Smoking and plastic surgery, part II. Clinical implications: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Superior Pedicle Breast Reduction: Multivariate Analysis of Complication Risk Factors and Building a Predictive Score in 1306 Patients

BACKGROUND

Breast reduction surgery for hypertrophy is one of the most commonly performed procedures in plastic surgery. This surgery exposes patients to complications that are well-documented in the literature. The objective of this study is to identify risk factors to establish an estimate of the risk of developing complications. The authors propose the first predictive score of postoperative complications, including continuous preoperative variables such as body mass index (BMI) and suprasternal notch-to-nipple distance (SSN:N).

METHODS

An analytic observational retrospective cohort study was conducted including 1306 patients who underwent superior pedicle reduction mammaplasty at the Rennes University Hospital (France) between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2016. The primary endpoint was to study the association between known preoperative risk factors and occurrence of any complications using multivariable logistic regression to identify independent risk factors. A secondary endpoint was to establish a score to estimate a probability of occurrence of complications.

RESULTS

A total of 1306 patients were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression showed three independent risk factors: active smoking [OR, 6.10 (95% CI: 4.23, 8.78); P < 0.0001], BMI [OR, 1.16 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.22); P < 0.0001], and SSN:N [OR, 1.14 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.21); P < 0.0001]. The Rennes Plastic Surgery Score estimating the occurrence of postoperative complications was determined, integrating regression coefficients of each risk factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Active smoking, BMI, and SSN:N distance are independent preoperative risk factors for the occurrence of breast reduction complications. The Rennes Plastic Surgery Score including the continuous values of BMI and SSN:N allows us to provide our patients with a reliable estimation of the risk of occurrence of these complications.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Risk, III.

A Procedure and Complication-Specific Assessment of Smoking in Aesthetic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The popularity of aesthetic surgery is on the rise, as is patients' expectations towards excellent surgical results. In order to meet these expectations, risk factors that hinder desired outcomes, such as smoking, need to be identified and addressed. To that end, the present study summarizes an updated systematic review focused on the effects of smoking on cosmetic surgical procedures and outcomes. Methods: A systematic review of studies comparing aesthetic surgical outcomes by procedure, between tobacco smokers and non-smokers was carried out, querying PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane databases. Data regarding surgical outcomes were extracted and meta-analyzed by a random effects model in conjunction with the Mantel-Haenszel statistical method. Results: Eighty-two studies were included in the final synthesis. Abdominoplasty/panniculectomy (n = 19 cohorts) and breast reduction (n = 27 cohorts) were the most common types of procedures included in this review. Other than mastopexy and rhinoplasty, smoking conferred a statistically significant increased risk of overall complications for all studied aesthetic procedures. Conclusions: The data demonstrates that smoking is a clear risk factor for the vast majority of aesthetic plastic surgeries studied. Although our meta-analysis suggests that smoking is not a risk factor for complications in mastopexies and rhinoplasties, these two specific analyses may have been biased, and should therefore be re-evaluated with future additional evidence. The results of this systematic review confirm the importance of smoking cessation and education relative to the outcomes of common cosmetic surgical procedures.

Socket outcomes following enucleation for uveal melanoma: post enucleation socket syndrome can be challenging

PURPOSE

To evaluate socket outcomes of enucleation for uveal melanoma.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective chart review conducted in December 2022 of all patients who underwent enucleation surgery for uveal melanoma between 2010 and 2015 in the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, to evaluate socket outcomes including completion of revision surgery, type of surgery, and completion of multiple revision surgeries, and potential associations.

RESULTS

Between June 2010 and December 2015, 72 patients underwent enucleation for uveal melanoma in the ocular oncology service, including 25 females and 47 males, mean age 65, range 11-91 years old. There were 68 primary enucleations and 4 secondary enucleations. Complete follow-up data was available for mean 4 years, range 1-11 years. Fourteen patients underwent further surgery, including one exenteration for local recurrence. Oculoplastic surgery (n = 6, 8%), implant exposure repair (n = 3, 6%), and orbit volume expanding surgery (n = 4, 6%) were also performed. Eight patients (11%) underwent one further surgery and five patients (7%) underwent a series of procedures. There was a significant association with younger age at enucleation (age <65) with undergoing further surgery (p = 0.03, Fisher's Exact Test (FET)), and also an association of younger age with undergoing multiple further surgeries (p = 0.02, FET). There was no association found with other predictor variables, including primary versus secondary enucleation status. Most patients (75%) with PESS underwent more than one surgery.

CONCLUSION

Post enucleation surgery 82% of patients did not undergo further surgery, but younger patients were more likely to undergo anophthalmic socket revision or oculoplastic surgery. Management of post enucleation socket syndrome was challenging and usually involved a series of procedures.

Outcomes of Local Versus Free Flaps for Reconstruction of the Proximal One-Third of the Leg

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction of the proximal one-third of the leg often requires soft tissue transfer to facilitate limb salvage. Tissue transfers are usually local or free flaps depending on wound dimensions, location, and surgeon preference. Historically, the proximal third of the leg was covered with pedicle flaps, but recently, we have used more free flaps in this position. Using data from a level 1 trauma center, we sought to evaluate outcomes of surgical management of proximal-third leg reconstruction across local and free flaps.

METHODS

This is an institutional review board-approved, retrospective chart review undertaken at LAC + USC Medical Center from 2007 to 2021. Patient history, demographics, flap characteristics, Gustilo-Anderson fracture classification, and outcomes were collected and analyzed in an internal database. Outcomes of interest included flap failure rates, postoperative complications, and long-term ambulatory status.

RESULTS

Among 394 lower extremity flaps placed, 122 flaps involved the proximal-third leg across 102 patients. Average age of patients was 42.8 ± 15.2 years; of note, the free flap cohort was significantly younger than the local flap cohort (P = 0.019). Ten local flaps suffered from infectious complications: osteomyelitis (n = 6) and hardware infection (n = 4), versus only 1 free flap that suffered from hardware infection; notably, these differences were not significant across cohorts. Free flaps had significantly more flap revisions (13.3%; P = 0.039) and overall flap complications (20.0%; P = 0.031) compared with local flaps; however, partial flap necrosis (4.9%) and flap loss (3.3%) were not significantly different across cohorts. Overall flap survival was 96.7%, and full ambulation was achieved in 42.2% of patients without significant differences across cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Our evaluation of proximal-third leg wounds demonstrates fewer infectious outcomes with free flaps compared with local flaps. There are multiple confounding variables; however, this finding may speak to the reliability of a robust free flap. Overall, there was no significant difference in patient comorbidities across flap cohorts with great overall flap survival. Ultimately, flap selection did not affect rates of flap necrosis, flap loss, or final ambulatory status.

Pulmonary prehabilitation and smoking cessation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to summarize the current literature on pulmonary prehabilitation programs, their effects on postoperative pulmonary complications, and the financial implications of implementing these programs. Additionally, this review has discussed the current trends in pulmonary prehabilitation programs, techniques for improving rates of perioperative smoking cessation, and the optimal timing of these interventions.

