Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasonic bone scalpel in nasal osteotomy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from the patients who received ultrasonic bone scalpel-assisted nasal osteotomy in the Nasal Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College between January 2023 and April 2024. All patients underwent open lateral approach osteotomy using an ultrasonic bone scalpel under direct vision, combined with augmentation rhinoplasty using autologous costal cartilage grafting. Intraoperatively, the nasal dorsum was fully exposed, and the lateral nasal cartilage was separated from the nasal septum, followed by precise bone tissue incision using the ultrasonic bone scalpel. Parameters recorded included operative time, and postoperative complications. Based on the standardized photographs taken before the operation and during the 6-month follow-up after the operation, the observer global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) was evaluated by a third-party doctor, with a score ranging from 1 to 5. The smaller the score, the more significant the improvement compared to before the operation. The satisfaction of patients with the surgical outcome was evaluated and classified into four levels: very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied, and very dissatisfied.Results:A total of 25 female patients were enrolled, aged 20 to 38 years, with an average age of 27.1 years. All procedures were completed successfully, with a mean operative time of (25.4±4.2) minutes. Postoperative localized swelling of varying degrees was observed. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 18 months, with nasal contour and curvature stabilizing by 6 months postoperatively. No complications, such as infection, nasolacrimal duct, lacrimal sac, medial canthal ligament, nerve injuries, or sensory disturbances, were reported. Two cases exhibited mild nasal bone widening at the 6-month follow-up, though no surgical revision was requested. Significant improvement in external nasal morphology was achieved in all patients, with high satisfaction rates. The patients satisfaction survey showed that 18 cases (72%) were very satisfied and 7 cases (28%) were satisfied with the surgical outcome. GAIS scores reflected positive evaluations [(1.24±0.51) points].Conclusion:The ultrasonic bone scalpel for nasal osteotomy offers the advantages of high-precision cutting and efficient hemostasis. It is highly effective in reshaping the nasal contour, with shorter osteotomy time, reduced intraoperative bleeding, and a lower postoperative complication rate. This study provides some insights into plastic surgeons in optimizing nasal bone modification strategies.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection in enhancing chin aesthetics.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with suboptimal chin aesthetics who underwent dual-plane BTX-A injection at Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between August 2023 and March 2024. Prior to injection, patients were instructed to repeatedly pucker their lips forward and upward to identify the most prominent points of the mentalis muscle for injection. A 13 mm 30 G needle was inserted perpendicularly into the muscle layer, and BTX-A was administered at a concentration of 20 U/ml, with 3 U per injection point. For the patients exhibiting significant orange peel signs at rest, intradermal deep-layer BTX-A injection was concurrently performed at a concentration of 5 U/ml, with 0.5 U per linear track. Postoperative follow-up was conducted, and third-party physicians assessed pre- and post-treatment photographs using the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) (scores ranging from 5 to 1, representing worse, no improvement, mild improvement, moderate improvement, and significant improvement, respectively). Patient satisfaction was also surveyed [categorized as very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied; satisfaction rate = (very satisfied + satisfied) cases/total cases × 100%], along with their willingness to undergo repeated injections and recommend the procedure to others. