Clinical analysis of malar fat pad re-elevation

Primary suture suspension of the malar fat pad has been described as a safe and simple component of global facial rejuvenation. This review evaluates the efficacy and indications for re-elevation of the malar fat pad elevation. A retrospective review of the medical records of patients who underwent malar fat pad elevation was performed between 1994 and 2000. Of 472 procedures, 14 involved re-elevation of the malar fat pad. These cases were examined for complications, risks, and results. Secondary midface elevation was performed using a subcutaneous approach to the malar fat pad through a pre-hairline incision and vertical suspension of the malar fat pad to the temporoparietal fascia. The indications for re-elevation of the malar fat pad included nasolabial asymmetry, malar fat pad malposition, and malar fat pad asymmetry. Primary elevation of the malar fat was performed in 472 patients. Fourteen of these patients had suboptimal results that necessitated re-elevation of their malar fat pads. Their average age was 57.5 years. Of the 14 malar fat pad elevations, 12 included SMAS procedures, nine were combined with platysmal plication/submental lipectomy, six with forehead lift, and three with eyelid procedures. The average interval between original malar fat pad elevation and the re-elevation was 40 months. Average follow-up was 15 months. Complications were seen in five patients, with the most significant being persistent eye irritation. Two patients had some minimal scar hypertrophy, which was self-limiting. Minor preauricular skin slough developed in one patient. Restoration of the youthful position of the deep structures in patients with a previous mid-facelift was successfully achieved by re-elevating the malar fat pad in a vertical direction. Re-elevation of the malar fat pad demonstrated effective and reliable long-term results. It is appropriate in the small number of patients who require revision or improvement of midface rejuvenation using the malar fat pad suspension technique.     

眼轮匝肌下脂肪垫的解剖学及整形外科学的研究

目的：研究眼轮匝肌下脂肪垫的解剖结构,和相邻组织结构的关系,评价其在眼部年轻化手术中的应用效果。方法：对成人头颅部人体标本7具（14侧眼部标本）进行眶部解剖研究;对50例术前有明显面部老化征象患者进行了眼部手术,手术中将眼轮匝肌下脂肪垫部分去除。结果：在眼轮匝肌下和上颌骨、颧骨骨膜的浅面,存在有脂肪垫,其大部分分布在眼眶外围,并与周围脂肪垫相连续。50例眼袋患者,术后下睑区平展,眶隔脂肪袋消失,下眶缘沟消失,眶下外侧骨缘轮廓平和。其中19例伴有上睑臃肿下垂患者,术后眼裂增宽,眼睑变薄,无上睑外侧臃肿表现。结论：眼部年轻化手术适当去除眼轮匝肌下脂肪垫,可明显改善手术效果。     

Suture suspension of the malar fat pad

Background: Elevation of the malar fat pad by use of suture suspension to rejuvenate the central third of the face has been previously described. Objective: The authors evaluated the ability of suture suspension to successfully elevate the malar fat pad. Methods: Four fresh frozen cadaver dissections were studied. With the standard preauricular, subcutaneous approach, the malar fat pad was identified, and a suspension suture was placed at the inferior and lateral aspect of the fat pad. The vector of pull was directed vertically, and the tension that was applied to the suture was measured. The dermis was then elevated from the malar fat pad to examine suture placement and ensure that the dermis was not caught in the suture. Results: An average tension of 11 lb was applied before rupture of the suture. In none of the cases did the suture pull through the malar fat pad. Conclusions: Suture suspension is an effective technique for elevation of the malar fat pad. The results are easy to reproduce and are very effective in addressing the changes that accompany aging and the descent of the malar fat pad. (Aesthetic Surg J 2002;22:446-450.)     

