Search

Introduction Photoaging is the process by which ultraviolet rays gradually induce clinical and histological changes in the skin through the production and organization of biological molecules, such as elastin, which is critical to skin strength and elasticity. After exposure to radiation, elastin may undergo alternative mRNA splicing, resulting in modified proteins that contribute to the formation of aging characteristics, such as solar elastosis. The present work aimed to study two different forms of elastin under these conditions: normal elastin and elastin that had been altered in exon 26A. Methods These different forms of elastin were characterized for gene expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and for protein expression by immunohistochemistry of ex vivo skins (from photoexposed and non-photoexposed areas) and in vitro reconstituted skin. In addition, up- and downstream molecules in the elastin signaling cascade were evaluated. Results As a result, a significant increase in the gene expression of elastin 26A was observed in both ex vivo photoexposed skin tissues and the in vitro photoexposed reconstituted skins. Additionally, significant increases in the gene expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP12) and lysyl oxidase (LOX) were observed in the ex vivo skin model. The evaluation of protein expression levels of some photoaging markers on the reconstituted skin revealed increased tropoelastin and fibrillin-1 expression after photoexposure. Conclusion This work contributes to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in photoaging, making it possible to obtain new strategies for the development of dermocosmetic active ingredients to prevent and treat skin aging.

Background Subfascial breast augmentation is becoming popular because of a better understanding of breast anatomy. However, because the subglandular approach is also another popular method, it is critical to assess the influence of the superficial fascia of the pectoralis major muscle on the subfascial and subglandular pockets to determine if one method is superior to another. This study investigated whether there are clinical/radiological differences between subfascial and subglandular pockets following primary breast augmentation. Methods Twenty patients were recruited, and each was randomly sorted to the subfascial and/or subglandular pocket per breast. Both patients and surgeons were blinded. Differences were evaluated through five independent surgeons and by magnetic resonance imaging scans. Subsequently, 1-year and 5-year follow-ups were conducted. Results The results of the 5-year follow-up considering the aesthetics of the breast contour were significantly different between groups, with more good and excellent evaluations in the subfascial group. Regarding breast shape, there were also statistical differences, also with more good and excellent evaluations in the subfascial group. For breast consistency, subglandular had 84.20 percent of patients classified into Baker I and II, whereas subfascial had 100 percent. Magnetic resonance imaging scans showed a smaller implant base in the subglandular pockets, which was a significant result. There were no significant differences in implant projection. Comparison of the number of folds revealed significant differences between groups, with more folds in the subglandular group. Conclusion Statistical differences between methods were found regarding breast shape and contour, capsular contracture, implant base, and the number of folds, showing that subfascial breast augmentation is superior to subglandular breast augmentation. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, II.

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) has been diagnosed in more than 1000 patients in more than 30 countries, although only a few cases have been reported in Latin America and the Caribbean to date. As the second-largest global market for breast implants with a predominance of textured-surface implants, Brazil is a major global market for cosmetic augmentations, making it unlikely that cases of BIA-ALCL are actually scarce.A local and voluntary registry of patients with BIA-ALCL was initiated in 2018. All patients diagnosed with BIA-ALCL were confirmed by the World Health Organization criteria. Implant characteristics, disease symptoms, treatment, and oncologic outcomes were assessed.Fourteen cases of BIA-ALCL in a Brazilian population were identified in the Paraná state. Disease-specific diagnostic tests were omitted before surgical intervention in 50 percent of patients. With additional cases from a literature review, the treatment and outcomes of 29 cases of BIA-ALCL in Brazil were assessed.Compared with other populations, these initial observations suggest that awareness of the disease by the local breast surgery community remains low and that a number of cases may remain undiagnosed. Lack of preoperative diagnostic testing compromises disease treatment, oncologic outcomes, and both short- and long-term surveillance.