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 24.0 software. Normally distributed continuous data were expressed as Mean±SD, and categorical data were expressed as counts (%).Results:A total of 120 patients were included, comprising 11 males and 109 females, aged 22-39 years (mean age of 33.3 years). Follow-up ranged from 1 to 5 months (mean of 1.3 months). Postoperatively, 102 patients reported subjective improvement in chin appearance, characterized by enhanced fullness and roundness of the chin. Thirty-one patients noted a slight elevation of the submental fat pad and improved definition of the cervicomental angle. The mean GAIS score was 1.61±0.78, with 76 cases scoring 1, 24 cases scoring 2, 10 cases scoring 3, and 10 cases scoring 4. Improvement (scores 1-3) was achieved in 91.7% (110/120) of patients. The subjective satisfaction rate was 85.0% (102/120), and 94 patients (78.3%) expressed willingness to undergo repeated injections and recommend the procedure to family or friends. Early postoperative complications included localized bruising in 17 cases, which was resolved within 10 d, and transient fine motor dysfunction of the lower jaw in 23 cases, with normal chewing, swallowing, and facial expressions, all of which were resolved completely within 6 weeks. No cases of mouth deviation, facial paralysis, allergic reactions, or other complications were observed.Conclusion:The application of BTX-A via intramuscular mentalis injection combined with intradermal deep-layer injection significantly improves both dynamic and static chin aesthetics. However, some common complications also ask for the further attention of practitioners.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasonic bone scalpel in nasal osteotomy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from the patients who received ultrasonic bone scalpel-assisted nasal osteotomy in the Nasal Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College between January 2023 and April 2024. All patients underwent open lateral approach osteotomy using an ultrasonic bone scalpel under direct vision, combined with augmentation rhinoplasty using autologous costal cartilage grafting. Intraoperatively, the nasal dorsum was fully exposed, and the lateral nasal cartilage was separated from the nasal septum, followed by precise bone tissue incision using the ultrasonic bone scalpel. Parameters recorded included operative time, and postoperative complications. Based on the standardized photographs taken before the operation and during the 6-month follow-up after the operation, the observer global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) was evaluated by a third-party doctor, with a score ranging from 1 to 5. The smaller the score, the more significant the improvement compared to before the operation. The satisfaction of patients with the surgical outcome was evaluated and classified into four levels: very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied, and very dissatisfied.Results:A total of 25 female patients were enrolled, aged 20 to 38 years, with an average age of 27.1 years. All procedures were completed successfully, with a mean operative time of (25.4±4.2) minutes. Postoperative localized swelling of varying degrees was observed. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 18 months, with nasal contour and curvature stabilizing by 6 months postoperatively. No complications, such as infection, nasolacrimal duct, lacrimal sac, medial canthal ligament, nerve injuries, or sensory disturbances, were reported. Two cases exhibited mild nasal bone widening at the 6-month follow-up, though no surgical revision was requested. Significant improvement in external nasal morphology was achieved in all patients, with high satisfaction rates. The patients satisfaction survey showed that 18 cases (72%) were very satisfied and 7 cases (28%) were satisfied with the surgical outcome. GAIS scores reflected positive evaluations [(1.24±0.51) points].Conclusion:The ultrasonic bone scalpel for nasal osteotomy offers the advantages of high-precision cutting and efficient hemostasis. It is highly effective in reshaping the nasal contour, with shorter osteotomy time, reduced intraoperative bleeding, and a lower postoperative complication rate. This study provides some insights into plastic surgeons in optimizing nasal bone modification strategies.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection in enhancing chin aesthetics.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with suboptimal chin aesthetics who underwent dual-plane BTX-A injection at Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between August 2023 and March 2024. Prior to injection, patients were instructed to repeatedly pucker their lips forward and upward to identify the most prominent points of the mentalis muscle for injection. A 13 mm 30 G needle was inserted perpendicularly into the muscle layer, and BTX-A was administered at a concentration of 20 U/ml, with 3 U per injection point. For the patients exhibiting significant orange peel signs at rest, intradermal deep-layer BTX-A injection was concurrently performed at a concentration of 5 U/ml, with 0.5 U per linear track. Postoperative follow-up was conducted, and third-party physicians assessed pre- and post-treatment photographs using the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) (scores ranging from 5 to 1, representing worse, no improvement, mild improvement, moderate improvement, and significant improvement, respectively). Patient satisfaction was also surveyed [categorized as very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied; satisfaction rate = (very satisfied + satisfied) cases/total cases × 100%], along with their willingness to undergo repeated injections and recommend the procedure to others. