Welcome to the May 2011 issue of Cosmetic Surgery Times
Transcription
Welcome to the May 2011 issue of Cosmetic Surgery Times
Advertisers’ Index Welcome to the May 2011 issue of Cosmetic Surgery Times magazine. This NXTbook FX is brought to you by Advanstar Communications, Inc. Below you’ll find an alphabetical index of the advertisers in this issue. If you’d like more information about the advertiser, you can click on the name or the page number to see their ad or the web link provided. Advertiser Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments Corp. Bioform/Merz Page(s) 09 CV3 Candela/Syneron 11 Chase Health Advance 05 Iridex Corporation 23 Oxygen Biotherapeutics CV2 Palomar Medical CV4 Viscot Medical 07 ® Correcting the tear trough 30 www.COSMETICSURGERYTIMES.com Part of the MAY 2011 | Vol. 14 aand CURRENT PRACTICES IN BREAST AUGMENTATION/ CONTOURING ❯ Page 8 ❯ Page 12 | No. 4 Forehead flap — modified 32 Introducing A New and Innovative Oxygen Brand. No Hydrogen Peroxide. No Chemical Reactions. Just Pure Oxygen Beauty. Hypoallergenic. Paraben-free. SKIN BENEFITS OF OXYGEN Oxygen is essential for radiant, young looking skin. It assists in the production of collagen and elastin, cell metabolism, and with skin repair and regeneration. www.buydermacyte.com 1-877-699-6248 After 2 weeks of using DERMACYTE Oxygen Concentrate. Individual results may vary. This is an un-retouched photo without make-up. Before After 3 Your guide to what ’s happening online at CosmeticSurgeryTimes.com EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD TINA S. ALSTER, MD Director, Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Georgetown University Medical Center JAMES H. CARRAWAY, MD Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Eastern Virginia Medical School, Virginia Beach, VA STEVEN FAGIEN, MD, FACS Cosmetic Oculoplastic Surgery, Boca Raton Center for Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Boca Raton, FL DAVID H. 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COSMETIC SURGERY TIMES 4 Fat transfer for breast augmentation Physicians discuss how far lipoaugmentation of the breasts has come — and where it may be headed Dr. Malan “This is truly an exciting time for fat transfer breast augmentation. What began as a controversial (and at one point banned) procedure in the mid 1980s has re-emerged today as a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery procedure. “Many people don’t realize that micro-deposition fat transfer (where fat is harvested via liposuction) came to the United States in the mid 1980s, at the same time traditional liposuction did. Unfortunately, the equipment used in those early days damaged fat tissue as it was harvested. We didn’t understand that the fat cells needed to be injected in microdroplets to survive the transfer. Survival of the fat cells was very poor, and many industry professionals feared the resulting scar tissue and calcification would make it difficult for mammograms to accurately detect breast cancer. As a result, fat transfer to the breast was abandoned in the U.S. in 1987. “Efforts were continued in Europe and Asia to improve upon the technology, and in 2007 Japanese doctors released a study on a new technique in fat transfer to the breast that met with very good success. These doctors had begun to utilize stem cell-enriched fat. The stem cells, found in abundance within the harvested fat, were isolated from a portion of the fat tissue, activated and re-concentrated with the remaining fat tissue and then injected. The stem cells then went to work creating new blood vessels that would supply oxygen to the grafted fat, ensuring long-term survival. “A handful of doctors in the U.S. looked at the Japanese study, as well as techniques being used in Germany and Brazil, and developed a technique that employed the best aspects of these procedures. We discovered the key to successful fat transfer lies in removing the fat with minimal damage and injecting it into the breast in microdroplets. This new technique achieves both a high fat-survival rate and zero interference with mammograms. “Are we there yet? As I see it, we are very close to perfection. While we’re having phenomenal success with our current protocol for fat-transfer GETTY IMAGES: PETER TELLER Todd K. Malan, M.D. Innovative Cosmetic Surgery Center Scottsdale, Ariz. 6 Financing as advanced as the care you provide. “There were no surprises, so I can keep on smiling.” Your patients won’t be left guessing with clear and simple monthly payment plans from ChaseHealthAdvance. Patients choose a monthly plan