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This study aimed to propose a novel four-type deformity and treatment-oriented classification of the lower eyelids that directs the therapeutic combination of three-step lower blepharoplasty for Asian populations. We reviewed 183 patients who underwent a therapeutic combination of three steps of lower blepharoplasty after being diagnosed with four types of lower eyelid deformities between July 2018 and April 2021. The three-step lower blepharoplasty includes: (1) mid-face and lower eyelid augmentation, (2) transconjunctival eye bag removal, and (3) skin pinch removal. Consecutive digital images, detailed fat graft volume, fat removal amount, skin pinch removal amount, complications, and patient’s satisfaction and aesthetic improvement score were recorded. The overall patient’s satisfy score is 91. Aesthetic improvement score is 80.2 and 83.3 among lay persons and experts, respectively. The volume of the fat graft ranges from 2 to 3 mL per orbit according to the severity of the deformity. The amount of fat removed was 0.53 ± 0.36 and 0.61 ± 0.40 mL per orbit in types II and III patients, respectively. There is no lower lid malposition. Eleven patients had over-correction of fat grafting, and they need steroid injection; 20 patients had under-correction of fat grafting, and they need secondary fat grafting. Ten patients need secondary skin pinch excision due to post-op skin redundancy. Two patients had conjunctiva wound granuloma. The combination of three-step lower blepharoplasty according to the novel classification is a straightforward and effective method to correct lower eyelid deformities. The complication rate was low with high patient satisfaction. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

BACKGROUND Several materials can serve as spacer grafts in the repair of retracted lower eyelids. However, previous studies did not reveal any of these to be superior to the others. From our perspective, autologous dermal grafts are ideal because they are biologically compatible and abundantly available. However, the absorption of these grafts is an issue, and the thickness of the dermal grafts is crucial. We evaluated the dermal thickness at five potential donor sites using ultrasonography and the efficacy and safety of the posterior neck dermis as a spacer graft in the correction of retracted lower eyelids. METHODS In 20 healthy volunteers, the dermal thickness was assessed using ultrasonography and compared between the posterior neck, upper arm, inguinal area, intergluteal cleft, and gluteal sulcus. Between January 2018 and June 2021, eight retracted lower eyelids in eight patients were repaired using a posterior neck dermal graft. The surgical results of these grafts were also evaluated. RESULTS The mean age of the volunteers was 37.8 years, and the mean body mass index was 24.45 kg/m2. The intergluteal cleft provided the thickest dermis followed by the posterior neck and gluteal sulcus, which were not significantly different. The upper arm and inguinal area had the thinnest dermis without significant differences between them. The mean marginal reflex distance 2/iris ratio decreased by 0.15 (p=0.008). The mean cosmetic score (0-10) for evaluation of lower eyelid reconstruction increased by 3.38 (p=0.011). The mean Vancouver Scar Scale score for evaluation of donor site scarring was 3.21. CONCLUSIONS Although the posterior neck dermis is the second thickest, it is an ideal spacer graft in the reconstruction of retracted lower eyelids. Adequate thickness, uncomplicated methods, and a closer surgical field are its advantages. Additionally, donor site morbidity is minimal, with acceptable scarring. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Background Many Asian patients desire a narrower nasal base with less flaring of the alar lobules. However, patients who underwent multiple rhinoplasty surgeries with nostril contracture or an overreduction of the alar base may experience nostril contracture and deformity, which may lead to further airway obstruction. We present a technique that combines paranasal augmentation with composite chondrocutaneous graft transfer to overcome this problem. Methods Nine patients underwent composite chondrocutaneous graft transfer to the soft triangle or alar base combined with paranasal augmentation using preshaped porous polyethylene implants to correct nostril contracture and airway obstruction between September of 2014 and May of 2018. Preoperative and postoperative alar base distances and cross-sectional areas of the nostrils were measured and compared. Results The average thickness of paranasal augmentation was 5.5 mm (range, 4.0-7.0 mm). Eighteen composite grafts were located over the soft triangle (n = 3) and the alar base (n = 15). The average number of composite grafts for each person was 2 (range, 1-4). All composite grafts survived totally or partially, and no graft failed. The average follow-up was 10.9 months (range, 3-28 months). The alar base increased 13.9% (range, 2.2%-23.9%), and the nostril area increased an average of 78.1% (range, 4.5%-316.8%) postoperatively. Patients had satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes. Conclusions Combining paranasal augmentation and composite graft transfer increased the cross-sectional area of the external valve and improved nostril contracture and airway obstruction after the overresection of the alar base or nose contracture after multiple rhinoplasty surgeries.