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 24.0 software. Normally distributed continuous data were expressed as Mean±SD, and categorical data were expressed as counts (%).Results:A total of 120 patients were included, comprising 11 males and 109 females, aged 22-39 years (mean age of 33.3 years). Follow-up ranged from 1 to 5 months (mean of 1.3 months). Postoperatively, 102 patients reported subjective improvement in chin appearance, characterized by enhanced fullness and roundness of the chin. Thirty-one patients noted a slight elevation of the submental fat pad and improved definition of the cervicomental angle. The mean GAIS score was 1.61±0.78, with 76 cases scoring 1, 24 cases scoring 2, 10 cases scoring 3, and 10 cases scoring 4. Improvement (scores 1-3) was achieved in 91.7% (110/120) of patients. The subjective satisfaction rate was 85.0% (102/120), and 94 patients (78.3%) expressed willingness to undergo repeated injections and recommend the procedure to family or friends. Early postoperative complications included localized bruising in 17 cases, which was resolved within 10 d, and transient fine motor dysfunction of the lower jaw in 23 cases, with normal chewing, swallowing, and facial expressions, all of which were resolved completely within 6 weeks. No cases of mouth deviation, facial paralysis, allergic reactions, or other complications were observed.Conclusion:The application of BTX-A via intramuscular mentalis injection combined with intradermal deep-layer injection significantly improves both dynamic and static chin aesthetics. However, some common complications also ask for the further attention of practitioners.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of jujube core-shaped tissue resection technique in the treatment of alar reduction.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of patients who underwent alar reduction from February 2019 to June 2022. A spindle-shaped incision line was designed along the outer edge of the base of the nasal lobule, with a width of 4-5 mm and a length of 8-12 mm. The incision line was 1-2 mm away from the alar groove, and the inner side of the design line was extended to the inside of the nasal vestibule. After the incision was made, the subcutaneous tissue was undermining dissected with curved sharp scissors, and the shape of the extended excision tissue was similar to that of jujube core. After reduction, the incision was closed with vertical mattress suture. The surgical effect and complications were followed up after surgery, and an independent attending plastic surgeon evaluated the outcome and scarring based on photos before and at the last postoperative follow-up using the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) and the Vancouver scar scale (VSS). GAIS is graded as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 points, and the lower the score, the better the improvement(≤3 points as effective improvement). VSS includes four parameters: color (0-3 points), thickness (0-4 points), vascular distribution (0-3 points), and softness (0-5 points). The higher the score, the more significant the scar is.Results:A total of 20 patients were enrolled, including 6 males and 14 females, aged 20 to 33 years, with an average age of 24.9 years. Before the operation, there were different degrees of alar flare and alar hypertrophy. After surgery, 13 patients had mild swelling, ecchymosis, which resolved after 3 days. There were no major complications as infection, incision dehiscence, and delayed healing. After 3 to 16 months of postoperative follow-up, 2 patients gradually developed cartilage deformation and affected the appearance of the nostrils 6 to 9 months after surgery due to the combination of rib-based rhinoplasty, and the satisfactory results were obtained after revision surgery. The symmetry of the nostrils was significantly improved. The GAIS score of 20 patients was (1.20±0.41) points, of which, 16 patients were rated as 1 point and 4 patients were rated as 2 points, all of which met the improvement criteria, and the VSS score was (1.45±0.60) points, in which the average score for color, thickness, vasculature and compliance are 0.60, 0.05, 0.55 and 0.30 points respectively.Conclusion:The application of jujube core-shaped tissue resection technique for alar reduction can increase the amount of tissue removal with the same incision width, which can not only fully narrow the alar effectively but also correct the hypertrophy of the alar tissue.