RECENT FINDINGS

Prehabilitation is a series of personalized multimodal interventions tailored to individual needs, including lifestyle and behavioral measures. Pulmonary prehabilitation has shown to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs).

SUMMARY

The implications of clinical practice and research findings regarding PPCs are an increased burden of postoperative complications and financial cost to both patients and hospital systems. There is convincing evidence that pulmonary prehabilitation based on endurance training should be started 8-12 weeks prior to major surgery; however, similar rates of improved postoperative outcomes are observed with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for 1-2 weeks. This shorter interval of prehabilitation may be more appropriate for patients awaiting thoracic surgery, especially for cancer resection. Additionally, costs associated with creating and maintaining a prehabilitation program are mitigated by shortened lengths of stay and reduced PPCs. Please see Video Abstract, http://links.lww.com/COAN/A90.

[Complications and quality of life after bodylift: About 143 patients]

INTRODUCTION

The rise of bariatric surgery has led to a considerable increase in the demand for weight loss surgery. The lower body lift consists of removing the residual abdominal fat and skin excess and re-tensioning the surfaces. The objective of our study was to evaluate the associated complications, as well as the consequences of this surgery on the quality of life of the patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective monocentric study was conducted in patients operated on for lower body lift between 2010 and 2019 at the University Hospital of Besançon. We collected postoperative complications and studied the satisfaction and quality of life of the operated patients using the Body-QoL and SF-36 questionnaires.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-three patients were included with a mean age of 41.2 years. The mean body mass index was 26.6kg/m² with a mean weight of 73.8kg and a mean weight loss of 54.4kg. Forty-one patients (29.7%) had at least one complication. Most complications were minor, with 16.8% of scar disunions, and 7% of complications were major, requiring revision surgery. Ninety-three patients (65%) responded to the satisfaction questionnaires with improvement mostly in physical symptoms and social life.

CONCLUSION

The lower body lift is an effective, safe procedure with mostly minor complications that do not influence quality of life. Patient satisfaction is high, and it is therefore justified to continue offering this procedure to correct the sequelae of massive weight loss.

Do Abdominal Binders Prevent Seroma Formation and Recurrent Diastasis Following Abdominoplasty?

BACKGROUND

For decades, the postoperative wearing of abdominal binders has been suggested to reduce dead space and prevent mobilization of the musculoaponeurotic layer in an attempt to decrease the risk of seroma formation and recurrent diastasis.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate whether the postoperative wearing of an abdominal binder provides any additional contribution to the reduction of either seroma formation or recurrent diastasis recti when abdominoplasty is performed with quilting sutures.

METHODS

Thirty-four women undergoing abdominoplasty were randomized into 2 groups: the binder group (n = 16) wore abdominal binders during the postoperative period, whereas the control group (n = 18) did not. Ultrasound examination was performed on postoperative days 7 and 14 to assess seroma formation and at 6 months postoperatively to assess recurrence of diastasis recti. A t test for independent samples was applied to compare means between 2 numeric variables. Generalized estimation equation models were used to evaluate seroma volume at different time points for the 2 groups.

RESULTS

No significant differences in seroma volume were found between groups on postoperative days 7 (P = 0.830) and 14 (P = 0.882). Seven cases of subclinical recurrent diastasis were observed by ultrasound examination in the supraumbilical (4 cases) and infraumbilical regions (3 cases), but without significant differences (P = 1.000) between the 2 groups. Recurrent diastasis was not detected during physical examinations.

CONCLUSIONS

The postoperative wearing of abdominal binders was not effective in preventing either seroma formation or recurrent diastasis following abdominoplasty with quilting sutures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2

Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8

Background: Transgender healthcare is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field. In the last decade, there has been an unprecedented increase in the number and visibility of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people seeking support and gender-affirming medical treatment in parallel with a significant rise in the scientific literature in this area. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is an international, multidisciplinary, professional association whose mission is to promote evidence-based care, education, research, public policy, and respect in transgender health. One of the main functions of WPATH is to promote the highest standards of health care for TGD people through the Standards of Care (SOC). The SOC was initially developed in 1979 and the last version (SOC-7) was published in 2012. In view of the increasing scientific evidence, WPATH commissioned a new version of the Standards of Care, the SOC-8. Aim: The overall goal of SOC-8 is to provide health care professionals (HCPs) with clinical guidance to assist TGD people in accessing safe and effective pathways to achieving lasting personal comfort with their gendered selves with the aim of optimizing their overall physical health, psychological well-being, and self-fulfillment. Methods: The SOC-8 is based on the best available science and expert professional consensus in transgender health. International professionals and stakeholders were selected to serve on the SOC-8 committee. Recommendation statements were developed based on data derived from independent systematic literature reviews, where available, background reviews and expert opinions. Grading of recommendations was based on the available evidence supporting interventions, a discussion of risks and harms, as well as the feasibility and acceptability within different contexts and country settings. Results: A total of 18 chapters were developed as part of the SOC-8. They contain recommendations for health care professionals who provide care and treatment for TGD people. Each of the recommendations is followed by explanatory text with relevant references. General areas related to transgender health are covered in the chapters Terminology, Global Applicability, Population Estimates, and Education. The chapters developed for the diverse population of TGD people include Assessment of Adults, Adolescents, Children, Nonbinary, Eunuchs, and Intersex Individuals, and people living in Institutional Environments. Finally, the chapters related to gender-affirming treatment are Hormone Therapy, Surgery and Postoperative Care, Voice and Communication, Primary Care, Reproductive Health, Sexual Health, and Mental Health. Conclusions: The SOC-8 guidelines are intended to be flexible to meet the diverse health care needs of TGD people globally. While adaptable, they offer standards for promoting optimal health care and guidance for the treatment of people experiencing gender incongruence. As in all previous versions of the SOC, the criteria set forth in this document for gender-affirming medical interventions are clinical guidelines; individual health care professionals and programs may modify these in consultation with the TGD person.

Factors associated with complications after resection of soft tissue sarcomas of the groin

INTRODUCTION

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare malignant tumors that require regimented treatment at designated cancer centers. The surgical care of groin tumors is difficult because of frequent local complications. Few studies have been done on prognostic factors and complications. This led us to conduct a retrospective study to: (1) identify factors associated with local postoperative complications during the surgical care of primary groin STS; (2) identify the factors associated with delayed adjuvant radiation therapy; (3) define the optimal surgical treatment strategy to allow adjuvant treatments to start as early as possible, if applicable.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesized that certain patients presenting with an STS of the groin or inguinal area are at higher risk of complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective single-center study included all the patients admitted to our referral sarcoma center between 1995 and 2016 for the resection of a primary STS of the groin. Major complications were defined as surgical revision, an invasive procedure, or prolonged dressing use.

RESULTS

Of the 55 included patients, 13 suffered major complications (24%) of which 10 were surgical revisions, two were repeated aspirations and one was prolonged dressing use. Among the 10 surgical revisions, there were two pedicled salvage flaps. The patients who suffered major complications were significantly more likely to be smokers than the patients who did not have major complications (31% vs 2% (p=0.002)). Obesity and surgical bone exposure were most often associated with complications but not significantly (23% vs 5%, p=0.053 and 38% vs 14% (p=0.057), respectively). Of the 39 patients (71%) who needed postoperative radiation therapy, 5 patients (13%) had it delayed, and 3 patients (8%) did not receive any at all due to major complications.

