OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare cosmetic outcomes and overall satisfaction rate of cesarean section scar between conventional subcuticular suture and intradermal buried vertical mattress. METHODS: Patients were enrolled to the study by chart review. A scar assessment was obtained retrospectively through a telephone survey. The patient component of the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) was utilized along with the overall satisfaction of the patient regarding their cesarean section scar and their willingness to choose the same skin closure technique when anticipating their next cesarean section. RESULTS: A total of 303 cases of cesarean section was recruited, 102 finished telephone surveys were calculated for the analyses. Subcuticular suture was regarded as control group (n=52) and intradermal buried suture as test group (n=50). The PSAS score of the test group (mean, 21.8) was lower than that of the control group (mean, 28), with a statistical significance (P=0.02). Overall satisfaction rate did not differ between the two groups. Two parameters of the PSAS score and the level of overall satisfaction showed significant correlation (Pearson's r, −0.63; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: We suggested the use of intradermal buried vertical mattress as a cosmetically superior skin closure method for application in cesarean sections over subcuticular stitch.
Abdominal Wound Closure Techniques ; Cesarean Section ; Cicatrix ; Cosmetic Techniques ; Female ; Humans ; Methods ; Pregnancy ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin ; Sutures ; Telephone ; Wound Healing

Cosmetic lateral canthoplasty has become popular among Asians in the last few decades, but few techniques have withstood the test of time to be accepted as both effective and noninvasive, with minimal complications. Novel techniques have been developed, but are not free from complications. Moreover, these methods often have limited indications and may require a rather long learning curve to master. Herein, the authors present their experiences performing a simple lateral canthoplasty procedure in 61 patients using a slightly modified V-Y advancement flap, previously known as the Uchida method.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Blepharoplasty ; Cosmetic Techniques ; Humans ; Learning Curve ; Sterilization, Tubal

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the effect of cosmetic technique on the modification of lip deformity after cleft lip surgery. METHODS: A total of 35 patients with postoperative cleft lip and who needed two-stage repair due to the nasolabial deformity were selected. Cosmetic technique was used to modify their lip deformities prior to the surgery. Front photos of the patients were taken before and after modification of their lip deformities. These photos were subsequently assessed by both the patients and the medical staff. The visual analogue method, Asher-McDade aesthetic index, and Mortier PB scale were used by patients and medical staff to evaluate changes in the lip shape by the cosmetic technique. RESULTS: Prior to the cosmetic technique application, the mean self-score of the patients and the mean scores of the medical staff were 56±13 and 3.22±1.11 points, respectively. After the cosmetic technique application, the mean self-score of the patients and the mean scores of the medical staff were 67±12 and 2.85±1.03 points, respectively. The differences were statistically significant for both the patients and the medical staff (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Appropriate use of the cosmetic technique can modify the lip deformity after the cleft lip surgery to a certain degree. The use of this technique exerts evident effects in restoring the symmetry
of lip peak and the continuity of the labial arch and in highlighting the philtrum column.
Cleft Lip ; surgery ; Cosmetic Techniques ; Esthetics, Dental ; Humans ; Postoperative Period ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND: In contrast to fillers made from artificial substances, platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) filler does not cause hypersensitivity reactions or foreign body reactions. PRFM is also highly accessible in terms of cost. Hence, in this study, the efficacy of PRFM for soft tissue augmentation and volume maintenance was evaluated in an animal experiment. METHODS: Twenty nude mice were injected with hyaluronic acid filler, fibrin glue, PRFM filler, and normal saline (control). The remaining volume was measured 4 times over the course of 8 weeks using the volumetric taping bowl method and magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: All nude mice survived and showed no signs of infection, such as erythema or edematous changes, during the study period. Migration of the injected substance was not detected at 2, 4, or 8 weeks after the procedure. The remaining volumes of normal saline at 2, 4, and 8 weeks were 10.50%, 2.00%, and 0.00%; fibrin glue, 20.50%, 9.00%, and 2.50%; hyaluronic acid filler, 82.00%, 35.00%, and 17.33%; and PRFM filler, 70.31%, 26.75%, and 14.37%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PRFM filler had a high soft-tissue filling capacity compared with the control. It also showed a similar effect to hyaluronic acid filler. Thus, PRFM filler could be a good alternative for correcting soft-tissue deficits.
Animal Experimentation ; Animals ; Cosmetic Techniques ; Erythema ; Fibrin Tissue Adhesive ; Fibrin* ; Foreign Bodies ; Hyaluronic Acid ; Hypersensitivity ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Methods ; Mice ; Mice, Nude* ; Platelet-Rich Plasma

