The anatomical basis for wrinkles

BACKGROUND

Light and electron microscopy have not identified a distinct anatomical structure associated with either skin wrinkles or creases, and a histological difference between wrinkled and adjacent skin has not been identified.

OBJECTIVES

The authors investigate whether facial wrinkles are related to underlying lymphatic vessels and perilymphatic fat.

METHODS

Lymphatic vessels with a specialized tube of perilymphatic fat were identified beneath palmar creases. Sections of skin, adipose tissue, and muscle were harvested from each of 13 cadavers. Three sites were investigated: the transverse forehead crease, lateral orbicularis oculi wrinkle (crow's feet), and the nasojugal crease. The tissue was paraffin embedded and processed. Two-step indirect immunohistochemistry was performed, and images were examined using laser confocal microscopy. Measurements were taken with software.

RESULTS

Every wrinkle examined was found above and within ±1 mm of a major lymphatic vessel and its surrounding tube of adipose tissue. The results satisfied our null hypothesis and were statistically significant. Lymphatic vessels were identified by positive immunofluorescence as well as histological criteria. These findings have been further validated by fluorochrome tracer studies.

CONCLUSIONS

An anatomical basis for wrinkles was identified among the specimens studied. Lymphatic vessels, along with the surrounding distinct perilymphatic fat, traveled directly beneath wrinkles and creases. Lymphatic dysregulation leads to inflammation, scarring, and fibrosis, but inadvertent injection of these vessels can be avoided with anatomical knowledge.

[Peculiarities of tissue reactions to implantation of non-degradable surgical materials]

The method of light microscopy was used to study the reactions of the surrounding tissues to the implantation of non-degradable surgical materials (prolene 3/0 thread made from polypropelene, the composite grid made from polypropelene or polyester with polylactic acid) in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of rats 1, 2, 6 and 12 months after grafting. No less than 6 rats were examined in every time point. It was shown that the tissue reactions to implantation of different non-degradable surgical materials follows the general pattern, characteristic of wound process and foreign body reaction. By the first month of observation in both groups of animals the stage of traumatic perifocal inflammation was replaced by the proliferative phase with the formation of new blood vessel and connective tissue. The tendency to reduction of the activity of productive inflammation was observed from the 1st to the 12th month together with the increased fibrous scar transformation of the granulation tissue.

Glomus tumor of Hoffa's fat pad and its management by arthroscopic excision

We present a rare case of glomus tumor of Hoffa's fat pad in a 42-year-old woman. Magnetic resonance imaging findings along with the characteristic clinical picture led us to suspect a glomus tumor as the possible etiology. An ischemia test was found to be positive and this further substantiated our diagnosis. An arthroscopic excision was performed and the histology confirmed the diagnosis of glomus tumor of Hoffa's fat pad. The patient responded well to the excision with immediate complete resolution of pain and she remains asymptomatic at the last follow-up after 15 months. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of glomus tumor of Hoffa's fat pad and the first ever to be managed by simple arthroscopic excision. The tumor poses a great challenge to an orthopedic surgeon. However, knowledge of its characteristic clinical presentation and the recognition of such a rare entity can help achieve an early diagnosis and timely management.

Multiaxial mechanical properties and constitutive modeling of human adipose tissue: a basis for preoperative simulations in plastic and reconstructive surgery

A preoperative simulation of soft tissue deformations during plastic and reconstructive surgery is desirable to support the surgeon's planning and to improve surgical outcomes. The current development of constitutive adipose tissue models, for the implementation in multilayer computational frameworks for the simulation of human soft tissue deformations, has proved difficult because knowledge of the required mechanical parameters of fat tissue is limited. Therefore, for the first time, human abdominal adipose tissues were mechanically investigated by biaxial tensile and triaxial shear tests. The results of this study suggest that human abdominal adipose tissues under quasi-static and dynamic multiaxial loadings can be characterized as a nonlinear, anisotropic and viscoelastic soft biological material. The nonlinear and anisotropic features are consequences of the material's collagenous microstructure. The aligned collagenous septa observed in histological investigations causes the anisotropy of the tissue. A hyperelastic model used in this study was appropriate to represent the quasi-static multiaxial mechanical behavior of fat tissue. The constitutive parameters are intended to serve as a basis for soft tissue simulations using the finite element method, which is an apparent method for obtaining promising results in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Attenuation and de-focusing during high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy through peri-nephric fat