Breast augmentation with implants is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgical procedures, but has potential complications—asymmetry, implant displacement, rippling and wrinkling, capsular contracture, late seromas, and benign and malignant tumors—and potential financial costs. The auto-augmentation procedure, with mastopexy and lipofilling, is a second option to offer to patients who do not desire to continue with breast implants in secondary procedures. This study aimed to present a series of patients who intended to quit having breast implants, and they went to an auto-augmentation procedure, with mastopexy and lipofilling. The study included patients who underwent a mastopexy plus lipofilling following breast implant removal. The indications for the surgical procedure were: desire of not having breast implants anymore and smaller breasts, capsular contracture, and implant rupture. The surgical procedure is detailed. Fat grafting and mastopexy are done immediately at the time of explantation. A total of 26 patients (mean age 59.1 years) underwent mastopexy plus lipofilling following breast implant removal. The mean follow-up was 18 months. The mean amount of lipofilling was 258 cc. No major complications were observed, no infection, dehiscence, hematoma, or seroma. One patient had an oil cyst which was handled with resection. The auto-augmentation procedure after implant removal with local flaps and lipofilling is the better option for patients in whom breast implants are not an option anymore. Complication and reoperation rates are low and patient satisfaction is good. 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 .

Blepharoplasty is a very requested surgery for aesthetic rejuvenation of the eyes with grateful results. Lower blepharoplasty involving a variety of different techniques can be considered to refresh the oculopalpebral area. The approach of the treatment of the tear trough as releasing the tear trough ligament and plication of orbicularis oculi muscle in the palpebral portion to fill the tear trough concavity is essential in our surgical technique demonstrated here. From July 2014 to January 2020, 435 patients were submitted to blepharoplasty surgery for rejuvenation of the eyes. Lower blepharoplasty was performed with releasing of the tear trough ligament and suspension and fixation of the palpebral part of the orbicularis oculi muscle in the medial part of orbital bone corresponding to the tear trough area. The follow-up was 12 months. Patient satisfaction was high, and no complications were observed. Ten patients (2.2%) needed the addition of hyaluronic acid fillers in the tear trough 12 months after the surgery. We conclude that the use of the orbicularis oculi muscle suspension improves the long-term aesthetic results for the tear trough and the technique is easy to perform. 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 .

Simultaneous breast augmentation and mastopexy is very challenging often considered to be one of the most difficult cosmetic breast surgeries. Although a patient is sometimes better served with 2 separately staged procedures, the demand for single-stage combined augmentation mastopexy is increasing associated with increasing demands for larger implants. Combining these 2 operations presents special problems because of the interplay of opposing forces. To avoid bottoming out, wound dehiscence, and ultimately implant extrusion, it is essential to provide proper coverage and support of the inferior breast pole. The goal of this report is to illustrate the benefit of an inferiorly based fascioglandular flap in providing adequate breast lower pole support in simultaneous breast augmentation mastopexy. 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 .

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an uncommon T-cell, CD-30+/ALK lymphoma. Late (9 years) periprosthetic fluid (seroma) is the most common presentation (90% of the cases). A combination of textured breast implant, bacterial contamination, and genetic predisposition seems to be necessary for BIA-ALCL to occur. There are 35 million patients with implants in the world, and at the present moment, 573 cases of BIA-ALCL have been reported. The risk of developing BIA-ALCL in Australia varies from 1:2832 to 1:86,029, with texture grades 3 and 4 seeming to pose a higher risk than grades 2 and 1. NCCN has established guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, and early diagnosis is the key to cure. At an early stage and for the vast majority of patients, the treatment consists of capsulectomy and implant removal. However, at stages II to IV, a systemic treatment is warranted, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy (residual disease), and brentuximab vedotin. The majority of patients can be cured, and complete capsular removal is the most important factor. So far, 33 patients have died from BIA-ALCL worldwide, with deaths related to delay in diagnosis and treatment. Textured implants have been in the midst of the current implant crisis, and Biocell was recalled worldwide after the latest FDA update on the disease. At the present moment, no medical society or regulatory agency has recommended implant removal. It is about time that we start robust breast implant registries to determine risks. Besides, based on scientific criteria, we must consider all the benefits and risks associated with the available breast devices. Level of Evidence III 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.

