RCAAP Repository

BACKGROUND: At present, demanding workplaces in our society cause patients to search for less invasive procedures with diminished morbidity and more rapid healing to meet their cosmetic requirements. A combination of several new noninvasive procedures allows significant facial changes, achieving a youthful and healthy appearance without traditional surgical procedures. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe the minimally invasive lift of the middle third of the face using a musculoaponeurotic suspension with periosteal fixation technique. METHODS: Fifty patients (age, 39 to 68 years; all female) who underwent an operation from December 2008 to June 2010 were enrolled in this study. The patients underwent a minimally invasive facelift technique for the middle third of the face, based on a thread lift of the temporal region and musculoaponeurotic suspension with periosteal fixation, inside the hairline. RESULTS: During the follow-up period of up to 18 months after the procedure, satisfactory results were observed. The patient satisfaction degree, especially in the first 6 months after the procedure, was extremely high (88%). CONCLUSIONS: The procedure offers good and immediate results, without incisions or a recovery period. The association of this procedure with other procedures is a good option for patients who cannot undergo or do not want to undergo traditional surgical procedures. The procedure is very different from current techniques that use threads because the suspension is musculoaponeurotic and does not invade the face. Therefore, morbidity and recovery time are decreased

BACKGROUND: Frontal and glabellar muscle hyperactivity with consequent wrinkles are frequent complaints in plastic surgery. Treatment consists of impediment of related muscles; this can be achieved by application of botulinum toxin or surgery by means of classic coronal incision, endoscopic approach, transblepharoplasty access, or non-endoscopic limited approaches. This paper proposes an alternative of limited approach in which an incision is made on the central frontal scalp for treatment of the frontal and glabellar muscles. METHODS: Between March 2009 and April 2010, 20 female patients were treated using a small incision on the frontal scalp, followed by dissection of frontal and glabellar regions. Muscles and supratrochlear and supraorbital nerve branches were identified; subsequently, frontal and glabellar muscle myotomy was performed. RESULTS: All patients showed good results by frontal and glabellar muscle impediment during the evaluation period, with improvement in wrinkles and hyperactivity. Complications consisted of temporary paresthesia and pruritus in the central frontal region and scalp, in addition to recurrence of partial muscle contraction. CONCLUSIONS: The small incision approach on the central frontal scalp for treatment of frontal and glabellar muscles seems to be a good alternative to other surgical options due to its small size, inconspicuous scarring, and direct visualization of frontal and glabellar anatomic structures, allowing selective myotomy or myectomy

INTRODUCTION: It is often necessary to use inclusion materials in rhinoplasty for nose restructuring. The costal cartilage graft is one of the inclusion material options, and its use is indicated when septal cartilage is not available or is not sufficient to provide necessary remodeling of the nose. METHODS: Four patients who, for diverse reasons, had saddle nose or poor projection of the nasal dorsum underwent rhinoplasty. All received a costal cartilage graft carved in an "L" shape. The long branch of the "L" was used to reconstruct the dorsum and the short branch was used to support the new dorsum and the columella, repositioning the nasal tip. RESULTS: All patients had a good postoperative evolution and had no significant complications. There was a clear reconstruction of the dorsum and harmonization of the nasal tip. The results were as expected and were long-lasting. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a costal cartilage graft carved in a single block in rhinoplasty provides enhancement of the nasal dorsum and tip projection, promoting appropriate nasal remodeling

BACKGROUND: Many autogenous and exogenous materials have been frequently used for the production of grafts and implants in rhinoplasties. The ideal graft or implant should be biocompatible, biointegrated, non-absorbable, and easily moldable and should not cause an inflammatory response. Gore-tex, an expandable form of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has been used since the 1970s for vascular graft production. Although Gore-tex is extremely versatile and has extensive uses and low complication rates, the demonstration of Gore-tex use in aesthetic surgery is very limited in medical literature. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 7 patients who received Gore-tex implants in order to fill the nasal dorsum from January 2005 to December 2007. All patients were assessed for aesthetic and functional factors and for the presence or absence of complications. RESULTS: All patients had good postoperative evolution, with great satisfaction in terms of aesthetic and functional aspects and no complications. CONCLUSIONS: Gore-tex is a satisfactory synthetic material as it is inexpensive, easily moldable, has good biocompatibility, and has shown no incidence of extrusion or infection in implants used for nasal dorsum filling in previously reported cases