Periorbital Reconstruction with Adjacent-Tissue Skin Grafts

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction in the periorbital area is challenging owing to the complex function of the eye, relative lack of adjacent loose tissue, free anatomic margin, central facial location, and the need to maintain symmetry with the contralateral eye. Reconstructive options risk crossing anatomic margins, deviation of the lid margin (ectropion), persistent lymphedema, and repair with skin of dissimilar color, texture, and thickness. OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to describe a reconstructive option that would avoid crossing cosmetic units or subunits, minimize the risk of ectropion, repair with tissue of similar surface characteristics, and maintain function and symmetry with the contralateral side. METHODS: The adjacent-tissue skin graft provides closure in cosmetic units and subunits, avoids tension on the lid margin, and provides similar skin for repair. The procedure is demonstrated by graphic and photographic examples. RESULTS: The procedure provides for esthetic repair of the periorbital area and minimizes the risk of ectropion, lymphedema, asymmetry, and dysfunction of the lids and lacrimal system. CONCLUSION: Adjacent-tissue skin grafts are a useful alternative for reconstruction of partial-thickness defects on the eyelid and periorbital area.     

颊脂肪垫瓣在修复口腔颌面部缺损中的应用

目的探讨颊脂肪垫瓣在修复口腔颌面部缺损的应用和效果.方法将颊脂肪垫形成一蒂在后方的颊脂肪垫组织瓣转移至缺损区,在无张力下与创缘缝合,表面轻轻用碘仿纱布缝线包压法固定.用以修复口腔颌面部的良恶性肿瘤手术或损伤留下的缺损以及口腔上颌窦瘘共18例.其中修复腭部缺损2例,上颌骨切除后缺损7例,颊黏膜癌切除后缺损3例,颊部良性肿瘤切除后缺损4例,磨牙后区黏表癌切除后缺损1例,封闭拔牙后口腔上颌窦瘘1例.结果术后10 d去除碘仿纱布,见颊脂肪垫轻度水肿,2～4周后水肿明显消退,颊脂肪垫表面逐渐上皮化,6～8周内表面完全上皮化,3个月后再生黏膜与正常口腔黏膜相似.全部病例效果满意,无感染、坏死等并发症发生.结论带蒂颊脂肪垫瓣修复口腔颌面部缺损,方法简单、易行,效果满意,值得推广.     

Techniques in blepharoplasty.

The technique for upper lid blepharoplasty is presented, which emphasizes the creation of a concave, high supratarsal fold by removal of existing preaponeurotic fat pads, excision of a strip of preseptal orbicularis fibers, and portion of the orbital septum. In additon, the skin edges are fixated to the levator aponeurosis just above the tarsus. With this technique, a pleasing result can be obtained, minimizing the amount of skin that is required to excised and introducing a safety factor in the prevention of postoperative lagophthalmos. A skin technique for lower led blepharoplasty is presented which reduces a tendency for "dog-ear" formation with skin closure and minimizes chances of postoperative ectropion. The technique consists of triangulation of the excision of skin from the lower lid to insure an equal-sided wound edge for precise closure and anchoring the lower lid skin flap to the lateral orbital rim. Although the above techniques introduce a safety factor reducing the problem of lagophthalmos in the upper lid and ectropion in the lower lid, they should be considered an "advanced technique" by the occasional blepharoplasty surgeon.     

无覆盖带蒂颊脂垫瓣在修复口腔缺损中的应用

目的：介绍无覆盖带蒂颊脂垫瓣用于口腔缺损修复的实践。方法：将颊脂垫瓣转移到相应的口腔缺损区,暴露的颊脂垫瓣表面无需植皮,可以自行上皮化。结果：共治疗口腔缺损病例13例,均获成功,颊脂垫瓣封闭效果好。结论：无覆盖带蒂颊脂垫瓣作为局部区域性组织转移瓣,对口腔内颊部、软腭和牙槽等部位软组织缺损的修复尤为适宜,是一种口腔内软组织缺损理想的充填材料。     

The buccal fat pad flap in oral reconstruction

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to describe the surgical technique, indications, advantages, and possible complications of the buccal fat pad flap and to report our clinical experience with this flap for intraoral reconstruction after tumor removal. METHODS: The flap has been used to reconstruct oral defects after tumor resection in 32 patients, who have been retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Adequate closure of the defect was achieved during surgery in all cases. In one case, there was partial loss of the flap; this was treated conservatively. In five cases there was some retraction in the reconstructed area. CONCLUSIONS: Buccal fat pad as a flap offers an adequate reconstructive option to be born in mind when reconstructing small to medium defects in the oral cavity. It is a simple and quick surgical technique with a low incidence of complications.     

