Restoration of the Lip Roll with Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex has been used by the author for the past 2 years to enhance the vermillion border of the lips by emphasizing that a natural pocket exists between the skin and the orbicularis muscle all along the white roll where a Gore-Tex implant can be easily placed. The overlying skin is thick providing a good protection of this material, and such a thickness necessitates that this protection is provided. If a complication occurs from its use, then the implant can be easily removed without any damage to the adjacent tissues.     

Presacral Donor Site for Lip Augmentation

For over a century surgeons have been in search of the perfect tissue filler. In recent years lip augmentation has become quite popular. Despite the numerous methods employed to enhance the fullness of lips, autogenous free dermal fat grafting (FDFG) still remains a preferred method. FDFG has been extensively investigated clinically as well as histologically. However, despite its efficacy, FDFG has failed to gain widespread clinical acceptance. One reason has been concern about donor-site morbidity. In this paper, we describe a method of lip augmentation, which utilizes a dermal fat graft from the presacral region. This site is optimal because it has thick skin with minimal hair follicles and leaves a minimal scar.     

Why Is Lip Augmentation with Autologous Fat Injection Less Effective in the Vermilion Border?

Lip augmentation is a well tolerated procedure leading to a more youthful appearance. Augmentation of lips is most frequently performed with autologous tissue, biomaterials, or alloplastic materials. Autologous fat grafting is a simple procedure because of the ease of harvesting and subsequent injection into selected sites. Fat injection is suitable for the bulk of the red lips, but is less effective for the vermilion border [1,2,5,7]. This study was performed to determine why fat injection is less effective for the vermilion border.     

Lip Augmentation with AlloDerm Acellular Allogenic Dermal Graft and Fat Autograft: A Comparison with Autologous Fat Injection Alone

Many surgical options exist for lip augmentation, none of which consistently provide safe, lasting, and predictable volume gains. We describe and evaluate the use of AlloDerm acellular allogenic dermal graft in combination with fat autograft and compare the postoperative results with those of autologous fat injection alone. Analysis of the preoperative and 1- and 3-month postoperative photographs was done using digital imaging software. Outcome measures included vermilion show and horizontal lip projection from the soft tissue pogonion–subnasale plane. A 61% mean increase in vermilion show was observed in lips augmented with AlloDerm/fat injection, in comparison to a mean increase of 13% in lips augmented with fat injection alone. Lip projection demonstrated a mean increase of 1 mm in AlloDerm/fat lips at 3 months. Postoperatively, no evidence of resorption was seen in lips augmented with AlloDerm/fat between the 1- and the 3-month follow-ups, however, a 9% decrease in vermilion show occurred in lips augmented with fat injection over the same period. No complications occurred in either group. We conclude that AlloDerm in conjunction with autologous fat injection constitutes a safe, reliable, and lasting method of lip augmentation providing increased vermilion show compared to that with autologous fat injection alone.     

Augmentation of Shoulder Contour Using a Calf Implant

Sprengel deformity is a rare orthopedic condition that is associated with functional and cosmetic impairment. Results of orthopedic procedures are usually inconsistent and cosmetic results are far from satisfactory in these patients. A silicone-gel-filled calf prosthesis was used to correct the shoulder contour in a patient with Sprengel deformity. Cosmetically the deformity can be restored by using a calf implant for patients in whom orthopedic procedures are not likely to yield a satisfactory outcome.     

Aesthetic Breast Augmentation: The Double Implant

The objectives of the augmentation prostheses are to increase the volume, enhance the shape, and improve the projection of the breast. Since 1962, plastic surgeons have used the silicone gel-filled breast implant created by Cronin and Gerow [6]. The contents of the standard implant have been modified: silicone gel-filled, PVP, dextran, oil, saline hydrogel, etc. The shell of the prostheses had been made with a smooth surface, textured silicone, and polyurethane-covered silicone. The shape has been modified: In 1993, A. Miller patented the stacked breast implant used in breast reconstruction [7]. This contribution tends to improve the projection of the breast. In 1994, the authors [1,3,4] described a new surgical procedure for locating the standard implants named the double pocket technique. Simultaneously, the authors [2–5] modified the shape of the prosthesis creating the double implant prostheses.     

