OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of plantar medial thin skin flaps preserving plantar fascia with its superficial fascia tissue to repair skin defects in hands and feet. METHODS: Between July 2017 and January 2023, 35 cases of hand and foot defects were repaired with plantar medial thin skin flaps preserving plantar fascia with its superficial fascia tissue (13 pedicled flaps and 22 free flaps). There were 18 males and 17 females, with an average age of 38.8 years (range, 8-56 years). Thirty cases of defects were caused by trauma, and the interval between injury and admission ranged from 2 to 6 hours (mean, 3.3 hours). Three cases were ulcer wounds with a course of 3.0, 3.8, and 7.0 months, respectively. Two cases were malignant melanoma. Eight cases of wounds located in the fingers, 13 cases in the palm, 12 cases in the heel, and 2 cases in the distal foot. The size of skin defects ranged from 4.0 cm×3.5 cm to 12.0 cm×10.0 cm, and the size of flap ranged from 5.0 cm×4.5 cm to 13.0 cm×11.0 cm. The donor sites were repaired with skin grafts. RESULTS: All flaps were survived and the wounds healed by first intention after operation. The partial necrosis at the edge of the skin graft occurred in 1 case, which healed after dressing change; the other skin grafts survived successfully. All patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 18 months). The flaps exhibited similar color and thickness to the surrounding hand and foot skin. Two-point discrimination ranged from 7 to 10 mm in the flaps with an average of 8 mm. The donor sites had no painful scars or sensory abnormalities. Foot and ankle functions were good and gaits were normal. CONCLUSION Application of plantar medial thin skin flaps preserving plantar fascia with its superficial fascia tissue to repair skin defects in hands and feet had good flap shape, high survival rate of skin graft at the donor site, and no obvious complications.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Adult ; Plastic Surgery Procedures ; Subcutaneous Tissue/surgery* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Skin Transplantation ; Fascia ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Treatment Outcome ; Perforator Flap

Elevating thin flaps has long been a goal of reconstructive surgeons. Thin flaps have numerous advantages in reconstruction. In this study, we present a surgical method for elevating a thin flap and demonstrate the safety of the procedure. A retrospective review was performed of the electronic medical records of patients who underwent thin flap elevation for lower extremity reconstruction from April 2016 to September 2016 at the Department of Plastic Surgery of Asan Medical Center. All flaps included in this study were elevated above the superficial fascia. A total of 15 superficial circumflex iliac artery free flaps and 13 anterolateral thigh free flaps were enrolled in the study. The total complication rate was 17.56% (n=5), with total loss of the flap in one patient (3.57%) and partial necrosis of the flap in four patients (14.28%). No wound dehiscence or graft loss at the donor wound took place. Elevation above the superficial fascia is not inferior in terms of flap necrosis risk and is superior for reducing donor site morbidity. In addition to its safety, it yields good aesthetic results.
Chungcheongnam-do ; Electronic Health Records ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Humans ; Iliac Artery ; Lower Extremity ; Methods ; Necrosis ; Perforator Flap* ; Retrospective Studies ; Subcutaneous Tissue ; Surgeons ; Surgery, Plastic ; Thigh ; Tissue Donors ; Transplants ; Wounds and Injuries

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) was first described in 1982 by Goldstein. Considered a rare malignant skin appendageal tumor, it is often underdiagnosed due to its clinical and histopathological resemblance to other cutaneous neoplasms. MAC is locally aggressive with infiltration of perineural spaces, subcutaneous tissue, skeletal muscles, and so on. Aggressive treatment including wide local excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, or radiation therapy is necessary owing to the high recurrence rate. Herein, we report a case of a 47-year-old Korean woman with a skin-colored hardened plaque on the scalp with a clinical diagnosis of cicatricial alopecia and histopathological diagnosis of MAC. After treatment by Mohs micrographic surgery, the patient is being followed up regularly without any sign of recurrence. This case demonstrates an uncommon topography of MAC on the scalp with secondary cicatricial alopecia and highlights the need for awareness of the potential for MAC in the diagnosis of alopecia with a slow-growing tumor.
Alopecia* ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Mohs Surgery ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Pathology ; Recurrence ; Scalp ; Skin ; Skin Neoplasms ; Subcutaneous Tissue

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expressions of inflammation- and fibrosis-related genes in perinephric and subcutaneous adipose tissues in patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent Cushing's syndrome.

METHODSThe perinephric and subcutaneous adipose tissues adipose tissues were obtained from 8 patients with ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome undergoing laparoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP-2), TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1), early growth response 1 (EGR1), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β(CEBPβ), uncoupling protein 1(UCP-1), PPARγ coactivator 1 alpha (PGC1α) and cell death-inducing DFFA-like effector a (CIDEA).

