented toobtain good proportions ofthe lowerface. In thisstudy,we applied the T-shaped genioplastymethod to correcting chin deformities.Methods All of the procedures in 9 cases were performed under general anesthesia. Forgenioplasty, a horizontal cutting line and 1 or 2 vertical cutting lines were drawn 5 mmbelowthe mentalforamen. Osteotomed bone segments ofthe chinwere used for horizontalwidening using bone grafts or for horizontal shortening. Likewise, they were used as bonegraftsfor vertical lengthening or verticalshortening. The bone segments were approximatedin themidline and held in place usingminiplates.Results The postoperative appearance of the 9 cases showed that the lower third of theface had been naturally changed. At the same time, vertical lengthening or shortening, andhorizontal widening or shortening could be implemented during the operation. Satisfactoryresults were obtained based on reviews of the patients’ preoperative and postoperativephotographs. The patientswere also satisfiedwith the outcomes.Conclusions Using T-shaped genioplasty, we efficiently adjusted the shape and position ofthe chin to obtain good proportions of the lower face and change its contour to obtain anaesthetically appealing ovalface in accordancewith East Asians’ aesthetic preferences.

BackgroundFacial beauty depends on the form, proportion, and position of various units of the face. In terms of the frontal view and facial profile, the chin is the most prominent aesthetic element of the lower third of the face. Many methods have been implemented to obtain good proportions of the lower face. In this study, we applied the T-shaped genioplasty method to correcting chin deformities.MethodsAll of the procedures in 9 cases were performed under general anesthesia. For genioplasty, a horizontal cutting line and 1 or 2 vertical cutting lines were drawn 5 mm below the mental foramen. Osteotomed bone segments of the chin were used for horizontal widening using bone grafts or for horizontal shortening. Likewise, they were used as bone grafts for vertical lengthening or vertical shortening. The bone segments were approximated in the midline and held in place using miniplates.ResultsThe postoperative appearance of the 9 cases showed that the lower third of the face had been naturally changed. At the same time, vertical lengthening or shortening, and horizontal widening or shortening could be implemented during the operation. Satisfactory results were obtained based on reviews of the patients' preoperative and postoperative photographs. The patients were also satisfied with the outcomes.ConclusionsUsing T-shaped genioplasty, we efficiently adjusted the shape and position of the chin to obtain good proportions of the lower face and change its contour to obtain an aesthetically appealing oval face in accordance with East Asians' aesthetic preferences.

BackgroundRecently, the number of thyroid surgery cases has been increasing; consequently, the number of patients who visit plastic surgery departments with a chief complaint of swallowing deformity has also increased. We performed a scar correction technique on post-thyroidectomy swallowing deformity via platysma flap with Z-plasty and obtained satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes.MethodsThe authors performed operations upon 18 patients who presented a definitive retraction on the swallowing mechanism as an objective sign of swallowing deformity, or throat or neck discomfort on swallowing mechanism such as sensation of throat traction as a subjective sign after thyoridectomy from January 2009 till June 2012. The scar tissue that adhered to the subcutaneous tissue layer was completely excised. A platysma flap as mobile interference was applied to remove the continuity of the scar adhesion, and additionally, Z-plasty for prevention of midline platysma banding was performed.ResultsThe follow-up results of the 18 patients indicated that the definitive retraction on the swallowing mechanism was completely removed. Throat or neck discomfort on the swallowing mechanism such as sensation of throat traction also was alleviated in all 18 patients. When preoperative and postoperative Vancouver scar scales were compared to each other, the scale had decreased significantly after surgery (P

Background Recently, the number of thyroid surgery cases has been increasing; consequently, the number of patients who visit plastic surgery departments with a chief complaint of swallowing deformity has also increased. We performed a scar correction technique on post-thyroidectomy swallowing deformity via platysma flap with Z-plasty and obtained satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes. Methods The authors performed operations upon 18 patients who presented a definitive retraction on the swallowing mechanism as an objective sign of swallowing deformity, or throat or neck discomfort on swallowing mechanism such as sensation of throat traction as a subjective sign after thyoridectomy from January 2009 till June 2012. The scar tissue that adhered to the subcutaneous tissue layer was completely excised. A platysma flap as mobile interference was applied to remove the continuity of the scar adhesion, and additionally, Z-plasty for prevention of midline platysma banding was performed. Results The follow-up results of the 18 patients indicated that the definitive retraction on the swallowing mechanism was completely removed. Throat or neck discomfort on the swallowing mechanism such as sensation of throat traction also was alleviated in all 18 patients. When preoperative and postoperative Vancouver scar scales were compared to each other, the scale had decreased significantly after surgery (P