Subfascial breast augmentation is gaining popularity because of no distortion when the pectoral muscle is contracted and minimizing visualization of the edges of the implant. Although some studies have reported a satisfactory outcome with subfascial technique, it still is controversial the influence of the pectoral fascia and outcome compared to the subglandular technique. Therefore, this prospective randomized study aimed to investigate whether there are clinical/radiological differences between subfascial and subglandular pockets following primary breast augmentation. Twenty patient candidates for primary breast augmentation were recruited. Each patient was selected for subfascial or subglandular pockets in a randomized fashion. Both patient and surgeon were blinded. Clinical and radiological differences were evaluated through five independent surgeons and MRI (capsule, folds, fluids, base and projection). Median follow-up was 12 months. Breast consistency (p = 0.24), implant pocket (p = 0.52), symmetry (p = 1), contour, and shape (p = 0.09) demonstrated no statistically significant difference after the surgeons’ assessments at 3 and 12 months after surgery. MRIs demonstrated a larger implant base in the subfascial group (p = 0.024). No differences were observed in capsule thickness (p = 0.42), folds (p = 0.51), fluids (p = 0.28), or projection (0.20). The choice between subfascial and subglandular planes shows no clinical differences and can be selected according to individual professional experience, not evidencing any advantages of one over the other. 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 The pectoralis muscle sling has proven to be a suitable alternative technique for long-term results in breast parenchyma suspension. Although the pectoralis muscle sling has been subjectively observed to reduce the bottoming-out effect with a bipedicled muscle flap (muscular loop), there has not been a study to objectively or numerically prove it. Objectives This study aimed to radiologically evaluate the influence of a pectoralis muscle sling in supporting the chest wall-based flap after a vertical breast-reduction technique. Methods Twenty-one female patients underwent a vertical breast reduction with the chest wall-based flap and were randomly divided into two subgroups. Ten patients were in subgroup (S), which consisted of patients with a muscle sling. Eleven patients without the muscle sling technique were assigned as a control group (C). Periodic radiological examinations were performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and then at 10 years postoperatively to analyze the breast flap and any migration with respect to three titanium clips placed intraoperatively on the chest wall parenchyma flap. Results Patients in subgroup S had a significantly higher difference in migration of the chest wall-based flaps between the first day and 10 years postoperatively when compared with patients in subgroup C ( P < .001), as shown by the distances measured between titanium clip locations. Conclusions After 10 years of follow-up, there were changes in chest wall-based flap bottoming-out in patients in whom a pectoralis major muscle sling was utilized compared with those patients without it. Thus, a pectoralis major muscle sling seems to provide greater and longer-lasting support to the flap position on the patient's chest. Level of Evidence 2![Graphic][1] Therapeutic [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif

Capsular contracture is a common occurrence in plastic surgery, with a prevalence varying from 0.5 percent up to 30 percent. Although the standard treatment is capsulectomy, alternative treatments have been studied, such as the use of leukotriene inhibitors. These drugs have recently been evaluated in the prophylaxis of contracture. The authors aimed to assess the efficacy of montelukast (Singulair) in the prevention of capsular contracture in patients undergoing mammaplasty with textured silicone prostheses.The authors followed 82 patients (164 breasts) for a minimum of 2 years. Of these, 37 were administered montelukast.The number of affected patients and the severity were higher among the 45 patients who did not use montelukast.The prophylactic use of Singulair was, in this sample, shown to be effective in helping to reduce the incidence of capsular contracture.Therapeutic, III.

Anne K. Groth’s name was wrongly tagged in the original publication of this article. It has been corrected here.

Photography standardization is paramount for appropriate critical analysis of aesthetic surgery outcomes. Therefore, the authors designed a study to evaluate the influence of different variables in photos of patients with indications for undergoing facial rejuvenation. This blinded prospective study was conducted by the Section of Plastic Surgery in the Hospital das Clinicas at the Federal University of Parana. In the study, 29 patients had their photos taken in two separate settings. Photo 1, termed “preoperative” (Pre), was obtained according to the same pattern for all patients. Photo 2, termed “postoperative” (Post), was acquired on the same day using different variables to manipulate the photo outcome. No surgery was actually performed. Both photos (Pre and Post) were sent to five experienced Brazilian plastic surgeons, who provided a score for photo 2 that varied from −10 to +10 compared with photo 1. The photos were examined by 119 plastic surgeons. No significant improvement was observed in most of the groups, except for the group that used a flash for the Post photography (p = 0.035). Almost half of the scores (45.37 %) were above zero. The highest score was found to be ten for two photographs of the makeup group. A score of zero was assigned to 54.62 % of the photos, which means no changes occurred between the Pre and Post photos. Inadequate photographic technique can change assessments of photos in a meaningful way. All the factors evaluated had a positive impact, but the only statistically significant variable was the use of a flash in the Post group. 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 .