BACKGROUND: Abdominoplasty, with or without liposuction, is among the most frequently performed aesthetic procedures. Its main objective is to improve the body contour by means of excising redundant skin and fat tissue. Although abdominoplasty is considered a safe procedure with high satisfaction rates, intraoperative and postoperative complications can become a challenge for the surgical team. The aim of this article is to offer a synopsis of the most common complications arising after abdominoplasty, along with evidence-based guidelines about how to prevent and treat them. METHODS: A systematic MEDLINE search strategy was designed using appropriate Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms, and references were scanned for further relevant articles. RESULTS: According to the published case series, local complications are considerably more common than complications with systemic repercussions. Approximately 10% to 20% of patients suffer a local complication following abdominoplasty, while fewer than 1% suffer a systemic complication. Prevention and management strategies are critically discussed for complications including seroma, haematoma, infection, skin necrosis, suture extrusions, hypertrophic scars, neurological symptoms, umbilical anomalies, deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism, respiratory distress, and death. CONCLUSIONS: The complications of abdominoplasty vary in severity and in the impact they have on the aesthetic outcomes. Recommendations for prevention and management are based on various levels of evidence, with a risk of observer bias. However, most complications can be treated appropriately following the current standards, with satisfactory results.
Abdominoplasty* ; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic ; Cosmetic Techniques ; Humans ; Lipectomy ; Medical Subject Headings ; Necrosis ; Observer Variation ; Postoperative Complications ; Pulmonary Embolism ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Seroma ; Skin ; Surgery, Plastic ; Sutures ; Venous Thrombosis

BACKGROUND: Abdominoplasty, with or without liposuction, is among the most frequently performed aesthetic procedures. Its main objective is to improve the body contour by means of excising redundant skin and fat tissue. Although abdominoplasty is considered a safe procedure with high satisfaction rates, intraoperative and postoperative complications can become a challenge for the surgical team. The aim of this article is to offer a synopsis of the most common complications arising after abdominoplasty, along with evidence-based guidelines about how to prevent and treat them. METHODS: A systematic MEDLINE search strategy was designed using appropriate Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms, and references were scanned for further relevant articles. RESULTS: According to the published case series, local complications are considerably more common than complications with systemic repercussions. Approximately 10% to 20% of patients suffer a local complication following abdominoplasty, while fewer than 1% suffer a systemic complication. Prevention and management strategies are critically discussed for complications including seroma, haematoma, infection, skin necrosis, suture extrusions, hypertrophic scars, neurological symptoms, umbilical anomalies, deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism, respiratory distress, and death. CONCLUSIONS: The complications of abdominoplasty vary in severity and in the impact they have on the aesthetic outcomes. Recommendations for prevention and management are based on various levels of evidence, with a risk of observer bias. However, most complications can be treated appropriately following the current standards, with satisfactory results.
Abdominoplasty* ; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic ; Cosmetic Techniques ; Humans ; Lipectomy ; Medical Subject Headings ; Necrosis ; Observer Variation ; Postoperative Complications ; Pulmonary Embolism ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Seroma ; Skin ; Surgery, Plastic ; Sutures ; Venous Thrombosis

Asian eyes may have a narrow palpebral fissure and an upward Mongolian slant that is sometimes perceived as an angry or unfavorable expression. Among the various methods of oculoplastic surgery, lateral canthoplasty can alter the structure of the eyes such that they appear much bigger, thereby conveying a more favorable expression. We performed a lateral canthoplasty in which the lower eyelid tarsus was fixed to the periosteum while the lateral canthus was moved downward and backward. Here, we describe the surgical procedure we used to perform this technique.
Ankle ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Blepharoplasty ; Cosmetic Techniques ; Eyelids ; Humans ; Lacrimal Apparatus ; Periosteum*