CONCLUSION

In our study, smoking was associated with the occurrence of major complications after groin STS resection and there was a strong trend for obesity and surgical bone exposure. Major complications were associated with a delay in starting postoperative radiation therapy. Thus, we recommend flap coverage after tumor resection in patients who have factors known to contribute to complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, Retrospective study.

The Effect of Quilting Sutures on the Tension Required to Advance the Abdominal Flap in Abdominoplasty

BACKGROUND

Quilting sutures attaching the abdominal flap to the aponeurosis contribute to the prevention of seroma formation following abdominoplasty. The sutures distribute the tension over the subcutaneous tissue along the flap length, theoretically decreasing tension at the distal (cutaneous) end of the flap. This is expected to reduce the risks of necrosis, dehiscence, and enlarged or hypertrophic scars.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to verify whether quilting sutures decrease the tension required to advance the dermal-fat flap in abdominoplasty.

METHODS

Thirty-four women undergoing abdominoplasty with quilting sutures participated in the study. The tensile force required for flap advancement was measured with a digital force gauge before and after placement of quilting sutures and then compared. Differences in tensile force were tested for correlations with BMI, age, weight of flap tissue removed, number of previous pregnancies, and postoperative complications, including seroma formation, hematoma, necrosis, dehiscence, and enlarged or hypertrophic scars.

RESULTS

A mean reduction in tension of 27.7% was observed at the skin suture after the placement of quilting sutures (P < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between reduced flap tension and BMI, age, weight of tissue removed, or number of births. One case of seroma formation and 2 cases of enlarged scars were observed, but no case of hematoma, necrosis, or wound dehiscence was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of quilting sutures to attach the abdominal flap to the aponeurosis of the anterior abdominal wall reduced tension at the advancing edge of the flap in abdominoplasty.

"Outcomes of Local versus Free Flaps for Lower Extremity Trauma"

BACKGROUND

Lower extremity reconstruction often requires soft tissue transfer for limb salvage. Flaps are allocated based on injury size, location, and shape coupled with surgeon expertise. Ideally, vascularized tissue should have similar outcomes across local and free tissue transfers. By evaluating outcomes from a Level 1 trauma center, we aim to provide recommendations regarding surgical management of leg reconstruction with respect to local versus free flap implementation.

METHODS

This retrospective review evaluated patient medical history, demographics, flap characteristics, and outcomes from LAC + USC between 2007-2021 using an internal database. Outcomes included failure rates, complications, and ambulation.

RESULTS

357 lower extremity flaps were placed on 322 patients; 187 (52.4%) were local and 170 (47.6.%) were free flaps. Twenty-one (11.2%) local flaps suffered significantly more postoperative hardware infections and/or osteomyelitis compared to nine (5.3%) free flaps. Eleven (5.9%) local flaps developed partial necrosis, four requiring revision; 12 (6.4%) total local flaps required revision. Comparatively, sixteen (9.4%) free flaps developed partial necrosis, seven requiring revision; 18 (10.6%) total free flaps required revision. Flap survival was 96.3% for local versus 93.5% for free flaps. Percentage of fully ambulatory patients and time to final ambulation was not significant across cohorts.

DISCUSSION

Local flaps may portent higher risk for infection; though the cause is not clear, the results may be confounded by comorbidities. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in flap survival or number of fully ambulatory patients across cohorts. Future studies should evaluate aesthetic results and patient satisfaction across flap types.

Lipo-Bodylift Reconstruction Following Massive Weight Loss: Our Experience with 100 Consecutive Cases

BACKGROUND

We report our experience using the Lipo-Bodylift technique for circumferential lower trunk reconstruction following massive weight loss.

METHODS

The procedure combines extensive circular liposuction with circular skin resection immediately under the dermis. We classify lower trunk deformities using three parameters: (1) excess skin (in the horizontal direction, or both horizontally and vertically); (2) the body mass index (BMI); and, (3) skin quality (hyperlaxity or a normal tone). All patients can be divided into four groups, of whom groups I and II are the best candidates for the Lipo-Bodylift procedure. We also describe our perioperative management and patient outcomes, with a focus on postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Between January 2015 and January 2020, 100 patients underwent Lipo-Bodylift treatment. The median patient age was 41 years. The median preoperative BMI was 26.3 kg/m². The median drainage duration and hospital stay were both 3 days. Of all patients, 30% experienced at least one complication, 2% of which were major. Of the minor complications, 27 patients evidenced wound dehiscence. Only (positive) smoking status was significantly associated with postoperative complications (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

We developed the Lipo-Bodylift technique after analyzing changes in the skin and subcutaneous fat after massive weight loss. The technique completes the arsenal of body contouring techniques, appears to be less invasive than the undermining that is usually performed during circumferential reconstruction of the lower trunk, and is associated with a lower rate of major complications.

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 Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of risks and benefits with breast reduction in the public healthcare system: priorities for further research

Background

There is no consensus for when publicly funded breast reduction is indicated and recommendations in guidelines vary greatly, indicating a lack of evidence and unequal access. The primary aim of this review was to examine risks and benefits of breast reduction to treat breast hypertrophy. Secondary aims were to examine how the studies defined breast hypertrophy and indications for a breast reduction.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE All, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and PsycInfo. The included articles were critically appraised, and certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Meta-analyses were performed when possible.

Results

Fifteen articles were included; eight reporting findings from four randomised controlled trials, three non-randomised controlled studies, three case series, and one qualitative study. Most studies had serious study limitations and problems with directness. Few of the studies defined breast hypertrophy. The studies showed significantly improved health-related quality of life and sexuality-related outcomes in patients who had undergone breast reduction compared with controls, as well as reduced depressive symptoms, levels of anxiety and pain. Most effect sizes exceeded the reported minimal important difference for the scale. Certainty of evidence for the outcomes above is low (GRADE ⊕ ⊕). Although four studies reported significantly improved physical function, the effect is uncertain (very low certainty of evidence, GRADE ⊕). None of the included studies reported data regarding work ability or sick leave. Three case series reported a 30-day mortality of zero. Reported major complications after breast reduction ranged from 2.4 to 14% and minor complications from 2.4 to 69%.

Conclusion

There is a lack of high-quality studies evaluating the results of breast reduction. A breast reduction may have positive psychological and physical effects for women, but it is unclear which women benefit the most and which women should be offered a breast reduction in the public healthcare system. Several priorities for further research have been identified.

Pre-registration

The study is based on a Health Technology Assessment report, pre-registered and then published on the website of The Regional HTA Centre of Region Västra Götaland, Sweden.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12893-021-01336-7.

[Complications of head and neck expansion: Acting on modifiable factors. A study of 98 prothesis]

BACKGROUND

Tissue expansion is a key tool in the therapeutic arsenal that is proposed for repairing soft tissue losses of the head and neck. This technique, however interesting it may be, is not without its risks. The aim of this work is to identify the different steps of this procedure, determine the complications risk factors inherent to each step of the expansion and propose recommendations to improve functional and aesthetic results.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out a retrospective study on tissue expansion of the head and neck over a period of 10 years extending from January 2009 to December 2018, with at least one year follow-up for each patient. Our study counted 63 patients with the placement of 98 prostheses. We considered the various variables involved in the expansion process in order to determine those that increase the risk of complications.