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is an attractive therapy for kidney cancer, but its efficacy can be limited by heat deposition in the pre-focal tissues, notably in fat around the kidney (peri-nephric fat), the acoustic properties of which have not been well characterized. Measurements of attenuation were made using a modified insertion-loss technique on fresh, unfixed peri-nephric fat obtained from patients undergoing kidney surgery for cancer. The de-focusing effect of changing the position of the fat layers was also investigated using fresh subcutaneous fat from euthanized pigs. The mean attenuation of human peri-nephric fat was found to be 11.9 ± 0.9 Np/m (n = 10) at 0.8 MHz, the frequency typically used for HIFU ablation of kidney tumors, with a frequency dependence of f(1.2). A typical 2- to 4-cm thickness of peri-nephric fat would result in a de-rated intensity of 3% - 62% at 0.8 MHz compared with a hypothetical patient with no peri-nephric fat. Through the use of freshly excised porcine subcutaneous fat, the presence of fat 100 mm in front of the focus was found to have a de-focusing effect of approximately 1 mm in both transverse directions, which corresponds to a full HIFU beam width off-target. Peri-nephric fat may significantly affect both the intensity and accuracy of HIFU fields used for the ablation of kidney cancer.

[Endoscopic transnasal approach for repairing anterior skull base cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and meningoencephalocele: preliminary experience of using fat bath-plug technique]

OBJECTIVE

To summary the preliminary experience of fat bath-plug technique in endoscopic transnasal approach for repairing anterior skull base cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (CSF) and meningoencephalocele.

METHOD

Using fat bath-plug technique repair 1 case meningoencephalocele (traumatic) and 5 cases cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (1 traumatic, 4 spontaneous). The analysis index included: preoperative localization, intraoperative position, surgical procedures, perioperative symptoms, follow-up. etc.

RESULT

CT and MRI techniques were used for location of the fistula preoperative. The location of the fistulas were exploration during the operation and were consist with the imaging studies. All 6 fistulas were repaired during the first operation. No fever and no intracranial infection occurred postoperatively. All the patients discharged 7 days postoperatively with an iodoform nasal packing. Three to 4 weeks later the patients were reviewed to clean up the nasal cavity. All patients were recovered well with good epithelial mucosa in the 3 and 6 months endoscopic follow-ups. No CSF leak and intracranial infection happened in the 3-year telephone follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The fat bath-plug technique in endoscopic transnasal approach for repairing anterior skull base small fistula, especially in cribriform ethmoid roof, is effective, safe and simple.

Madelung's disease: comorbidities, fatty mass distribution, and response to treatment of 22 patients

BACKGROUND

Madelung's disease (MD) is an uncommon pathology characterized by the presence of multiple masses of unencapsulated adipose tissue that is symmetrically distributed. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical and epidemiological features of patients diagnosed with MD in our department. Associated diseases and evolution after treatment were also investigated.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical histories of 22 patients diagnosed with MD from 1990 to 2010 and obtained their epidemiological and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

We found 21 patients with MD type 1 and one patient with MD type 2 according to Enzi's classification. All patients were male, 95.5% with high alcohol intake, and 59.1% with some hepatic disease. No family antecedents were significant; 40.9% had dyslipidemia, 22.7% arterial hypertension, 22.7% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 13.6% hyperuricemia, 9.1% hypothyroidism, 4.5% diabetes mellitus type 2, and 4.5% carbohydrate intolerance; 40.9% had a body mass index>30, and 27.3% presented gynecomastia/lipomastia. The region most frequently affected by fatty deposits was the neck.

CONCLUSIONS

Madelung's disease affects mainly alcoholic males in their fourth decade of life. Hepatic diseases appear in most patients. Also associated with MD are high lipid blood levels, arterial hypertension, COPD, hyperuricemia, and obesity. MD type 1 is the most frequent phenotype and the neck the most common location for fatty masses. Recurrence after surgery, in the same location or different locations, is a frequent event, even in patients who later abstain from alcohol intake.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors at www.springer.com/00266 .

Efficacy of a topical cosmetic slimming treatment for postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial

AIM

The aim of this paper was to evaluate by clinical and non-invasive instrumental evaluations, the efficacy and the tolerance of a cosmetic slimming treatment for menopausal women used topically (for at least 3 years) under dermatological control.