BACKGROUND: During aging, the vermilion border of the upper lip wrinkles, stretches, and inverts because of the sphincteric action of the orbicularis oris muscle. Furthermore, a decrease of the nasolabial angle can be observed because of maxillary retropositioning. Most techniques for lip shortening do not affect this angle. In this study, a treatment approach is proposed that addresses all of these signs of aging. METHODS: During a 1-year period, a procedure was performed on 10 patients using the following techniques: 1. transverse incision of the skin of the nasal floor and bilateral alar margin; 2. cutaneous detachment of the entire upper lip up to the mucocutaneous transition; 3. stabilization of the nostrils with a transcolumellar nylon stitch; 4. elevation of the released skin by elliptical skin resection at the alar margin and a trapezoid segment resection at the nasal floor; 5. use of nylon and absorbable sutures to approach the dermis and close the skin, respectively. RESULTS: Adequate results were observed in 9 of the 10 patients, characterized by shortening and projection of the upper lip, vermilion eversion, reduced incidence of rhagades, and improvements of the nasolabial angle. In 1 patient with unilateral paralysis of the lip, no significant correction of the asymmetry was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed "double duck" technique proved to be simple and effective, with successful resolution of nasolabial defects and effective concealment of scars

BACKGROUND: Immediate or delayed breast reconstruction with tissue expanders can be performed in one or several surgical sessions. We opted to perform breast reconstruction over several sessions. The aim of this study was to report our experiences with the breast reconstruction technique involving Becker permanent tissue expanders and complete expander coverage with a flap comprising the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, serratus anterior, and rectus abdominis aponeurosis. METHODS: The medical records of 21 patients who underwent postmastectomy breast reconstruction with Becker permanent tissue expanders were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: During muscle flap preparation, the aponeurotic dissection was performed 6-8 cm below the inframammary crease, aiming at full expander coverage without tension, enabling lower suturing in the inframammary crease, and avoiding disruption of the pectoralis major attachments. Only two patients developed infection, one in the first postoperative week and the other in the third postoperative month. CONCLUSIONS: The flap comprising the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, serratus anterior, and rectus abdominis aponeurosis is a good choice for breast reconstruction with permanent tissue expanders because it ensures adequate expander and skin-flap protection. Moreover, the technique enables tissue expansion without confining the expanders in the submuscular cavity

INTRODUCTION: Reports of infections caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria during plastic surgery have increased in recent years despite improvements in techniques of asepsis/antisepsis and antibiotic prophylaxis. Infections occurring after the insertion of breast implants are a cause of patient morbidity and a significant problem for the surgeon. METHODS: Breast implant surgery cases complicated by mycobacterial infections at the Infirmary ward 38th of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia, Rio de Janeiro were retrospectively reviewed. A description of the current guidelines for the prevention and treatment of mycobacteriosis is included. Laboratory confirmed and clinically suspected cases were included in this study. RESULTS: Of 483 augmentation mammaplasty cases, 3 patients developed mycobacterial infections in the last 3 years. In 2 patients, there was a suspicion of infection that was not confirmed by laboratory data. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylaxis is fundamental for reducing the incidence of mycobacteriosis during plastic surgery procedures. However, the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of mycobacterial diseases are important to minimize the morbidity of this type of infection

BACKGROUND: In lipominiabdominoplasty and mid-abdominoplasty procedures, the umbilicus is usually undermined from its aponeurotic fixation; this modifies its normal vascular pattern. In patients undergoing these procedures and candidates for a secondary classic abdominoplasty, trophic changes, including necrosis, may occur in the umbilical scar. To avoid trophic complications in the neo-umbilicus, autonomization of the umbilical scar was carried out. METHODS: Three candidates for a secondary classic abdominoplasty underwent the umbilicus autonomization process in the private clinic of the corresponding author. One incision, 1 cm from the umbilical scar, was performed from the skin to the aponeurotic plane on each side, with an interval of 15 days between the two surgical incisions. After the second incision, the patient waited for a further 15 days. Thus, the whole process took 30 days before classic abdominoplasty was performed. RESULTS: No trophic alterations or necrosis in the umbilical scar were observed in these cases. CONCLUSIONS: The aesthetic results were satisfactory, indicating the effectiveness of this method