The significance of orbital anatomy and periocular wrinkling when performing laser skin resurfacing.

Knowledge of orbital anatomy and the interaction of muscle contractions, gravitational forces and photoagingis fundamental in understanding the limitations of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser skin resurfacing when rejuvenating the skin of the periocular area. Laser resurfacing does not change the mimetic behavior of the facial muscles nor does it influence gravitational forces. When resurfacing periocular tissue, the creation of scleral show and ectropion are a potential consequence when there is an over zealous attempt at improving the sagging malar fat pad and eyelid laxity by performing an excess amount of laser passes at the lateral portion of the lower eyelid. This results in an inadvertent widening of the palpebral fissure due to the lateral pull of the Orbicularis oculi. Retrospectively, 85 patients were studied, who had undergone periorbital resurfacing with a CO2 laser using anew treatment approach. The Sharplan 40C CO2 Feather Touchlaser was programmed with a circular scanning pattern and used just for the shoulders of the wrinkles. A final laser pass was performed with the same program over the entire lower eyelid skin surface, excluding the outer lateral portion (e.g. a truncated triangle-like area),corresponding to the lateral canthus. Only a single laser pass was delivered to the lateral canthal triangle to avoid widening the lateral opening of the eyelid, which might lead to the potential complications of scleral show and ectropion. When the area of the crows' feet is to be treated, three passes on the skin of this entire lateral orbital surface are completed by moving laterally and upward toward the hairline. Patients examined on days 1, 7, 15, 30, 60, and one year after laser resurfacing showed good results. At two months after treatment, the clinical improvement was rated by the patient and physician as being "very good" in 81 of the 85 patients reviewed. These patients underwent laser resurfacing without complications. The proposed technique of periocular resurfacing prevents complications of scleral show and laxity in the lateral eyelid opening and even ectropion, because treatment conforms to the osseo-muscular anatomical relationship of eyelid structures. KEYWORDS: Laser resurfacing, blepharoplasty, periocular resurfacing, wrinkles, crows' feet     

Experience in upper eyelid reconstruction with the Cutler-Beard technique

Reconstruction of full-thickness upper eyelid defects has to supply a movable lid with perfect corneal protection, good aesthetic quality, and acceptable sequelae at the donor site. The Cutler-Beard procedure, a full-thickness cutaneoconjunctival inferior eyelid advancement flap, is a reliable method for reconstruction of total or partial upper eyelid defects. Especially in older individuals, the skin of the donor site is loose and provides sufficient tissue to stretch. Color and texture of the donor matches the recipient site perfectly. Destabilization or ectropion of the donor site, the lower lid, and retraction or entropion of the recipient site, the upper lid, are the main complications. Therefore, a modification of the classic technique should be considered by implantation of an enforcing inlay in the reconstructed lid (eye bank sclera, fascia lata, ear cartilage), especially in reconstruction of extended defects of the upper lid.     