RESULTS

In our series we counted 66.3 % of complications and 22.4 % of failures. We found that a young age increased the risk of skin suffering and that smoking increased the risk of hematoma occurrence. Neck expansion was found to be the riskiest site of expansion followed by the scalp that increased the risk of exposure (especially the parietal section of the scalp). The face is considered as an interesting site for expansion. We found that the use of multiple expanders is an attractive alternative to iterative expansions and to the choice of large expanders.

CONCLUSION

Tissue expansion of the head and neck requires careful planning that takes into account each step of the process.

Risk Factors for Explantation of Breast Implants: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Explantation of breast implant surgery (EBIS) is an emerging surgical field. Precise information about patients undergoing EBIS is important for preoperative planning of breast, augmentation, complications management, and to address any medicolegal issues.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to further extend current knowledge of EBIS risk factors.

METHODS

An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted involving patients who had previously undergone cosmetic breast augmentation and were seeking EBIS.

RESULTS

The study recruited 138 patients. The average time from implant placement and decision to explantation was 59.1 months. On average, each 1-year increase in age resulted in a 4% increase in the relative risk (RR) of explantation (confidence interval (CI), 1.07-1.21). Patients who were obese or overweight present a 1.5 times higher risk of EBIS (CI 95%, 1.03-2.29). On average, this RR was 40% lower (CI 95%, 0.33-0.91) in patients who never smoked compared with those with a history of tobacco use. Women with mastalgia had a 72% higher RR for EBIS (CI 95%, 1.11-2.65). The RR of EBIS was 5.6 times higher (CI 95%, 2.42-11.47) in patients presenting major Shoenfeld's criteria for autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). The RR of EBIS was 4.3 times higher (CI 95%, 1.96-8.63) in patients presenting minor Shoenfeld's criteria for ASIA.

CONCLUSIONS

EBIS poses a higher risk to patients who are overweight/obese, have a history of tobacco use, suffer from mastalgia, or present Shoenfeld's criteria for ASIA. It is important to assess properly these individuals before performing implant surgery for breast augmentation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Quality-of-Life Outcomes for Excision and Reconstruction of Periocular Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

Background: Understanding how periocular nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) impacts quality of life (QoL) provides insight into the patient experience. Objective: To prospectively measure QoL of individuals with surgically treated periocular NMSC. Methods: Responses to the skin cancer index (SCI) and FACE-Q questionnaires were obtained at preoperative (PRE), postoperative week 1 (POW1), and postoperative month 3 (POM3) visits. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test and stepwise linear regression. Results: Forty-five patients participated in the study. Improved QoL as reflected in an increased mean difference of the total SCI score at PRE and POM3 visits (25.8, 95% confidence interval [CI 20.0 to 31.6]) and FACE-Q early life impact of treatment score at POW1 and POM3 visits (19.0, 95% CI [14.9 to 23.0), and a decreased mean difference of the FACE-Q adverse effects score at POW1 and POM3 visits (-1.3, 95% CI [-2.4 to -0.1]) was observed. Linear regression of the SCI and FACE-Q scores using demographic and clinical attributes revealed several predictors of postoperative QoL. Conclusions: Surgical management of periocular NMSC results in improved QoL, demonstrated at the final postoperative visit.

A Novel Artificial Intelligence-assisted Risk Assessment Model for Preventing Complications in Esthetic Surgery

Prevention of complications to reduce morbidity and mortality, and improve patient satisfaction is of paramount importance to plastic surgeons. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive risk factors for complications and to validate a novel risk assessment model, using artificial intelligence.

METHODS

A retrospective review of esthetic surgery procedures performed by the author between 2015 and 2020 was conducted. The Pearson correlation test was used to analyze the risk factors and complications. Differences in the mean risk scores among the three risk groups were tested using one-way analysis of variance. Risk scoring was validated using a machine learning process with a support vector machine in a Google Colaboratory environment.

RESULTS

Of the 372 patients, 28 (7.5%) experienced complications. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the risk score and body mass index (BMI: 0.99), age (0.97), and Caprini score of 5 or more (0.98) were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The correlations between the risk scores and sex (-0.16, P = 0.58), smoking habit (-0.16, P = 0.58), or combined procedures (-0.16, P = 0.58) were not significant. Necrosis was significantly correlated with dehiscence (0.92, P = 0.003) and seroma (0.77, P = 0.041). The accuracy of the predictive model was 100% for the training sample and 97.3% for the test sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Body mass index, age, and the Caprini score were risk factors for complications following esthetic surgery. The proposed risk assessment system is a valid tool for improving eligibility and preventing complications.

Changing the Paradigm of Craniofacial Reconstruction: A Prospective Clinical Trial of Autologous Fat Transfer for Craniofacial Deformities

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to prospectively assess outcomes for surgical autologous fat transfer (AFT) applied for traumatic and postsurgical craniofacial deformities. The minimally invasive nature of AFT has potential for reduced risk and superior outcomes compared with current reconstructive options.

BACKGROUND

Craniofacial deformities have functional and psychosocial sequelae and can profoundly affect quality of life. Traditional reconstructive options are invasive, invasive, complex, and often lack precision in outcomes. Although AFT is safe, effective, and minimally invasive, only anecdotal evidence exists for reconstruction of craniofacial deformities.

METHODS

In this Institutional Review Board-approved prospective cohort study, 20 subjects underwent AFT (average volume: 23.9 ± 13.2 mL). Volume retention over time was determined using high-resolution computed tomography. Flow cytometry was used to assess cellular subpopulations and viability in the stromal vascular fraction. Quality of life assessments were performed. After the completion of 9-month follow-up, 5 subjects were enrolled for a second treatment.

RESULTS

No serious adverse events occurred. Volume retention averaged 63 ± 17% at 9 months. Three-month retention strongly predicted 9-month retention (r=0.996, P < 0.0001). There was no correlation between the total volume injected and retention. Patients undergoing a second procedure had similar volume retention as the first (P = 0.05). Age, sex, body mass index, and stromal vascular fraction cellular composition did not impact retention. Surprisingly, former smokers had greater volume retention at 9 months compared with nonsmokers (74.4% vs 56.2%, P = 0.009). Satisfaction with physical appearance (P = 0.002), social relationships (P = 0.02), and social functioning quality of life (P = 0.05) improved from baseline to 9 months.

CONCLUSIONS

For craniofacial defects, AFT is less invasive and safer than traditional reconstructive options. It is effective, predictable, and reaches volume stability at 3 months. Patient-reported outcomes demonstrate a positive life-changing impact.

