1.Facial asymmetry correction using a surgery-only orthognathic approach with adjunctive facial contouring and revision genioplasty: a case report
Atapol YONGVIKUL ; Manop KHANIJOU ; Natthamet WONGSIRICHAT ; Thongnard KUMCHAI
Archives of Craniofacial Surgery 2026;27(2):100-107
Facial asymmetry involving extensive maxillofacial skeletal discrepancy presents a complex surgical challenge. This case report presents a comprehensive surgical solution for a 35-year-old woman with pronounced facial asymmetry due to unilateral mandibular hypoplasia. The patient was treated using a surgery-only orthognathic approach combined with adjunctive facial contouring and revision genioplasty. The surgical plan included Le Fort I osteotomy and a combination of sagittal split and vertical ramus mandibular osteotomies, supplemented by reduction malarplasty, reduction mandibular anguloplasty, buccal fat pad removal, and revision genioplasty following liquid silicone extraction with genial muscle realignment. The patient’s preexisting stable occlusion allowed for the omission of orthodontics, aligning with her primary aesthetic concerns. Postoperative assessments over 12 months demonstrated stable occlusion, enhanced facial symmetry, and high patient satisfaction. This case supports that, in carefully selected patients, a surgery-only orthognathic approach combined with targeted facial contouring can provide efficient, predictable, and aesthetically favorable correction of complex facial asymmetry.
2.Anatomic distribution and temporal trends of malignant melanoma among 960 cutaneous malignancies managed over 22 years at a tertiary plastic surgery department
Hye Mi LEE ; Eun Jung JANG ; Young Cheon NA
Archives of Craniofacial Surgery 2026;27(2):65-70
Background:
Melanoma, though less common than other cutaneous malignancies, remains clinically significant. In Asia, acral and nailunit melanoma—less related to ultraviolet exposure—pose diagnostic and reconstructive challenges. Clarifying temporal and anatomic trends in melanoma within plastic surgery practice may enhance early recognition and guide standardized reconstruction.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed 960 surgically treated cutaneous malignancies (2000–2022) in a tertiary plastic surgery department, classifying tumors as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), malignant melanoma (MM), or others. For MM, we analyzed anatomic site (headeck, trunk, non-acral extremity, acral), sex, age, comorbidities, and lifestyle factors, comparing period A (2000–2017) with period B (2018–2022). Group comparisons used the chi-square or Fisher exact test and the Mann-Whitney test. Incidence rates were calculated with Poisson confidence intervals; between-period differences were evaluated using exact binomial tests and rate ratios.
Results:
Of 960 tumors, BCC, SCC, MM, and others comprised 47.4%, 44.3%, 5.8%, and 2.5%. MM site distribution was heterogeneous: headeck 14.3%, trunk 30.4%, non-acral extremity 21.4%, acral 33.9%. Distribution shifted significantly (chi-square p= 0.043), with headeck lesions decreasing from 28.0% to 3.2% and trunk and acral lesions each increasing to 38.7%. Annual MM incidence rose from 1.39 to 6.20 cases per year (rate ratio, 4.46; p< 0.001). Hypertension (64.5%) and diabetes (35.5%) were more frequent in period B.
Conclusion
Recent years showed a sharply increased MM caseload and redistribution toward trunk and acral sites with greater metabolic comorbidity, reflecting both epidemiologic change and evolving detection or referral patterns.
3.A retrospective study of cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants
Jinsik BURM ; Young Jin KIM ; Sangyoon KANG ; Jun PARK
Archives of Craniofacial Surgery 2026;27(2):71-79
Background:
Cervical chondrocutaneous branchial remnants (CCBRs) are rare developmental anomalies that arise during early embryogenesis. Because of their rarity, most published reports consist of small case series, and no standardized classification system has been established. The purpose of this study was to define the standardized clinical characteristics of CCBRs and to propose a comprehensive classification system based on the largest cohort reported to date.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed 55 CCBRs in 53 patients who underwent surgical excision between 2014 and 2023. Data collected included sex, age at diagnosis, age at surgery, associated anomalies, pathological findings, laterality, anatomical location, morphological shape, and intraoperative characteristics. All CCBRs were bounded superiorly by the inferior border of the thyroid cartilage, inferiorly by the upper border of the sternoclavicular junction, and laterally by the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). Location was divided into three zones: “central” above the trachea, “medial” between the trachea and SCM, and “lateral” over the SCM. Morphology was classified by protrusion pattern—pedunculated or sessile—and further categorized as spherical, ovoid, lobed, or nodular according to cross-sectional geometry.
Results:
A total of 55 CCBRs were identified. No significant differences were observed in sex distribution (male 53%, female 47%) or laterality (right 50.9%, left 49.1%). Histopathological examination revealed elastic cartilage in all evaluated specimens. Associated congenital anomalies were minimal (7.5%), and no serious systemic anomalies were identified. Medial lesions were most common (47%), followed by lateral (38%). Sessile lesions (60%) were more frequent than pedunculated lesions (40%). Ovoid configuration was most common (36%), followed by nodular (25%) and spherical (23%).
