Aesthetic plastic surgery
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The techniques of additive mastoplasty described over the years require the use of alloplastic materials (silicon), which often are poorly tolerated by the body and need access paths that could leave visible, unaesthetic residual scars. Furthermore, the controversy over silicone gel-filled breast implants, which in the early 1990s restricted their clinical use for primary cosmetic breast augmentation, still raises concerns in some patients. The authors therefore felt encouraged to search for alternatives to breast implants and reconsider fat transfer. ⋯ The findings show that adipose tissue has the same potential for growth of adult mesenchymal totipotential stem cells of bone marrow and can eventually be differentiated easily by the use of specific growing factors and according to the needs and applications in other cellular lines (osteogenic, chondrogenic, myogenic, epithelial). In summary, the authors wish to highlight a formerly controversial procedure that, thanks to recent technical and clinical progress, has become a safe and viable alternative to the use of alloplastic materials for breast augmentation for all cases in which additive mastoplasty with implants is either unsuitable or unacceptable by the patient herself. However this method cannot be considered yet as a complete substitute for augmentation with implants because the degree of augmentation and projection still is limited.
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Aesthetic plastic surgery · Jan 2008
ReviewEvolution of silicone therapy and mechanism of action in scar management.
Silicone-based products are widely used in the management of hypertrophic scarring and keloids. This review discusses the range of products available and the clinical evidence of their efficacy in preventing excessive scarring and improving established scars. ⋯ Results from clinical trials and clinical experience suggest that silicone gel is equivalent in efficacy to traditional silicone gel sheeting but easier to use. The mechanism of action of silicone therapy has not been completely determined but is likely to involve occlusion and hydration of the stratum corneum with subsequent cytokine-mediated signaling from keratinocytes to dermal fibroblasts.
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Aesthetic plastic surgery · Jan 2008
Alternative techniques in reconstructive surgery: bone-anchored extraoral implants for burn cases.
The authors present their experience with the use of extraoral implants for reconstruction of the ear area after burns. The first step of the protocol includes positioning of implants in the mastoid process. The second step, after 3 to 4 months, is to realize the auricle prosthesis and apply it. Extraoral, bone-integrated implants offer low surgical risks and few postsurgical complications, leading to optimal aesthetic results, mainly in the ear area. Compared with traditional surgery techniques, the aesthetic results are better, with less surgery, possibly only two surgery sessions. Adhesive prostheses can be placed without the usual local irritation, and a more correct positioning can be obtained. ⋯ The authors believe that bone-anchored implants for the treatment of auricle burns is a valid and brilliant technique that complements traditional reconstructive procedures. The advantages are the low incidence of long-term complications and the possibility of obtaining excellent aesthetic lasting results even for very complicated cases that would not have been solved in the past.
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Aesthetic plastic surgery · Jan 2008
Case ReportsComplications from repeated injection or puncture of old polyacrylamide gel implant sites: case reports.
Polyacrylamide gel has been used for soft tissue augmentation outside the United States since 1997. Despite some adverse events, the long duration of the augmentation and the tangible filling effect has increased its use in Asia and the Middle East. In this era of mesotherapy and fillers, patients are more likely than ever to have additional injections. ⋯ Puncture of the implant violates the tissue-implant barrier and induces inflammation or introduces bacteria that are not detectable in culture but may contribute to inflammation in the presence of the filler material. Further research is needed to assess the inflammation observed with repeated puncture of old polyacrylamide gel implants and its implications. In the meantime, patients should be warned about the possibility of inflammation in the case of puncture or surgery to the implant site, even years after the polyacrylamide gel injection.
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Aesthetic plastic surgery · Nov 2007
Day case breast augmentation under paravertebral blockade: a prospective study of 100 consecutive patients.
An increasing trend toward day surgery management requires plastic surgeons not only to be cognizant of block techniques, but also to assess their safety and efficacy objectively. Paravertebral block offers benefits by enhancing surgical anesthesia and postoperative analgesia. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of paravertebral block for day patients undergoing submuscular breast augmentation. The primary outcome measure was the rate of block failure. The secondary outcome measures included recovery room stay, pain management, and block complications. On the basis of a literature review and audit results, the study objective also aimed to propose safe guidelines for ambulatory paravertebral block patients undergoing breast surgery. ⋯ The study findings suggest that paravertebral block is a safe and effective technique for day case submuscular breast augmentation.