BACKGROUND: Umbilicoplasty techniques vary greatly, in both the manner in which the incision the umbilical scar is incised, as well as the manner in which the skin of the abdominal flap is opened and repaired at the aponeurosis and/or the umbilical stump. As the postoperative appearance of the umbilical scar is aesthetically unsatisfying, the authors sought to develop a new technique aimed at providing patients with a greater degree of aesthetic and postoperative satisfaction. METHODS: The abdominoplasties included in this study were performed in 194 patients at Clínica Valle Pereira (Florianópolis, SC) between February 2009 and January 2011. All patients underwent conventional abdominoplasties and triangular umbilicoplasties with skin flaps. RESULTS: Only 8 (4.13%) patients had mild complications. There were no severe complications. Positive satisfaction was reported by patients in 188 (96.91%) cases and by surgeons in 186 (95.88%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: The technique described in this study demonstrates versatility, simplicity in application, and reproducibility, bringing greater harmony in body contouring and improved appearance of the umbilical scar, a major stigma of abdominoplasty

BACKGROUND: In plastic surgery, the postoperative scar is a frequent concern. It is very important for the surgeon to understand the natural evolution of the scar. The abdominoplasty scar has a natural tendency to move upwards over time. In this study, the extent of natural vertical scar migration after abdominoplasty was calculated and the effect of fixing the lower abdominal flap to prevent this rise was assessed. METHODS: This prospective and randomized study was conducted at the 38th Nursing service of Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Rio de Janeiro, during 2010, and included 20 female patients with an indication for abdominoplasty. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, A and B. Classical abdominoplasty was performed in group A patients, according to the technique recommended by Prof. Ivo Pitanguy. Patients in group B also underwent lower abdominal flap fixation by suturing of Scarpa's fascia and the rectus abdominis muscle aponeurosis. At both two weeks and six months after surgery, the distance of vertical scar movement was measured in 16 patients after application of exclusion criteria. The average vertical migration and the mean difference between the groups were calculated. RESULTS: The average difference between the groups in vertical migration throughout the scar was 0.4 cm, with a mean overall migration of 1.06 cm and 0.68 cm in groups A (control group) and B (cases with fixation), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The scar formed after abdominoplasty undergoes vertical migration over time; this migration is decreased when the lower abdominal flap is fixed. The surgeon should be aware of scar migration for better planning of the incision location

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophy of the labia minora is a functional and esthetic problem that can have a significant impact on quality of life. Current surgical procedures are based on the excision of excess tissue and reconnection of the edges. However, anatomical alterations associated with labial hypertrophy such as hypertrophy of the foreskin of the clitoris are common, and, if not treated properly, may limit the results of surgery and cause esthetic and functional sequelae. The present report proposes a classification of the different types of hypertrophy and recommended treatments, and describes refinements in the labia minora reduction techniques. METHODS: A total of 20 female genital plastic surgery cases from the Center for Plastic Surgery of Brasilia and at Hospital das Forças Armadas from June 1999 to March 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified into three groups according to the degree and location of labia minora hypertrophy. RESULTS: The patients were satisfied with the esthetic results of surgery. No complications were reported, and all patients underwent surgery of the labia minora in accordance with the protocol proposed by the authors and based on hypertrophy type. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical procedures reviewed in this study were based on the classification of labia minora hypertrophy. Satisfactory esthetic and functional results were obtained, thus providing new methods for the surgical reduction of labia minora and foreskin of the clitoris without surgical stigma or reduction of sensitivity and no effects on sexual function.

BACKGROUND: Patients who experience massive weight loss often require a thighplasty procedure to reduce excess skin and reshape thighs and lower body contour, improving movement, hygiene, posture, self-image, and quality of life. METHODS: After weight loss and stabilization of weight, eight patients in the postoperative period of gastric bypass were subjected to a thighplasty. Measurements of upper and lower circumferences of the thighplasty and thigh heights were obtained in the preoperative and postoperative periods of 60 and 180 days for comparison of volume change after the surgical procedure. RESULTS: The average volume reduction of each thigh at a postoperative period of 180 days was 1,135 cm³ or 1.135 liters. All patients had small areas of dehiscence along the scars on the medial thigh, and dressings were applied for healing by secondary intention. One (12.5%) patient had cysts in both thighs, confirmed by ultrasound, and required surgical intervention for resection and subsequent resolution. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to demonstrate significant reduction in the volume of each thigh after plastic surgery for contour refitting. Patient satisfaction and complications associated with the procedures performed were also documented.