Conclusion
This study presents a standardized, globally applicable classification system for CCBRs, facilitating comparative research and promoting unified nomenclature for international academic communication.
4.Single-field reconstruction of congenital longitudinal cleft earlobes using large Z-plasty and dermofat grafting
Youngjin KIM ; Jun PARK ; Sang Yoon KANG ; Jin Sik BURM
Archives of Craniofacial Surgery 2026;27(2):108-111
Congenital longitudinal cleft earlobes (CLCEs) present a ginkgo leaf–shaped malformation with combined skin and soft-tissue deficiency along the inferior margin. No previous method has addressed both deficiencies while preserving earlobe length and contour. We introduce a simple, single-field procedure that combines a large, single Z-plasty for complete skin preservation with dermofat grafting for volumetric restoration. A Z-plasty was designed on the cleft-side skin, with the central limb placed along the cleft valley and the opposing limbs aligned with the anterior and posterior ridges of both lobules. After elevating both triangular flaps and fully releasing the contracted fibrotic tissue at the cleft base, a compact, dense dermofat graft harvested from the ipsilateral mastoid area was inserted into the inferior marginal defect and anchored to prevent superior migration. The Z-plasty flaps were then transposed and closed without skin sacrifice. Postoperatively, the superior portion of the earlobe was compressed to prevent graft displacement. At 16–32 months of follow-up, all reconstructed earlobes maintained stable volume and natural contour without horizontal or vertical shortening. This combined technique provides a reliable, tissue-preserving, and cosmetically favorable option for correcting CLCEs, effectively resolving both skin and soft-tissue deficiencies within a single operative field.
5.Synchronous presentation of cutaneous CD30-positive large T-cell lymphoma and glomangioma of the upper lip: a case report
Jignesh RAJGURU ; Kunal PATANKAR ; Ramakrishna SHENOI ; Rajiv DESAI ; Kalyani PUNTAMBEKAR ; Shreeyash KHADSE
Archives of Craniofacial Surgery 2026;27(2):94-99
We report a rare case of synchronous presentation of cutaneous CD30 (cluster of differentiation 30)-positive anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma and glomangioma involving the labial mucosa of the upper lip, highlighting its diagnostic challenges and clinical significance. A 61-yearold woman presented with a mildly tender mucosal lump measuring approximately 7× 4× 2 mm on the inner aspect of the upper lip, without ulceration, discoloration, or other distinctive clinical features. An excisional biopsy was performed under local anesthesia. Histopathological examination revealed a high-grade lymphoproliferative lesion composed of pleomorphic large, atypical cells, consistent with anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Notably, the lymphomatous lesion was located over a well-circumscribed glomangioma characterized by dilated vascular channels. This case underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion and performing thorough histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of all excised lesions, even when clinical features suggest a benign process. The rarity of this synchronous presentation underscores the need for heightened diagnostic vigilance and contributes valuable insight to the existing literature on unusual tumor associations in the oral and maxillofacial region.
6.Primary extracranial meningioma of the temporal region: a case report and literature review
Jae-A JUNG ; Sang Hyun PARK ; Young-Ha OH ; Jungwoo CHANG
Archives of Craniofacial Surgery 2026;27(2):88-93
Meningioma arises from arachnoid cap cells and is a common intracranial neoplasm; however, primary extracranial meningioma is rare, accounting for only 1%–2% of cases and is therefore frequently misdiagnosed. We report a case of primary extracranial meningioma arising in the temporal region without intracranial or dural involvement. A 66-year-old woman presented with a slowly enlarging mass in the left temporal region for approximately 10 years, without pain or limitation of mouth opening. Computed tomography revealed a 2.1× 2.7× 4.6 cm mass between the temporalis muscle and the skull, with no intracranial extension. Fine-needle aspiration suggested a spindle-cell neoplasm, and complete excision was performed via a coronal scalp incision for diagnosis and treatment. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination confirmed a World Health Organization grade II extracranial meningioma. The patient recovered without complications. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed no residual tumor, and adjuvant radiotherapy was not administered. Surveillance imaging every 6 months demonstrated no recurrence over 3.5 years. This case highlights the importance of including extracranial meningioma in the differential diagnosis of temporal masses and supports complete excision as effective management. A brief literature review is included.
7.Transnasal balloon-assisted posterior ridge restoration for inferior orbital wall fractures
Sungyeon KIM ; Hong Bae JEON ; Hyonsurk KIM ; Dong Hee KANG
Archives of Craniofacial Surgery 2026;27(2):80-87
Background:
We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of primary bone restoration with transnasal balloon-assisted support for inferior orbital wall fractures and compared it with the efficacy of conventional alloplastic reconstruction.
Methods:
A total of 85 patients were included in this study. Of them, 25 underwent transconjunctival reconstruction with alloplastic implants (Group A), whereas the remaining 60 underwent primary bone reduction with transnasal balloon-assisted support (Group B). Postoperative outcomes were evaluated based on Hertel exophthalmometry, the orbital volume ratio (OVR) calculated from 6-month follow-up computed tomography (CT) scans, and a curvature analysis of the posterior orbital floor contour on sagittal CT images.