METHODS

A controlled double blind, randomised study was performed to compare the slimming efficacy of the cosmetic slimming treatment versus placebo after 4 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

Cosmetic slimming treatment twice a day for 4 weeks reduced abdomen and hips fat, with no significant variation in body weight in comparison with the placebo.

CONCLUSION

The present study evidenced the clinical effectiveness and women satisfaction of a slimming treatment specifically studies for postmenopausal adipose tissue with potential interesting consequences on measures of quality of life and on health-care programs.

Genome wide analysis in a discordant monozygotic twin with caudal appendage and multiple congenital anomalies

Caudal appendage is a rare dysmorphic feature of which etiologic mechanisms are not well understood. Here we report monozygotic (MZ) twin brothers who are discordant for the caudal appendage and multiple congenital anomalies. Twins were the product of a 33 weeks of gestation, monochorionic-diamniotic pregnancy. On admission the proband had micrognathia, beaked nose, hypospadias, caudal appendage and juxtaductal aorta coarctation. At birth, he was small for gestational age and he had transient hypothyroidism which was detected in the newborn period. Karyotype analysis showed 46,XY. Monozygosity was shown by 15 microsatellite markers plus amelogenin (AmpFlSTR Identifiler PCR Amplification Kit, Applied Biosystems). Genome-wide copy number analysis of the twins by DNA-DNA hybridization of whole genomic DNA (NimbleGen Human CGH 385K WG-T v2.0 array) showed a significant difference at two neighboring probes with Log2 ratio: 0.72088 which are located on chromosome 3p12.3. Further analysis by high resolution of chromosome 3 array (Roche NimbleGen Human HG18 CHR3 FT Median Probe Spacing 475 bp) and quantitative PCR analysis did not confirm the deletion.

The value of the 'buccal pad of fat' in the reconstruction of oral defects following removal of intraoral tumours--a clinical assessment

The buccal pad of fat (BPF) is an important structure found in the orofacial region of humans. It is larger in infants and gradually becomes smaller in adults. We present twenty seven (27) cases with an average age of 60 years, with a variety of pathological lesions in which we have used the BPF to reconstruct the defects following resection of tumours. Twenty (74%) patients were diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinma. The commonest surgical sites were the soft palate and maxilla (46%). A clinical analysis of the value of BPF in reconstruction was made by using assessment criteria, mouth opening, cosmesis, fistula formation, approved by the ethical committee of the Hospital. Our findings show that the BPF is an excellent pedicled graft for the reconstruction of defects up to 10x5.5x1.1 cm in size. The donor site had no morbidity in terms of fuctions including, mouth opening (normal), masticatory movement, deglution, motor / sensory loss and patients were unaffected cosmetically (no temporal hollwing). There was no abnormal finding e.g. fistula, Frey's syndrome, speech and movement of the soft palate was unaffected. Salivary function was not affected (parotid duct). Speech outcomes were normal. We used a pre-surgery constructed blow--down soft or a preformed acrylic plate to support the fat pad in 13 (50%) patients, secured with mini screws. The use of a splint to support and protect the flap allowed early feeding.

The synergy between lasers and adipose tissues surgery in cervicofacial rejuvenation: histopathological aspects

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Nowadays patients want a long-lasting youthful appearance but through a less invasive approach. Our unique approach, "AdipoLASER reJuvenation (ALJ)", involves a variety of less invasive techniques based on simultaneous laser resurfacing, and lipolysis together with adipose tissue graft and redistribution. Recently, we added to this platelet-rich plasma therapy. We conducted a study aiming to emphasize the histopathological changes occurred following these procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2011-2012, we included 50 patients that were preparing for abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) in which we applied ALJ procedures, in two comparative zones of inferior abdomen. Histological examination varied from 10 days to four months, according to the time of the abdominoplasty.

RESULTS

There was a notable histological difference between stimulated and non-stimulated fat graft regarding adipose cells structure and number, neocollagenesis, and dermal matrix remodeling.

CONCLUSIONS

The low level laser therapy effect (LLLT) of the fractional CO2 laser combined with the effect of the growth factors derived from activated platelets (PRP) prolonged the life and improved the take of the facial fat graft, increase collagen formation and lead to a better remodeling of the dermal matrix. This unique surgical combination of all four approaches in our ALJ with additional PRP offers a real less invasive but strongly visible - yet natural result - as an alternative to the classic facelift.

Long-term outcomes of unilateral orbital fat decompression for thyroid eye disease

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes after unilateral orbital fat decompression in patients with thyroid eye disease.