Objective:To investigate the clinical outcome of biplanar botulinum toxin type A injection in alleviating platysmal bands.Methods:From November 2022 to May 2023, the clinical data of patients with platysmal bands treated by botulinum toxin type A injection in Department of Face and Neck Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Department of Plastic Surgery, Chengdu Badachu Cosmetic Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The platysmal bands were marked, while patients were grinning, before injection. Using a 13 mm 30 G needle, 20 U/ml botulinum toxin was injected into the muscle layer along the bands from the clavicle direction. The dose was 1 U at a single point every 1.5 cm. Using a 3 mm 30 G needle, 10 U/ml botulinum toxin was injected into the deep surface of dermis along the bands with a single point dose of 0.5 U. Effects were evaluated by overall subjective satisfaction of patients, which were categorized into 4 grades: very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied, very dissatisfied. In addition, accessment by a third-party physician with global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) (1-5 points, the lower the score, the more significant the improvement is) and Geister platysmal band scale (0-4 points, the higher the score, the more severe the platysmal band is). Normal distribution data was represented by Mean±SD.Results:A total of 19 patients were included, including 3 males and 16 females, with the average age of 36.1 years. After a mean follow-up of 1.3 months (1-5 months), the overall subjective satisfaction was 100%(19/19). The GAIS score of third-party physicians was 1.12±0.33. 100%(19/19) of patients received a rating over moderate improvement(significant improvement in 17 cases and moderate improvement in 2 cases). The Geister platysmal band score decreased from preoperative 3.65 ± 0.33 to postoperative 0.76 ± 0.44. No serious complications were found except 5 cases of local congestion and 2 cases of injection pain, which were relieved in 1 week and 3 hours respectively. 2 cases felt mild neck weakness, but neck activity was not affected. The adverse symptoms all completely resolved spontaneously within 4 weeks. All patients have no mouth deviation, difficulty speaking, facial paralysis, allergies, or other noticeable complications.Conclusion:The injection of botulinum toxin type A in dual-plane of platysmal intramuscular layer and deep intradermal layer can effectively alleviate platysmal bands and achieve neck rejuvenation.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of jujube core-shaped tissue resection technique in the treatment of alar reduction.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of patients who underwent alar reduction from February 2019 to June 2022. A spindle-shaped incision line was designed along the outer edge of the base of the nasal lobule, with a width of 4-5 mm and a length of 8-12 mm. The incision line was 1-2 mm away from the alar groove, and the inner side of the design line was extended to the inside of the nasal vestibule. After the incision was made, the subcutaneous tissue was undermining dissected with curved sharp scissors, and the shape of the extended excision tissue was similar to that of jujube core. After reduction, the incision was closed with vertical mattress suture. The surgical effect and complications were followed up after surgery, and an independent attending plastic surgeon evaluated the outcome and scarring based on photos before and at the last postoperative follow-up using the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) and the Vancouver scar scale (VSS). GAIS is graded as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 points, and the lower the score, the better the improvement(≤3 points as effective improvement). VSS includes four parameters: color (0-3 points), thickness (0-4 points), vascular distribution (0-3 points), and softness (0-5 points). The higher the score, the more significant the scar is.Results:A total of 20 patients were enrolled, including 6 males and 14 females, aged 20 to 33 years, with an average age of 24.9 years. Before the operation, there were different degrees of alar flare and alar hypertrophy. After surgery, 13 patients had mild swelling, ecchymosis, which resolved after 3 days. There were no major complications as infection, incision dehiscence, and delayed healing. After 3 to 16 months of postoperative follow-up, 2 patients gradually developed cartilage deformation and affected the appearance of the nostrils 6 to 9 months after surgery due to the combination of rib-based rhinoplasty, and the satisfactory results were obtained after revision surgery. The symmetry of the nostrils was significantly improved. The GAIS score of 20 patients was (1.20±0.41) points, of which, 16 patients were rated as 1 point and 4 patients were rated as 2 points, all of which met the improvement criteria, and the VSS score was (1.45±0.60) points, in which the average score for color, thickness, vasculature and compliance are 0.60, 0.05, 0.55 and 0.30 points respectively.Conclusion:The application of jujube core-shaped tissue resection technique for alar reduction can increase the amount of tissue removal with the same incision width, which can not only fully narrow the alar effectively but also correct the hypertrophy of the alar tissue.

