Submental surgery. A graduated approach to the aging neck

Adequate aesthetic contouring of the aging neck often presents a difficult surgical challenge to the facial plastic surgeon. The apparent failure of the classic rhytidectomy to achieve acceptable results in the submental region has encouraged previous surgeons to develop surgical techniques specifically addressing this area. Definitive procedures were developed to treat the excess skin, fat, or muscle. Aesthetic results have progressively improved with the introduction of liposuction, judicious muscle rearrangement, and more conservative submental skin violation. This article describes our experience with these concepts and presents a useful classification devised to serve as an operative guide in the management of the aging neck.     

Cervicofacial rhytidectomy after head and neck tumor removal.

OBJECTIVE: To compare intraoperative and postoperative complication rates of cervicofacial rhytidectomy after head and neck tumor removal with complication rates of rhytidectomy in the normal patient population. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review and literature review. METHODS: A sample of 11 patients treated by a single surgeon (D.A.S.) at an academic referral center who met the inclusion criteria was reviewed for previous head and neck surgical history, medical history, and surgical results and subsequent complications of the facial esthetic procedure. These rates were compared with the complication rates for cervicofacial rhytidectomy in normal patients as quoted in the general medical literature. RESULTS: Patients ranged in age from 48 to 75 years (mean age, 58 y). Of the 11, no patient experienced a major complication of rhytidectomy, and two experienced a minor postoperative complication. Both patients had received postoperative radiation for the treatment of their previous tumor, and both noted a small (<1.5 cm) area of wound dehiscence before postoperative day 10, which required no revision and healed without sequelae. No other intraoperative or postoperative complications were found. CONCLUSION: Cervicofacial rhytidectomy may be safely and effectively performed on postoperative patients with head and neck tumors without increased incidence of major complications when compared with patients without a surgical tumor history. The increased incidence of minor wound dehiscence experienced by 2 of the 3 patients who received postoperative radiation in this study may indicate that small areas of skin incision dehiscence are more likely in patients who have been radiated. Surgeons performing rhytidectomy on patients with head and neck tumors who were previously radiated should consider more meticulous subdermal closure to avoid such dehiscence. Patients should be informed of the slightly higher risk of dehiscence before surgery.     

Complications of Rhytidectomy in an Otolaryngology Training Program

Objectives/Hypothesis: Complications of rhytidectomy have been widely reported in the literature. This study examines the incidence of complications after rhytidectomy in the hands of chief residents under appropriate attending supervision in an otolaryngology—head and neck surgery training program. Materials and Methods: The charts of 96 consecutive SMAS rhytidectomy patients were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were selected for surgery from a clinic designed exclusively for cosmetic facial surgery patients. This clinic was run by the otolaryngology chief resident and was supervised by an attending staff surgeon. Most patients elected local anesthesia and sedation administered by the surgical team. Submental liposuction was performed followed by SMAS plication rhytidectomy. Results: Follow-up ranged from 1 to 60 months. Complications included expanding hematoma (1%), temporary facial nerve weakness (3%), pretragal/mastoid skin slough (4.2%), permanent ear numbness (1%), hypertrophic scar (3.1%), wound infection (1%), and dissatisfaction with result (4%). There were no cases of permanent facial nerve injury. Conclusion: These complication rates compare favorably with reported rates of larger studies over the past 30 years. These data support the conclusion that rhytidectomy can be performed safely by otolaryngology residents with little morbidity and good patient satisfaction.     

Cervicomastoidfacial versus modified rhytidectomy incision for benign parotid tumors

The modified rhytidectomy incision is an alternative to the classic cervicomastoidfacial approach for parotid surgery, camouflaging the scar in barely visible areas, resulting in better cosmesis. However, there are very few studies comparing the incidence of complications and functional results of patients submitted to parotidectomy through these two different approaches.ObjectiveCompare the incidence of complications and functional results of patients with benign parotid neoplasms submitted to surgery through the classical incision versus the modified rhytidectomy approach.MethodRetrospective cohort study evaluating the demographics, surgical and post-operative characteristics of an equally distributed group of sixty patients submitted to parotidectomy via cervicomastoidfacial incision or modified rhytidectomy approach.ResultsThere were no significant differences in complications rates and functional results between the groups, except for a lower incidence of early facial movement dysfunction for the modified rhytidectomy approach - which was 86% lower in this group of patients.ConclusionModified rhytidectomy incision has shown comparable complication rates to those of the classic approach and a lower incidence of immediate facial movement impairment.     