and their payments remain the same from the first payment to the last. No surprises. • 12, 18 and 24 month no interest plans • Convenient online application • Credit lines starting at $5,000 • No Surprise financing Give your patients a trusted payment option to start their care: AdvanceWithChase.com/NoSurprises 1-888-388-7633 Information above is for providers and not for patient distribution. ©2011 JPMorgan Chase & Co. All rights reserved. CS0511 COSMETIC SURGERY TIMES 6 Exchange continued breast augmentation, we do have a few challenges to overcome. “First, there is continued room for improvement with the procedure itself. We’re now at a point where we see a consistent 80 to 90 percent fat-survival rate, as opposed to less than 50 percent three decades ago. We are continually striving to find better methods to remove fat without damaging it, and we have not yet determined the ideal location in the breast to inject the cell-enriched fat. Should it be injected in the superficial fat layer, beneath the gland or in the muscle? We are working to answer these questions. removal of fat from a problematic area and costs around $6,000 to $8,000. “ Current studies are actually working on the harvesting of stem cells, combining them with growth factors in a petri dish and then transplanting them back into the breast region for breast reconstruction. Michael S. Kluska, D.O., F.A.A.C.S., F.A.C.O.S. Greensburg, Pa. “Second, a number of physicians are now offering stem cell-enriched fat-transfer procedures without truly understanding the techniques and equipment that ensure the best possible results. Only Cytori Therapeutics has created a tested, proven automated device to process and activate stem cells. Nothing else on the market has been tested or documented in a formal study. “So, while great strides have been made in fattransfer breast augmentation, the field as a whole risks a negative backlash unless physicians educate themselves on best practices.” Michael S. Kluska, D.O., F.A.A.C.S., F.A.C.O.S. Cosmetic Contours Greensburg, Pa. “Cosmetic breast surgery comes in all shapes and sizes ranging from smooth, round, saline implants to textured, anatomically shaped cohesive gel implants. Recently, a new trend has evolved for the female to Dr. Kluska enhance her breast with the use of her own fat. Although no real scientific data exists in the United States as of yet, some studies in other countries, including Japan, are showing promise. “Fat transfer involves the harvesting of one’s own fat cells from one site of the body and transferring or transplanting them to another site in the body. The concept is quite simple: Find areas of fat on the body that have high concentrations of stem cells and then transplant these cells to the recipient site. It has been suggested that the best area to find these cells is any area on the body that stores fat posterior to the midaxillary line. The procedure takes oneand-a-half to two hours, many times results in ” Some theorize that this technique may become quite reproducible and may be available as early as 2015. If this were to become reality, this technique may become available to the cosmetic patient as well. “Autologous fat transfer has been around for years and has recently gained momentum for the augmentation of female breasts for cosmetic purposes. Although autologous breast augmentation using one’s own fat is a new, potentially exciting option, more research is needed so that both the consumer and the surgeon are completely informed of the potential risks and results.” Daniel Del Vecchio, M.D. Back Bay Plastic Surgery Boston “Fat transfer in the average surgeon’s hands usually results in a 20 to 70 percent take, and many times requires more than one treatment. What this means is that the fat that doesn’t take results in conversion to dead cells (fat essentially turns to oil) and is absorbed by the body. “To answer, ‘Are we there yet?’ with regards to fat transfer for breast augmentation, you need to define what you mean by ‘there.’ Dr. Vecchio “With that said, the ideal candidate for this procedure is a patient who has realistic expectations and is looking for only moderate enlargement, less than a cup size. The wide range of take can often result in both an unhappy patient and unhappy surgeon. In addition to less-thansatisfactory results, there is some concern that the transferred stem cells could result in the stimulation of an undetected malignant breast cancer, or the process could result in scarring and calcifications that mimic breast cancer on mammography. “Over the past five years, we have demonstrated fat grafted into the breast can result in persistent volume maintenance at six months, a year, three years, five years postgrafting, and that the volume after six months is generally going to remain in the long term; we have demonstrated that preexpansion, when applied externally to the breast, can result in an augmentation of 250 cc on average, or a doubling of original breast volume; we have developed instrumentation and operative techniques that can allow the safe performance of this procedure in two hours or less; and “ Although there does not appear to be any short-term increase in breast cancer incidence among patients receiving fat transfer to the breasts, this cohort of patients will need to be followed over a lifetime before anyone can definitively say that the risk of breast cancer in this group of patients is any different than one in eight, as currently quoted by the National Cancer Institute. Daniel Del Vecchio, M.D. Boston “There is current research going on right now for the use of a similar technique which could be used for breast reconstruction following partial or complete mastectomy for breast cancer. Current studies are actually working on the harvesting of stem cells, combining them with growth factors in a petri dish and then transplanting them back into the breast region for breast reconstruction. ” we have demonstrated radiologic evidence that is not difficult to distinguish calcifications seen in fat grafting versus micro-calcifications suggestive of breast malignancy. “In fact, we have seen evidence that more calcifications are seen in mammograms after breast reduction than after fat grafting, although GETTY IMAGES: KEVIN JORDAN no one seems to condemn the breast-reduction procedure. So to clearly frame this debate, I would say we are definitely ‘there’ in establishing that fat grafting for breast augmentation is a technique that has demonstrated efficacy and has demonstrated safety in terms of cancer surveillance and reasonable intraoperative times. “We are not ‘there’ yet in unequivocally demonstrating the long-term cancer risk for patients undergoing fat grafting to the breast. Although there does not appear to be any short-term increase in breast cancer incidence among patients receiving fat transfer to the breasts, this cohort of patients will need to be followed over a lifetime before anyone can definitively say that the risk of breast cancer in this group of patients is any different than one in eight, as currently quoted by the National Cancer Institute. I would remind you that this is the same situation pioneers of breast augmentation with implants faced in the 1960s when patients asked if implants caused cancer. Two generations later, what appeared to be an unanswerable question is generally considered a nonissue (For the sake of this discussion, my comments exclude the recent association of textured silicone implants and anaplastic nonHodgkin’s lymphoma). “Lastly, we are not ‘there’ yet when it comes to evolved thinking about the clinical applications of fat grafting to the breast, nor are we ‘there’ yet when it comes to the acceptance of fat grafting by breast implant experts and breast implant manufacturers. This is exemplified by our continued binary thinking, looking at this issue as ‘fat versus implants.’ “Key opinion leaders in breast implant surgery are not experienced fat grafters, and (with rare exception) breast fat-grafting experts are not experienced implant surgeons. In a sector where the advent of fat grafting may seem as a competitive threat cannibalizing implant sales, the future of breast augmentation using implants will actually end up being increased by the versatility of fat grafting. In summary, we are getting ‘there,’ but we are not all the way ‘there.’ Stay tuned.” Doctors’ Bios: Todd K. Malan, M.D., is the founder of the Innovative Cosmetic Surgery Center in Scottsdale, Ariz., and creator of the BeautiFill X™ fat-transfer breast-augmentation procedure. He has performed more than 100 stem cell fat transfers to date. Dr. Malan reports no relevant financial interests. Michael Kluska, D.O., F.A.A.C.S., F.A.C.O.S., is board-certified in plastic/reconstructive and general surgery. He is also a fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the American College of Osteopathic Surgery. Dr. Kluska reports no relevant financial interests. Daniel Del Vecchio is in private practice at Boston’s Back Bay Plastic Surgery. He is on the associate attending staff at Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Del Vecchio is on the advisory