Asian eyes may have a narrow palpebral fissure and an upward Mongolian slant that is sometimes perceived as an angry or unfavorable expression. Among the various methods of oculoplastic surgery, lateral canthoplasty can alter the structure of the eyes such that they appear much bigger, thereby conveying a more favorable expression. We performed a lateral canthoplasty in which the lower eyelid tarsus was fixed to the periosteum while the lateral canthus was moved downward and backward. Here, we describe the surgical procedure we used to perform this technique.
Ankle ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Blepharoplasty ; Cosmetic Techniques ; Eyelids ; Humans ; Lacrimal Apparatus ; Periosteum*

PURPOSE: To investigate periorbital lipogranuloma cases that developed after autologous fat injection and to determine various treatment outcomes from these cases. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 27 patients who presented with periocular mass (final diagnosis of lipogranuloma) and had history of facial autologous fat injection. The collected data included information on patient sex, age, clinical presentation, number and site of fat injections, interval between injections, duration from injection to symptom onset, fat harvesting site, use of cryopreservation, and treatment outcome. RESULTS: The most common presenting symptom was palpable mass (92.6%), followed by blepharoptosis and eyelid edema. The mean time from injection to symptom onset was 13.6 +/- 29.2 months (range, 2 to 153 months). Patients were managed by intralesional triamcinolone injection (six patients) and surgical excision (three patients); 18 patients were followed without treatment. Among the six patients who underwent intralesional triamcinolone injection, five showed complete resolution, and one showed partial resolution. Among the 18 patients who were followed without management, three showed spontaneous resolution over a 5-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Lipogranuloma can develop in the eyelid after autologous fat injection into the face. Both surgical excision and intralesional triamcinolone injection yield relatively good outcomes. Simple observation can be a good option because spontaneous resolution can occur in a subset of patients.
Adipose Tissue/*transplantation ; Adult ; Autografts ; Cosmetic Techniques/*adverse effects ; Eyelid Diseases/diagnostic imaging/*etiology/therapy ; Female ; Granuloma, Foreign-Body/diagnostic imaging/*etiology/therapy ; Humans ; Injections ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Orbital Diseases/diagnostic imaging/*etiology/therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Rhytidoplasty/*adverse effects ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND: As harvesting techniques have improved the viability of transposed adipose tissue, autologous fat transfer is increasingly utilized for facial augmentation. Conventional techniques involve placing harvested fat deep in subcutaneous tissue through skin punctures. Trans-oral fat injections at the buccal and labial sulci and through the mucosa of the oral commissures obviate external scars. We report experience with this technique for augmentation of the cheeks, zygomatic arch, nasolabial folds, upper and lower lips, and chin in 130 patients over a 14-year period. METHODS: We report an observational case series of 147 procedures performed in 130 patients (118 women and 12 men, 19-69 years of age) in which 10 to 60 mL autologous fat supernatant harvested from the hips, buttocks, or abdomen were injected through the oral mucosa for augmentation. Single preoperative doses of antibiotic and methylprednisolone were administered in all cases. Fat frozen and banked during initial treatments was used for additional augmentation 3 to 6 months after initial treatments in 46% of cases. Outcomes were assessed clinically with physical exams and photographs. RESULTS: Mucosal puncture wounds healed uneventfully. Most patients tolerated the procedures well and recovered rapidly compared to historical experience with conventional percutaneous techniques. One patient developed a sterile seroma 3 weeks after facial augmentation that responded to needle aspiration. CONCLUSIONS: Transmucosal, intra-oral autologous fat grafting was associated with minimal visible scarring, swelling, or infection at the recipient site. This technique may be considered an alternative to percutaneous transfer for proximate peri-oral facial augmentation.
Abdomen ; Adipose Tissue ; Buttocks ; Cheek ; Chin ; Cicatrix ; Cosmetic Techniques ; Female ; Hip ; Humans ; Lip ; Male ; Methylprednisolone ; Mouth Mucosa ; Mucous Membrane ; Nasolabial Fold ; Needles ; Punctures ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Rejuvenation ; Seroma ; Skin ; Subcutaneous Fat ; Subcutaneous Tissue ; Tissue Transplantation ; Transplants ; Wounds and Injuries ; Zygoma