DESIGN

Retrospective, comparative, cross-sectional study

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-three orbits of 33 patients were included in this study. Of the 33 patients, 13 underwent fat decompression (group A), and the other 20 had bony decompression (group B).

METHODS

The medical records of patients who underwent orbital decompression to reduce proptosis for thyroid eye disease were retrospectively reviewed. The degrees of proptosis were measured by Hertel exophthalmometry preoperatively and over a follow-up period of more than 3 years. We evaluated the change in proptosis after surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Postoperative change in exophthalmos.

RESULTS

A recurrence in proptosis from fat decompression was seen in ten patients (76.9 %) in group A and in only two patients (10 %) in group B. The amount of regression due to surgery after 3 years was 2.3 ± 1.4 mm and 0.7 ± 0.9 mm in groups A and B respectively. The tendency of regression was more prominent in group A than in group B.

CONCLUSION

The long-term effect of unilateral orbital fat decompression for the reduction of proptosis in patients with thyroid eye disease may be weak, leading to regression. Care should be taken when determining the extent of fat decompression with consideration for this tendency.

An anatomic basis for volumetric evaluation of the neck

BACKGROUND

A better understanding of volume distribution between the superficial (subcutaneous) and deep (subplatysmal) planes of the neck may be useful when deciding on the best course of management for patients presenting for cervical contouring.

OBJECTIVES

The authors investigate the normal distribution of fat in the superficial and deep planes of the neck in a cadaver model, to determine the proportion of the submandibular gland that contributes to submental fullness.

METHODS

Fat in the superficial and deep neck planes of 29 adult cadavers was dissected and weighed. The submandibular glands were also dissected and the cervical portion of each gland was shaved off, weighed, and compared to the weight of the whole gland.

RESULTS

The mean weight of superficial fat collected from the specimens was 15.0 g in males (n = 14; range, 2.2-35.7 g) and 14.3 g in females (n = 15; range, 1.6-37.3 g); the mean weight of subplatysmal fat was 5.5 g in males (range, 1.3-15.2 g) and 3.7 g in females (range, 0.6-15.1 g). Mean weight was not statistically significantly different between the sexes, nor between the 2 racial/ethnic groups (Caucasian, n = 14; Southeast Asian, n = 15). Approximately 40% of the submandibular gland was found to lie inferior to the lower border of the mandible in the specimens examined. The authors found no anatomical evidence of submandibular gland ptosis, even in the oldest specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the distribution of adipose tissue in the superficial and deep planes of the neck, as well as the contribution of the submandibular glands to submental volume. This objective evaluation of neck volume may help guide clinicians in the surgical planning process and provide a foundation for designing new cervicofacial rejuvenation techniques.

Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction device for body contouring: 97 patients under local anesthesia

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction involves the delivery of a controlled amount of energy to treated tissue resulting in fat liquefaction, accompanying hemostasis, and skin tightening. The purpose of this study is to report experience with a larger sample size using the BodyTite™ radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) platform, and its first use with local tumescent anesthesia. The Bodytite™ device is currently awaiting FDA approval.

METHODS

We prospectively included 97 patients who underwent radiofrequency-assisted liposuction under local anesthesia under IRB approval. We treated 144 anatomical areas in 132 operations and collected the following data: age, sex, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), anatomical area of treatment, operative time, amount of tumescent solution used, amount of fat aspirated, amount of kilojoules (kJ) delivered, and the incidence of infections, seromas, adverse effects from medications, and thermal injuries. Patients were asked to complete an online survey assessing the aesthetic outcome and quality of life after treatment with RFAL-assisted liposuction. Three independent plastic surgeons were asked to evaluate photographs of our 6-month postoperative results in comparison to the preoperative photos.

RESULTS

The average age and BMI of our study population was 37.6 years and 28.2 kg/m2, respectively. The study population was 88% female. The mean amount of lidocaine given per treatment session was 32.7 mg/kg (range=3.8-83.3 mg/kg). The mean amount of tumescent fluid given per anatomical treatment area was 1,575 cc. The average amount of total aspirate across all anatomical treatment areas was 1,050 cc, with an average total aspirate of 1,146 cc per treatment date. The overall incidence of major complications was 6.25% and the incidence of minor complications was 8.3%. Overall patient satisfaction was 82% for the degree of skin tightening and 85% for the body-contouring result with the BodyTite™ device. Three independent plastic surgeons graded the improvement in body contour as good to excellent in 74.5% of patients and the improvement in skin tightening as good to excellent in 58.5% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The BodyTite™ RFAL platform is a safe and effective device for use as an energy-based liposuction technique under local tumescent anesthesia in the awake patient.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors at www.springer.com/00266.