Is there an ideal facelift procedure?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The following article provides a review of the major rhytidectomy techniques in practice today. The current literature on facelift techniques generally details surgeons' methods and operative results. A few studies have compared results between methods. This review synthesizes the existing literature, incorporates the authors' experience and analysis, and addresses the considerations that should concern a surgeon in choosing the ideal facelift procedure for each patient. Additionally, operative results and modifications of the leading surgeons in the field are detailed. RECENT FINDINGS: Techniques discussed include the traditional rhytidectomy, deep-plane or composite techniques, limited incision approach (e.g. lateral SMASectomy, S-lift, MACS-lift) and suspension suture lift (e.g. APTOS, Contour Threads). SUMMARY: This article provides surgeons performing facial rejuvenation surgery with a reference for evaluating which surgical techniques to add into their repertoires and a consensus of the experts as to the indications for each procedure, from major operative procedures to techniques that can be performed in the office.     

“Practical suggestions on facial plastic surgery — How i do it” “threading” augmentation for facial wrinkles

For hundreds of years various types of sutures and threads have been placed in the human body by surgeons. The technique of thread augmentation involves the use of colorless absorbable (Vicryl) and non-absorbable (Neurolon) suture material on a long, straight Keith needle tunneled sub-dermally beneath prominent facial wrinkles in an effort to make the deep grooves less severe and to augment atrophic areas about the lips and oral commissures. This may be done as an isolated procedure or as an ancillary procedure at the time of a blepharoplasty or cervicofacial rhytidectomy.     

Coronal approach for rejuvenation of the eyes and forehead

Aesthetic surgeons are using the coronal forehead lift to achieve more consistent and enduring results due to a better understanding of the anatomy, dynamics, and aging process of the forehead. The varied indications for the procedure, such as soft-tissue ptosis and facial wrinkles, are discussed. The surgical technique is described, including the many controversial methods of managing the frontalis muscle. Eyeglasses and precise photography are employed to more objectively evaluate the amount of eyebrow elevation. Very gratifying results have been achieved with only minimal complications. The coronal forehead lift enhances the effects of the standard blepharoplasty and the orbicularis oculi muscle flap suspension techniques, and can be done in conjunction with a facial-cervical rhytidectomy. Presently, this is the procedure of choice in most women for rejuvenating the upper third of the face.     

Innovations in platysma rhytidectomy

Cervical and submental deformities are the major complaints of many patients who have had rhytidectomies. Unfortunately, traditional rhytidectomy techniques have failed to provide satisfactory and lasting results in this region. During recent years, the superficial muscular aponeurotic system has been described and multiple platysma surgical techniques introduced. Our technique emphasizes a youthful cervical and submental region. It involves an anterior submental incision, total surgical excision of the anterior platysma bands, conservative submental lipectomy, routine rhytidectomy dissection, submandibular and mandibular fat contouring, and division and rotation of platysma flaps. This technique has been used for two years on 94 patients. There have been no complications specifically related to this technique.     

Submalar augmentation. An alternative to face-lift surgery

Submalar augmentation is a new approach that effectively deals with many of the problems encountered in midfacial rejuvenation. This study reports the results of 78 patients who were successfully treated over 6 years by submalar augmentation. This procedure consists of inserting newly designed Silastic (silicone rubber) implants over the midface to create the appearance of restoring the vibrant and youthful fullness of the middle third of the face while avoiding distortion of normal facial anatomy. When used alone, it provides an alternative to rhytidectomy in the 38- to 50-year age group. The benefits of submalar augmentation are such that it should be considered a standard part of the surgical approach to facial rejuvenation.     

Versatile use of skin expanders in facial plastic surgery.

Large soft-tissue resection defects of the face and scalp present an arduous technical problem for the facial plastic surgeon. Successfully matching tissue coverage with similar skin color and texture is usually limited by the amount of available local skin. Also, the need to limit distortion of fixed anatomic sites when harvesting local skin must be addressed. With the advent and utilization of soft-tissue expanders, the availability of local skin is increased and anatomic distortions are limited. This article describes the versatile use of skin expansion in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Expansion techniques include long-term expansion for scalp and cervicofacial defects. Acute intraoperative expansion techniques address repair of perioral, labial, and nasal mucosal lining defects. The success, limitations, and complications of these techniques are reviewed.     

Cystic cervicofacial lymphangioma

A review of fifteen new cases of cystic cervicofacial lymphangiomas is presented. While discussing the different localizations of these malformations, the authors emphasize the relationships existing between this type of malformation and both the facial nerve and the vasculonervous axis of the neck. They recommend surgical management. 1-to-10 years' follow-up revealed one case of local recurrence associated with incomplete excision.     

Surgery for cervicofacial nontuberculous mycobacterial adenitis in children: an update.