下眼袋整形术常见并发症及防治

下眼袋整形术并发下睑外翻的主要原因是去除皮肤过多或切除眼轮匝肌过多所致。预防要点在于术中掌握好去除皮肤及眼轮匝肌的尺度，应恰到好处。严重外翻者需再次手术修复纠正。下睑凹陷主要是由于去除眶隔脂肪过多所致，故应掌握好去脂的量，术中如发现脂肪去除过多，可将去除的脂肪部分回植，若术后发生凹陷，可行脂肪充填术予以弥补。眼袋部分存留主要是对多余皮肤和脂肪去除的量过于保守所致。两侧不对称，是因术前两侧眼袋大小不一，而去除的皮肤及脂肪量却相同，或是因术前两侧眼袋大小相同，而去除的量不一致所造成，故术中要仔细观察，进行对照，如发现不对称则予调整纠正。血肿系止血不彻底而引起，球后血肿虽然少见但却是严重的并发症，应予以高度重视。去除眶隔脂肪时止血必须彻底，一旦发生球后血肿应及时再次手术止血。此外，作者还对切口线靠下、睫毛脱落、复视、外眦眼裂变小、感染等并发症的发生原因作了分析，提出防治方法。     

Effects of standard surgical procedures on the patellar blood flow in monkeys

The effects of various surgical dissections on the patellar blood flow were studied in ten monkeys by the use of the hydrogen washout technique. The patellar blood flow was decreased to an average of 65% of the control value after an extensive medial parapatellar arthrotomy. When the infrapatellar fat pad was completely removed following extensive medial arthrotomy, the blood flow further decreased to an average of 49% of the control. When a lateral retinacular release with sacrifice of the lateral superior genicular artery was performed following the medial arthrotomy, the blood flow decreased to an average of 53% of the control. When a lateral release was combined with removal of the fat pad following the main medial arthrotomy, the patellar blood flow showed marked decrease to an average of only 17% of the control. The vascular anatomic study demonstrated that many vessels penetrate from the fat pad into the inferior pole of the patella. It is suggested that the lateral superior genicular artery and/or the fat pad should be carefully preserved to avoid ischemia of the patella during extensive procedures such as total knee arthroplasty.     

A Method of Augmenting the Cheek Area Through SMAS, subSMAS, and Subcutaneous Tissue Recruitment During Facelift Surgery

BACKGROUND: As the human face ages, there is a depletion of fat that occurs in the submalar region. Various techniques such as fat transfers, fillers, alloplastic implants, and composite rhytidectomies have been used to augment this area in the past. OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique that augments the submalar areas during facelift surgery without the use of fat transfer, fillers, alloplastic implants, or a risky composite technique. METHOD: An oval is scribed over the depressed submalar areas preoperatively. During facelift surgery, a fusiform area is scribed over the SMAS. This fusiform is scribed so that the medial end is directed at the center of the submalar depression, and the lateral end is toward the posterior earlobe. A defect is created within the lateral aspect of the fusiform, but not the medial portion. The fusiform is subsequently closed with a 2-0 Ethibond suture using three horizontal mattress sutures and two interrupted sutures. Upon closure of this defect, SMAS, subSMAS, and subcutaneous tissue overlying the SMAS are recruited into the submalar defect by the simple phenomenon of dog-ear formation. Additionally, there is a component of frank elevation of the tissues inferior to the medial aspect of the fusiform and submalar space. RESULTS: The aforementioned technique has been performed on 123 patients over 7 years and has resulted in consistently good improvement in the submalar space. The procedure is not difficult to learn, and good results can be achieved with initial cases. The learning curve was not found to be steep, with good results being achieved quickly. CONCLUSION: Depression of the submalar space plays a significant role in creating an aged face. In the past, various fillers and/or alloplastic implants have been used to augment this region. A low-risk method is described that mobilizes SMAS, subSMAS, and subcutaneous tissues into the submalar space through the phenomenon of dog-ear formation after fusiform closure.     

Innervation of three weight-bearing areas of the foot: an anatomic study and clinical implications.