Objective:To investigate the clinical outcome of biplanar botulinum toxin type A injection in alleviating platysmal bands.Methods:From November 2022 to May 2023, the clinical data of patients with platysmal bands treated by botulinum toxin type A injection in Department of Face and Neck Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Department of Plastic Surgery, Chengdu Badachu Cosmetic Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The platysmal bands were marked, while patients were grinning, before injection. Using a 13 mm 30 G needle, 20 U/ml botulinum toxin was injected into the muscle layer along the bands from the clavicle direction. The dose was 1 U at a single point every 1.5 cm. Using a 3 mm 30 G needle, 10 U/ml botulinum toxin was injected into the deep surface of dermis along the bands with a single point dose of 0.5 U. Effects were evaluated by overall subjective satisfaction of patients, which were categorized into 4 grades: very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied, very dissatisfied. In addition, accessment by a third-party physician with global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) (1-5 points, the lower the score, the more significant the improvement is) and Geister platysmal band scale (0-4 points, the higher the score, the more severe the platysmal band is). Normal distribution data was represented by Mean±SD.Results:A total of 19 patients were included, including 3 males and 16 females, with the average age of 36.1 years. After a mean follow-up of 1.3 months (1-5 months), the overall subjective satisfaction was 100%(19/19). The GAIS score of third-party physicians was 1.12±0.33. 100%(19/19) of patients received a rating over moderate improvement(significant improvement in 17 cases and moderate improvement in 2 cases). The Geister platysmal band score decreased from preoperative 3.65 ± 0.33 to postoperative 0.76 ± 0.44. No serious complications were found except 5 cases of local congestion and 2 cases of injection pain, which were relieved in 1 week and 3 hours respectively. 2 cases felt mild neck weakness, but neck activity was not affected. The adverse symptoms all completely resolved spontaneously within 4 weeks. All patients have no mouth deviation, difficulty speaking, facial paralysis, allergies, or other noticeable complications.Conclusion:The injection of botulinum toxin type A in dual-plane of platysmal intramuscular layer and deep intradermal layer can effectively alleviate platysmal bands and achieve neck rejuvenation.

Objective:To investigate the clinical application of a cartilage graft fixation method in the context of rib-based rhinoplasty.Methods:The clinical data of patients who underwent costal cartilage based rhinoplasty in the Center of Rhinoplasty and Nasal Reconstruction, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2020 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. A 20 ml syringe needle was used to drill several micropores about 1 mm in diameter on the surface of the cartilage grafts prior to its placement. "septal extension grafts with micropores" were prepared, and the preparation of the remaining grafts was conventional.Results:A total of 30 female patients aged 21-45 years, with an average age of 36 years underwent primary or repaired autogenous costal cartilage rhinoplasty without severe damage to the nasal septum cartilage (at least retention of L-shaped scaffolds larger than 10 mm) were enrolled. All operations were successful, the cartilage scaffold was stable and durable. There were no serious complications such as infection, septal hematoma and cartilage exposure. Postoperative patients were followed up for a duration of 6-24 months. Two out of 30 patients were not satisfied with the postoperative appearance. During the revision surgery, the septal perichondrium was separated, mucosal tissue had grown into the bilateral holes which further verified of the feasibility of drilling. The other patients were satisfactied with the results.Conclusion:Nasal septum extension graft based on drilling technique is beneficial to maintain the long-term stability of cartilage scaffold after comprehensive costal cartilage nasal surgery, which justifies its application in comprehensive nasal plastic surgery.

Objective:To investigate the clinical application of a cartilage graft fixation method in the context of rib-based rhinoplasty.Methods:The clinical data of patients who underwent costal cartilage based rhinoplasty in the Center of Rhinoplasty and Nasal Reconstruction, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2020 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. A 20 ml syringe needle was used to drill several micropores about 1 mm in diameter on the surface of the cartilage grafts prior to its placement. "septal extension grafts with micropores" were prepared, and the preparation of the remaining grafts was conventional.Results:A total of 30 female patients aged 21-45 years, with an average age of 36 years underwent primary or repaired autogenous costal cartilage rhinoplasty without severe damage to the nasal septum cartilage (at least retention of L-shaped scaffolds larger than 10 mm) were enrolled. All operations were successful, the cartilage scaffold was stable and durable. There were no serious complications such as infection, septal hematoma and cartilage exposure. Postoperative patients were followed up for a duration of 6-24 months. Two out of 30 patients were not satisfied with the postoperative appearance. During the revision surgery, the septal perichondrium was separated, mucosal tissue had grown into the bilateral holes which further verified of the feasibility of drilling. The other patients were satisfactied with the results.Conclusion:Nasal septum extension graft based on drilling technique is beneficial to maintain the long-term stability of cartilage scaffold after comprehensive costal cartilage nasal surgery, which justifies its application in comprehensive nasal plastic surgery.