OBJECTIVE: To assess optimal surgical treatment with excision or curettage techniques in children with cervicofacial nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) adenitis. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Tertiary university-based pediatric referral center. PATIENTS: Patients younger than 18 years diagnosed as having cervicofacial NTM adenitis by positive mycobacterial cultures or stains, or by histopathologic evaluation. INTERVENTIONS: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy for diagnosis, surgical excision and/or curettage of head and neck lesions for treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of procedures per patient, complications, resolution of mass. RESULTS: A total of 32 surgical procedures were performed in 25 children with cervicofacial NTM adenitis (mean, 1.3 procedures per patient; range, 1-3): 19 excisional and 13 curettage procedures. The 14 children who had excision as an initial procedure required no additional surgery. Of 11 children who had curettage as an initial procedure, 6 (55%) required additional procedures. Three of these children had additional surgery as planned staged procedures. Excisional surgery after initial curettage (5 patients) was simplified by initial debridement and secondary healing. No complications of curettage were noted. Transient marginal mandibular nerve weakness was seen in 4 patients who had excision. Fourteen of 16 fine-needle aspiration biopsy specimens were diagnostic for NTM adenitis. CONCLUSIONS: Cervicofacial NTM adenitis can be treated with excision or curettage. Excision remains the treatment of choice because of the high cure rate with a single procedure. We now consider curettage as a staged procedure for lesions in proximity to the facial nerve or with extensive skin necrosis, with initial curettage simplifying subsequent excision and wound closure. Preoperative counseling should include discussion of planned or unplanned revision surgery after curettage. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy allows early diagnosis of NTM adenitis.     

Facial nerve mapping and monitoring in lymphatic malformation surgery

Objective

Establish the efficacy of preoperative facial nerve mapping and continuous intraoperative EMG monitoring in protecting the facial nerve during resection of cervicofacial lymphatic malformations.

Methods

Retrospective study in which patients were clinically followed for at least 6 months postoperatively, and long-term outcome was evaluated. Patient demographics, lesion characteristics (i.e., size, stage, location) were recorded. Operative notes revealed surgical techniques, findings, and complications. Preoperative, short-/long-term postoperative facial nerve function was standardized using the House-Brackmann Classification. Mapping was done prior to incision by percutaneously stimulating the facial nerve and its branches and recording the motor responses. Intraoperative monitoring and mapping were accomplished using a four-channel, free-running EMG. Neurophysiologists continuously monitored EMG responses and blindly analyzed intraoperative findings and final EMG interpretations for abnormalities.

Results

Seven patients collectively underwent 8 lymphatic malformation surgeries. Median age was 30 months (2-105 months). Lymphatic malformation diagnosis was recorded in 6/8 surgeries. Facial nerve function was House-Brackmann grade I in 8/8 cases preoperatively. Facial nerve was abnormally elongated in 1/8 cases. EMG monitoring recorded abnormal activity in 4/8 cases—two suggesting facial nerve irritation, and two with possible facial nerve damage. Transient or long-term facial nerve paresis occurred in 1/8 cases (House-Brackmann grade II).

Conclusions

Preoperative facial nerve mapping combined with continuous intraoperative EMG and mapping is a successful method of identifying the facial nerve course and protecting it from injury during resection of cervicofacial lymphatic malformations involving the facial nerve.     

改良面部除皱切口在腮腺浅叶肿瘤切除术中的应用

目的：评价改良面部除皱切口在腮腺浅叶肿瘤切除术中的应用价值。方法：采用改良面部除皱切口,实施面神经解剖加腮腺浅叶部分（或腮腺浅叶）切除术35例,观察该入路的术野暴露、美观程度及并发症发生率。结果：所有病例术野暴露良好,均完整切除肿瘤。术后面神经下颌缘支暂时性麻痹5例（14．3％）,暂时性耳垂麻木6例（17．1％）,均在1～3个月后缓解;无涎瘘;术后3个月患者平均客观美容满意度评分8．5分,所有患者对术后美容效果满意。随访24～60个月（中位随访期：48个月）,未见肿瘤复发。结论：改良面部除皱切口应用于腮腺浅叶肿瘤切除,术野暴露良好、切口相对隐蔽、术后美容效果良好、无明显并发症,值得临床推广应用。     

Advances in facial reanimation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Facial paralysis often has a significant emotional impact on patients. Along with the myriad of new surgical techniques in managing facial paralysis comes the challenge of selecting the most effective procedure for the patient. This review delineates common surgical techniques and reviews state-of-the-art techniques. RECENT FINDINGS: The options for dynamic reanimation of the paralyzed face must be examined in the context of several patient factors, including age, overall health, and patient desires. The best functional results are obtained with direct facial nerve anastomosis and interpositional nerve grafts. In long-standing facial paralysis, temporalis muscle transfer gives a dependable and quick result. Microvascular free tissue transfer is a reliable technique with reanimation potential whose results continue to improve as microsurgical expertise increases. Postoperative results can be improved with ancillary soft tissue procedures, as well as botulinum toxin. SUMMARY: The paper provides an overview of recent advances in facial reanimation, including preoperative assessment, surgical reconstruction options, and postoperative management.     