The aim of this cadaver study is to improve our knowledge on the anatomy of the sensory fibres of the three weight-bearing areas of the plantar region. Previous studies mainly focused on the innervation of the heel but the innervation of the other two weight-bearing areas over the most medial and lateral metatarses have been neglected and are not well known. The study was carried out on 10 feet of five male cadavers. The tibial nerve was dissected down to the fat pads over the heel and the first and fifth metatarsal heads under the microscope. The distances of the branching point of the tibial nerve and origins of the medial and inferior calcaneal nerves to a line drawn from the centre of the medial malleolus to the centre of the calcaneous were all measured. The tibial nerve was divided into two branches called the lateral and medial plantar nerves 23.45 mm proximal to the predefined axis. The medial plantar nerve passed underneath the abductor hallucis muscle and gave two sensory branches to the fat pad over the first metatarsal head. The lateral plantar nerve coursed beneath the abductor hallucis and flexor digitorum brevis muscles and supplied innervation of the fat pad over the fifth metatarsal head. The sensory innervation of the heel was provided by medial calcaneal and inferior calcaneal nerves. The medial calcaneal nerve originated from the tibial nerve 41.89 mm proximal to the axis. It divided into two or three branches innervating the fat pad over the heel. The inferior calcaneal nerve originated from the lateral plantar nerve (70%) or the medial calcaneal nerve (30%) 10.66 mm proximal to the axis. This study describes the sensory fibres to the heel and the previously neglected weight-bearing areas over the first and fifth metatarses. Reconstruction of defects in these areas is very difficult so every attempt should be made to protect the sensory fibres during any surgical procedure.     

下睑缘切口的面中部年轻化手术

目的介绍和评价一种不切眶隔脂肪去除睑袋，同时上提面中部软组织，矫治老年化鼻唇沟的面中部年轻化美容术。方法采用下睑睫毛下皮肤切口，分离眶隔与眼轮匝肌至眶下缘后转入骨膜浅面，继续向下分离1．0～1．5cm，彻底松解固定颊部软组织的结构，向内上、正上方和外上方行3点缝合颧脂肪垫，然后将缝线穿过颊部各层软组织固定到头侧骨膜上。还纳疝出的眶隔脂肪，将眶隔沿眶下缘缝合并固定。适量切除多余的眼轮匝肌和皮肤，缝合创缘。结果自2005年5月至2007年1月，对18例患者行下睑缘切口的面中部年轻化手术。术后随访18例患者3～9个月，睑袋、鼻唇沟及面中部松垂组织均得到明显改善，面部呈不同程度的年轻化改变，且外观自然，效果满意。结论下睑缘切口的面中部年轻化的手术方法，具有术后瘢痕微小、效果较好等优点，值得临床上推广应用。     

Complications of eyelid reconstruction using a semicircular flap

Complications of the semicircular flap technique of eyelid reconstruction include lateral canthal webbing, ectropion, lid notching, symblepharon, and tissue fullness of the lateral lid. These difficulties occur infrequently and rarely cause significant problems. Attention to surgical details, however, can minimize unfavorable results. It should be emphasized that the semicircular flap remains a superb technique for reconstruction of defects involving up to 80% of the lower eyelid.     

Surgical anatomy of the midface as applied to facial rejuvenation

Distinct anatomic structures provide attachments and support for the soft tissues of the central third of the face. Over time, laxity of these structures and descent of the malar fat pad contribute to the characteristic changes seen in the aging face. Mobilization of the midface soft tissues to allow reelevation of the malar fat pad is an effective method of rejuvenating the midface. A focused anatomic dissection of 8 fresh cadaver heads was performed to evaluate 4 soft-tissue structures that control mobilization of the malar fat pad. Specifically, the orbicularis retaining ligaments, the lateral orbital thickening, prezygomatic space, and zygomatic cutaneous ligaments were evaluated. The anatomic relationship of these structures explains the visible effect of aging in the central third of the face. In addition, it correlates with the outcomes of surgical rejuvenation as demonstrated in clinical cases. Effective repositioning of the malar fat pad was found to be reliably obtained by release of the lateral orbital thickening and the orbital retaining ligaments. Suspension of the malar soft tissue is in a cephalad direction after release of these structures recreates a youthful facial architecture. Motor nerve injury is less likely to occur with this technique than with traditional lateral facelift approaches. The conclusion reached is that ptosis of the malar fat pad can be corrected safely and effectively utilizing either the lower lid blepharoplasty approach or temporal prehairline incision. These findings were consistent with clinical data from facial rejuvenation procedures.     