board of Keller Medical and Precision Light. He is a paid consultant to Lifecell Inc. COSMETIC SURGERY TIMES 8 Au naturel Stem cell-enriched fat tissue offers organic look and feel Quick read Japanese stem cell-assisted procedure attempts to reduce variability in fat-grafted breast augmentations. Rochelle Nataloni S ENIOR S TAFF CORRESPONDENT B reast augmentation techniques employing fat grafts are growing in popularity, but in many cases they are still hindered by variability in volume achieved and longevity of results. Japanese plastic surgeon Kotaro Yoshimura, M.D., department of plastic surgery, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, is making strides in improving the outcomes of fat grafting for breast augmentation with his cell-assisted lipotransfer (CAL) technique. CAL converts progenitor-poor harvested fat to progenitor-normal or enriched fat tissue before transplantation.1 Dr. Yoshimura discussed his technique at the 9th annual Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress & Medispa in Monte Carlo in March. His presentation illustrated how adipose tissue is remodeled after grafting; how stem cells work in the remodeling process; how an adipocyte dies when removed from the tissue; and how new adipocytes are born and grow. MAY 2011 9 “Relative deficiency of adipose progenitor cells in aspirated fat tissue may lead to long-term atrophy of the grafts, whereas supplementation of vascular stromal fraction containing adipose progenitor cells may boost the efficacy and safety of lipoinjection to the breasts,” Dr. Yoshimura says. Dr. Yoshimura has performed more than 550 CAL breast augmentation procedures since 2003. He describes the basis of his technique this way: “Stem cells work as adipose progenitor cells and contribute to regenerating adipose tissue after lipografting. Grafted adipose tissue mostly dies and is then regenerated. Adipose progenitor cells contribute to the reconstruction of adipocytes and capillaries in the regenerating fat. Aspirated fat tissue is generally progenitor-poor and the deficiency in progenitor cells is compensated for by adding adipose progenitor cells.” Dr. Yoshimura reports that he has tweaked his technique in small but important ways throughout its evolution. “We have not changed the main strategy but have modified some of our devices and surgical techniques in details,” he says. “For instance, we developed a new syringe for a large-volume injection to the breast, which is a ‘screw-type’ syringe to achieve diffuse and precise distribution of fat.” Dr. Yoshimura’s belief in lipoinjection as a promising treatment led to his development of CAL, which attempts to minimize some of conventional lipotransfer’s limitations, such as unpredictability and a low rate of graft survival due to fat necrosis. ASSI® Forehead and Face Lift Instruments are like Diamonds... ™ Created for Performance. Crafted for Perfection. Dr. Yoshimura’s CAL breast augmentation retention results fall in the 40 to 80 percent range. He admits these results are variable, but says the results are much better than conventional fat-grafting augmentation procedures that do not convert progenitor-poor fat to progenitor-normal or enriched fat. Cut with Precision ...the way you do. ASSI • AEP 715526 Scalp elevator, half curve ASSI • AEP 112726 Scalp elevator, “S” shaped, shaft bent 10° at handle, quarter curve ASSI • AEP 715826 Scalp elevator, quarter curve “Increase in breast size obtained by CAL lipoinjection is moderate, Dr. Yoshimura says, “but patients can achieve soft and natural-looking breasts without any concerns associated with foreign bodies.” GETTY IMAGES: PHOTOALTO/RAFAL STRZECHOWSKI CAL BOOSTS EFFICACY In CAL, autologous adipose-derived stem (stromal) cells (ADSCs) are used in combination with lipoinjection. A stromal vascular fraction (SVF) containing ADSCs is freshly isolated from half of the aspirated fat tissue and recombined with the other half. 10 ASSI • AEP 716226 Orbital rim dissector, half curve ASSI • AEP 716026 Nerve dissector, half curve ASSI • AEP 716126 Nerve hook ASSI • AEP 216326 Scissors, straight ASSI • AEP 715926 Scalp elevator, strong half curve, 15mm wide sharp beveled edge Insulated model: ASSI • AEP 723926 ASSI • AEP 216626 Grasping forceps ASSI • AEP 75026 Grasping forceps, serrated, straight with double action jaw ASSI • AEP 216826 Punch, straight ™ ACCURATE SURGICAL & SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS® For diamond perfect performance™ accurate surgical & scientific instruments corporation 800.645.3569 516.333.2570 fax: 516.997.4948 west coast: 