We report a case of bilateral hand complications following Artecoll injections that were successfully managed with surgical excision and reconstruction using MatriDerm and split-thickness skin grafts. Notably, the patient experienced no postoperative foreign body reactions and achieved excellent functional outcomes, with a complete range of motion at 3.5 years postoperatively. This case underscores the effectiveness of MatriDerm-assisted reconstruction in achieving both functional and aesthetic results.

Background: Quantitative skin assessments have transitioned from subjective evaluations to objective approaches. However, clinical application has remained limited due to high costs and reliance on specialized equipment. High-intensity focused ultrasound and radiofrequency are the two most widely used noninvasive modalities for skin tightening and wrinkle improvement. This study investigated investigate the efficacy of artificial intelligence (AI)-based skin analysis as a more accessible and cost-effective tool for assessing skin firmness and wrinkle improvement. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 34 patients treated simultaneously with high-intensity focused ultrasound and bipolar radiofrequency between January and February 2025. AI-based skin assessments, evaluating firmness and wrinkle scores, were obtained pre-treatment, immediately post-treatment, and at a 2-month follow-up. Standardized clinical photographs were independently evaluated by two blinded human raters. Logistic regression and correlation analyses were conducted to determine alignment between AI and human evaluations. Results: AI analysis showed significant improvements in both firmness and wrinkle scores immediately after treatment and at the 2-month follow-up (P<0.05). Human evaluations demonstrated high inter-rater agreement (Cohen’s κ=0.72–0.91). Logistic regression analyses indicated that changes in AI scores significantly predicted human-rated treatment effectiveness at both time points (area under the curve [AUC] for firmness=0.86; AUC for wrinkles=0.73–0.93). Spearman correlation coefficients and the Mann-Whitney U test further supported strong alignment between AI and human assessments. Conclusions This study validates the clinical utility of AI-based skin analysis as a reliable quantitative measure for evaluating wrinkle improvement and skin tightening following energy-based rejuvenation treatments. Its predictive validity aligns well with expert human judgment, particularly at delayed follow-up.

Background: Ectropion, a common complication after lower blepharoplasty, causes significant patient discomfort and dissatisfaction, yet effective treatments remain lacking. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of intradermal injections of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for scar regeneration and the rapid recovery of temporary ectropion following lower blepharoplasty. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 21 cases of ectropion among 420 patients who underwent transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty between January 2020 and October 2022. PDRN and PRP were injected intradermally into the lower eyelid, with patients monitored at 1- or 2-week intervals. We investigated patient satisfaction, the total number of injections administered, and the time to complete improvement of the ectropion. Results: The average time for complete ectropion resolution was 9.3 weeks, with a relatively high patient satisfaction rating (mean, 4.3 out of 5). Ten primary cases responded well to a single injection, whereas all six patients with previous operations required two or more injections. The rate of improvement was faster than previously reported, likely due to the enhanced collagen synthesis and anti-inflammatory effects of PDRN, along with the tissue repair and angiogenic properties of PRP. Conclusions Intradermal injections of PDRN and PRP demonstrated promising results in rapidly resolving ectropion after lower blepharoplasty, thereby reducing patient discomfort and increasing overall satisfaction.

Background: The nipple is a potential source of pathogens because its lactiferous ducts act as direct conduits from the nipple–areolar complex to the breast parenchyma. Our previous studies identified breast microbiota as a factor in postoperative complications following immediate breast reconstruction using silicone implants and acellular dermal matrix. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between preoperative nipple swab microbiota and the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) after autologous breast reconstruction. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction following total mastectomy. Preoperative nipple swab cultures were obtained. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, and complication rates were compared between culture-positive and culture-negative groups. Microbiological data, including antibiotic‑resistance profiles, were collected. Results: Among 39 reconstructed breasts, 18 (46.9%) had positive preoperative nipple cultures. The mean duration of drain placement was significantly longer in the culture‑positive group (14.39±3.96 days) than in the culture‑negative group (12.14±2.76 days, P=0.045). Methicillin‑susceptible Staphylococcus epidermidis accounted for 55.0% of isolates. Of the four SSIs observed, three occurred in patients with positive preoperative cultures. Conclusions Although pathogen strains differed between preoperative and postoperative settings, obtaining preoperative nipple microflora cultures and determining antibiotic‑resistance profiles can guide immediate antibiotic selection for SSIs and enhance postoperative management.