Smoking and the patient with a complex lower limb injury

Smoking is known to increase the risk of peri-operative complications in Orthoplastic surgery by impairing bone and wound healing. The effects of nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has been less well established. Previous reviews have examined the relationship between smoking and bone and wound healing separately. This review provides surgeons with a comprehensive and contemporaneous account of how smoking in all forms interacts with all aspects of complex lower limb trauma. We provide a guide for surgeons to refer to during the consent process to enable them to tailor information towards smokers in such a way that the patient may understand the risks involved with their surgical treatment. We update the literature with recently discovered methods of monitoring and treating the troublesome complications that occur more commonly in smokers effected by trauma.

Patient perception after oral biopsies: an observational outpatient study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative course in patients undergoing oral mucosal biopsies, considering clinical and patient's perception variables potentially correlated to poor healing.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Eighty patients underwent oral biopsies. All the variables connected with the surgery were recorded, and the harvested volume was calculated through image software (ImageJ, NIH, Betesda, USA). To evaluate the postoperative discomfort, the OHIP-14 and the numeric rating scale of pain (NRS) were administered at 6 h, 7 days and 21 days after biopsy.

RESULTS

Six hours after the biopsy, 22 (OHIP-14 ≥ 20) and 24 (NRS ≥ 4) patients experienced a troublesome or painful healing, respectively. A significant statistical correlation between poor healing and high scores of NRS and OHIP was detected (Pearson's correlation test p < 0.05). Higher values of OHIP-14 were correlated to the type of lesion (OR = 1.165; p < 0.05), whereas high values of NRS were correlated to the use of systemic drugs (p < 0.05). No surgical variable had a significant statistical correlation with any of the outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical evaluation was correlated with the patient's perception of pain and discomfort. This finding could be suggestive of the fact that wound healing can be reliably monitored with the help of these tools.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Patient perception can be a predictor of the healing of biopsied tissues.

Cigarette smoke extract inhibits cell migration and contraction via the reactive oxygen species/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase pathway in nasal fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Fibroblast migration plays a significant role in wound healing after endoscopic sinonasal surgery. Cigarette smoke extract (CSE) is a potent inhibitor of fibroblast functions including cell proliferation and migration. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of CSE on migration and collagen gel contraction in nasal fibroblasts and investigate its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Fibroblast migration was evaluated using wound healing assay and transwell migration assay. Contractile activity was assessed by collagen gel contraction assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Fibroblasts were treated with CSE and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), metformin, compound C, or transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) to suppress adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression. AMPK activation was determined by Western blot.

RESULTS

CSE and metformin were found to significantly reduce the migration and collagen gel contraction activity of nasal fibroblasts. Conversely, pretreatment with NAC and compound C significantly enhanced the migration and collagen gel contraction activity of fibroblasts. ROS production and AMPK phosphorylation were found to be significantly induced by CSE treatment, whereas the activity was inhibited on treatment with NAC, metformin, compound C, or AMPK siRNA. Silencing of AMPK expression was found to significantly reverse the suppressive effect of CSE in nasal fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION

CSE has an inhibitory effect on cell migration and collagen gel contraction activity via the ROS/AMPK signaling pathway in nasal fibroblasts.

Association of Smoking and Other Factors With the Outcome of Mohs Reconstruction Using Flaps or Grafts

Importance

Smoking, a common lifestyle trait, is considered by many surgeons to be a major risk factor for postoperative complications. However, in the literature on local reconstruction, the association between smoking and the rate of postoperative complications after cutaneous tissue transfer is not well characterized.

Objective

To study the outcomes of flaps and grafts used in Mohs micrographic surgery reconstruction with respect to smoking status and patient-specific and surgery-specific variables.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective case-control study was conducted at a single tertiary referral center among 1008 patients who underwent Mohs reconstruction repaired by flap or graft between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2016, and were selected via consecutive sampling. Cases with incomplete records or those in which a single flap or graft was used to repair multiple defects were excluded. Data analysis was performed from September 2017 to January 2018.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Postoperative acute and long-term complications. Acute complications included postsurgical infection, dehiscence, hematoma, uncontrolled bleeding, and tissue necrosis that required medical counseling or intervention. Long-term complications included functional or cosmetic outcomes that prompted the patient to request or the surgeon to offer additional intervention.

Results

Of the 1008 patients included in the study (396 women and 612 men), the median (SD) age was 70 (12) years (range, 21-90 years). A total of 128 patients (12.7%) were current smokers, 385 (38.2%) were former smokers, and 495 (49.1%) were never smokers. On multivariate logistic regression, current smoking (odds ratio [OR], 9.58; 95% CI, 3.63-25.3), former smoking (OR, 3.64; 95% CI, 1.41-9.38), larger defect size (OR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.58-3.20), and the use of free cartilage graft (OR, 8.19; 95% CI, 2.02-33.1) were associated with increased risks of acute complications. For long-term complications, central face location (OR, 25.4; 95% CI, 6.16-106.5), use of interpolation flap or flap-graft combination (OR, 3.49; 95% CI, 1.81-6.74), larger flap size (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.09-1.87), and basal cell carcinomas or other basaloid tumors (OR, 3.43; 95% CI, 1.03-11.5) were associated with an increased risk, whereas increased age (OR, 0.66 per 10-year interval; 95% CI, 0.54-0.80) was associated with decreased risk.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study suggests that both current and former smokers are at increased risk for acute postsurgical complications but that smoking status is not associated with long-term complications. These findings may allow the surgeon to better quantify the magnitude of risk and provide helpful information for patient counseling.

Level of Evidence

3.

Management of Pilonidal Sinus Disease with the Aesthetically Shaped Parasacral Perforator Flap: Multicenter Evaluation of 228 Patients

BACKGROUND

The management of pilonidal sinus disease is still not standardized. Currently, the two main procedures are a lay-open excision procedure with secondary healing or coverage with local flaps. The authors present their experience with a one-stage excision-coverage with an innovative parasacral artery perforator flap propeller designed to respect the aesthetic unity of the buttocks.

METHODS

Study patients were managed with this procedure in the Toulouse, Montpellier, and Rennes university hospitals between 2012 and 2018. Data were collected on clinical and surgical details, immediate and late postoperative complications, and long-term recurrence. Aesthetic satisfaction was evaluated with a self-evaluation questionnaire.

RESULTS

The authors operated on 228 consecutive patients for pilonidal sinus disease with an aesthetically shaped parasacral artery perforator flap. The median patient age was 23.5 years, the median operative time was 46 minutes, the median flap length was 9.3 cm (range, 6.5 to 14 cm), and the median flap width was 4.1 cm (range, 4 to 6.5 cm). There were five distal necroses but no complete flap necrosis. There were six postoperative hematomas, 11 infections, and 18 wound dehiscences. The median follow-up period was 27.9 months. Median hospital length of stay was 4.2 days. Three recurrences of pilonidal sinus disease and six instances of hidradenitis suppurativa were detected. Approximately 82 percent of the women and more than 85 percent of the men were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the aesthetic outcome, without significant differences between the sexes (p = 0.901).

