Patients’ narratives of orthognathic treatment for facial asymmetry: a qualitative study

To explore patients’ experiences of orthognathic treatment for facial asymmetry and their adaptation to facial changes after surgery, we did a qualitative, cross-sectional study of patients after treatment for non-cleft asymmetry at two UK sites. A total of 15 patients aged 19-40 years were approached after being identified using patient databases and clinical notes. Individual and photo-elicitation interviews were conducted covering experiences prior to treatment, during treatment, and after surgery. Interviews were transcribed and thematic narrative analysis undertaken. Participants were largely positive about their orthognathic treatment. The following themes were identified: preoperative (becoming aware, negative impacts of asymmetry, committing to treatment, establishing expectations), pre-surgery orthodontics and inpatient experiences (challenges and coping strategies, preparedness, support, and shared experiences); and postoperative (surgery as ‘worth it’, positive impacts of treatment, adapting to facial change). Undergoing orthognathic surgery was portrayed as a journey involving recognisable narratives (treatment unfinished, threat of liminality, treatment as resolution, and treatment as transformation). Patients’ experiences of facial asymmetry are associated with feeling ‘abnormal’, and negative impacts, and orthognathic treatment for facial asymmetry is worthwhile. Having the feeling that something is ‘wrong’ legitimised by clinicians allows patients access to a recognisable treatment narrative (resolution). Orthognathic treatment is also described as transformation from ‘normal abnormality’ to being ‘normal’. Nevertheless, the associated challenges can be frustrating, particularly if resolution is hard to envisage. Further psychological input could help patients cope with these challenges and the complex process of adapting to facial change.     

Oropharyngeal shedding of herpesviruses before and after BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination against COVID-19

IntroductionConcerns were raised over an increase in Bell's palsy, herpes simplex and herpes zoster after BNT162b2 vaccination, all are manifestations of herpesviruses reactivation. As herpesviruses commonly reactivate in the oropharynx, we have hypothesized that oropharyngeal shedding of herpesviruses will increase after vaccination.MethodsImmune-competent Adults, excluding those using topical steroids or manifesting symptomatic herpesvirus infection, were sampled before BNT162b2 vaccination and one week after. Herpesviruses 1–7 shedding was tested with a multiplexed PCR.ResultsIn 103 paired samples the prevalence of herpesviruses was similar before and after vaccination: HSV1, 3.9% vs. 5.8% (p = 0.75); HSV2, 0% vs. 1% (p = not applicable, NA); VZV, 0% vs. 0% (p = NA); EBV, 14.6% vs. 17.5% (p = 0.63); CMV, 0% vs. 0% (p = NA); HHV6, 4.9% vs. 7.8% (p = 0.55); HHV7, 71.8% vs. 72.8% (p = 1); any herpesvirus, 73.8% vs. 74.8% (p = 1).DiscussionWe did not find evidence for increased oropharyngeal reactivation of herpesviruses one week after BNT162b2.     

V-EMF treatment of facial scar: First results

Aim of studyThis is a retrospective study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the use of electromagnetic fields and negative pressure treatment (V-EMF) for facial scars, from an aesthetic and functional point of view, and considering the variations in the levels of hydration.Material and methods25 subjects with facial scarring were re-evaluated after being treated with the V-EMF method. The hydration levels of the scars before and after treatment were compared. The results were evaluated considering the satisfaction levels of the patients with the VAS, and of the medical specialists who performed the treatment, and of 3 independent dermatologists with the Likert scale.ResultsMean hydration levels of scars went from 41.8 to 53.3, with mean hydration levels of healthy reference points equal to 54.6. The minimum patient satisfaction level was 2 in the VAS. The minimum level of satisfaction of specialists and dermatologists was equal to IV on the Likert scale for all patients, except for 1 subject in which it was III for the specialist who had treated him. Anti-aging and re-pigmentation effects were also noted as secondary results.ConclusionsFrom an aesthetic and functional point of view, and for the overall anti-aging effect of the treated area, V-EMF applied to facial scars has shown extremely promising results.