800.255.9378 www.accuratesurgical.com ® © 2010 ASSI COSMETIC SURGERY TIMES 10 CAL continued “The preliminary results suggest that CAL is effective and safe for soft-tissue augmentation and superior to conventional lipoinjection,” Dr. Yoshimura says. The technique, he says, is a particularly good option for women who want to reduce excessive fat in other parts of the body. Additional studies are under way to further evaluate the efficacy of his technique. OUTLINING PROCEDURES When discussing lipoinjection breast enhancement, Dr. Yoshimura describes three separate procedures: conventional lipoinjection, full-CAL and mini-CAL.3 A 30-year-old female patient before (top) and after breast augmentation at 24 months. The patient underwent breast augmentation with CAL (310 mL in each breast). Results demonstrated an 8.0 cm increase in breast circumference at 24 months. The breast mounds were soft with no subcutaneous indurations. An original inframammary fold on the left breast is slightly visible, but injection scars are not visible. (Photos credit: Kotaro Yoshimura, M.D.) In an early but pivotal study of 40 of his patients who underwent CAL for breast augmentation, Dr. Yoshimura found that final breast volume showed augmentation by 100 mL to 200 mL after a mean fat amount of 270 mL was injected.2 In conventional lipoinjection breast augmentation, he says, lipoaspirate is harvested by liposuction, centrifuged and then placed in a 1,000 mL metal jar that is kept cool in water with crushed ice. Because the centrifuge processing reduces the adipose volume by 25 to 30 percent, Dr. Yoshimura suggests the volume reduction be taken into consideration during tissue harvesting. POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS Cyst Postoperative atrophy of injected fat tissue was minimal and did not change substantially after two months, and he says, “almost all the patients were satisfied with the soft and natural-appearing augmentation.” Cyst formation or microcalcification was detected in four patients. “A larger volume of liposuction in lean patients could induce postoperative donorsite problems such as irregularity or seroma, so preoperative selection of patients and careful procedures in liposuction are important,” he says. To prevent or minimize the likelihood of complications, Dr. Yoshimura recommends maintaining the integrity, or viability, of the adipose tissue until grafting; discarding as much unneeded water and oil — which represents dead adipocytes — as possible; and injecting the graft as diffusely as possible by placing it as small particles or thin strings in many layers and directions. In the full-CAL procedure, about twice the volume of lipoaspirate is harvested, and half of the adipose portion and all of the fluid portion of the liposuction aspirate are used for isolation of SVF. The cell-processing procedure takes about 80 minutes, during which time the other half of the lipoaspirate is harvested and processed in a centrifuge. Next, the freshly isolated SVF is added to the centrifuged fat tissue, followed by gentle mixing and a 10- to 15-minute incubation to achieve appropriate cell adhesion to the centrifuged fat tissue. In mini-CAL, the same volume of lipoaspirate is harvested as in the conventional lipoinjection; the adipose portion is centrifuged as the graft material, while only the fluid portion of the liposuction aspirate is used for isolation of SVF. The cell processing takes about a half hour and the remaining process is identical to full-CAL. A 36-year-old female patient before (top) and after breast augmentation view 12 months. The patient, whose body mass index was 17.3, underwent breast augmentation with CAL (245 mL in each breast). The breast mounds were soft with no subcutaneous indurations or visible scars at 12 months. Identifying these calcifications on mammogram every year is important and is useful in distinguishing them from potential abnormal changes in the future, according to Dr. Yoshimura. formation (found under ultrasound) and calcifications (seen in mammography) are among potential complications of Dr. Yoshimura’s technique. “If injection is performed incorrectly, problems deriving from fat necrosis will be seen, such as no augmentation effects, cyst formation, fibrogenesis and calcification,” Dr. Yoshimura says. “Small cysts, smaller than 5 mm, detected by echogram usually disappear between six and 18 months, so no treatment is needed. Small calcifications may occur one to two years after surgery, but they are relatively rare and easy to distinguish from malignant signs.” A 33-year-old