Results:
Both groups showed significant postoperative improvements in OVR (from 109.23% to 103.07% in Group A; from 111.17% to 103.27% in Group B; p< 0.001). The mean change in the Hertel scale was –0.20 mm in Group A and –0.43 mm in Group B, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p> 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the magnitude of volume reduction between Groups A (6.16%) and B (7.90%; p= 0.296). Curvature analysis demonstrated a significantly smaller absolute curvature difference between the operated and contralateral sides in Group B than in Group A (0.0136 vs. 0.0310; p< 0.001).
Conclusion
Transnasal balloon-assisted primary bone restoration represents a reliable surgical alternative, facilitating the reconstruction of natural orbital floor contours while minimizing complications associated with conventional alloplastic implants.
8.Platelet-rich fibrin in the management of mandibular fractures
Premsak SAKARINPANICHAKUL ; Watchara BURAPHOLKUL
Archives of Craniofacial Surgery 2026;27(2):55-64
Background:
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous biomaterial that promotes tissue regeneration through sustained release of growth factors. Its role in accelerating bone healing in mandibular fractures, however, remains incompletely defined. This study evaluated the effect of PRF on bone regeneration following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of bilateral mandibular fractures.
Methods:
A prospective split-mouth clinical trial was conducted at a single center between December 2023 and September 2025. Twenty patients with bilateral mandibular fractures were enrolled; each patient received PRF on one fracture side and conventional ORIF on the contralateral side. Bone density was quantified using Hounsfield units (HU) from preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months. Statistical analysis employed a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc comparisons.
Results:
Eighteen patients completed the 3-month follow-up and were included in the final analysis. Bone density increased significantly over time in both sides (p< 0.001), with a significant side by time interaction (p< 0.001). At 3 months, PRF-treated sites demonstrated higher HU values (700.0± 152.1) than controls (567.8± 135.7), yielding a mean difference of 132.2 HU (p< 0.001, Cohen’s d= 0.94). No early intergroup differences or postoperative complications were observed.
Conclusion
Adjunctive use of PRF significantly enhanced bone density at 3 months without increasing complications. PRF appears to promote late-stage bone mineralization; however, larger multicenter studies with longer follow-up are required before recommending routine clinical implementation.
9.Review on the impact of smoking on wound healing following facial procedures
Gunjan CHOUKSEY ; Amit AGRAWAL ; Sudip BHARGAVA ; Sunaina Tejpal KARNA
Archives of Craniofacial Surgery 2026;27(1):1-9
Optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes in facial surgery depend on effective wound healing. Although the impact of cigarette smoking on postoperative healing has been widely studied, its specific influence in the context of facial procedures remains debated. This review evaluates how smoking compromises wound healing and increases the risk of postoperative complications by synthesizing current evidence on its influence in facial surgical procedures. This scoping review included original observational studies (cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort) published in English that examined associations between cigarette smoking and wound healing following facial procedures. Eligible participants included patients of any age or sex undergoing facial surgery or sustaining facial trauma. Exposure was defined as active smoking or a history of smoking and was compared with non-smokers or those with documented cessation. Primary outcomes included complications such as skin slough, wound dehiscence, infection, and flap or graft necrosis. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklists. Of 129 screened records, nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Across various facial procedures, active smoking was consistently associated with impaired wound healing, with reported complication risks ranging from 1.8-fold to 12-fold higher among smokers. Commonly reported adverse outcomes included flap necrosis, infection, and wound dehiscence, although several studies reported no statistically significant association in specific procedural contexts. Smoking is strongly associated with poorer wound healing following facial surgery, particularly in flap-based procedures. These findings emphasize the importance of perioperative smoking cessation to improve healing and reduce preventable postoperative complications.
10.Recurrent secondary milia after full-thickness skin graft using retroauricular donor skin for dog-bite defect: a case report
Min Wook KIM ; Chang Ryeol KEUM ; Kwang Sik SEO ; Jung Yeol SEO
Archives of Craniofacial Surgery 2026;27(1):45-49
Full-thickness skin grafting (FTSG) is frequently used to reconstruct facial soft tissue defects because it provides favorable color and texture matching. Secondary cystic lesions, including milia or epidermal cysts, that develop after FTSG are rare. A 29-year-old woman sustained a dog-bite injury resulting in a 4.5× 2.5 cm defect involving the philtrum and upper lip. The philtrum was reconstructed using a full-thickness skin graft harvested from the retroauricular area, while the upper lip was repaired using a mucosal V-Y advancement flap. Ten months later, hypertrophic scarring developed, and a second FTSG was performed using contralateral retroauricular skin. Despite repeated intralesional triamcinolone injections, the grafted area became tender and pruritic, with the appearance of multiple milia-like lesions. Over the subsequent 9 months, three recurrent cystic nodules developed within the scar tissue and were serially excised. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of secondary milia. After complete excision, no recurrence was observed for over 3 years. We discuss possible contributing mechanisms, including adnexal survival within grafts and the role of remnant epidermis or ductal obstruction. Awareness of this complication may help guide donor-site selection and wound-bed preparation in perioral reconstruction.

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