Excision of subcutaneous facial cysts and lipomas using cosmetic approaches

Evaluation of Esthetic Results after Mass Removal with Elliptical Skin Excision Using Ultrasonography to Measure Skin Thickness

Background: The growth of benign cutaneous masses causes the overlaying skin to expand and become thinner, especially at the central, most projected point. In this retrospective study, a surgical technique comprising an elliptical skin excision was employed to account for these skin changes. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 980 patients with benign masses. Preoperatively, all patients underwent ultrasonography to evaluate the mass depth and thickness of the attached skin, and mass excision was performed using the elliptical skin-excision method. The operative time was recorded, and complications and esthetic outcomes were assessed using the Cutometer® and the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) during 1- and 3-month follow-up visits. Results: The mean operative time (17.48 ± 3.46 min) was significantly shorter than that of conventional methods (p < 0.05). Cutometer parameters showed no significant differences from those of intact skin. The average mVSS scores were 5.21 ± 1.42 and 3.50 ± 1.79 at 1- and 3-month follow-ups, respectively. Conclusions: Mass excision with an elliptical skin attachment resulted in improved esthetic results and easy removal. The attached skin enabled convenient handling without damaging the capsule or other adjacent structures, leaving a thick dermis on both wound edges. Thus, this technique resulted in minimal scarring.

Deep Frontal Lipoma With Frontal Bone Invasion: Report of a Rare Case

Lipomas are benign masses of fatty tissue, and in the forehead, they may develop in the subcutaneous or deep fat tissue. While subcutaneous lipomas are common, deep forehead lipomas are unusual and rarely invade the underlying bone. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature, and even fewer cases are reported in children. We present a case of a slowly growing frontal mass corresponding to a deep lipoma responsible for frontal bone invasion, resulting in a bony defect reaching the dural space. Through this case, we aim to emphasize forehead lipomas' clinical and surgical characteristics.

An intra-oral approach to facial skin lumps-a move towards scarless surgery

INTRODUCTION

The aim of surgical management of benign facial skin lumps is to remove the lesion in its entirety, with minimal damage to adjacent tissue structures, while maintaining facial aesthetics. A method to achieve these goals is to remove peri-oral lesions in the labial and buccal zones via an intra-oral approach. We report an extended cases series of facial skin lumps that were excised using an intra-oral approach.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients who underwent excisions of benign cutaneous lesions on the face via an intra-oral approach. Patient demographics, indication for surgery and complications were noted.

RESULTS

Forty-seven lesions were excised over a 15-year period. Indications for surgery included benign lesion with minimal skin involvement, risks of keloid/scar hypertrophy and cosmetic factors. Lesions were predominantly epidermoid cysts and lipomas. Mean follow-up was 2.9 years with a 6.4% recurrence rate and 2.1% rate of haematoma and transient facial nerve weakness.

DISCUSSION

There are established techniques to remove facial skin lumps. We believe that in selected cases, an intra-oral approach to such lesions, particularly in cases with high risk of scar pathology or where there is strong patient preference, may be an important tool in the oral and maxillofacial surgeon's armamentarium.

Endoscopic excision of cheek lipomas

Although the removal of forehead and brow benign tumors using an endoscopic technique has proven to be valuable, the efficacy of an endoscopic excision for cheek masses is unclear. A retrospective review was performed on 8 patients with a lipoma (7) and a foreign body granuloma (1) located at the cheek region. There were 7 men and 1 woman with a mean age of 34.8 years (range, 22-54 years). All the excisional procedures were performed with an endoscope through 2 small incisions, one on the hair-bearing sideburns and the other behind the earlobe. The masses varied from 0.7 x 0.7 cm to 4.0 x 3.0 cm in size. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, and no recurrence was detected after a 5- to 61-month follow-up. An endoscopically assisted excision of cheek lipomas is an effective procedure and might be a good alternative to the more conventional procedures.