CONCLUSIONS

The aesthetically shaped parasacral artery perforator flap combines very satisfactory results regarding recurrence and postoperative recovery with cosmetic outcome. This procedure is technically more demanding than other flap procedures, although it is accessible to numerous surgeons as the first-line treatment for pilonidal sinus disease after initial learning.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

[Use of coupler for venous anastomoses in cervico-facial reconstruction. Retrospective study on 51 free flaps]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to evaluate the interest of the mechanical anastomosic coupling device for venous anastomoses in a series of cervico-facial reconstructions after carcinologic excision.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2010 and December 2017, 46 patients underwent free flap cervico-facial reconstruction. We performed 54 venous anastomoses for 51 free flaps. Mechanical venous anastomoses were performed with a coupler (Coupler®). Thrombotic complications and choice of recipient vessels were assessed for the entire series.

RESULTS

Venous anastomoses were performed using a coupler in 33.3% of the flaps (n=18). Mean operative time was lower for reconstructions with mechanical coupler anastomoses, and significantly for fibula flaps. Of eight thromboses, six were venous, two of which after the coupler anastomosis. The thrombosed veins were the branches of the internal jugular vein and the anterior jugular veins. The diameter of the couplers used was respectively 2.5mm and 2mm.

CONCLUSION

The use of the microvascular coupling system for venous anastomoeis would help reduce the occurrence of venous thrombosis, but larger and prospective studies should be conducted. This coupling system, relatively easy to use, would overcome the lack of congruence of anastomosing veins and reduce the risk of intimal injury. Regarding the recipient vessels, the anterior jugular vein should not be used as first line because the risk of vascular complications seems more important.

[Analysis of microsurgical reconstruction activity in a university hospital: A 14-year historical cohort]

INTRODUCTION

Each university hospital has its own specificities in microsurgical reconstructions. Activities may focus on breast reconstruction, ENT reconstruction or traumatic substance loss. This study analyzes the specificities at the University Hospital of Nancy, studies the indications, the operating data and the failure rates.

METHOD

We realized a historical cohort of microsurgical reconstructions at Nancy University Hospital from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2017. All free flaps were included and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 359 free flaps were made. The failure rate was 9.47%. Forty eight different operators have been identified. Substance losses were essentially traumatic (56.8%). A total of 20 different flaps were use with 49% bone reconstruction. The fibula flap was the first flap used (26.5%). Arterial anastomoses were performed in termino-lateral in 44% and venous anastomoses were single in 70.5%. High BMI, diabetes, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and arterial or venous graft were identified as risk factors for failure (P<0.05). The smoking and the realisation of the intervention by a young operator have no impact on the success rate.

CONCLUSION

Our specificity is the bone reconstruction which represents a significant part of our activity. In the university center, the number of etiology of substance losses, operator and flap used is important but it still allows to obtain results in adequacy with the literature.

The Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders Among Elective Plastic Surgery Patients

Purpose: Psychiatric disorder is one of the predictors of poor outcome in cosmetic plastic surgery patients. A US study in 1960 showed that 72.4% of 98 cosmetic plastic surgery patients had a psychiatric disorder. In our study, we predict that the prevalence of psychiatric disorders will be statistically significant among patients seeking elective plastic surgery in comparison with the general US population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review study of 1000 adult patients seeking elective plastic surgery at The University of Kansas Medical Center Plastic Surgery Department from 2011 to 2016. Results: From 1000 patients seeking elective plastic surgery procedure, 441 (44.1%) patients have or had a history of psychiatric disorder. Most common psychiatric disorders were major depressive disorder (n = 223; 50.6%) and generalized anxiety disorder (n = 145; 32.9%). Conclusion: Our study indicates that psychiatric disorders are prevalent in patients seeking elective plastic surgery at our institution. Anxiety and depression were the most common diagnoses, and this is possibly due to these being the most common psychiatric disorders in the US population. Results highlight the importance of provider vigilance for psychiatric patients seeking elective plastic surgery.

The Impact on Mortality and Societal Costs From Smoking Cessation in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in the United States

BACKGROUND

It is common practice to require patients to stop smoking prior to elective plastic surgery procedures. Scarce research exists describing the impact on mortality and associated societal cost savings with regard to smoking cessation in aesthetic surgery.

OBJECTIVES

Our objective is to demonstrate that smoking cessation in anticipation for aesthetic surgery significantly reduces mortality and increases societal cost savings.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature review of 5 common aesthetic procedures (reduction mammaplasty, breast augmentation, facelift, rhinoplasty, and abdominoplasty) to determine patient smoking rates and subsequent recidivism. Sensitivity analyses estimated life years saved using ranges of recidivism from our literature review and assessed total lifetime savings, including direct and productivity costs, while adjusting for inflation (3%) and interest (5%). One life saved was equated to 45 life years saved.

RESULTS

Between May 2008 and May 2013, 7867 patients stopped smoking prior to undergoing aesthetic plastic surgery procedures. Assuming a reported recidivism rate of 68%, smoking cessation prior to aesthetic plastic surgery is associated with 429 lives saved and a total lifetime savings of $524.4 million over the five-year period. Total lives saved ranged from 214 (84% recidivism) to 885 (34% recidivism), and total lifetime cost savings ranged from $262.2 million (84% recidivism) to $1.08 billion (34% recidivism).

CONCLUSIONS

Presently, smoking cessation before aesthetic surgery significantly saves patient lives with yearly $104.9 million of societal cost savings in the United States. Future reductions in the presently high recidivism rate would lead to additional lives saved and reduced societal costs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Distally Based Medial Plantar Flap: A Classification of the Surgical Techniques

The proximally based medial plantar flap is considered to be the reference standard for heel reconstruction. Although less well-studied, a distally based medial plantar flap is a suitable alternative when used to cover a distal foot defect, especially of the hallux, first metatarsal, or metatarsophalangeal joint. Our objective was to provide a complete description and propose a classification of the different surgical procedures used to harvest this flap. A review of the data reported in the MEDLINE database until May 2017 concerning the distally based medial plantar flap was performed. We have illustrated the different surgical procedures through a case series. Three approaches or "types" of flap have been described, and we have proposed a classification for reconstructive surgeons. In type 1, the plantar pedicle is ligatured before division into the medial and lateral plantar artery. In type 2, the medial plantar pedicle is cut proximally just after division. In type 3, the flap is harvested to include the fasciocutaneous perforator vessels, as an advancement flap or a propeller perforator flap. A distally based medial plantar flap affords adequate and reliable coverage of the weightbearing zone. Because the donor site drawbacks are minimal, this flap is a useful option for distal foot reconstruction, and reconstructive surgeons should remember this flap. The type 1 flap appears to be associated with a minimal risk of flap necrosis, even in those with diabetes or arteriopathy, and can cover even the most distal defect.

Improving Abdominal Plastic Scars with a Dietary Supplement-A Comparative Study

Introduction:

Massive weight loss following bariatric surgery has a major functional and aesthetic impact on patients. Many patients are nonetheless reluctant to undergo plastic surgery in connection with their former obesity because they fear potentially large scars, even though such scars are not visible (ie, they are covered by undergarments).

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of wound healing in patients receiving Celergen supplementation following abdominoplasty, compared with a control group. The hypothesis was that supplementation would speed up wound healing and improve scar quality.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a prospective, monocentric, controlled study of patients undergoing abdominoplasty. A group of patients received Celergen, a food supplement, for 3 months and were monitored for 1 year after their surgery.