female patient who underwent breast augmentation immediately after implant removal. The patient, who had 210 mL saline implants, underwent CAL (260 mL in each breast). The preoperative view (top) showed capsular contractures and upward displacement of the left implant. At 12 months (bottom), the breasts were symmetric and had a natural appearance. “Major complications are not seen as long as the injection technique is correct. Our preliminary experiences with the CAL technique suggest that ADSC supplementation is safe and effective. Through further improvements of the technique and longer follow-up studies, autologous tissue transfer may become widely used for augmentation and reconstruction of the breasts in the future,” he says. References: 1. Yoshimura K, Suga H, Eto H. Regen Med. 2009;4(2):265-273. 2. Yoshimura K, Sato K, Aoi N. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2008;32(1):48-55. 3. Yoshimura K, Asano Y. Fat injection to the breasts. Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Breast. Hall-Findlay EJ, Evans GRD, London: Elsevier Ltd.; 2010:405-420. A Family of Treatments for Every Generation Grow your practice with the Syneron-Candela family of NEW products that give you the powerful advantage of offering a wider range of treatments across a more diverse patient base. As a member of our family, you can trust us to deliver unprecedented technology, plus a level of service and support only a global leader like us can provide through our exclusive Syneron Advantage™ program. Introducing Our Exclusive New Family of Products: Science. Results. Trust. NE W ! GentleLASE® PRO High Speed Hair Removal System CO2 RE ™ Complete CO2 Resurfacing System eMatrix™ Sublative Rejuvenation™ Treatment ePrime™ Energy-based Dermal Remodeling System elure™ Advanced Skin Lightening Schedule a consultation today! Call 866.259.6661 or visit www.syneron.com/family syneron.com | 1.866.259.6661 | candelalaser.com © 2011. All rights reserved. Syneron and the Syneron logo are registered trademarks of Syneron Medical, Ltd. ePrime, eMatrix, elure, CO2RE, Sublative Rejuvenation and Syneron Advantage are trademarks of Syneron Medical, Ltd. and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Candela, the Candela logo and GentleLASE are registered trademarks of Candela Corporation. 01034 COSMETIC SURGERY TIMES 12 Nipple reconstruction GETTY IMAGES: TOM DE BRUYNE Optimal — and individualized — techniques drive patient, surgeon satisfaction Quick read Many different products and techniques can be effective in nipple reconstruction. Surgeons should be aware of all modalities available in order to choose the optimal procedure for each patient. Ilya Petrou, M.D. S ENIOR S TAFF CORRESPONDENT MAY 2011 13 T echniques used for nipple reconstruction surgery have evolved over the years, many of which now include the use of fillers and tissue-regenerative biologic matrixes. The reconstruction technique chosen, however, largely depends on the expertise of the surgeon and the specific cosmetic needs of the patient. like nipple that appears natural,” says James H. Carraway, M.D., director, Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center of EVMS, Virginia Beach, Va. “These reconstructed nipples, however, need to be over-projected and made slightly larger, because they will shrink a bit over time and ideally will settle to a size in concordance with the aesthetic goal of the patient.” “The two main issues in nipple reconstruction that remain the limiting factors in terms of achieving good aesthetic outcomes are atrophy of the reconstructed tissue and lack of projection of the nipple in the Dr. Glasberg long term,” says Scot Bradley Glasberg, M.D., a cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon in New York. “Not all techniques are equally effective, and choosing an Should a given pedicle flap technique fall short of the patient’s aesthetic goal, fillers such as Restylane (hyaluronic acid, Medicis) or Perlane (hyaluronic acid, Medicis) can supplement nipple rigidity and bolster surgically improved nipple projection. Ideally, filler treatment should be done in stages and injected gradually and progressively over time in order to better finetune the aesthetic result desired by the patient. Though the longevity of aesthetic outcomes may vary with fillers, Dr. Carraway says he believes Today, there are about 20 different products available on the market used for tissue regeneration and reconstruction that call themselves either equivalent to or better than AlloDerm. However, according to Dr. Glasberg, not all biologic