Eyebrow reconstruction following burn injury

Hair Transplant for Eyebrow Restoration

Eyebrow restoration can be best done with individual single hair follicles grafts harvested by FUE. Understanding the male and female eyebrow allows us to plan an aesthetic reconstruction, requiring 70 to 120 grafts. Selection of donor hair, angle of placement, alignment and direction within the rows influences the results, as does scarring and perfusion of the skin. Details of planning, technique, anesthesia and postoperative care, as well as drawbacks of older methods, are discussed in the article.

Tissue regeneration: an overview from stem cells to micrografts

Regenerative medicine represents a major challenge for the scientific community. The choice of the biological sources used, such as stem cells and grafts, is crucial. Stem cell therapy is mainly related to the use of mesenchymal stem cells; however, clinical trials are still needed to investigate their safety. The micrografting technique was conceived by Cicero Parker Meek in 1958. It is based on the principle that by increasing the superficial area of skin grafts and reducing the size of its particles, it is possible to cover an area larger than the original donor site. Stem cells are pluripotent cells that have the capacity to differentiate into all cell types and are self-renewing, whereas micrografts derive from a small fragment of an autologous tissue and exhibit limited differentiative potential compared with stem cells. Therefore, stem cells and micrografts cannot be considered equivalent, although in some cases they exhibit similar regenerative potential, which is the focus of this review. Last, stem cell therapies remain limited because of complex and costly processes, making them not very feasible in clinical practice, whereas obtaining micrografts is generally a one-step procedure that does not require any advanced tissue manipulation.

One Pedicled Superficial Temporal Artery Hair-bearing Flap to Reconstruct Three Different Anatomical Areas of the Burnt Face: A Personal Technique

ABSTRACT

Reconstruction of the burnt face is a challenge. In men, the best option to hide facial scars and get rid of the grafted facial appearance is to use the superficial temporal artery hair-bearing flap. In the literature, the superficial temporal artery flap hair-bearing flap has been used to reconstruct one facial anatomical area in men such the eyebrows, the beard, or the mustache area. In this communication, the author describes a personal technique that allows the use of one pedicled superficial temporal artery hair-bearing flap to reconstruct both eyebrows and improve the grafted appearance of the upper/lower lips post the release and graft of burn contractures. The technique will be demonstrated by a case presentation.

Contemporary Management of Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis for Surgeons

BACKGROUND

The decision of surgical approach for hair restoration often involves evaluation of the type of alopecia; however, the impact of surgical hair restoration from existing techniques in specific population subsets has not been comprehensively investigated.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to systematically review the literature on micrografts, minigrafts, mini-micrografts, tissue grafts, tissue flaps and expanders, as well as evaluate graft survival and satisfaction within specific populations in a meta-analysis.

METHODS

PubMed and Scopus literature searches between 1980 and 2018 yielded 57 articles for systematic review and 34 articles for meta-analysis. Study design, mean patient age and gender, patient alopecia type, surgical hair restoration technique, number of treatment areas, mean follow-up, graft survival rate and satisfaction rate were extracted from each study, and a meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The pooled rates of graft survival were 84.98% (95% CI 78.90-91.06) using micrografts and 93.11% (95% CI 91.93-94.29) using micrografts and minigrafts in nonscarring alopecia patients, as well as 88.66% (95% CI 80.12-97.20) using micrografts and 86.25% (95% CI 74.00-98.50) using micrografts and minigrafts in scarring alopecia patients. The pooled rates of satisfaction were 89.70% (95% CI 82.64-96.76) using micrografts and 97.00% (95% CI 92.48-100.0) using micrografts and minigrafts in nonscarring alopecia patients, as well as 97.80% (95% CI 94.59-100.0) using micrografts and 88.70% (95% CI 66.49-100.0) using micrografts and minigrafts in scarring alopecia patients. Dot plots depict rates of graft survival rate from micrografts and satisfaction from micrografts and minigrafts.

CONCLUSION

Surgical hair restoration for nonscarring and scarring alopecia yields high graft survival and satisfaction rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

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 www.springer.com/00266.

