Aesthetic surgery journal
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Aesthetic surgery journal · Feb 2012
Comparative StudyHigh-resolution ultrasound in the detection of silicone gel breast implant shell failure: background, in vitro studies, and early clinical results.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has historically been considered the "gold standard" for imaging silicone gel breast implants and is currently recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration for device surveillance. Recent studies, however, have questioned its accuracy as the best screening test for implant failure. In addition, the high cost of MRI is a significant deterrent to follow-up, especially among asymptomatic patients. Recent advancements in ultrasound technology have led to the development of high-resolution devices with the potential to accurately image breast implants and breast tissues. ⋯ Preliminary results with a variety of base and transducer systems demonstrated that HRUS provides excellent visualization of current fourth- and fifth-generation silicone gel implants both in the in vitro and ex vivo scanning models. In vivo surgeon-performed HRUS accurately identified implant status and correlated with radiologist-performed HRUS, MRI, and surgical findings. An ongoing Phase 4 prospective study is under way to help define the sensitivity and specificity of HRUS technologies in the evaluation of current implant designs. However, the relative affordability, accessibility, availability, and dynamic real-time visualization provided by HRUS represent significant potential advantages of HRUS over MRI in both the screening and future diagnosis of breast implant shell failure.
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Aesthetic surgery journal · Jan 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyThe efficacy and safety of DepoFoam bupivacaine in patients undergoing bilateral, cosmetic, submuscular augmentation mammaplasty: a randomized, double-blind, active-control study.
Breast augmentation can result in significant postsurgical pain. ⋯ DepoFoam bupivacaine trended toward benefit versus bupivacaine HCl on most efficacy measures. Due to early termination, the study was underpowered to achieve statistical significance.
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Aesthetic surgery journal · Jan 2012
Case ReportsBroken heart syndrome: a risk of teenage rhinoplasty.
"Broken heart" syndrome is a rare phenomenon characterized by transient ballooning of the left ventricle and chronic heart failure, usually presenting in postmenopausal women. It is formally known as acute stress-induced cardiomyopathy and, although described in the cardiology literature, it has not been previously described in plastic surgery patients. It is thought to occur secondary to increased catecholamine levels. This case report outlines two instances of the syndrome occurring in teenage girls undergoing cosmetic rhinoplasty.
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"Social media" describes interactive communication through Web-based technologies. It has become an everyday part of modern life, yet there is a lack of research regarding its impact on plastic surgery practice. ⋯ Social media may seem like a new and unique communication tool, but it is important to preserve professionalism and apply traditional Web site-building ethics and principles to these sites. We can expect continued growth in plastic surgeons' utilization of these networks to enhance their practices and possibly to launch direct marketing campaigns.