北方汉族女性颧脂肪垫厚度和位置的初步超声测量

目的 探讨应用超声测量端坐位时颧脂肪垫的厚度,并得到脂肪垫的分布,找出青年人和老年人颧脂肪垫的差异,为悬吊颧脂肪垫的年轻化手术提供依据.方法 将24例北方汉族女性按照年龄随机分为3组.用Good-Q型超声机测量颧脂肪垫的厚度,对所得数据进行方差分析.结果 青年组与中年组在脂肪垫分布上没有显著差异.但是老年组在F与3、F与4、E与4、E与5、D与4、D与5、C与5、B与5、A与4、A与5交点和O点比青、中年组厚.结论 老年人面颊外侧脂肪增多,可能造成脂肪向外下方移位,导致出现衰老容貌.     

Granulation Tissue Flap Technique in Extensive Wounds for Covering Exposed Bone After Tumor Excision

BACKGROUND: Second intention partial wound healing followed by skin grafting is a well-established method in dermatosurgery. In wide tumor excision, where periosteum is removed, growth of granulation tissue in the central areas of bare bone can be prolonged. OBJECTIVE: We describe a new technique for a faster, reliable closure of large defects utilizing granulation tissue flaps. METHODS: Postoperative wounds were treated with wet dressings until granulation tissue had developed on the wound edges. The central defects were then covered with lateral granulation tissue flaps. Subsequently split skin grafting was performed. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (37-99 years old) were treated between 1991 and 1999. Skin defects were located primarily on the scalp and forehead, and ranged from 3 to 13 cm in diameter. Wound bed preparation for skin grafting was achieved in all patients. Only minor complications, such as partial granulation flap necrosis in 5 of 38 patients or delayed skin graft healing in 4 of 38 patients, were seen. CONCLUSIONS: This technique for the closure of extensive skin defects is safe and effective.     

Periareolar reduction mammaplasty utilizing the inferior dermal pedicle

The critical points which should not be overlooked when performing reduction mammaplasty are to minimize scar on the breast and to ensure a sufficient blood supply for the viability of the nipple–areolar complex. Periareolar reduction mammaplasty has been widely used because it left only one scar around the areola. However, with the typical periareolar reduction mammaplasty technique, it is difficult to remove a large amount of breast tissue and mobilize the remaining breast tissue. It may result in necrosis of the nipple–areolar complex in some cases. To overcome these limitations we combined the periareolar incision with the inferior dermal pedicle, which has a relatively good blood supply. This new technique was employed in 22 consecutive women (44 breasts) with hypertrophy and a varying degree of ptosis. Infiltration of a tumescent solution and liposuction were performed in all cases. After periareolar incision, dissection of the skin was performed, and the breast was elevated from the fascia of the pectoralis major muscle, leaving the inferior dermal pyramidal pedicle. An adequate amount of tissue was resected in the superior, medial, and lateral areas. After mastopexy, closure was done with a purse-string suture. The amount of tissue resected ranged from 180 to 1510 g per breast, and the mean was 466.1 g. The mean length of elevation of the nipple was 10.6 cm along the meridian of the breast. There were a few complications which needed revision operation: hematoma collection in one breast (2.3%), wound dehiscence in one breast (2.3%), and fat necrosis in one breast (2.3%). There was no necrosis of the nipple–areolar complex. With this new technique of periareolar reduction mammaplasty utilizing the inferior dermal pedicle, we were able to minimize the scar, preserve the nipple–areolar complex, and improve the motility of the breast tissue. But we also observed a flat or square appearance in the case of a large amount of resection in the patients with poor skin elasticity. This technique is safe and versatile and produces aesthetically acceptable results in selected patients.