A study to evaluate the action of lipocryolysis

Since ancient times human beings have been conceiving methods that could help reduce the accumulation of undesired fat tissue in their own bodies. Lipocryolysis has already been recognized as an therapy for localized fat reduction by means of a combination of regulated and controlled vacuum and heat extraction therapy. This study was designed to quantify the claimed reduction of local adiposities. For this purpose, 16 treatments were analysed. The data suggested that lipocryolysis is effective for localized reduction of adiposities and that the reduction obtained are measurable.

Posttraumatic dislodgement of the infrapatellar fat pad: an unusual type of superolateral impingement

The authors report a rare case of dislodgement of the infrapatellar fat pad induced by traumatic hyperflexion. Because of the unusual clinical presentation, open excision was performed to exclude a possible tumoral etiology. This entity seems to be an acute form of superolateral fat pad impingement.

[Endoscopic trans-ethmoid medial orbital wall decompression combined with intraconal fat decompression for Graves' ophthalmopathy]

OBJECTIVE

To present a new mini-invasive surgery for compressive optic neuropathy (CON) in Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) by adequately decompressing the orbital apex and correcting proptosis, and to analyze its results.

METHODS

A retrospective chart was reviewed in 29 patients receiving orbital decompression for the treatment of CON secondary to GO from October 2006 to May 2011. All patients diagnosed CON were in stable and inactive phase of GO at least for 6 months. All patients received endoscopic transethmoid medial orbital wall decompression to reduce the compression on the orbital apex. In the meanwhile, an endoscopic transethmoid intraconal fat-removal orbital decompression was performed to remove parts of intraconal fat with a special aspiration/cutting instrument to further reduce the proptosis. All patients were followed up periodically.

RESULTS

of improvement of visual acuity (VA), color vision, and amount of proptosis reduction and incidence of induced diplopia 9 months after surgery was recorded for analysis its feasibility.

RESULTS

Forty-five orbits of 29 patients were included in the study. At the 9 months review, 44 of 45 eyes (97.8%) improved their VA from -0.65±0.30 (x±s) preoperatively to -0.24±0.22, with a mean improvement of 0.55±0.17 (t=-13.012, P<0.001), 23 of 29 eyes (79.3%) had improved color vision (P<0.001), and the mean reduction in proptosis was (7.07±1.59) mm (range 4-11 mm). Postoperative symmetry to within 2 mm were achieved in all patients. Except 1 patient complaining of deterioration in diplopia following surgery, no patients presented new on-set diplopia postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

The endoscopic transethmoid medial orbital wall decompression combined with the endoscopic transethmoid intraconal fat-removal orbital decompression is an effective treatment with minimal morbidity for both visional recovery and improvement of proptosis for CON in GO.

[Upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty : development of aesthetic periocular plastic surgery]

The article describes the indications and techniques for blepharoplasty of the upper and lower eyelids as well as combinations with other eyelid correction techniques. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty may include skin excision with orbital fat modulation as well as ptosis correction and definition of the superior sulcus palpebralis. The main goal of lower lid blepharoplasty is modulation of intraseptal fat and also often the treatment of a lower lid laxity by canthopexy. It is recommended to avoid excessive skin resection in the lower lid. Furthermore techniques to address an ectropium are reviewed and possible complications of blepharoplasty are presented.

A novel technique for repositioning lower eyelid fat via the transoral approach in association with midface lift

Background

Orbital fat repositioning in association with subperiosteal midface elevation has been variably described via both the transconjunctival and skin muscle flap approaches. Poor visualization, middle and posterior lamellar cicatricial fibrosis, technical difficulty, and incomplete release are disadvantages commonly ascribed to the transconjunctival approach. Lower eyelid malposition and retraction also are commonly seen in association with skin muscle flap approaches. A simple technique using the intraoral approach to release the orbital septum and postseptal fat is described in this report. This procedure avoids complications associated with the violation of key lower eyelid anatomic structures and markedly improves visualization through an incision allowing a much larger access.