Clinical outcomes and technical tips for eyebrow restoration using single-follicular-unit hair transplantation: A case series review

BACKGROUND

Clinical outcomes of eyebrow restoration with single-follicular-unit hair transplantation largely depend on the surgeon's anatomic knowledge, experience, and technical skills.

AIMS

To evaluate the effect of the reconstruction with single follicular unit transplantation on eyebrow loss and provide technical tips.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 352 patients with eyebrow loss were recruited. A template of the restoration region was modeled or specifically designed. The scalp strips from the back occipital or retro-auricular regions were harvested for single follicular unit hair. The follicles were transplanted by punching recipient area with 21-G syringe needle. Patients were followed up every 2 months for 4 years after surgery.

RESULTS

Out of 352, 320 (91%) patients had their transplanted hair grow well with satisfactory direction and appearance. Seventeen patients (5%) experienced encryption transplantation of a sparse hair for the first 6 months but felt satisfied afterward. Twelve (3%) patients did a simple make-up on the transplanted hair because there was an obvious difference between the transplanted hair and the natural one. Three (1%) patients with burned injury suffered of mild folliculitis and cured by 75% alcohol inunction. All patients had no obvious scar at the donor sites.

CONCLUSION

Single follicular transplantation for eyebrow loss resulted in natural restorations with excellent satisfaction. The technique is simple, safe, and effective. The usage of syringe needle, microscope slide forceps, and a magnifier could implant the hair in a right angle, desired direction and depth, and increase the survival rate.

Use of Modified Islanded Paramedian Forehead Flap for Complex Periocular Facial Reconstruction

The paramedian forehead flap is a workhorse flap for reconstructing the nose and periorbital regions. Many variants are described including an islanded flap. However, eyebrow reconstruction is not usually performed with these flaps. The authors describe a patient suffering from postburn scarring medial to the left eye, including loss of the left eyebrow. He underwent a single-stage transfer of the paramedian forehead flap. The flap incorporated scalp hair, which restored the missing eyebrow hair after transfer. The donor defect closed primarily. The paramedian forehead flap is amenable to customization by including a segment of hair-bearing scalp to concomitantly reconstruct the nasal dorsum and eyebrow.

A mixed methods evaluation of medical tattooing for people who have experienced a burn injury

INTRODUCTION

There are no existing studies examining the psychological merits of using facial medical tattooing (MT) following burn injury. This study evaluated an MT service supported by The Katie Piper Foundation. It examined accessibility, satisfaction and whether there were improvements in quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

Thirty-five service-users were invited to participate in a cross-sectional online survey. Twenty-five (71%) responded (24 women; age range = 21-64 years), and of these five (4 women; age range = 26-59 years) also participated in telephone interviews, which were analysed using descriptive thematic analysis.

FINDINGS

The service was largely considered easy to access (22/25) and convenient (25/25). Most service-users (22/25) were satisfied with the results of MT. Some areas of dissatisfaction were described, by a minority of service-users, including: the procedure being painful (1/25); the tattoo being below expectation or fading over time (3/25). The majority reported that MT had improved confidence (22/25); mood (19/25); and ability to socialise (19/25). The procedure improved some service-users' ability to carry out essential activities (14/25) and enjoyable activities (16/25). The qualitative responses provided during interview, indicated that all respondents found the procedure useful to their adjustment, although a minority (3/5) found it painful and also commented on fading (1/5). All described MT as contributing to a sense of increased normality.

CONCLUSIONS

MT had the largest impact on emotional wellbeing and interpersonal domains of QoL. MT services should now improve awareness of the procedure, lobby for further support to provide wider access to the procedure, and routinely use measures assessing psychosocial outcomes.

Aesthetic Eyebrow Reconstruction with an Expanded Scalp Island Flap Pedicled by the Superficial Temporal Artery

PURPOSE

This case study demonstrates a new operative method of eyebrow reconstruction, in which the hair density of the reconstructed eyebrow is controlled by the surgeon and is more similar to that of the uninjured side, resulting in a more natural facial expression and greater aesthetic value for our patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The operation was divided into two stages: Stage 1: Implantation of a soft tissue expander into the corresponding subgaleal position of the parietal branch of the superficial temporal artery on the injured side, followed by dilation of the expander until the density of the hair on the expanded scalp reached a suitable value and was lower than that of the uninjured eyebrow. Stage 2: Harvesting of the scalp island flap pedicled by the superficial temporal artery, the end of which was attached to the expanded scalp, followed by the downward movement of the flap to the defect site of the eyebrow via a subcutaneous tunnel, resulting in new eyebrow formation.