Background Facial beauty depends on the form, proportion, and position of various units of the face. In terms of the frontal view and facial profile, the chin is the most prominent aesthetic element of the lower third of the face. Many methods have been implemented to obtain good proportions of the lower face. In this study, we applied the T-shaped genioplasty method to correcting chin deformities. Methods All of the procedures in 9 cases were performed under general anesthesia. For genioplasty, a horizontal cutting line and 1 or 2 vertical cutting lines were drawn 5 mm below the mental foramen. Osteotomed bone segments of the chin were used for horizontal widening using bone grafts or for horizontal shortening. Likewise, they were used as bone grafts for vertical lengthening or vertical shortening. The bone segments were approximated in the midline and held in place using miniplates. Results The postoperative appearance of the 9 cases showed that the lower third of the face had been naturally changed. At the same time, vertical lengthening or shortening, and horizontal widening or shortening could be implemented during the operation. Satisfactory results were obtained based on reviews of the patients' preoperative and postoperative photographs. The patients were also satisfied with the outcomes. Conclusions Using T-shaped genioplasty, we efficiently adjusted the shape and position of the chin to obtain good proportions of the lower face and change its contour to obtain an aesthetically appealing oval face in accordance with East Asians' aesthetic preferences.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to analyze the current attitudes toward professionalism, the core values, and the type of professionalism among plastic surgeons in Korea to establish a code of ethics regarding the role of professionalism for plastic and reconstructive surgeons.MethodsFrom March 9, to July 1, 2012, face-to-face and mail surveys were conducted targeting the 325 participants (256 specialists and 69 residents) who are registered members of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. The proportion of each response given to an item was obtained through statistical processing through frequency analysis. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences in the responses between the resident group and the specialist group.ResultsThe survey results on the perception of professionalism in plastic surgery showed that a high proportion (90.5%) of the respondents viewed the future of plastic surgeons as bright. Through evaluation of the importance of the value items,"professional dominance" (4.58 pts), "autonomy" (4.45 pts), "lifestyle" (4.34 pts), and "commercialism" (4.31 pts) were assessed as critical values. "Altruism" (3.84 pts), "interpersonal competence" (3.79 pts), and "social justice" (3.61 pts) were viewed as lesser values. This difference showed the characteristics of an entrepreneurial outlook.ConclusionsPlastic surgeons should pursue excellence, humanism, accountability, and altruism in order to overcome the crisis of professionalism in plastic surgery. In order to develop the necessary competencies of professionals, vocational education should be arranged by the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, and an appropriate code of ethics should be established.

Background The purpose of this study is to analyze the current attitudes toward professionalism, the core values, and the type of professionalism among plastic surgeons in Korea to establish a code of ethics regarding the role of professionalism for plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Methods From March 9, to July 1, 2012, face-to-face and mail surveys were conducted targeting the 325 participants (256 specialists and 69 residents) who are registered members of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. The proportion of each response given to an item was obtained through statistical processing through frequency analysis. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences in the responses between the resident group and the specialist group. Results The survey results on the perception of professionalism in plastic surgery showed that a high proportion (90.5%) of the respondents viewed the future of plastic surgeons as bright. Through evaluation of the importance of the value items,"professional dominance" (4.58 pts), "autonomy" (4.45 pts), "lifestyle" (4.34 pts), and "commercialism" (4.31 pts) were assessed as critical values. "Altruism" (3.84 pts), "interpersonal competence" (3.79 pts), and "social justice" (3.61 pts) were viewed as lesser values. This difference showed the characteristics of an entrepreneurial outlook. Conclusions Plastic surgeons should pursue excellence, humanism, accountability, and altruism in order to overcome the crisis of professionalism in plastic surgery. In order to develop the necessary competencies of professionals, vocational education should be arranged by the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, and an appropriate code of ethics should be established.

BackgroundIf a chronically infected abdominal wound develops, complications such as peritonitis and an abdominal wall defect could occur. This could prolong the patient's hospital stay and increase the possibility of re-operation or another infection as well. For this reason, a solution for infection control is necessary. In this study, surgery using a rectus abdominis muscle myofascial splitting flap was performed on an abdominal wall defect.MethodsFrom 2009 to 2012, 5 patients who underwent surgery due to ovarian rupture, cesarean section, or uterine myoma were chosen. In each case, during the first week after operation, the wound showed signs of infection. Surgery was chosen because the wounds did not resolve with dressing. Debridement was performed along the previous operation wound and dissection of the skin was performed to separate the skin and subcutaneous tissue from the attenuated rectus muscle and Scarpa's fascial layers. Once the anterior rectus sheath and muscle were adequately mobilized, the fascia and muscle flap were advanced medially so that the skin defect could be covered for reconstruction.ResultsUpon 3-week follow-up after a rectus abdominis myofascial splitting flap operation, no major complication occurred. In addition, all of the patients showed satisfaction in terms of function and esthetics at 3 to 6 months post-surgery.ConclusionsUsing a rectus abdominis myofascial splitting flap has many esthetic and functional benefits over previous methods of abdominal defect treatment, and notably, it enabled infection control by reconstruction using muscle.