RESULTSThe mRNA level of CIDEA was significantly higher in the perinephric adipose tissue (peri-N) than in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (subQ) (P<0.05). The expressions of CEBPβ, UCP-1, and PGC1α mRNA in the peri-N were similar with those in the subQ. The expressions of IL-6, TIMP1 and EGR1 mRNA in the subQ were significantly higher than those in the peri-N (P<0.05). No significant difference in TNF-α and MMP-2 mRNA levels was found between peri-N and subQ.

CONCLUSIONThe expression levels of the inflammation- and fibrosis-related genes are higher in the subQ than in the peri-N of patients with ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome, suggesting that chronic exposure to endogenous hypercortisolism may cause adipose tissue dysfunction.

Adrenalectomy ; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta ; metabolism ; Cushing Syndrome ; metabolism ; surgery ; Early Growth Response Protein 1 ; metabolism ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; metabolism ; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha ; metabolism ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Subcutaneous Fat ; metabolism ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism ; Uncoupling Protein 1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility and advantages of total auricular reconstruction with single big expander at dual plane through incision at remnant ear.

METHODS52 patients with microtia were treated. Through incision at remnant ear, one big expander (150 ml) was implanted in the post-auricular area beneath the superficial facial in the hairless area, and above the superficial fascia in the area with hair. In the second stage, total auricular was reconstructed with autologous cartilage framework and expanded skin. Skin graft was not necessary. Another 32 paitents with single big expander above the superficial fascia were used as control. The downward shift distance of expanders, the appearance of auriculocephalic sulcus and complication were recorded in order to assess the effect of these two methods.

RESULTSThe downward shift distance of expanders in the dual plane group (0.7 ± 0.3) cm were lower than that in the control group (1.3 ± 0.4) cm, showing significant difference (P < 0.05). After a follow-up period of 6-12 months, shallow auriculocephalic sulcus was presented in 5 patients of the dual plane group and 12 patient of the control group. The shallow auriculocephalic sulcus was cut to make it deeper and covered with full skin graft.

CONCLUSIONSDual plane skin expansion could reduce the downward shift distance of expander. Adequate skin on the upper part of expander could make satisfactory auriculocephalic sulcus.

Cartilage ; transplantation ; Congenital Microtia ; surgery ; Feasibility Studies ; Hair ; Humans ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Skin Transplantation ; methods ; Subcutaneous Tissue ; Surgical Flaps ; trends ; Tissue Expansion ; methods ; Tissue Expansion Devices

We present a rare case report of foreign body of the nasal apex in a 22-year man who were hospitalized because of a bit of metal rebounded. There was slight bleeding at wound site with a feeling of pain and swelling. On physical examination, the apex lied in the median position with a bleeding cut about 3 millimeter in length. There was no visible stump on the cut or rupture in the nasal vestibular. Computed tomographic scan showed the abnormal high-density shadow in the nasal apex while the foreign body was located in the subcutaneous tissue of the antero-upper part of septal cartilage. The admitting diagnosis was foreign body in nasal apex. Endoscopic surgery was adopted to remove the foreign body.
Endoscopy ; Foreign Bodies ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Metals ; Nasal Cartilages ; pathology ; Nasal Cavity ; surgery ; Pain ; Subcutaneous Tissue ; pathology ; Young Adult

The patient, female, 27 years old. The scalp neoplasm had been found at her right temple 10 years ago. At first, the size of the tumor was just like a soybean, and did not grow obviously in the past nine and a half years. But the tumor increased fast in these six months, almost as large as the pigeon egg now. The physical examination showed that: A spherical tumor locates in the right temple near the right ear; the size of the tumor is 3 cm X 4 cm X 3 cm; the surface is smooth, no tenderness, no obvious mobile base, skull defect not touched. Primary diagnosis: the scalp cyst or lipoma. Under the local anesthesia we remove the neoplasm, during the operation we found the lesion located in the subcutaneous tissue layer, involved the galea aponeurosis layer, the skull surface are smooth and complete. The tumor was completely removed. We cut the mass and found a cystic cavity sized 3 cmX4 cm, which contained gray jerry-built materials, contained oil and a mass of hair, the capsule wall was complete. Postoperative pathological report: The tumor is cystic look throught the microscope, the capsule wall is squamous epithelium, containing keratinized material and hair. The pathological diagnosis is teratoma. The incision healed primarily, no recurrence found for about a year.
Female ; Humans ; Lipoma ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Scalp ; pathology ; Skin Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Skull ; Subcutaneous Tissue ; Teratoma ; pathology ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo observe the origins and insertions of Pitanguy ligament,in order to find the anatomically theoretical basis for the treatment of nasal deformity such as drooping nose, short columella, gingival show.