Background Hypertrophic scars (HSs) are formed via an aberrant response to the wound healing process. HSs can be cosmetic or can result in functional problems. Prolonged proliferation and remodeling phases disrupt wound healing, leading to excessive collagen production and HS formation. However, there are currently no satisfactory drugs to prevent HS formation. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) conditioned medium (CM) has therapeutic effects on wound healing and preventing HS formation. Bone marrow concentrate (BMC) contains various growth factors and cytokines that are crucial for regeneration and has been applied in the clinical setting. In this study, we evaluated the effects of BMC-induced MSC CM on HS formation in a rabbit ear model. Methods We established a rabbit ear wound model by generating full-thickness wounds in the ears of rabbits (n = 12) and treated wounds with MSC CM, BMC CM, or BMC-induced MSC CM. Dermal fibroblasts from human hypertrophic scar were stimulated with transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) for 24 h and cultured in each culture medium for 72 h. We measured the hypertrophic scar (HS) formation during the skin regeneration by measuring the expression of several remodeling molecules and the effect of these conditioned media on active human HS fibroblasts. Results Our results showed that BMC-induced MSC CM had greater antifibrotic effects than MSC CM and BMC CM significantly attenuated HS formation in rabbits. BMC-induced MSC CM accelerated wound re-epithelization by increasing cell proliferation. Additionally, BMC-induced MSC CM also inhibited fibrosis by decreasing profibrotic gene and protein expression, promoting extracellular matrix turnover, inhibiting fibroblast contraction, and reversing myofibroblast activation. Conclusions BMC-induced MSC CM modulated the proliferation and remodeling phases of wound healing, representing a potential wound healing agent and approach for preventing HS formation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-019-1383-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Symmetry and balance in nasal reconstruction can be hard to achieve. Traditionally, a foil template modeled after the unaffected contralateral side is used in the design of a forehead flap. Crude two-dimensional models often generate underwhelming results. To better simulate complex nasal topography, three-dimensional printing technology was applied to nasal reconstruction.Between May 2012 and October 2016, twenty patients underwent forehead flap nasal reconstruction for heminasal deformities. Ten reconstructions were guided with prefabricated three-dimensional templates (CAD/CAM), and ten patients underwent traditional nasal reconstruction without CAD/CAM. In the CAD/CAM group, two templates were printed: contour guide and framework guide. These were a reference for skin flap design and cartilage framework design, respectively. Photographic records and photogrammetry was used to evaluate results.The mean follow-up time was 19.3 months (range, 6 months to 38 months) in the control group and 17.4 months (range, 7 months to 35 months) in the CAD/CAM group. Without CAD/CAM, there was asymmetry in alar width, alar area, nostril height, width and area (p0.05) between reconstructed and native structures. In the CAD/CAM group, there were asymmetries of nostril-related parameters only. After quantifying asymmetries as a percentage, the CAD/CAM group demonstrated more symmetric reconstructions, particularly in alar width (p = 0.043) and alar area (p = 0.003).When CAD/CAM guidance and three-dimensional printing was used, there was greater symmetry between reconstructed and native structures of the nose.

Airway collapse can occur when the forces of inhalation overpower the strength of the nasal lining flap. The authors established an animal model of the reconstructed nasal airway, and examined mechanical properties of tissue composites based on various materials. Twenty-three Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three experimental groups: control (n = 5), irradiated homologous costal cartilage (IHCC, n = 10), and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE, n = 8). Two dorsal skin flaps represented nasal lining and skin envelope. No framework, an IHCC or ePTFE rim graft was used as framework. At three weeks, changes in the cross-sectional area of the lining flap were measured when negative pressure was applied. En-bloc specimens containing the graft and soft tissue were examined for histological change and tissue ingrowth. Reduction of cross-sectional area with simulated inhalation was 87.74% in the control group, 82.76% (IHCC), and 67.29% (ePTFE). Cross-sectional reduction was significantly less in ePTFE group than control group (p = 0.004) and IHCC group (p = 0.001). The difference was not significant in the control and IHCC groups. There was histologic evidence of tissue ingrowth in the ePTFE group. This novel animal model of nasal airway reconstruction supports the use and potential benefit of using ePTFE for prevention of airway collapse.

Restoring the nasal lining is a great challenge in the reconstruction of nasal defects. In this series, the authors present our experience in using the upper buccal musculomucosal (UBMM) flap for the reconstruction of full thickness columellar or nasal lining defects. Ten patients who underwent UBMM flap reconstruction of columellar or nasal lining defects, with or without composite grafting, were identified between December of 2014 and February of 2017. The records were retrospectively reviewed to determine the demographics, nasal deformity etiology, surgical technique, complications, flap survival rate and duration of follow-up. Of these ten patients, three were men, and seven were women; the average age was 48.1 years (range, 34-66 years). Four patients underwent bilateral UBMM flaps, and 6 patients underwent unilateral UBMM flap reconstruction. All of the donor sites were closed without complications, except for one small granuloma that occurred 8 months later. Of the total 14 flaps, 7 healed well, 6 healed well after minimal debridement in the clinic, and one failed and was replaced with a contralateral UBMM flap. The average follow-up time was 20.1 months (range, 8-38 months). All patients had satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes. Due to the limited availability of healthy local tissue for nasal lining reconstruction after multiple surgeries, the UBMM flap serves as an applicable choice to restore columellar or nasal lining defects, with minimal donor site morbidity and no visible external scarring.

To introduce an innovative refinement, the “double V cutting folded derotation graft” (DVCFD graft), which is a method for nasal tip lengthening in aesthetic rhinoplasty with strong holding force and efficient cartilage use. A retrospective study was conducted from January 2018 to July 2019 with 101 patients, including 11 males and 90 females with an average age of 36.87 ± 10.12 years, at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; the patients received classic derotation grafts (n = 49, 17 of them were one layer and 32 of them were two layers) and DVCFD grafts (n = 52) for cosmetic tip plasty. The tip projection, columella labial angle and nasolabial angle were measured through clinical photography at three different times (T0: pre-operation, T1: two weeks post-operation and T2: five months post-operation). The differences between the original derotation graft and the DVCFD graft were identified using paired-t and independent-t tests. The final relapse ratios of the classic derotation graft and DVCFD graft were 36.78% versus 36.92% for tip projection, 40.65% versus 38.58% for columella labial angle and 45.00% versus 47.76% for nasal labial angle, respectively. The P values of the independent-t tests were 0.991, 0.564 and 0.439, respectively. Both the classic derotation graft and DVCFD graft possess similar stability in tip plasty. The novel modification of the DVCFD graft has more efficient cartilage usage and is a feasible and safe surgical option for patients with limited harvestable cartilage for tip lengthening. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Background Patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have high mortality rates. Disseminated intravascular coagulation has been reported in SJS/TEN patients. The influence of this lethal complication in patients with SJS/TEN is not well known. Objective This study aimed to investigate the risk and outcomes of disseminated intravascular coagulation in patients with SJS/TEN. Methods We analyzed the disseminated intravascular coagulation profiles of patients receiving a diagnosis of SJS/TEN between 2010 and 2019. Results We analyzed 150 patients with SJS/TEN (75 with SJS, 22 with overlapping SJS/TEN, and 53 with TEN) and their complete disseminated intravascular coagulation profiles. Disseminated intravascular coagulation was diagnosed in 32 patients (21.3%), primarily those with TEN. It was significantly associated with systemic complications, including gastrointestinal bleeding, respiratory failure, renal failure, liver failure, infection, and bacteremia. Additionally, SJS/TEN patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation had elevated procalcitonin levels. Among patients with SJS/TEN, disseminated intravascular coagulation was associated with a greater than 10-fold increase in mortality (78.1% vs 7%). Limitations The study limitations include small sample size and a single hospital system. Conclusion Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a potential complication of SJS/TEN and associated with higher mortality. Early recognition and appropriate management of this critical complication are important for patients with SJS/TEN.