BACKGROUND: Lower limb amyotrophy is a serious deformity that is often disabling and causes esthetic problems such as asymmetries and changes in the shape and contour of the legs. The present study evaluated the use of silicone implants for the correction of lower limb amyotrophy. METHODS: Women who underwent surgical correction of lower limb amyotrophy with silicone implants between 2002 and 2009 at the Plastic Surgery Service of Instituto Ivo Pitanguy at the 38th Nursing Service of Santa Casa da Misericórdia, Rio de Janeiro and at their associated services were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Five cases were studied and the results were retrospectively assessed. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 2 years after surgery until the last postoperative visit. In 4 of 5 patients, the desired result was obtained after a single surgical procedure, and no patient developed capsular contracture, compartment syndrome, circulatory disorders, neurological disorders, or infections. CONCLUSIONS: Calf augmentation in patients with lower limb amyotrophy did not correct the associated functional deficit, but resulted in a high level of satisfaction with regard to the esthetic improvement of the limb, thus improving the quality of life of these patients.

The authors present a checklist to be used at the last stage of a preoperative visit for esthetic plastic surgery composed of 29 yes/no questions, four blank spaces for entering data, and one question for ranking the level of risk of deep vein thrombosis. The criteria are divided into three tables relating to three areas: anesthesia, psychological aspects, and clinical risk factors. The answers are framed in four colors that identify the level of risk and suggest the degree of attention warranted. A fourth aggregate table contains reference sources which can be easily accessed during a medical visit via the Internet or a portable device equipped with a medical database software. The purpose of the checklist is to reduce the possibility of adverse events involving the surgical process by identifying the risk level of each item reviewed.

The author discusses the indiscriminate use of various terms to designate a single artifact and suggests the adoption of only one signifier. Although no publications deal specifically with the meaning of the terms "implant", "prosthesis" or "inclusion", apart from what is found in ordinary lexical and medical dictionaries, such terms are commonly and interchangeably used to designate a single artifact. According to the author, it is beneficial to select and utilize only the term that best conceptualizes the object designed for correcting lack of breast volume in specialty terminology. The use of a single term will facilitate scientific paper writing; therefore, the author proposes the use of the term "implant" to indicate the artifact placed inside the mammary gland.

The authors report a variation of Poland's syndrome with ectopic right breast. Three surgeries were performed at different times: transposition flap to place the mammary gland in an anatomic position; reduction of the contralateral left breast; and implantation of a pre-molded silicone prosthesis to correct the malformation caused by the absence of the major and minor pectoral muscles. The surgeries were performed at six-month intervals, and the final outcome was new and acceptable positioning of the breasts.

We present the case of a patient submitted to augmentation mammaplasty who developed 2 hematoma episodes as a result of von Willebrand's disease, which was not previously diagnosed. As a routine part of preoperative evaluation, the patient should always be tested for von Willebrand's disease. This disease affects 1-3% of the population and occurs twice as often as hemophilia. In our case, the patient recovered quite satisfactorily. Preventive and therapeutic approaches are discussed in this paper.

INTRODUCTION: Kobberling-Dunnigan syndrome is characterized by a series of alterations in metabolism and body fat distribution. Body dysmorphism and the Cushingoid appearance may have negative social and psychological impacts on the patient, including difficulty with social adaptation. In such cases, liposuction is used with the aim of improving body contour, with consequent improvements in self-esteem. The results are long lasting when body weight is maintained. CASE REPORT: Liposuction of the back, abdomen, and cervical regions in a woman with Kobberling-Dunnigan syndrome led to significant improvement in her body shape, and the results were maintained nine months postoperatively.

The authors present an unusual case of plexiform neurofibroma affecting the upper limb in a patient diagnosed with type 1 neurofibromatosis. Tumor resection was performed on the median nerve. The patient showed maintenance of limb function and remission of symptoms of pain after four years of follow-up.

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