METHODS15 cadaveric heads fixed by 10% formalin were used. 12 specimens underwent nasal anatomic study. The skin was incised, along the nasal midline to expose the Pitanguy ligament. The origin of Pitanguy ligament and its relationship with surrounding tissue were studied. Then the Pitanguy ligament was taken out for HE staining. Longitudinal section along the ligament was observed. 3 specimens underwent harvesting of full-thickness nasal tissue from skin to periosteal membrane. Then the samples were used for HE staining to show histologic study of ligament at horizontal section.

RESULTSPitanguy ligament originates in the midline of lower third of the nasal superficial musculoaponeurotic system, extends down to the tip along the midline of the nasal dorsum and then turns backwards at the nasal tip, and runs between the medial crura of the lower lateral cartilages, inserts into the base of columella. Its muscle is connected with the orbicularis oris muscle and the depressor septi nasi muscle. HE staining showed the ligament consists of fibrous connective tissue, muscle tissue and other ingredients, but without cartilage.

CONCLUSIONSPitanguy ligament exists with complex histological composition, so its name is still controversial. Because it has multiple connection with the orbicularis oris muscle and the depressor septi nasi muscle, so cutting or shortened the Pitanguy ligament can treat deformity of nose and lip by adjustment of nasolabial angles and the nasal length.

Cadaver ; Cartilage ; anatomy & histology ; Facial Muscles ; anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Ligaments ; anatomy & histology ; Lip ; anatomy & histology ; Nasal Septum ; anatomy & histology ; Nose ; anatomy & histology ; Nose Deformities, Acquired ; pathology ; surgery ; Subcutaneous Tissue ; anatomy & histology

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), an incretin hormone well known for its glucose-lowering effect, was recently reported to exert an anabolic effect on bone. Although the exact mechanism is not known, it likely involves the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), which is expressed in some osteoblastic cell lines. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have mesenchymal stem cell-specific characteristics, including osteoblastic differentiation potential. We evaluated the expression of GLP-1R during osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs. METHODS: ADSCs were isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue obtained from three male donors during plastic surgery and were subjected to osteogenic induction. Mineralization was assessed by Alizarin Red staining on day 21. Expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), and GLP-1R was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction in triplicate for each patient on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. Target mRNA expression levels were normalized to that of beta-actin. RESULTS: ADSCs were fibroblast-like in morphology, adhered to plastic, and had multipotent differentiation potential, as assessed using specific antigen markers. The osteogenic markers ALP and OC were notably upregulated at 21 days. Osteogenic differentiation resulted in a time-dependent increase in the expression of GLP-1R (P=0.013). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated upregulation of GLP-1R gene expression during osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs. This finding suggests that GLP-1 may induce osteogenic differentiation in bone tissue.
Actins ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; Anabolic Agents ; Bone and Bones ; Cell Line ; Gene Expression ; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1* ; Humans ; Incretins ; Male ; Osteoblasts ; Osteocalcin ; Osteogenesis ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; RNA, Messenger ; Stem Cells* ; Subcutaneous Fat ; Surgery, Plastic ; Tissue Donors ; Up-Regulation ; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor

BACKGROUND: Recently, the number of thyroid surgery cases has been increasing; consequently, the number of patients who visit plastic surgery departments with a chief complaint of swallowing deformity has also increased. We performed a scar correction technique on post-thyroidectomy swallowing deformity via platysma flap with Z-plasty and obtained satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes. METHODS: The authors performed operations upon 18 patients who presented a definitive retraction on the swallowing mechanism as an objective sign of swallowing deformity, or throat or neck discomfort on swallowing mechanism such as sensation of throat traction as a subjective sign after thyoridectomy from January 2009 till June 2012. The scar tissue that adhered to the subcutaneous tissue layer was completely excised. A platysma flap as mobile interference was applied to remove the continuity of the scar adhesion, and additionally, Z-plasty for prevention of midline platysma banding was performed. RESULTS: The follow-up results of the 18 patients indicated that the definitive retraction on the swallowing mechanism was completely removed. Throat or neck discomfort on the swallowing mechanism such as sensation of throat traction also was alleviated in all 18 patients. When preoperative and postoperative Vancouver scar scales were compared to each other, the scale had decreased significantly after surgery (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our simple surgical method involved the formation of a platysma flap with Z-plasty as mobile interference for the correction of post-thyroidectomy swallowing deformity. This method resulted in aesthetically and functionally satisfying outcomes.
Cicatrix ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Deglutition ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Neck ; Neck Muscles ; Pharynx ; Sensation ; Subcutaneous Tissue ; Surgery, Plastic ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyroidectomy ; Traction ; Weights and Measures