List of oligonucleotides used for quantitative Reverse-Transcriptase polymerase Chain Reaction. (DOC 36 kb)

Mouse bone marrow MSC isolation. The femurs and tibias of Balb/c mice were dissected, and the ends of the bones were cut. Approximately 2 mL of bone marrow aspirate was collected into a syringe containing 4000 U heparin to prevent clotting. The bone marrow sample was washed with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and the cells were recovered after centrifugation at 900×g for 10 min. The cells were resuspended in 10 mL PBS followed by filtration through a cell strainer with 70-μm nylon mesh. To isolate the mononuclear cells, the filtered bone marrow cells were added to 10 mL Ficoll-Paque PLUS density gradient separation medium (density: 1.077 g/mL) and centrifuged at 18 °C for 30 min at 1100×g. The mononuclear cells were collected, washed with PBS, and centrifuged for 10 min at 900×g. The cells were resuspended, counted, plated at 200000 cells/cm2, and cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. The medium was replaced every 3 days, and the nonadherent cells were discarded. Cells were harvested at 80–90% confluence and then expanded. After a series of passages, the attached marrow cells became homogeneous. The quality and purity of obtained MSCs were then assessed by detecting the expressions of CD29, CD44, CD73, CD105, CD106 and Sca1, using flow cytometry (FACScan flow cytometer; Becton Dickinson) [10, 12]. The isolated MSCs were able to be differentiated into bone, adipose tissue, and hepatocyte in vitro [10, 12]. (DOC 2510 kb)

DNA oxidation level- 8′-oxodG. Measurement of 8′-oxodG in rabbit hypertrophic scars on day 35 after treatment with DMEM, MSCs CM, BMC CM, or BMC-induced MSCs CM. BMC-induced MSCs CM-treated group showed high levels of DNA oxidation compared with those in the DMEM-, MSC CM-, and BMC CM-treated groups. (* p

Time of rabbit ear wound healing. The affected skin area after the 1 cm2 wound creation. Rabbit ears treated with BMC-induced MSCs CM healed significantly faster than rabbit ears in the other groups, and complete closure occurred on day 28 after operation. However, sham-, DMEM-, MSCs CM-, and BMC CM-treated rabbit ears did not show complete re-epithelization within the time course tested. A two-tailed independent t-test was performed to evaluate the significant difference between groups. * p

Septal cartilage is deficient in Asians seeking augmentation rhinoplasty. Economized utilization of resources is necessary for durable tip enhancement that complements a dorsal implant. We introduce a modified tongue-in-groove method designed to transmit forces across the dorsum, eliminating the need for robust caudal support and prioritizing nasal lengthening and tip projection. We aim to promote the roundness index parameter and demonstrate the feasibility of a novel method in the context of Asian rhinoplasty. Between 2012 and 2014, a total of 104 Taiwanese patients underwent rhinoplasty with dorsal augmentation and lengthening with a modified tongue-in-groove technique. The concept borrows from methods established by Byrd, Guyuron, and Toriumi but distinguished by exaggerated forward positioning of a septal extension graft. Paired extended spreader grafts obviate the need for a columellar strut. Soft-tissue changes were analyzed with photogrammetry. A new parameter, the roundness index, was measured. Tip projection, dorsal length, nasal height, alar and columellar length increased significantly after 5.5 months of follow-up. Nasal tip angle, roundness, columella-labial angle, and nostril axis inclination decreased. There were no statistically significant differences in the magnitude of change in patients followed for less than and greater than 6 months. The most common complication was new or persistent tip deviation in five cases (5%). This technique was designed for a nasal anatomy typified by deficient septal cartilage. Significant photogrammetric changes were maintained after 6 months. Economized tissue allocation, dorsal septal load sharing, and relative independence from caudal support are key features of this feasible method.

Background A concave midface with its associated deep nasolabial folds is more aesthetically displeasing than a convex midface. Midfacial concavity may be addressed with autologous tissue and implants. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the effect of paranasal augmentation on photogrammetric parameters. Methods Between July 2013 and August 2016, 12 patients underwent paranasal augmentation to address midface concavity. Augmentation was performed with autologous rib cartilage, autologous mandibular bone, or preshaped porous polyethylene (PPE). All operations were performed through the upper gingivobuccal approach. Twelve patients who underwent malar reduction using the same approach acted as a control group to account for the influence of the approach on soft tissue change. Preoperative and postoperative measurements were made photogrammetrically. Results The average follow-up period was 12.8 months (range, 5-30 months) for both groups. The mean thickness of augmentation grafts was 5.18 mm (range, 3-7 mm). Alar width and alar base width increased 4.84% (P = 0.01) and 7.66% (P = 0.01), respectively. The nasolabial angle increased from 97.2°to 103.6° and the columellar inclination increased from 116.0° to 119.1° but neither were statistically significant. Photogrammetric parameters did not change significantly in the control group. Partial wound dehiscence occurred in one case. There was greater postoperative increase in alar width (P = 0.020), alar base width (P = 0.024), and nasolabial angle (P = 0.033) in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusions Paranasal augmentation using PPE or autologous material generates measurable soft tissue changes designed to enhance paranasal aesthetics. Level of Evidence 3

Summary Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a life-threatening skin reaction associated with a high mortality rate. Most TEN is induced by drugs, but some cases are caused by other insults. Mycoplasma pneumoniae and herpes simplex virus are the most common infectious pathogens associated with TEN. In identifying the etiology of TEN, it is crucial to include not only a detailed drug history but also potential infection sources. Any suspicious infections should be treated in a timely and efficient manner to improve survival rates. In this article, we report on five patients who developed TEN related to M. pneumoniae and herpes simplex virus infections. We also reviewed the relevant literature. We performed a retrospective medical chart review of five patients with TEN, which was considered secondary to M. pneumoniae and herpes simplex virus infections. We compared patients with infection-induced and drug-induced TEN. We found that patients with infection-induced TEN were younger in age and had lower SCORTEN scores, less renal dysfunction, shorter hospitalization periods, and higher survival rates compared with patients with drug-induced TEN. Identifying the etiology of TEN requires the inclusion of not only a detailed drug history but also infection sources, such as M. pneumoniae and herpes simplex virus. Our findings corroborate previously reported clinical and etiologic association with TEN. TEN induced by M. pneumoniae and herpes simplex virus manifested less severe clinical courses than its drug-induced counterpart.