Results:

Of 33 patients who underwent abdominoplasty, 25 received Celergen supplements. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups. The mean time to wound healing was significantly better in the group receiving supplementation compared with the control group [respectively, 24.6 ± 9.31 days and 34 ± 13.48 days (P = 0.03)]. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) observer score was significantly better at 1 year in the group receiving supplementation compared with the control group [12.68 ± 6.6 and 17.38 ± 5.24 (P = 0.01), respectively]. There was no significant difference in the total POSAS score at 1 year (P = 0.166).

Conclusion:

Celergen supplementation significantly improved the time to healing and the POSAS observer score at 1 year for patients undergoing abdominoplasty.

Smoking Cessation: A Comparison of Two Model Structures

BACKGROUND

Most economic evaluations of smoking cessation interventions have used cohort state-transition models. Discrete event simulations (DESs) have been proposed as a superior approach.

OBJECTIVE

We developed a state-transition model and a DES using the discretely integrated condition event (DICE) framework and compared the cost-effectiveness results. We performed scenario analysis using the DES to explore the impact of alternative assumptions.

METHODS

The models estimated the costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for the intervention and comparator from the perspective of the UK National Health Service and Personal Social Services over a lifetime horizon. The models considered five comorbidities: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, stroke and lung cancer. The state-transition model used prevalence data, and the DES used incidence. The costs and utility inputs were the same between two models and consistent with those used in previous analyses for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

RESULTS

In the state-transition model, the intervention produced an additional 0.16 QALYs at a cost of £540, leading to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £3438. The comparable DES scenario produced an ICER of £5577. The ICER for the DES increased to £18,354 when long-term relapse was included.

CONCLUSIONS

The model structures themselves did not influence smoking cessation cost-effectiveness results, but long-term assumptions did. When there is variation in long-term predictions between interventions, economic models need a structure that can reflect this.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Major Hematomas in Aesthetic Surgery: Analysis of 129,007 Patients

BACKGROUND

Postoperative hematomas are one of the most frequent complications following aesthetic surgery. Identifying risk factors for hematoma has been limited by underpowered studies from single institution experiences.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the incidence and identify independent risk factors for postoperative hematomas following cosmetic surgery utilizing a prospective, multicenter database.

METHODS

A prospectively enrolled cohort of patients who underwent aesthetic surgery between 2008 and 2013 was identified from the CosmetAssure database. Primary outcome was occurrence of major hematomas requiring emergency room visit, hospital admission, or reoperation within 30 days of the index operation. Univariate and multivariate analysis was used to identify potential risk factors for hematomas including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking, diabetes, type of surgical facility, procedure by body region, and combined procedures.

RESULTS

Of 129,007 patients, 1180 (0.91%) had a major hematoma. Mean age (42.0 ± 13.0 years vs 40.9 ± 13.9 years, P < 0.01) and BMI (24.5 ± 5.0 kg/m2 vs 24.3 ± 4.6 kg/m2, P < 0.01) were higher in patients with hematomas. Males suffered more hematomas than females (1.4% vs 0.9%, P < 0.01). Hematoma rates were higher in patients undergoing combined procedures compared to single procedures (1.1% vs 0.8%, P < 0.01), and breast procedures compared to body/extremity or face procedures (1.0% vs 0.8% vs 0.7%, P < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, independent predictors of hematoma included age (Relative Risk [RR] 1.01), male gender (RR 1.98), the procedure being performed in a hospital setting rather than an office-based setting (RR 1.68), combined procedures (RR 1.35), and breast procedures rather than the body/extremity and face procedures (RR 1.81).

CONCLUSIONS

Major hematoma is the most common complication following aesthetic surgery. Male patients and those undergoing breast or combined procedures have a significantly higher risk of developing hematomas.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2.

The Lipo-Body Lift: A New Circumferential Body-Contouring Technique Useful after Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

After bariatric surgery, lifting of the lower body involves a contouring technique used to achieve optimal lower trunk reconstruction. The authors describe an innovative procedure applicable after massive weight loss: the lipo-body lift method. The authors describe their experience with this novel, safe procedure.

METHODS

Twenty-five abdominal body-contouring reconstructions following massive weight loss were treated by means of circumferential lipo-body lift. The authors describe the indications for the procedure and their perioperative and postoperative management.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 39.4 years. The mean pre-body lift body mass index was 26.71 kg/m; the average weight loss before surgery was 56.6 kg, with a mean delta body mass index loss of 20.82 kg/m. The average hospital stay was 3.52 days and the drainage duration 3.56 days. No patient experienced any major complication (e.g., hematoma, thromboembolism, bleeding, skin necrosis, or a need for revision surgery to treat complications). Minor complications including wound dehiscence, wound infection, and fat necrosis were reported in 40 percent of patients. The occurrence of complications was associated with smoking status (p = 0.0280), the volume of liposuction (p = 0.0399), and the liposuction volume per unit of body mass index (p = 0.0071).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors' novel technique is less invasive than the traditional lower body-lifting method, as shown by the absence of major complications, and allows excellent conservation of connective tissue and vessels; undermining is minimal. As obesity becomes a major problem worldwide, lifting procedures that are safe and effective are important components of reconstructive strategies and should be widely offered to patients who experience massive weight loss.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Fast-track Orthognathic Surgery: An Evidence-based Review

The aim of this study was to establish a fast-track protocol for bimaxillary orthognathic surgery (OGS). Fast-track surgery (FTS) is a multidisciplinary approach where the pre-, intra-, and postoperative management is focusing maximally on a quick patient recovery and early discharge. To enable this, the patients' presurgical stress and postsurgical discomfort should be maximally reduced. Both referral patterns and expenses within the health-care system are positively influenced by FTS. University hospital-literature review through Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (January 2000-July 2016) using the following words - "fast track, enhanced recovery, multimodal, and perioperative care" - to define a protocol evidence based for OGS, as well as evidenced-based medicine search of every term added to the protocol during the same period. The process has resulted in an OGS protocol that may improve the outcome of the patient through several nonoperative and operative measures such as preoperative patient education and intra/postoperative measures that should improve overall patient satisfaction, decrease morbidity such as postoperative nausea, headache, dizziness, pain, and intubation discomfort, and shorten hospital stay. A literature review allowed us to fine-tune a fast-track protocol for uncomplicated OGS that can be prospectively studied against currently applied ones.

Breast Reconstruction Following Cancer Treatment

BACKGROUND

About 8000 breast reconstructions after mastectomy are per - formed in Germany each year. It has become more difficult to advise patients because of the wide variety of heterologous and autologous techniques that are now available and because of changes in the recommendations about radiotherapy.

METHODS

This article is based on a review of pertinent articles (2005-2014) that were retrieved by a selective search employing the search terms "mastectomy" and "breast reconstruction."