Total, subtotal, and partial surgical removal of cervicofacial lymphangiomas.

OBJECTIVES: To compare different surgical interventions for the treatment of extensive cervicofacial lymphangiomas and to define the minimal extent of surgery necessary to control disease. DESIGN: Retrospective study. Mean +/- SD follow-up was 31+/-4 months after surgery. Surgical procedures were grouped as follows: (1) total removal, (2) subtotal removal (all cystic structures removed, small plaques of cyst walls left attached to vital structures), (3) partial removal (major cysts removed, some partially resected cystic structures left in place), and (4) incision and aspiration with subsequent compression bandage. Control of disease was defined as no recurrent or residual tumor or as recurrent or residual tumor less than 10% of initial tumor size without evidence of growth on several postoperative examinations and without clinical symptoms or aesthetic disfigurement. PATIENTS: Twenty-one patients with cervicofacial lymphangiomas (>3 cm in maximum diameter) without thoracic involvement were evaluated. Fifteen patients were 6 years or younger and 6 were older than 6 years. No surgery was yet performed in 3 patients, for a total of 24 surgical interventions in 18 patients. SETTING: Hospitalized care in 2 referral centers. RESULTS: After total removal, disease was controlled in 5 of 5 cases; after subtotal removal, in 8 of 9 cases; after partial removal, in 1 of 7 cases; and after incision and aspiration with subsequent compression bandage, in 0 of 3 cases. Two complications were encountered-1 fully reversible paresis of the marginal branch of the facial nerve and 1 secondary healing. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical removal of cervicofacial lymphangiomas is a safe treatment modality. Disease control can be achieved if all cystic structures are removed. Small plaques of cyst walls attached to vital structures may be left in place. If small cystic extensions of lymphangiomas are only opened and left in place or if lymphangiomas are only drained following compression bandage, symptomatic residual tumor or recurrence is frequent.     

Surgical treatment of cervicofacial cystic hygromas in children

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of cervicofacial cystic hygromas in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of 17 patients who were operated for cervicofacial cystic hygroma between 1985 and 2004 were evaluated in terms of age, gender, symptoms, diagnostic workups, outcomes and complications. RESULTS: There was a slight male predominance -- 10 (59%) boys and 7 (41%) girls. Nine (53%) out of 17 lesions were located on the left side of the neck, 7 (41%) lesions were located on the right side of the neck and 1 lesion (6%) was located in the middle of the neck. Eleven (65%) lesions were located in the infrahyoid region, 6 (35%) lesions in the suprahyoid region. Following surgical excision of the lesion, we encountered 4 postoperative complications: 1 recurrence (6%), 2 facial paralyses (12%) and 1 collection of fluid (6%) at the resection site. The patient who had a recurring lesion needed to be reoperated, other complications were treated conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: Cervicofacial cystic hygromas are easy to diagnose. There is no need for expensive and time-consuming imaging studies. Surgery seems the treatment of choice. However, nonsurgical treatment options may be considered for the lesions located over the parotid region in order to avoid complications of surgery.     

Self-induced subcutaneous facial emphysema in a prisoner: report of a case

Subcutaneous cervicofacial emphysema is a rare condition that results from various causes. Initially it might be misdiagnosed and managed as other clinical entities, such as angioedema. We report a case of self-induced subcutaneous facial emphysema in a prisoner who sought better living conditions by simulating an emergency.     

Surgical Treatment of Facial Paralysis

The management of facial paralysis is one of the most complex areas of reconstructive surgery. Given the wide variety of functional and cosmetic deficits in the facial paralysis patient, the reconstructive surgeon requires a thorough understanding of the surgical techniques available to treat this condition. This review article will focus on surgical management of facial paralysis and the treatment options available for acute facial paralysis (<3 weeks duration), intermediate duration facial paralysis (3 weeks to 2 yr) and chronic facial paralysis (>2 yr). For acute facial paralysis, the main surgical therapies are facial nerve decompression and facial nerve repair. For facial paralysis of intermediate duration, nerve transfer procedures are appropriate. For chronic facial paralysis, treatment typically requires regional or free muscle transfer. Static techniques of facial reanimation can be used for acute, intermediate, or chronic facial paralysis as these techniques are often important adjuncts to the overall management strategy.