BACKGROUND The authors evaluated the efficacy of a combined regimen of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) and a steroid (triamcinolone acetonide) for treating hypertrophic scars in comparison with the treatment with each drug alone. METHODS Twenty excised human hypertrophic scar fragments obtained from surgically treated burn patients were divided into four groups: negative control (group A), triamcinolone alone (group B), Botox alone (group C), and a combination of triamcinolone and Botox (group D). These specimens were implanted into the backs of nude mice after intralesional injection from each group and were observed for 4 weeks. In total, 12 mice and 48 scars were studied. After 4 weeks, the hypertrophic scars were removed from the backs. The authors compared the scar weights, decorin staining, and the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay to evaluate treatment efficacy. RESULTS Significant differences in scar weight reduction were observed among the four groups (group A, 10 percent; group B, 17 percent; group C, 23 percent; and group D, 30 percent; p < 0.05). Treatment groups (groups B, C, and D) showed strong decorin staining. Significant differences in reduction of fibroblast proliferation were observed among the four groups (group A, 0.58; group B, 0.44; group C, 0.21; and group D, 0.08; p < 0.05). Botox or triamcinolone intralesional monotherapy showed significant therapeutic efficacy compared with the control group. The combined therapy further exhibited a significant therapeutic effect compared with monotherapy. CONCLUSION This study indicates the potential of Botox and triamcinolone when combined for intralesional therapy in treating hypertrophic scars.

Reconstruction of postburn axillary contractures is difficult and particularly challenging without healthy adjacent soft tissue for axillary scar resurfacing. In this case, a free soft-tissue transfer is among the best treatment options. Here, we describe our experience with free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap for reconstruction in postburn axillary contractures.We enrolled 10 patients with postburn axillary contractures from August 2003 to July 2015. They all underwent wide scar contracture release through a transverse incision from the anterior axillary fold to the posterior axillary fold. The ALT flap was subfascially raised. The huge soft tissue defect after scar release was resurfaced with the ALT flap.Eight male patients and 2 female patients (age, 16-64 years; mean, 46 years) were included. The mean total burn surface area, follow-up time, duration between injury onset and free-flap transfer surgery, and flap size were 48%, 27 months, 7.7 months, and 12 × 23 cm, respectively. The most common recipient vessels were the thoracodorsal artery and vein (77%). The mean improvement in the range of motion of shoulder abduction was 86 degrees (range, 60-130 degrees). The mean operative time was 7 hours. All flaps survived without reexploration or failure. All but 1 donor site was managed by split-thickness skin grafting. No infection, hematoma, or deaths were noted postoperatively. Transient brachial palsy was noted in a 16-year-old male patient postoperatively, with full recovery 3 months after.For postburn axillary contractures without healthy adjacent soft tissue for scar resurfacing, ALT flap reconstruction represents a suitable treatment option. It allows simultaneous surgery on both the donor and recipient sites, without the need to change the patient's position. Furthermore, the ALT flap provides sufficient soft tissue and blood flow for reconstruction, leading to satisfactory functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND The formation of hypertrophic scaring (HSc) is an abnormal wound-healing response. In a previous study, an animal model with human scar tissue implanted into nude mice (BALB/c) has been successfully established. The effects of verapamil as well as combination therapy with verapamil and kenacort have been studied and compared. OBJECTIVE To treat persistent hypertrophic scars, local injection of drugs composed of steroids, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and interferon might be a good method. What is the best dose of the regimen and what are the mechanisms are also a worthwhile study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Scar specimens were harvested from patients with HSc or Keloid resulting from burn injury, and then implanted to BALB/c-nu nude mice for 4 weeks. Before implantation, the specimen was either injected with or without drugs such as steroids (kenacort), CCBs (verapamil), and interferons (INFα2b), respectively. After the removal of implants, quantitative gene expressions of decorin and collagenase (MMP13) were measured using a real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect their mRNAs. Two way-ANOVA and Post Hoc were used for statistical analysis using the software SPSS 15.0. RESULTS All drug-treated groups increased the expressions of decorin and MMP13 in comparison with those in noninjected group (p < .001) in a dose-dependent manner. Comparing equal amounts of individual drugs, gene expression of decorin was increased with increasing injection amount, and the best result in low amount of injection (0.02 mL of each) was shown in the group injected with INFα2b followed by kenacort and verapamil. However, the results were changed while injection amount was up to 0.04 mL and the strongest decorin gene expression was found in kenacort injection. Regarding MMP-13 expression, low-amount injection (0.02 mL) of INFα2b has strongest gene expression followed by kenacort and verapamil, but in the large-amount regimes (0.04 mL), verapamil had strongest gene expression followed by INFα2b and kenacort. CONCLUSION This study showed that the kenacort, verapamil, and INFα2b all inhibited HSc in a dose-dependent manner through the evidence of gene expression of decorin and MMP13. In comparison with the injections between small amounts of drugs, INFα2b potentiated the strongest decorin and MMP13 expression. On the contrary, among the large-amount injection regimes, kenacrot was more effective on decorin expression as verapamil to MMP13 expression. To decrease side effects from the drugs and produce promising results for the clinical practice, it is suggested to maintain the dose of INFα2b along with an increased dose of verapamil for HSc improvement.