matrixes are the same, and not all achieve equal surgical outcomes. appropriate, individualized approach for each patient is key in achieving good and long-lasting aesthetic outcomes.” that because the reconstructed nipple area is a relatively static region with a diminished blood supply, aesthetic results could last for years. RECONSTRUCTION OPTIONS DERMAL MATRIXES In addition to the Historically, nipple reconstruction has been challenging to perform. Surgical approaches range from skin grafting using tissue from the contralateral nipple, labia minora, pulp of the toe and earlobe with subsequent micropigmentation to color-match tissues, to more sophisticated techniques involving various kinds of pedicle flaps as well as fat grafting. All of these approaches can achieve good but varying aesthetic outcomes, and many are often combined in order to achieve the most optimal aesthetic result. constructed pedicle flaps, biologic acellular dermal matrixes such as AlloDerm (LifeCell), Strattice (LifeCell) or Surgisis (Cook Medical) are commonly used to achieve further stability of the reconstructed nipple. These tissue-regeneration matrixes are designed to rapidly stimulate tissue remodeling, including the generation of stem cells and collagen, resulting in a firmer, stronger and more vascularized nipple. Hyaluronic acid fillers and biologic matrixes are much newer modalities that can be used in nipple reconstruction, either alone or in combination with other techniques. Just as patients’ aesthetic goals can differ from one another, however, so do the preferred reconstruction approaches chosen by surgeons. “I often prefer to create my own cylinder in the nipple using a modified skate flap, and in the center portion of this cylinder I often will place a piece of AlloDerm or Strattice for added support. This combined technique helps to regenerate the tissue, resulting in a firmer nipple structure that can typically maintain its projection in the long term,” Dr. Glasberg says. Dr. Carraway “The goal of nipple reconstruction is to create a papilla that can permanently maintain its shape and projection. Most nipple reconstruction techniques involve folding small skin flaps, like the petals of a flower, to create a prominent bud- Biodesign (Cook Medical) Tissue Generation Matrix and Biodesign Nipple Reconstruction Cylinder are new to the market and claim very similar properties and aesthetic outcomes as the more time-tested AlloDerm and Surgisis AlloDerm rolled into the center of a modified skate fl ap during a nipple-areola reconstruction following a breast reconstruction with a cohesive gel implant. (Photos credit: Scot B. Glasberg, M.D.) products. The Biodesign Nipple Reconstruction Cylinder provides a scaffold for re-establishing a nipple projection. Engineered to maintain a precise balance of strength and flexibility, the Biodesign matrix and cylinder is said to completely remodel into fully vascularized tissue that becomes stronger over time, giving a natural thickness and feel to projections. According to Dr. Carraway, any biologic matrix that can help achieve adequate vascularization of the tissue, does not resorb over time and regenerates local tissues can be very helpful in nipple reconstruction. “My typical nipple reconstruction technique would consist of a pedicle flap followed by tattooing to finish the color,” Dr. Carraway says. “If an improved shape were still necessary, I may either inject filler or use a small piece of porcine acellular dermal matrix. Using these techniques, I can achieve the targeted volume, and my patients have been very happy with outcomes.” Today, there are about 20 different products available on the market used for tissue regeneration and reconstruction that call themselves either equivalent to or better than AlloDerm. However, according to Dr. Glasberg, not all biologic matrixes are the same, and not all achieve equal surgical outcomes. “I have done extensive research with most of the biologics on the market, including histologic examination, and have found that no two products are the same or work the same in terms of the histology and their regenerative properties. A good product is one that will not resorb over time and will ideally regenerate tissues, hold its form and still be present five to 10 years down the line,” Dr. Glasberg says. Disclosures: Dr. Glasberg is a consultant for LifeCell. Dr. Carraway reports no relevant financial interests. CosmetiC surgery times 14 z Quick read transumbilical breast augmentation (tuBA) is a useful addition to the surgical repertoire of cosmetic breast