Gluteus Augmentation with Fat Grafting

This study presents the authors' experience with gluteus augmentation with autologus fat grafts and liposuction methods, having recorded the evolution of gluteus reshaping with autologus intramuscular fat graft injections for the past 5 years. Preoperative shape is discussed and patient evaluations, operative techniques, postoperative management, and long-term results are emphasized.     

Lip Reconstruction of Comparatively Large Defect Including the Commissure Using Remaining Lip Tissue: A Modification of Reconstructed Method

We present two reconstructed cases after malignant skin tumor of comparatively large defects of lip including the commissure using remaining lip tissue alone. After resecting a tumor including wedge-shaped full-thickness lip tissue, a full thickness oblique incision is made at the site 5 mm distant from the contralateral commissure. The rhomboid-shaped lower lip flap is created, transposed to the defect, and sutured with the defect margin, including the upper lip, to reconstruct the commissure. The cross lip flap is created at the contralateral side of the lower lip, 5 mm from the commissure, and the defect is closed with the crosslip flap. Although our method is applicable only to selected cases, we believe that it is useful in terms of maintaining symmetry of the lip and function of the commissure in the reconstruction of comparatively large defects including the commissure.     

Late and Long-Standing Capsular Hematoma After Aesthetic Breast Augmentation with a Saline-Filled Silicone Prosthesis: A Case Report

Late capsular hematoma is an extremely rare complication after the implantation of silicone breast prostheses for aesthetic or reconstructive objectives. We present a unique case of late capsular hematoma in an aesthetic breast augmentation with a saline-filled, textured silicone implant, which remained for a year after formation.     

Breast Augmentation as an Incentive in Recovering from Anorexia

In a survey carried out on 229 subjects who had undergone an augmentative mammaplasty it was possible to verify a postoperative increase in weight in 25 cases, four of which were clearly anorexic. We hypothesized that a change in perception of one's body proportions after the insertion of implants, might have been a determinant in blocking the mechanism leading to anorexia, or at least in the continuation of the recovering process. The aim of this article is obviously not to state that augmentative mammaplasty can be a kind of therapy for anorexia. Instead, we want to underline how a more pleasant contour of some body areas can have a role in solving deeper psychological problems.     

Deepithelialized Vertical Rectus Abdominis Flap in Calf Augmentation

This is the first report of a case of aesthetic calf augmentation with microvascular transferred autologous material. The technique regarding to calf augmentation using silicon prostheses is described and the advantages and disadvantages of this method are discussed. This should incite discussion on the use of free-flap technique in aesthetic operations.     

Endoscopic Transaxillary Subglandular Breast Augmentation Using Silicone Gel Textured Implants

We present our experience with endoscopic transaxillary subglandular breast augmentation using textured silicon gel implants. Fourteen implants were placed in seven patients through a 4 cm axillary incision, in a subglandular pocket, with the help of a 10 mm, 30° endoscope with a subcutaneous retractor and endoscopic diathermy. The implant was inserted with the help of a plastic bag. No drains were left in place. The duration of the procedure was 1 h 30 min in the most recent cases. Bleeding during surgery was kept to a minimum, and there were no complications such as capsular contracture, hematoma, or hypertrophic scar. Infection occurred in one implant and it was necessary to extract it. This technique is an excellent tool for patients requiring subglandular implants who prefer a distant incision. It provides good control over dissection and allows the use of silicone gel implants, thus avoiding the risk of deflation. In addition, recovery is faster and there is less bruising and pain.     

Augmentation Rhinoplasty Using an L-Shaped Auricular Cartilage Framework Combined with Dermal Fat Graft for Cleft Lip Nose

We prepared an L-shaped framework using autogenous auricular cartilage and combined this with dermal fat, according to each patient, to graft it in 12 patients with cleft lip nose. Although auricular cartilage is weak on its own, by our method we obtained a strong columella strut and nasal dorsum augmentation at the same time. Dermal fat graft provided camouflage for cartilage irregularities and was useful for increasing the graft volume. Although absorption caused a decreased volume to a certain extent, there were no other complications such as cyst formation, and a natural nasal contour was achieved in all patients.     