Intrascar excision with debulking procedure is a good choice for scar revision in unique 3-dimensional facial aesthetic units, especially in the auricular area. It can remove or reduce scars in a shorter course without distortion of the surrounding anatomic structures and visible operative scars. This retrospective study was done to present intrascar excision procedures in persistent auricular hypertrophic scars or keloids.Between 1997 and 2010, 18 ears in 13 patient cases with persistent hypertrophic scars and/or keloids in their external ear due to burns or trauma were collected for evaluation. There were 10 males and 3 females. The age distributions ranged from 5 to 49 years with an average of 20.1 years. All received intrascar excision with debulking procedure for their ear deformity. One case combined with YV-plasty procedure to obtain better aesthetic result. The follow-up period ranged from 0.3 to 14 years with an average of 3.6 years.There was no recurrence in a series of average 3.6 years follow-up. Of the 13 patients, 11 (84.6%) objectively presented good and satisfactory surgical outcomes and the other 2 patients were acceptable.The intrascar excision in auricular persistent scars or keloids has the following advantages: it (1) achieves primary closure, (2) does not distort the anatomic landmarks, (3) does not sacrifice the important structures, (4) has a debulking effect, (5) can be done anytime, even if scars are not mature, (6) has good cosmetic results, (7) may combine with Z- or VY-plasty for functional improvement, and (8) has minimal complications.

Background Nail fold deformities from burn injury frequently result in eponychial retraction, proximal nail exposure, pain, and distal phalangeal function impairment. Secondary nail abnormalities including longitudinal ridges, surface cracks, and fragility are common sequelae to nail fold deformities. Surgical management of postburn nail fold deformity is challenging because of scar contractures involving the dorsum of digits and lack of surrounding healthy tissues that can be used as source of soft tissue for reconstruction. Previous reports have discussed several methods for reconstruction of these deformities. However, all of these methods are associated with significant donor site morbidities. Methods From August 2008 to January 2010, "onion" flap reconstruction was performed for postburn nail fold contractures and deformities on 32 fingers of eight patients (five men and three women; average age, 44.4 years; age range, 23-54 years). This novel technique was used to release scar contractures in the eponychial area and allow soft tissue restoration by redraping the eponychium in a single-step procedure. All 32 fingers received single-stage "onion" flap reconstruction for their nail fold deformities at least 6 months after the initial injury. Results The follow-up period, with an average of 7.8 months, revealed that all nails had good esthetic and functional results. All experienced amelioration of nail abnormalities. The "onion" advancement flap had effectively released the scar contracture around the nail fold and simultaneously restored the eponychial fold. Conclusions The "onion" flap technique provides superior results compared with those from conventional techniques. We recommend it as the mainstay of treatment for reconstruction of the postburn eponychial deformities. Level of evidence V, therapeutic study.

Inhalation injuries contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality in both children and adults with burns. Pneumonia is a major compromising factor in these patients. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the characteristics, impact factors, incidence, morbidity, and mortality of pneumonia in inhalation injuries. Furthermore, a severity score has been formulated to help predict the probability of developing pneumonia following inhalation injuries. A retrospective study was performed of 214 patients, treated for inhalation injuries from 1999 to 2009 at the Burn Center in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan. Patients' characteristics, length of hospitalization, total burn surface area, initial PaO2:FiO2 ratio, number of intubated days, bronchoscope grade, initial carboxyhemoglobin level (COHb) and mortality rate were recorded. A Student's t-test was used for comparison of inhalation injury patients with and without pneumonia and was also used for comparing a TBSA of20% to those with a TBSA of ≤20% in patients with inhalation injury and pneumonia. Logistic regression analyses were utilized to create a severity score related to pneumonia. 129 patients with inhalation injury were included in the analysis. Overall, 38% (49/129) patients developed pneumonia. Pneumonia associated with inhalation injury occurred more often in patients with a TBSA20% (P0.05). The intubation days, bronchoscope grade and COHb level of pneumonia patients were significantly longer (P0.05). Initial PaO2:FiO2 ratio (PaO2/FiO2) was significantly lower in patients with pneumonia (P0.05). Mortality following pneumonia was increased sevenfold (P0.05). Hospitalization days and intubation days were significantly longer in TBSA20%. Logistic regression analysis was performed to find out the impact factors of pneumonia in inhalation injury patients and to set a severity score. Patients age60 years, TBSA20%, bronchoscope grade is 3 or 4, initial PaO2/FiO2≦300 and initial COHb level10% showed a significant difference (P0.05). The total severity scale was set at 5 points. Each impact factor was given one point and when the score ≥2 it means patients have high risk of development of pneumonia. This study had identified the significant risk factors for potential development of pneumonia in a group of inhalation injury patients. The impact of these risk factors should be validated in further prospective trials to improve outcome or at least reduce the incidence of the surrogate diagnosis of pneumonia.

Hypertrophic scars (HScs) are inelastic scars that can cause functional loss and disfigurement. Decorin regulates collagen fibrillogenesis, and its expression is lower in HScs than in normal skin and during wound healing.To evaluate the efficacy of combined verapamil and triamcinolone in treating HScs.Excised human HSc fragments from surgically treated burned patients were divided into three groups: A (normal saline), B (verapamil), and C (verapamil and triamcinolone). The specimens were bilaterally implanted in the back of nude mice, treated using intralesional injections, and observed for 4 weeks. We compared the fibroblast viability and proliferation, decorin staining, and scar weights to evaluate treatment efficacy.Viability and proliferation of HSc fibroblasts from groups B and C were significantly lower at all time intervals after transplantation (p.001). Treatment (Groups B and C) stimulated strong decorin staining by 4 weeks. Nonsignificant differences in changes in scar weight were observed between groups.We present the first evidence of verapamil-augmented decorin expression spatially correlated with collagen bundles in HScs. Combination therapy can reduce the dosage of each drug but achieve equal or better efficacy than monotherapy, reducing the side effects of a single drug. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