Methods

A retrospective review of six patients who underwent endoscopically assisted midface elevation in combination with lower eyelid fat repositioning via a transoral approach since 2009 and were followed up for at least 1 year is presented. A pre- and postoperative assessment of tear trough depth, lower eyelid fat herniation, and midface descent is made. Four of the six patients presented also underwent concurrent additional facial rejuvenation procedures including endoscopically assisted brow-lift, genioplasty, structural fat grafting to the nasolabial folds, and lower eyelid “pinch” blepharoplasty. Standard upper buccal sulcus access incisions were used for subperiosteal midface elevation and exposure of the lower orbital septum. Fat redraped over the orbital rim was not secured with fixation sutures as is commonly performed using lower eyelid approaches. Human cadaveric dissection with endoscopic visualization also was performed to demonstrate the reported technique.

Results

During this study, one complication developed for a single patient who experienced a temporary dense right zygomatic and frontal branch nerve palsy lasting 8 weeks. No evidence of lower eyelid malposition, ectropion, entropion, incomplete release, or asymmetry was otherwise encountered. Improvement in tear trough appearance, lower eyelid herniation, and midface descent was noted in all six patients.

Conclusion

A novel approach for lower eyelid fat transposition in combination with midface lift using the intraoral approach is presented. Excellent visualization, decreased operative times, technical ease, and improved outcomes all are potential advantages of this technique over standard approaches in which access to lower eyelid fat is achieved through the conjunctiva or a skin muscle flap.

[Choice of an optimal free graft for replacement urethroplasty in extensive urethral strictures]

Irrespective of the type and properties of a free graft in urethroplasty, survival of the graft depends on blood circulation in the nutrient bed. We made an experimental trial to study engraftment of free grafts of buccal and lingual mucosa on different types of the nutrient bed. Free flaps (78 buccal and 86 lingual mucosa samples) were taken from 52 male Wistar rats (300 to 470 body mass). Grafting was made on different types of nutrient bed - skeletal muscle, subcutaneous fat and penile tunica albuginea. Histological examination of the grafts was made 2, 4, 7 and 14 days after transplantation. The process of engraftment followed all the stages of nonspecific inflammation. The alteration stage (48 hours) is characterized by marked epithelial atrophy, necrosis of most of the cross-striate muscular fibers of the graft, necrotic alterations of the nutrient bed, primarily in the suture area. Excudation and emigration (2-4 days)--by continued necrotic changes with infiltration of the graft with neutrophilic leukocytes, edema of the upper layer stroma and infiltrate extention on the nutrient bed. Proliferation (day 7)--by attenuation of necroinflammatory processes, decline of leukocyte infiltration, formation of blood vessels in the subepithelial base of the graft. Regeneration (day7-14)--by recovery of the epithelial graft layer, development of granulation tissue in the submucosal base. The best engraftment was registered on transplantation on penile tunica albuginea (buccal graft--93.4%, lingual one--88.9%). Successful implantation on the muscle occurred in 90.7% for buccal and 87.9% for lingual grafts. On fat tissue buccal transplant failed in 19, lingua--in 23.89% transplantations. Thus, staging in interaction between different grafts and types of nutrient bed do not depend on characteristics of the bed and graft. Necroinflammatory changes in the buccal graft change for proliferative processes earlier than in the lingual one. Proliferative and regenerative processes develop earlier on penile tunica albuginea. Alteration and exudation are more pronounced on subcutaneous fat.

[Auricular reconstruction and correction of mild hemifacial microsomia with dermal fat graft in one stage]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of auricular reconstruction and correction of mild hemifacial microsomia with dermal fat graft in one stage.

METHODS

28 cases with microtia and grade I and II hemifacial microsomia were treated. The tissue expander was implanted under the skin of mastoid at the first stage. At the second stage, the auricular reconstruction was performed with autologous rib cartilage framework. The remained dermal fat tissue from the donor site was inserted subcutaneously to correct the asymmetric face of microsomia. 20 cases, who underwent auricular reconstruction only, were used as control group.

RESULTS

The facial asymmetry was greatly improved after operation in the 28 cases. The complications happened in 7% (2/28) of the patients, including one case of infection and one case of framework exposure. While it was 5% (1/20) in control group, showing no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The satisfactory rate was 93% (26/28) in one-staged group and 80% (16/20) in control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The dermal fat graft which should be abandoned in the traditional auricular reconstructions could be used to correct mild hemifacial microsomia with satisfactory appearance improvement.