Histomorphologic and Volumetric Analysis of Implanted Autologous Preadipocyte Cultures Suspended in Fibrin Glue: A Potential New Source for Tissue Augmentation

Previous efforts to use adipocyte transplants for tissue augmentation have been limited by high and unpredictable resorption rates. Preadipocytes are precursor cells that are capable of replication and differentiation into mature adipocytes. Furthermore, they are more resilient to ischemia, making them a desirable transplant media. Utilizing fibrin glue as a transport vehicle and a prefabricated intramuscular capsule pouch as the recipient site, we have demonstrated the successful transplantation of cultured preadipocytes without the previously presented resorption sequelae. Histological analysis at 2 weeks has demonstrated establishment of vascular supply and the complete resorption of fibrin glue. Most importantly, using planimetric analysis, volume retention has been demonstrated in implanted areas up to 1 year following implantation. Finally, BrdU labeling has been utilized to demonstrate the lack of increased and uncontrolled replication rate, an index of potentially tumorigenic tissue. In conclusion, we have demonstrated a potentially new and safe source of tissue augmentation in the rat model.     

Augmentation with a Gore-Tex patch for repair of large rotator cuff tears that cannot be sutured

 The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of augmentation with a Gore-Tex patch in reconstruction of rotator cuff tears that cannot be repaired by direct suture. Twenty-eight shoulders of 27 patients underwent this procedure. The average age at surgery was 62 years, the average duration of symptoms before surgery was 16 months, and the average follow-up period was 44 months. The shoulders were classified into two groups according to patch size (anteroposterior dimension up to 2 cm or greater than 2 cm). The clinical outcome was evaluated by using the shoulder surgery classification system issued by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA score), and the postoperative isometric abduction strength at 90° of abduction was assessed by the method of Constant. The average total JOA score improved from 57.7 to 88.7 points, a statistically significant change. There was no difference in the improvement in score between shoulders treated with small patches (12 shoulders) and those treated with large patches (16 shoulders). The average abduction strength was 6.2 kg in the small-patch group and 1.5 kg in the large-patch group, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups. Good clinical results, especially pain relief, could be achieved with this procedure in both the small- and the large-patch groups, but good abduction strength was obtained only in the small-patch group. The mechanism of the improvement by this procedure is still controversial. Received: December 18, 2001 / Accepted: March 15, 2002     

Late Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection Following Breast Augmentation: Case Report

A case is reported of late infection in a breast implant, in a 35-year-old female who underwent breast augmentation with a double-lumen silicone prosthesis combined with abdominoplasty. After 8 uneventful postoperative months, untoward and poorly defined symptoms occurred and further exploratory surgery became necessary. Due to a subacute inflammatory process in the entire pocket of the left breast, the implants were removed. Culture demonstrated Klebsiella pneumoniae. After complete healing, a pair of texturized moderate profile implants was placed above the muscle through an areolar access. The clinical history and management of this unusual case are described.     

Technique for Correction of the Retracted Columella, Acute Columellar-Labial Angle, and Long Upper Lip

The excess tissue from upper lip vertical length reduction provides bulk for opening the columella–labial angle and increasing the visibility of the columella and upper lip vermillion. Decorticated centrally based transverse flaps from the lip and nostril floor, when transposed into a columellar pocket, correct commonly combined degenerative or developmental deformities. The technique delivers premaxilla, columella, and columella–labial angle mass, which simultaneously corrects the retracted columella, opens the columella-labial angle, shortens the upper lip length, and enhances vermillion visibility.     

Virtual Changes of the Shape of the Lips

Many of the unsatisfactory results in cosmetic surgery are due not to the technique employed itself but to the virtual changes that our work has imposed in other areas. These changes are especially evident in the face, due to the small dimensions of its organs. The surgeon should do a thorough evaluation of the area to be treated prior to the surgery and make her/him notice not only the usual existing asymmetries, but also the modifications which probably will be noticed in the neighboring parts after surgery, to avoid later problems. The surgeon will discover then the many irregularities a patient may have, which have not been noticed by the patient before. These, if not detected in time, are weapons that may act as a boomerang against the surgeon later.