Dynamic and static complex scar contractures after burn commonly cause tendon adhesion, deep adipose tissue stiffness and further limitation of major joints motion. Skin autografting or locoregional flaps are not adequate reconstructive options, because of the easy recurrence and limitation of donor sites. Therefore, free perforator flaps are playing increasing role in reconstruction of complex scar contractures.The free medial thigh perforator (MTP) flap is an addition to the reconstructive armamentarium and is particularly useful since the medial thigh is commonly spared in burn injury. Between December 2001 and October 2005, eight patients with severe post-burn scar contractures received free MTP flaps treatment in the Linkou Burn Center. The free MTP flap harvest was modified to enhance its reliability and versatility. Flap sizes ranged from 5 x 15 cm to 8 x 24 cm. The follow-up period was from 12 to 26 months. Flap harvest is rapid, averaging 37.8 min.The significantly improved range of motion of the contracture joints approximated to normal activity at 6-22-month follow-up (p0.05). No free major MTP flap complication was noted, except for mild marginal necrosis in one case.The free MTP flap with new modified harvest is a good choice for dynamic an static complex scar contractures of major joints, due to short harvesting time and few variations of the pedicle. However, thick skin paddle was considered in secondary hand reconstruction.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are life-threatening adverse drug reactions characterized by massive epidermal necrosis, in which the specific danger signals involved remain unclear. Here we show that blister cells from skin lesions of SJS-TEN primarily consist of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells, and both blister fluids and cells were cytotoxic. Gene expression profiling identified granulysin as the most highly expressed cytotoxic molecule, confirmed by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. Granulysin concentrations in the blister fluids were two to four orders of magnitude higher than perforin, granzyme B or soluble Fas ligand concentrations, and depleting granulysin reduced the cytotoxicity. Granulysin in the blister fluids was a 15-kDa secretory form, and injection of it into mouse skin resulted in features mimicking SJS-TEN. Our findings demonstrate that secretory granulysin is a key molecule responsible for the disseminated keratinocyte death in SJS-TEN and highlight a mechanism for CTL- or NK cell—mediated cytotoxicity that does not require direct cellular contact. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) account for 6–7% of all hospital admissions and remain a major clinical problem 1 . Among them, SJS

Exfoliative diseases including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Steven–Johnson syndrome (SJS), bullous-fixed drug eruption, and pemphigus, etc. are life-threatening skin disorders. The most severe type of exfoliative disease such as TEN involves affected skin usually greater than 30% of the total body surface area (TBSA). The incidence is low as 0.4–1.2 cases per million people per year [1], but increases to about eight persons per million in the Han Chinese [2]. A high mortality of 20–60% has been reported [3]. Drugs are the most frequent factor associated with etiologies of TEN and SJS and include sulfonamide antibiotics, anticonvulsant agents, allopurinol, and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Proper wound care and general medical support in burn units will reduce the mortality [3]. Many kinds of dressing materials have been used to cover the wounds after skin eruption for protection and enhancement of wound healing. Acticoat is a synthetic nanocrystalline silvercontaining dressing capable of continuously releasing and replenishing bactericidal levels of silver ions and has been proved to be effective in reducing inflammation and promoting healing in burn wounds [4]. However, so far very few reports have been published on the use of silver in the treatment of exfoliative wounds care. In the Linkou Burn Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Acticoat was used for exfoliative wounds care with good results. We would like to share our

Donor site scarring after forehead flap nasal reconstruction is acceptable. However, as aesthetic outcomes standards for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery merge, we aim to enhance results. We recently demonstrated the cosmetic benefit of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) for cleft lip cheiloplasty outcomes. We hypothesize that similar mechanism(s) benefit forehead flap donor scars.A single surgeon performed 26 forehead flap reconstructions. Indications were cancer (n = 17), trauma (n = 3), and congenital deformity (n = 6). In this split-scar study half the forehead was pretreated with BTX-A and half with normal saline after random assignment. Photographs were evaluated at most recent follow-up. Scar evaluation was based on photographs by 3 plastic surgeons using a composite subjective visual analogue score (VAS).Photographic follow-up was 27 months (range, 10-60 months). Botulinum toxin type A was assigned to the upper forehead in 16 cases and lower forehead in 10 cases. Intrarater reliability among 4 evaluators of 104 VAS scores was 78.1%. Upper forehead VAS (7.9 ± 1.2) was not different than lower forehead VAS (7.9 ± 1.2) regardless of treatment (P = 0.62). The VAS score of BTX-A-treated scars (8.5 ± 1.0) was significantly higher than the control (7.3 ± 1.1; P < 0.0001). Among 104 individual comparisons (26 patients × 4 observers), there were 73 instances (70.2%) where the experimental VAS score was higher than the control.Preoperative BTX-A injection is feasible and enhances donor site scar appearance after forehead flap nasal reconstruction in an Asian population.

Occupational and chemical assault injuries were the two most common factors associated with chemical burns. These two types of injuries were identified and analyzed covering a 20-year period.Patients with second- to third-degree chemical burns admitted to the Linkou Burn Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from May 1986 to May 2005 were included in the analysis. Injuries other than occupational and chemical assaults were excluded from this study.A total of 46,283 burns were admitted during the study period while 327 patients were included in the study with 250 (77.5%) cases classified to occupational injury (OI) and 77 (23.5%) in the chemical assault (CA) group. The mean age in the OI group was 33.2 years and 36.2 years for the CA group. The mean burn size was 10.9% for the OI group and 14.1% in the CA group. The mean length of hospitalization was 15.8 days in the OI group and 32.3 days in the CA group. The main causative agents were acids, which accounted for 57.2% of injuries in the OI group and 98.7% in the CA group. Sulfuric acid was the primary acidic agent and the main alkali was sodium hydroxide. The face was the most frequently injured area (59.6%) followed by the extremities (upper limb [52.2%], lower limb [44.2%]). The hand injury rate was significantly higher in the OI group (P = 0.009). The injury rates to the face, neck, and chest (P0.05) were significantly higher in the CA group.Chemical assault burns might cause more damage and suffering than occupational burn injuries. The promotion of occupational injury protection, public empowerment, and public security in recent years has markedly decreased the occurrence and severity of occupational and chemical-related burns. Modern advances in burn care and surgical procedures contribute greatly to decreasing the length of hospital stays for patients who have sustained an occupational or chemical assault injury. .