Liposuction and fat grafting are commonly employed to improve body contouring. While postoperative infections are infrequent, severe complications like necrotizing fasciitis can arise, potentially destroying the aesthetic results. Prevotella bivia is an anaerobic, Gram-negative rod bacterium commonly found in the vaginal mucosa, with increased prevalence in cases of bacterial vaginosis. Infections caused by this species can lead to necrotizing fasciitis or extensive tissue necrosis, necessitating prompt diagnosis during the acute phase. This report presents two severe cases of infection caused by P. bivia following fat harvesting and grafting procedures. These cases required multiple debridements, skin grafts, and fasciotomies for management.

Mobile apps are frequently utilized in various medical fields for postoperative care, yet there is limited research concerning their application among breast reconstruction patients. This paper examines the development of mobile apps for postoperative care and discusses key considerations for their design and implementation in the context of breast reconstruction patients. Mobile apps provide a holistic approach to recovery, featuring personalized recovery plans, wound monitoring, pain tracking, medication management, virtual consultations, and emotional support. These functionalities improve patient outcomes, facilitate communication between patients and healthcare providers, and enhance engagement with the recovery process. Advanced digital healthcare technologies are revolutionizing patient care, particularly in home settings, by improving monitoring capabilities and telemedicine, thus increasing access and efficiency. For mobile apps to be successfully adopted in postoperative care, it is crucial to address regulatory, financial, and engagement challenges to ensure they deliver sustained value to both patients and healthcare providers. Future research should aim to extend these solutions to plastic surgery and other medical disciplines to improve recovery outcomes for a broad range of patient populations.

An unfolded helix is an auricular deformity that has garnered relatively little research focus. This study introduces a surgical technique designed to correct flat helix deformities. A 22-year-old male with bilateral unfolded helixes and prominent ears underwent this procedure under local anesthesia. The surgery employed a posterior auricular approach, with incisions extending from the upper pole of the ear to the concha. Along the helical rim, four radiating incisions were made, followed by oblique cuts in the cartilage and the creation of triangular flaps through advancement. The free edges of the cartilage were then overlapped and sutured together. Post-surgery, the patient experienced a successful recovery, evidenced by the curling of the helix and the absence of complications. This surgical technique is not only effective for correcting unfolded helixes but can also be efficiently performed under local anesthesia.

Background: The advantages of using an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for implantbased breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients are well-documented across multiple studies. However, there have been no previous instances of using multilayered ADM for reconstruction following breast-conserving surgery (BCS). This study evaluated the outcomes of breast reconstruction employing multilayered ADM for volume replacement using a local glandular flap post-BCS, and aims to underscore the advantages of this surgical approach. Methods: Breast cancer patients who underwent BCS using several layers of ADM from August 2016 to December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients with at least 3 years of follow-up were included in this study. The anticipated postoperative complications were breast deformity, seroma, hematoma, and infection. Results: Seventy-four patients were included in this study. Most patients experienced symptoms of hard palpation at the reconstruction site, which indicated the surface of the ADM inserted into the breast. Ten patients developed breast deformities, accounting for 13.5% of the cases, and required surgical correction. Other complications were less frequent: four patients (5.3%) had a confirmed seroma for 6 months or longer, two patients (2.6%) experienced fat necrosis, and one patient (1.3%) underwent re-operation to remove the ADM. Conclusions Reconstruction with a glandular flap and ADM following BCS is generally simpler and requires less surgical time compared to using a latissimus dorsi flap or other local flaps. Additionally, it avoids complications at the donor site, presenting a feasible surgical alternative for BCS in breasts with small defects.