SynopsisObjective Stem cells have the ability to renew themselves and differentiate into various cell types. For this reason, numerous research groups have been studying these cells for their therapeutic potential. Some of the therapies, however, are not producing the expected results because of contamination by other cell types, especially by fibroblasts. In the cosmetic industry, stem cells are used to test the efficacy of anti-ageing and rejuvenation products. The purpose of this work was to gain a better understanding of the differences in phenotype, in gene expression associated with stem cells, in the pattern of cell surface proteins and in the differentiation capacity of adipose-derived stem cells, of skin-derived stem cells and of commercially available fibroblasts. Methods In this study, we compared fibroblasts with mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow, skin (dermis) and adipose tissue, to assess the differentiation potential of fibroblasts. Dermal and adipose stem cells were isolated from aesthetic surgery patients, and fibroblasts were obtained from a commercial source. The following parameters were used in this study: immunophenotypic profile (positive: CD29, CD73, CD90 and CD105; negative: CD14, CD45 and HLA-DR); differentiation into osteoblastic, chondrogenic and adipogenic cell types; and PCR array to analyse the gene expression of cells isolated from different culture passages. Results Fibroblasts express the same cell immunophenotypic markers, as well as the genes that are known to be expressed in stem cells, and were shown to be expressed also in adipose and dermis stem cells. Fibroblasts are also able to differentiate into the three cell lineages mentioned above, that is, adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes. Conclusion Human dermal fibroblasts have a potential to adhere to plastic surfaces and differentiate into other cell types. However, for stem cells intended to be used in cosmetics, experiments conducted with contaminated fibroblasts may produce poor or even falsely negative results for the efficacy of the active ingredient or formulation and thus conceal their promising effects as anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation products.

Mastoplastia de aumento é uma das cirurgias mais realizadas em todo o mundo. Variáveis como tamanho e localização do implante, bem como o tipo de incisão, influenciam o resultado final. A abordagem periareolar é bem conhecida e difundida, porém sua cicatriz pode, muitas vezes, ser motivo de insatisfação da paciente. Uma modificação da técnica periareolar é apresentada, com incisão em zigue-zague, para mamoplastias de aumento, permitindo a obtenção de cicatrizes imperceptíveis. A técnica descrita é uma excelente alternativa para mastoplastia de aumento, proporcionando resultado estético satisfatório, com cicatriz camuflada na transição da pele periareolar com o complexo areolopapilar, que é naturalmente irregular.

The aim of this prospective radiological study was to investigate whether the use of a pectoralis major muscle sling could retard the descent of a chest wall-based flap. By using titanium clips as radiologic markers, the chest wall-based flap was assessed with and without the utilization of the pectoralis major muscle sling. The main objective was to prove the superiority of the pectoralis major muscle sling to retard the descent of the chest wall flap over a 10-year period.1 Body mass index (BMI) throughout the 10-year study showed a variation of 1.47 to 7.14 kg/m2 (mean variation: 4.38 kg/m2 in the study group; 2.09 kg/m2 in the control group). We believe that BMI variation did not interfere with the position of the clips, thus reducing the possibility of bias. During the radiological review of both groups, the frontal view was selected as the superior indicator and facilitator of titanium clip migration on the chest wall with reference to fixed anatomical points. A lateral view was deemed to have less sensitivity to denote changes in vertical displacement.2 We agree that the projection utilized in our study was not described. In all patients, the posteroanterior projection did not …

Zusammenfassung An 11 Versuchstagen wurden die Reaktionen von insgesamt 3 Ruden und 2 Hundinnen auf einem rund 2stundigen Spaziergang in nicht oder wenig bekanntem Gebiet beobachtet. Auf einem ersten Rundgang wurden die spontan abgegebenen Harnmarken eines Versuchstieres mit kleinen Objekten markiert, dann ein zweiter Hund an loser Leine den gleichen Weg (meist in umgekehrter Richtung) entlanggefuhrt und dessen Reaktionen auf die markierten Stellen registriert. Im ganzen wurden bei den ersten Rundgangen 261 Harnmarken abgesetzt. In 47,1 % der Falle ging der im zweiten Rundgang vorbeigefuhrte Hund ohne ersichtlichen Grund an der Harnmarke vorbei. Bei Beachtung der Marken zeigten sich 6 verschiedene Reaktionen: 1. Beschnuppern, 2. Harnen uber oder neben die Marke, 3. Scharren mit den Hinterpfoten nach Uberharnen, 4. Belecken der Marke, 5. Knurren beim Scharren, 6. Zahneklappern nach Beschnuppern und Belecken. Die Marken von feindlichen Ruden und laufigen Hundinnen werden nach Beschnuppern signifikant haufiger als die eigenen bzw. diejenigen einer nichtlaufigen Hundin mit einer weiteren Reaktion beantwortet. Die Marken nichtlaufiger Hundinnen und die eigenen Marken ergaben keine unterschiedlichen Reaktionen beim Ruden. Eine Hundin reagiert auf die Marken eines (feindl.) Ruden nicht mehr als ein Rude auf die eigenen Marken. Die Harnmarken vermitteln dem Hunderuden Informationen daruber, ob sie von einer laufigen Hundin, einem fremden Ruden oder von ihm selbst (bzw. einer nicht-laufigen Hundin) stammen.

