The oriental aging face: An evaluation of a decade of experience with the triangular SMAS flap technique in facelifting

The triangular SMAS flap technique was developed through a thorough understanding of the morphological and anatomical problems of the aging Oriental face. A unique manipulation of two triangular SMAS flaps—TSF-1 and TSF-2—permits three-directional lifting of the SMAS, which provides supportive and distributive lifting while reducing unwanted tension in the skin. TSF-1 is the excess portion of the main SMAS flap which results from cephalic lifting in the zygomatic area. TSF-2 is created from the excess portion produced by posterior advancement in the preauricular area, and is rotated to the postauricular area. Use of the TSF-1 flap involves complete excision, folding under, or free grafting. The retroauricular TSF-2 flap indirectly achieves platysmal plication. The author evaluates ten years of experience with the triangular SMAS flap technique and describes the entire aspect of the aging face in Orientals.The triangular SMAS flap technique was first presented at the 6th Congress of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Tokyo, Japan, September 28–October 2, 1981     

Role of the TAK1-NLK-STAT3 pathway in TGF-beta-mediated mesoderm induction

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) and Nemo-like kinase (NLK) function in Xenopus, Drosophila, and Caenorhabditis elegans development. Here we report that serine phosphorylation of STAT3 induced by TAK1-NLK cascade is essential fo TGF-beta-mediated mesoderm induction in Xenopus embryo. Depletion of TAK1, NLK, or STAT3 blocks TGF-beta-mediated mesoderm induction. Coexpression of NLK and STAT3 induces mesoderm by a mechanism that requires serine phosphorylation of STAT3. Activin activates NLK, which in turn directly phosphorylates STAT3. Moreover, depletion of either TAK1 or NLK inhibits endogenous serine phosphorylation of STAT3. These results provide the first evidence that TAK1-NLK-STAT3 cascade participates in TGF-beta-mediated mesoderm induction.     

Japanese suction-assisted lipectomy

The author discusses implementation of suction-assisted lipectomy in Japan and describes his experience in coping with the complications of this procedure over the past four years. Included are patient selection, preoperative testing, operative procedure, as well as complications.