BACKGROUND Hypertrophic scar (HSc) treatment continues to be a clinical challenge. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of a combined regimen of calcium channel blocker (verapamil), steroid, and interferon in treating HSc. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten excised human HSc fragments obtained from surgically treated burn patients were divided into 3 groups: A (no drug), B (steroid, 0.05 mL), and C (verapamil, steroid, and interferon, 0.016 mL each). These specimens were implanted on the backs of nude mice after treatment with intralesional injections of drugs and observed for 4 weeks. Fibroblast proliferation, scar weights, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, fibroblast activity using the fibroblast-populated collagen lattice (FPCL) method, and the quantity of collagen were determined to evaluate the efficacy of the treatments. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance. RESULTS All the implants were removed from animal body 4 weeks later for study. For the fibroblasts activity study, another 10 days of cell culture was done. The viability and proliferation of HSc fibroblasts in group C mice were significantly decreased at 10 days after explantation. The fibroblast numbers in the 3 groups were as follows: (A) 16.6×10⁵; (B) 1.5×10⁵; and (C) 0.4×10⁵ (P

Neck contractures after burn produce restrictions in motion and unacceptable aesthetic outcomes. Proper planning and tissue selection is essential to minimize donor site morbidity while optimizing outcomes. A classification system and treatment algorithm aids in achieving this goal. Between December 1999 and January 2003, 40 burn patients underwent release and reconstruction with free perforator flaps. Neck extensibility and zone of injury were evaluated. Choice of reconstruction was based on available tissue, restriction degree and zones involved. Cervical territories were classified according to movement restrictions and amount of improvement. Reconstructive territories were classified as central above (CA), central below (CB), central above and below (CAB) and lateral (L). Single, split, double and preexpanded free flaps were used for the reconstructions. Maximal gain in motion was noted at 4 weeks and maintained for the average 11 months follow-up. Types of reconstructive territories showed significant effects on range of motion while etiology and time between injury and reconstruction showed no impact on the functional outcome. Classification of neck territories aids in improving outcomes while minimizing donor morbidity. The central above territory, when reconstructed with free flaps, yielded the most rewarding improvement. A classification and treatment algorithm aids in achieving significant improvements in range of neck motion while taking into consideration the donor sites.

Extensive burn injuries and subsequent scarring result in functional and aesthetic impairments. The use of free flaps in burn reconstructions provides superior outcomes especially when other, more conservative reconstructive methods fail and curtail efforts of relentless rehabilitation. Multiple chronic scar-associated problems and extensive acute burn defects are conventionally resolved by multiple procedures. Thus, two or extensive scar regions are typically reconstructed using two free flaps (double free flaps) in two separate, procedures utilizing two independent donor sites. This leads to a protracted course of repetitive operations, hospitalizations, and rehabilitation, causing a prolonged period of discomfort and disability. The definition of double free flaps is two independent free flaps with two sets of microanastomoses. This paper illustrates, via a case-series, that double free flaps could be performed in one procedure, with both flaps harvested from either one or two donor sites. Two flaps are then utilized to resolve one large or two problem areas at the same time. Revascularization of the flaps is achieved via either a sequential-link or independent-link microanastomoses. The advantages of harvesting double free flaps from one region and using them in one stage to reconstruct one or two defect area include: (1) providing a large area of soft, pliable skin from one region for re-surfacing burn injuries or resolving scar associated problems, (2) decreasing the treatment course and potential disability, (3) decreasing donor site morbidities, (4) increasing maneuverability and conformability of the flap, and (5) affording a better functional and aesthetic outcome.

Anterior cervical contracture causes considerable problems including restricted range of motion and poor appearance. The reconstructive methods (skin grafs, Z-plasties and local flaps, etc.) have different limitations to their clinical application, and even recontracture that needs repeated surgical release [1–3]. Free flaps have the benefits of replacement for contracture scars with soft, pliable tissue [4–6]. This report presents a case of postburn cervical contractures reconstructed with an anterolateral thigh (ALT) and a tensor fascia lata (TFL) cutaneous perforator flap simultaneously. The combined use of these two flaps provides (1) one-stage procedure; (2) a larger skin territory for reconstruction; (3) primary closure of donor sites; (4) soft, pliable and thin tissues for resurfacing burn contractures; and (5) good aesthetic and functional results.

BACKGROUND Carved autologous costal cartilage is widely used in different rhinoplasty procedures because of its availability and proven advantages. However, the usefulness of rib grafts is limited by warping postoperatively. The chimeric autologous costal cartilage graft is proposed. "Chimeric" means the combining of two different tissues (bone and cartilage in this case) to make a single dorsal onlay graft. METHODS From October of 2010 to August of 2013, 31 patients underwent rhinoplasty or nasal reconstruction with costal cartilage graft using the chimeric autologous costal graft method. There were 14 men and 17 women, with ages ranging from 20 to 66 years (average, 33 years). Of the 31 patients, there were 12 with congenital nasal deformities, six with previous nasal trauma, eight with aesthetic rhinoplasty (four with primary rhinoplasty and four with secondary rhinoplasty), and five with nasal deformities after tumor extirpation. Patients' profiles were documented and photographed. The outcomes were assessed by three plastic surgeons. RESULTS Follow-up for all patients was 4 to 30 months (average, 14 months). No cartilage warping was noted during the follow-up period. Two patients suffered from minor infection 2 weeks postoperatively. The average operative time for carving cartilage was 10 minutes. The overall average time of making a chimeric autologous costal onlay graft added approximately 20 minutes to the original method. CONCLUSION From the clinical observation of all patients during the follow-up period, the chimeric autologous costal cartilage graft was shown to be effective for preventing cartilage warping. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, IV.