OBJETIVO: Verificar se a mamoplastia de aumento pela via transaxilar apresenta potencial de prejudicar a identificação futura do linfonodo sentinela. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo controlado em que foram selecionadas 22 pacientes divididas em grupo pós-mamoplastia e grupo controle, totalizando 43 mamas (22 no grupo pós-mamoplastia e 21 no grupo controle) avaliadas por meio de linfocintilografia imediatamente após injeções periareolares de fitato-99mTc. Os testes estatísticos consideraram como diferenças significativas valores de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Todas as mamas do grupo pós-mamoplastia apresentaram drenagem linfática para a cadeia axilar, sem diferença com o grupo controle (p = 0,488). A média de linfonodos captantes foi de 1,27 ± 0,46 no grupo pós-mamoplastia e 1,33 ± 0,58 no grupo controle (p = 0,895). A média de tempo para visualização do primeiro linfonodo foi de 3,14 ± 4,42 minutos no grupo pós-mamoplastia e 5,48 ± 5,06 minutos no grupo controle, novamente sem diferença significativa (p = 0,136). CONCLUSÃO: A mamoplastia de aumento pela via transaxilar não acarretou prejuízo na identificação futura do linfonodo sentinela. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential influence of transaxillary augmentation mammoplasty on future detection of sentinel lymph node. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective controlled study where 22 patients were selected and divided into two groups (post-mammoplasty and control) corresponding to 43 breasts (22 in the post-mammoplasty group and 21 in the control group) evaluated by lymphoscintigraphy immediately after periareolar 99mTc-phytate injections. In the statistical analysis, p values < 0.05 were considered as significant. RESULTS: All the breasts in the post-mammoplasty group presented lymphatic drainage to the axillary chain, with no difference as compared with the control group (p = 0.488). The average number of hot lymph nodes was 1.27 ± 0.46 in the post-mammoplasty group, and 1.33 ± 0.58 in the control group (p = 0.895). The mean time required to visualize the first lymph node was 3.14 ± 4.42 minutes in the post-mammoplasty group, and 5.48 ± 5.06 minutes in the control group (p = 0.136). CONCLUSION: Transaxillary augmentation mammoplasty did not affect the future detection of sentinel lymph node.

The transaxillary breast augmentation (TBA) technique has gained popularity because of several advantages. However, the impact of the procedure on breast lymphatic drainage and sentinel node (SN) detection remains controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the lymphatic patterns and SN detection rates after TBA by using lymphoscintigraphy (LSG). Twenty patients (40 breasts) who underwent TBA were evaluated by LSG immediately after periareolar injections of phytate-99 mTc at three time points: before TBA (Pre-LSG) and approximately 30 days (Recent-Post-LSG) and 6 months after TBA (Late-Post-LSG). Statistical analysis considered p

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of venous supercharging in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap in rats. METHODS: 20 Wistar rats were randomized in 2 groups: control group (C), all had flaps raised based on the deep inferior epigastric perforator vessels (DIEP), and experimental group (E), which was identical to group C, except that the contralateral superficial inferior epigastric vein was also kept with the flap. Flow studies using laser Doppler flowmetry where performed daily in the four zones of the flap. On the 7th postoperative day rats were killed and flap survival was determined using digital planimetry. RESULTS: Flow values were presented as a percentage of the baseline flow after incision of the flap edges. The surviving flap area was demonstrated as a percentage of the total flap area. Evaluation by digital planimetry showed that flap survival in group E was higher than in group C (97,38%±1,32%vs.44,13%±4,83%, p=0,0006). CONCLUSION: This study shows that venous supercharging of the rat DIEP flap results in greater flap survival.

