Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS
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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Sep 2008
The hidden cost of skin scars: quality of life after skin scarring.
Surprisingly little is known about how skin scars affect patients' lives, though specialist clinical impressions suggest their impact is related to both their physical and psychosocial effects. Facial scars have been shown to cause high levels of anxiety and self-consciousness, but further work has been neglected. We aimed to explore the influence of skin scars on patients' quality of life (QoL) and identify potential implications for clinical practice. ⋯ There are five main areas of impact on the needs of scar patients that should be addressed in their management, which are greater and more complex than previously considered. Support services should be made available, along with clinician and public education to improve management and help reduce patient distress. A need for a carefully designed measure of scar-related QoL is also indicated, for use in clinical settings and trials.
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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Jun 2008
Reconstruction of complex chest wall defects by using polypropylene mesh and a pedicled latissimus dorsi flap: a 6-year experience.
Reconstruction of full thickness defects of the chest wall is controversial and presents a complicated treatment scenario for thoracic and reconstructive plastic surgeons. It requires close cooperation between the cardiothoracic and reconstructive surgeons to achieve an optimal outcome and reduce the incidence of complications. ⋯ Chest wall resection and reconstruction with synthetic polypropylene mesh and local muscle flaps can be performed as a safe, effective one-stage surgical procedure for a variety of major chest wall defects.