RESULTS

The goal of reconstruction is to achieve an oncologically safe and aestically satisfactory result for the patient over the long term. Heterologous, i.e., implant-based, breast reconstruction (IBR) and autologous breast reconstruction (ABR) are complementary techniques. Immediate reconstruction preserves the skin of the breast and its natural form and prevents the psychological trauma associated with mastectomy. If post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) is not indicated, implant-based reconstruction with or without a net/acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is a common option. Complications such as seroma formation, infection, and explantation are significantly more common when an ADM is used (15.3% vs. 5.4% ). If PMRT is performed, then the complication rate of implant-based breast reconstruction is 1 to 48% ; in particular, Baker grade III/IV capsular fibrosis occurs in 7 to 22% of patients, and the prosthesis must be explanted in 9 to 41% . Primary or, preferably, secondary autologous reconstruction is an alternative. The results of ABR are more stable over the long term, but the operation is markedly more complex. Autologous breast reconstruction after PMRT does not increase the risk of serious complications (20.5% vs. 17.9% without radiotherapy).

CONCLUSION

No randomized controlled trials have yet been conducted to compare the reconstructive techniques with each other. If radiotherapy will not be performed, immediate reconstruction with an implant is recommended. On the other hand, if post-mastectomy radiotherapy is indicated, then secondary autologous breast reconstruction is the procedure of choice. Future studies should address patients' quality of life and the long-term aesthetic results after breast reconstruction.

Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma Glue in Weight Loss Sequelae Surgery and Breast Reduction: A Prospective Study

Background:

Seroma and hematoma formations are the most common complications after plastic surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (A-PRP) glue to reduce postoperative wound complications and improve surgical outcomes.

Methods:

Fifty-four patients were included in this study. They underwent breast reduction surgery, abdominoplasty, or limb lifting with A-PRP glue application on the entire surface of the subcutaneous tissue at the time of suture. Retrospective data were used for the control group. The primary endpoint was the incidence of postoperative seroma or hematoma. The secondary endpoint was the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale score.

Results:

Demographics and clinical characteristics were not statistically different between the A-PRP glue group and the control group regarding age, sex ratio, and body mass index. After abdominoplasty, 37.5% of patients (3/8) in the control group experienced seroma and hematoma complications versus 12.5% of patients (2/16) in the A-PRP glue group (P = 0.55 and P = 0.25, respectively). After limb lifting, 50% of patients experienced postoperative complications in the control group versus no patient in the A-PRP glue group (P = 0.03*; * indicates that the P value is significant). After breast reduction, no patient experienced complication in the A-PRP glue group versus 25% of patients in the control group who experienced hematoma (P = 0.04*). The scar quality assessed 12 months after surgery showed no statistical differences between the groups.

Conclusions:

A-PRP glue seems effective to prevent seroma formation after limb lifting and hematoma formation after breast reduction. Wound-healing quality did not seem to be improved.

[Morbidity of bodylift. Evaluation of 111 patients over 5 years]

INTRODUCTION

The management of patients with weight loss sequelae, sometimes major, is increasingly well standardized. However, this surgery is not without risk. Complications of bodylift are more frequent than those of conventional abdominoplasties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morbidity associated with this surgery through a retrospective, single-center study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and eleven circular abdominaloplasties were conducted between June 2011 and September 2015 in the plastic surgery department of the university hospital of Toulouse. Minor and major complications were identified and analyzed.

RESULTS

Frequency of postoperative complications was 44.1% in our series. Major complications have involved 15.3% of patients. Blood transfusions (9%) and hematoma requiring reoperation (7.2%) were the most frequent major complications. We found significantly more major complications in patients with important fat resection with a cut off at 3200 g (P=0.02). Men experienced significantly more major complications than women (P=0.005). The average delta-BMI (before and after weight loss) was significantly higher in the group of patients with the highest percentage of minor complications (P=0.045). Indeed, a high delta-BMI (greater than 19.5) was associated with an excess risk of minor complications in our population.

CONCLUSION

Democratization and progress in the field of bodylift should not obscure the fact that it is, in reality, a procedure at risk. While we manage increasingly better cosmetic results and thromboembolic complications, it still persists many complications.

[Metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of suction-assisted lipectomy: Systematic review]

BACKGROUND

Suction-assisted lipectomy is one of the most frequent procedures in plastic surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate whether suction-assisted lipectomy causes changes in the carbohydrates and lipid metabolism and the potential effects on cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

We interrogated five databases: Medline, American College of Physicians Journal Club Database, Cochrane central register of controlled trials, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, Database of abstracts of reviews of effects. A systematic review of the literature was performed in order to compare results of randomized controlled trials and observational studies concerning changes in weight, metabolism, endocrinology, inflammatory markers and cardiovascular risk factors after suction-assisted lipectomy. All articles were assessed by criteria from Oxford Center For Evidence Based Medicine (OCEBM).

RESULTS

The search resulted in 40 articles: 12 experimental animal studies and 28 human studies.

CONCLUSION

Different metabolic parameters are affected by suction-assited lipectomy. First, all articles point out a decrease of body weight after suction-assisted lipectomy. Weight lost only affects fat mass without any change of lean mass. The potential compensatory growth of visceral fat seems to be counteracted by physical activity. Then, resting energy expenditure seems to be stable or decrease after the surgery. This reduction is significantly related to the decrease of leptin levels and also seems to be counteracted by physical activity. About adipocytokines, leptin level decreases after suction-assisted lipectomy while results are contradictory about adiponectin and resistin levels. However adiponectin seems to tend to increase after surgery. Inflammatory markers seem to increase within first hours after surgery. Then they seem to decrease or remain at the preoperative levels. Fasting insulin level decreases and is linked to the aspirated volume. So insulin sensitivity seems to be improved. Concerning lipid profil, it tends to remain the same or to be improved by suction-assisted lipectomy. In conclusion, regarding all the literature, there is still debate about metabolic effect of suction-assisted lipectomy. Prospective clinical studies are needed to confirm or invalidate some hypotheses. These studies must consider some potential biases as physical activity, diet and medical treatment modifications (statins).

The Impact of Protein Nutritional Supplementation for Massive Weight Loss Patients Undergoing Abdominoplasty

BACKGROUND

As more patients undergo bariatric surgery to assist with weight loss, the demand for post-bariatric body contouring surgery, to address both functional and aesthetic concerns, is increasing. However, high wound healing complication rates remain a significant problem for these patients. One theory is that chronic malnourishment and hypoproteinemia may contribute significantly to these wound healing complications.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of pretreatment protein nutritional supplementation on wound healing in post-bariatric surgery massive weight loss patients undergoing abdominoplasty. Our hypothesis was that protein supplementation would decrease wound healing complications.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of 23 post-bariatric surgery patients undergoing abdominoplasty who received pretreatment protein nutritional supplementation. This group was compared with a historical control group of 23 post-bariatric surgery patients who underwent abdominoplasty in the period immediately before the implementation of the protein supplementation protocol. Patient demographics and procedural characteristics were similar for the two groups.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients were identified who had undergone abdominoplasty, half of whom were prescribed the protein supplementation protocol. Overall wound healing complication rates were significantly lower in the protein-supplemented group (0.0% vs. 21.8%, p = 0.04). There was no significant difference between the protein supplementation and historical control groups in regards to total complication rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment protein supplementation is a simple intervention that can significantly decrease wound healing complications in post-bariatric surgery massive weight loss patients undergoing abdominoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4: Therapeutic.