Abdominoplasty surgery has spread universally, as both an aesthetic and a reconstructive procedure, and new techniques are appearing with the goal of minimizing ischemic complications of the flap and bettering body contour. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that an abdominoplasty technique with limited undermining and preservation of the flap perforator vessels makes it possible to reduce the complication rate attributable to flap necrosis and seroma in abdominoplasty. Doppler flowmetry color study of the abdominal wall was performed before the surgical procedure and on postoperative day 15 after lipoabdominoplasty for a series of 20 patients to evaluate the blood supply of the abdominal wall. This study confirmed the preservation of perforator arteries in the periumbilicus area and right upper quadrant after abdominoplasty with liposuction and reduced undermining.

Este trabalho analisa o efeito da reparação cutânea do laser erbium:yttrium aluminunn garnet (YAG) (Er:YAG) em pele de ratos através de estudo histológico e morfométrico. Tatuaram-se duas figuras no dorso de cada animal (n = 35), denominadas controle e experimento. Na figura experimento, aplicaram-se três passadas de laser Er:YAG com parâmetros padronizados. Cinco animais foram eutanasiados nos dias 0, 7, 14, 28, 56, 84 e 112 de pós-operatório. O estudo histológico demonstrou no dia 0 dano de ablação médio de 215,24 micrômetros (mm), sendo homogêneo com vaporização da epiderme e porções superficiais da derme. O dano térmico residual foi pequeno (média de 41,45mm), observando-se áreas onde estava praticamente ausente. A fibroplasia cicatricial já estava presente no dia 7 (média de 55,58mm), aumentando rapidamente até o dia 28 (média de 209,49mm), quando atingiu um platô e se manteve até o dia 112. Não houve sinais de processo inflamatório agudo no dia 7 e a reepitelização já estava completa. Concluiu-se que a aplicação de laser na pele de ratos induz reparação cutânea ao longo de 112 dias nas condições do experimento. This study analyses the skin contracture effect of the erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser on the skin of rats by light microscopic histological and morphometrical evaluations. Two squares of back skin were precision tattooed on each of the animals (n = 35), that were termed control and experimental skin. The experimental skin was treated with three passes of the Er:YAG laser with standardized parameters. Five animals were killed and skin specimens were analyzed at 00, 07, 14, 28, 56, 84 and 112 days. Histologic examination demonstrated a mean of 215.24 micrometers ablative damage that was homogeneous with complete vaporization of the epidermis and superficial dermis. The residual thermal damage was small (mean of 41.45 micrometers) observing areas where it was absent. The cicatritial fibroplasy was present at day 07 (mean 55.58 micrometers) rising quickly until day 28 (mean of 209.49 micrometers) when it reaches a plateau and maintaining it until day 112. There are no signs of acute inflammatory process at day 07 and the reepithealization was complete at this day. This study revealed that the laser had induced shortening of the treated areas which persisted beyond the 112 days.

According to the authors, advantages of short scar face lift associated with lateral SMASectomy and vertical vector closure include a lower rate of hematomas and facial nerve injury, less skin tailoring, no retroauricular skin slough, and reduced operative time. Results in 96 patients demonstrate good neck redefinition, excellent facial contour, and elevated midface. (Aesthetic Surg J 2003;23:198-201.)

Breast augmentation techniques using the submuscular and subglandular planes to introduce the implant are well known and widely used procedures. The authors have been using the subfascial dissection plane, a new concept for breast augmentation. From October of 1998 to September of 2001, 263 patients underwent breast augmentation. In all cases, the implants were inserted into the subfascial plane. McGhan 410 anatomic biodimensional, cohesive gel implants (size, 155 to 310 g) were used. There are additional benefits using this technique; these include avoiding implant deformation or distortion (as seen in the retromuscular position), leaving additional soft tissue between the implant and the skin, and minimizing implant edge prominence (inherent to retroglandular placement). These technical details lead to fewer patient complaints. Morbidity is similar to that of other techniques.

"Bottoming out" of parenchyma after several months is a problem extant in previous techniques of mastopexy and reduction mammaplasty. The authors have addressed this problem by creation of a mobile, chest wall-based flap of breast tissue that is passed under and held in place by a loop of pectoral muscle. Experience with this technique spans a period of 7 years and includes 390 patients, indicating the permanence of this correction.