Fifteen patients with extensive burns (deep second-degree burn > 50%, or third-degree burn > 30% of total body surface area) were treated with postage stamp autograft and meshed porcine skin onlay dressing from 1992 to 1996. All patients received the procedure within 10 days of sustaining the burn, with an average of 6.3 days. The areas chosen for postage stamp autograft were the anterior chest, abdomen, back, buttocks and the proximal part of the extremities. The scalp was the donor site of choice when available. The harvested skin was cut into 0.5 – 1.0 cm postage-stamp-like squares and applied to the recipient sites separated by a distance of 0.5 – 2.0 cm. The expansion ratio was from 1:4 to 1:9. Meshed porcine skin was then used for onlay dressing. The average graft area was 26% of the total body surface area. The success rate of the skin grafts was nearly 100% in 14 patients. One patient had a 40% loss due to contamination from adjacent wounds. In conclusion, the postage stamp autograft with porcine skin overlay is an effective way to treat extensive burn wounds in the early stages.

Ptosis of the upper eyelid is a complicated problem, and many surgical techniques have been developed for the treatment of ptosis. Frontalis sling with autogenous fascial strip for the correction of severe ptosis with poor levator function is still well accepted. The treatment necessitates an understanding of the etiology of ptosis, detailed history taking, degree of ptosis, the levator function, the anatomic basis of the ptosis and lid crease, and a historic review of surgical procedures. The refinement of our procedure consists of a circular type of frontalis sling with an autogenous fascial strip, harvested from fasciae latae or temporalis fascia, with evenly balanced strength and partial lid resection, including a semilunar segment of skin flap and orbicularis muscle and moderate amount of protruded orbital fat from the orbital septum. The fascial strip is anchored simultaneously to the upper margin of the tarsal plate and incision margin of the pretarsal lid to produce a proper lid crease. This procedure has been successful in the management of 64 lids (46 patients) with a severe degree of ptosis and poor levator function. Satisfactory results have been achieved in 57 lids (89 percent) according to the modified criteria of Berke after an average follow-up period of 18.5 months. Most patients (87.5 percent) have mild lid lag (1 to 3 mm) after the operation, but 58 lids (90.6 percent) achieved a proper lid crease height of 3 to 6 mm.

In addition to burn surgeons, skilled nurses, and therapists, hand surgeons are a key part of the multidisciplinary team caring for patients following thermal injury to the hand. Despite appropriate initial treatment and compressive therapy, contractures are common after deep burn. The most common and functionally limiting are web space and hand contractures. Web space contractures can be managed with excision followed by local soft tissue rearrangement or skin grafting. The classic burn claw hand deformity includes extension contracture of the metacarpophalangeal joints and flexion contractures of the proximal interphalangeal joints. The mainstay of management of these postburn contractures includes complete surgical release of scar tissue and replacement by full-thickness skin graft. In cases in which scar contracture release results in major exposure of the tendons or joints, distant tissue transfer is required. This review focuses on prevention and management of late sequelae of thermal injury to the hand focusing on contractures of the webspaces and hand.

The electric water heater has recently become a popular household appliance replacing the hot water dispensing jug. This device provides hot water and potable cool water directly from the faucets thus removing the need to refill the container or boil water separately in a kettle. Along with the convenience of dispensing hot water immediately has come an increased incidence of pediatric burns. This paper presents a 6-year retrospective study of such pediatric scald burns from 1996 to 2001. Computer database records revealed that the incidence of pediatric scald burns caused by the electric water heater during the past 6 years was 6.4% (66/1028). The age of victims ranged 0–6 years (mean 1.5±1.1 years), most of the victims were in the 1–2-year-old group. In most common cases burn location was the trunk. The accidents often occurred during the cold months and in the living room of the house. From this retrospective study, it was seen that the etiology and incidence of scald burns among children have changed as people have modified their household practice for obtaining hot water in our country. This study aims to increase public awareness to the problem and suggest some prevention measures to reduce this type of scald injury.

Background Many surgeons have to face the challenge of the sophisticated management of catastrophic high-voltage injuries to upper extremities. These patients present with both vast soft tissue defects and varied segmental main artery defects with compromised circulation of the distal limb. This study is a first attempt to analyze the outcome of the flow-through anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction in acute electrical burns of the severely traumatized upper extremity. Method and patient From March 2001 to February 2012, five men were enrolled in the study. All in this series suffered from high voltage current (higher than 1000 V) electrical burn and had the presence of wide segmental soft tissue defects, exposure of underlying vital structures and segmental artery injury with compromised circulation. Flow-through anterolateral thigh flaps were used for limb salvage. Result Follow up for all patients was present from 6 months to 7 years. The mean age was 37.8 years old. The mean timing of free flap transfer was 5.8 days after injury. The mean flap sizes were 31.6 cm × 16.5 cm. The mean artery defect was 14.2 cm in length. Venous thrombosis occurred 1 day post-operatively in one patient. No donor site morbidity was noted. In the postoperative period, no infection, no hematoma, nor deaths were noted. Successful limb salvage rate was 80% in this series. Conclusion In electrical injuries of the severely damaged upper extremity, flow through anterolateral thigh flaps provide for reconstruction of both the vessels and soft tissue simultaneously. Although the risk of flap failure is higher than with other etiologies of burn, the data shows that the above reconstruction technique is useful for upper extremity salvage.

Background Loss of cervicomental angle is characteristic of severe facial and cervical burned patients due to scar contracture. This micrognathia-like deformity is also seen in patients following chin and neck reconstruction using skin expanded flaps. The aim of modern plastic surgery is to restore a harmonious and symmetrical facial appearance for burn survivors. Methods Six facial and cervical burned patients with micrognathia-like deformity after neck reconstructions were reported. Chin augmentation with Medpor implant through submental approach was performed in 4 patients and intraoral access in 2 cases to restore their favorable chin projections. Five of them received cervicomental contour reconstruction simultaneously. Results Patient follow-up ranged from 12 to 18 months. No implants became exposed nor infected. All patients had satisfactory results. We reviewed our experience with the use of the Medpor implant in burn chin reconstruction including preoperative and postoperative radiograph analysis. Conclusions With proper patient selection, pre-operative planning, and taking care of details during operation, augmentation genioplasty with Medpor implant offers a reliable, simple and satisfactory solution for improving micrognathia-like facial configurations in patients with scar contracture following severe burns.