Background If a chronically infected abdominal wound develops, complications such as peritonitis and an abdominal wall defect could occur. This could prolong the patient's hospital stay and increase the possibility of re-operation or another infection as well. For this reason, a solution for infection control is necessary. In this study, surgery using a rectus abdominis muscle myofascial splitting flap was performed on an abdominal wall defect. Methods From 2009 to 2012, 5 patients who underwent surgery due to ovarian rupture, cesarean section, or uterine myoma were chosen. In each case, during the first week after operation, the wound showed signs of infection. Surgery was chosen because the wounds did not resolve with dressing. Debridement was performed along the previous operation wound and dissection of the skin was performed to separate the skin and subcutaneous tissue from the attenuated rectus muscle and Scarpa's fascial layers. Once the anterior rectus sheath and muscle were adequately mobilized, the fascia and muscle flap were advanced medially so that the skin defect could be covered for reconstruction. Results Upon 3-week follow-up after a rectus abdominis myofascial splitting flap operation, no major complication occurred. In addition, all of the patients showed satisfaction in terms of function and esthetics at 3 to 6 months post-surgery. Conclusions Using a rectus abdominis myofascial splitting flap has many esthetic and functional benefits over previous methods of abdominal defect treatment, and notably, it enabled infection control by reconstruction using muscle.

BackgroundPatients who have undergone enucleation during infancy due to retinoblastoma can develop microorbitalism due to the decreased growth stimulation from the eyeball and the surrounding soft tissues. Anatomically, the orbit consist of parts of the frontal bone superiorly, the maxilla inferiorly, the ethmoid bone medially, and the zygoma laterally. Considering the possibility of surgically expanding the orbit using tripod osteotomy, in this study we conducted tripod osteotomy on adult patients with microorbitalism of retinoblastoma.MethodsTripod osteotomy was conducted to expand the orbital volume in adult patients with microorbitalism due to enucleation in infancy for retinoblastoma. The orbital volume was measured using the Aquarius Workstation ver. 4.3.6 and the orbit width was measured with preoperative and postoperative 3-dimensional facial bone computed tomography (CT) imaging. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were used to visualize the difference produced by the surgery.ResultsThe orbital volume of the affected side was 10.3 cm3 before and 12.5 cm3 after the surgery, showing an average increase in volume of 2.2 cm3 (21.4%). The increase in the obital width was confirmed by the preoperative and postoperative 3-dimensional facial CT images and aesthetic improvement was observed by the preoperative and postoperative photographs.ConclusionsTripod osteotomy, which realigns the orbital bone, zygoma, and maxilla, is used to correct posttraumatic malunion as well as non-traumatic congenital abnormalities such as that seen in facial cleft. We applied this procedure in microorbitalism secondary to enucleation for retinoblastoma to allow orbital expansion and correct asymmetry.

Background Patients who have undergone enucleation during infancy due to retinoblastoma can develop microorbitalism due to the decreased growth stimulation from the eyeball and the surrounding soft tissues. Anatomically, the orbit consist of parts of the frontal bone superiorly, the maxilla inferiorly, the ethmoid bone medially, and the zygoma laterally. Considering the possibility of surgically expanding the orbit using tripod osteotomy, in this study we conducted tripod osteotomy on adult patients with microorbitalism of retinoblastoma. Methods Tripod osteotomy was conducted to expand the orbital volume in adult patients with microorbitalism due to enucleation in infancy for retinoblastoma. The orbital volume was measured using the Aquarius Workstation ver. 4.3.6 and the orbit width was measured with preoperative and postoperative 3-dimensional facial bone computed tomography (CT) imaging. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were used to visualize the difference produced by the surgery. Results The orbital volume of the affected side was 10.3 cm3 before and 12.5 cm3 after the surgery, showing an average increase in volume of 2.2 cm3 (21.4%). The increase in the obital width was confirmed by the preoperative and postoperative 3-dimensional facial CT images and aesthetic improvement was observed by the preoperative and postoperative photographs. Conclusions Tripod osteotomy, which realigns the orbital bone, zygoma, and maxilla, is used to correct posttraumatic malunion as well as non-traumatic congenital abnormalities such as that seen in facial cleft. We applied this procedure in microorbitalism secondary to enucleation for retinoblastoma to allow orbital expansion and correct asymmetry.