RESULTS

In eight cases who were monitored for 4-16 months of follow-up, almost all of the reconstructed eyebrows successfully assumed a desirable shape and exhibited a natural appearance, which was consistent with preoperative expectations; the transplanted hairs were highly similar to those of the original eyebrows. All participants remained healthy after the operation, which was indicated by sufficient blood supply to the expanded flap and normal growth of a new eyebrow without postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated the excellent performance of an innovative procedure in which a expanded scalp island flap pedicled by the superficial temporal artery was used in the construction of a new eyebrow. It can be performed very safely and reliably to ensure expected results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

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 www.springer.com/00266 .

[Reconstruction of the eyebrow by composite graft of the scalp: a trick to facilitate the technique]

Les sourcils jouent un rôle important dans l’équilibre esthétique du visage. Leur reconstruction ou ophriopoïése, après séquelle de brûlure fait partie intégrante du programme de réhabilitation de la face brûlée. Plusieurs techniques ont été décrites. Nous insistons ici sur l'intérêt d'une technique simple, à la portée de tous les chirurgiens, et dont la méthode et les résultats peuvent être améliorés par un dessin bien planifié des zones donneuse et receveuse: la greffe composite prélevée au niveau du cuir chevelu dessinée à l'aide d'un calque du sourcil controlatéral.

A surgical algorithm for partial or total eyebrow flap reconstruction

The eyebrow is one of the five aesthetic sub-units of the forehead and it plays a key role in communication and facial expression. Reconstruction of this region can be challenging. Several methods have been described, mostly based on the size of the defect and on the part of the eyebrow that they involve. We describe our experience in 48 patients underlining the importance of a surgical algorithm for repairing eyebrow defects.

Posttraumatic eyebrow reconstruction with hair-bearing temporoparietal fascia flap

The temporoparietal fascia flap has been extensively used in craniofacial reconstructions. However, its use for eyebrow reconstruction has been sporadically reported. We describe a successfully repaired hair-bearing temporoparietal fascia flap after traumatic avulsion of eyebrow. Temporoparietal fascia flap is a versatile tool and should be considered as a therapeutic option by all plastic surgeons.

A multi-staged approach to the reconstruction of a burnt Asian face

This article describes the management of chemical burns to the Asian face with resultant full thickness loss to the right side of the face including the eyelid and nose. We detail the techniques used to reconstruct the face which include skin grafting according to the aesthetic units of the face, accurate placement of junction lines, use of a chondrocutaneous graft to reconstruct the alar grove and scalp strip grafting for eyebrow reconstruction. We obtained a successful result that minimised scar formation in the burnt Asian face.

A simplified marking technique for eyebrow reconstruction using composite grafts

Eyebrows can be damaged in facial burns, trauma, skin cancer, herpes zoster and other conditions. Some of these patients will demand eyebrow reconstruction surgery. This can be done using free composite grafts from the scalp or flaps from the temporal area. Both techniques require time-consuming planning, marking and shaping of the graft or flap in order to achieve a good cosmetic result. In an attempt to make free graft reconstructions faster and easier, we modified the technique. We describe an easy way of obtaining a template that simplifies the procedure and enhances symmetry.

A new design for superficial temporal fascial flap for reconstruction of the eyebrow, upper and lower eyelids, and lacrimal system in one-stage procedure: medusa flap

Reconstruction of the eyebrows, eyelids, and destroyed lacrimal drainage system is a challenging procedure for plastic and reconstructive surgeons. In the case presented, a superficial temporal fascial flap was designed for reconstruction of the eyebrow, upper and lower eyelids, and lacrimal drainage system in a one-stage procedure in facial burn patient. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first combined reconstruction of the eyebrow, upper and lower eyelids, and lacrimal drainage system in one surgical procedure with pedicled superficial temporal fascial flap including skin island and buccal mucosal graft. During the 1-year follow-up period, no complication was encountered and patient healed uneventfully.