surgeons, because the technique delivers safe results with high patient satisfaction, one surgeon says. Si g u Transumbilical breast augmentation delivers favorable aesthetic results with little risk Cheryl Guttman Krader S ENIOR S TAFF CORRESPONDENT mAy 2011 15 involves placing breast implants via a single 3 cm incision created within the superior lip of the umbilicus. Dr. Shumway performs the TUBA technique, but he also created the modified TUBA (called the transabdominal breast augmentation, or TABA) for patients with pre-existing abdominal scars. Either way, the implantation can be performed within a prepectoral or a subpectoral position via tumescent anesthesia and IV conscious sedation, he says. GETTY IMAGES: TETRA IMAGES “After learning from an experienced TUBA surgeon, the new surgeon should tackle the ‘easy’ cases first. Patient selection is the key for any novice TUBA doctor, i.e., choose reasonable patients who are not obese, possess fairly symmetrical breasts, have realistic expectations and are seeking an appropriate augmentation size,” Dr. Shumway says. C osmetic surgeons who already perform cosmetic breast enhancement procedures should learn the transumbilical approach because it is faster and safer relative to all other saline augmentation techniques, says Robert A. Shumway, M.D., F.A.C.S., of Shumway Cosmetic Surgery, La Jolla, Calif. Dr. Shumway is a past-president of the American Society of Cosmetic Breast Surgery (ASCBS), the immediate past-president of the California Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (CACS) and a trustee of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS). tuBa HistorY, tecHNiQue Transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA) is a special endoscopic technique developed by Gerald Johnson, M.D., in 1991. It “ After learning from an experienced TUBA surgeon, the new surgeon should tackle the ‘easy’ cases first. Patient selection is the key for any novice TUBA doctor, i.e., choose reasonable patients who are not obese, possess fairly symmetrical breasts, have realistic expectations and are seeking an appropriate augmentation size. ” Robert Shumway, M.D., F.A.C.S. La Jolla, Calif. “The first 10 TUBA surgeries must be successful, or else the developing physician will desert the procedure,” he says. “However, most well-trained aesthetic breast surgeons will find TUBA much like sliced bread … yes, it’s a magnificent idea that makes each one of us wonder why we didn’t think of this sooner! Just remember to pick your slam-dunks first, so that you will not become discouraged and prematurely abandon the procedure.” Dr. Shumway says TUBA is faster and safer because the thorax is approached superficially in a tangential fashion with blunt dissection via one small, distant incision that is located in a universal scar — the navel. The risk of pneumothorax, internal organ injury, hematoma and scarring are diminished compared to other breast augmentation routes that utilize a perpendicular approach to the chest wall or cutting instruments and electrocauterization. In addition, chemical vasoconstriction from the epinephrine-containing tumescent solution, along with the hemostatic nature of tissue expander usage, further reduces the risk of bleeding and subsequent scar formation, he says. TUBA also provides an opportunity for cosmetic surgeons to perform several simultaneous cosmetic procedures through the navel. For example, the cosmetic appearance of the navel can be improved with concurrent umbilicoplasty. And TUBA and mastopexy surgery are often coupled together to improve nipple areolar complex (NAC) ptosis and asymmetry. The Benelli, crescent or vertical mastopexy may be performed directly after TUBA without violating fat or breast parenchyma, Dr. Shumway 16 says. CosmetiC surgery times 16 TUBA continued Procedural details According to Dr. Shumway, with proper TUBA technique and “ At the end of the first postop visit, patients are given written post-op instructions with a one-week return (or sooner as required) along with appropriate instructions about icing the breasts and taking oral antibiotics, and analgesics as needed. Most well-trained aesthetic breast surgeons will find TUBA much like sliced bread — yes, it’s a magnificent idea that makes each one of us wonder why we didn’t think of this sooner! ” Robert Shumway, M.D., F.A.C.S. La Jolla, Calif. instrumentation, excellent results are routinely achievable whether placing implants above or below the pectoralis major muscle. Dr. Shumway uses his modified tumescent solution with 1 gm lidocaine, 2 mg epinephrine, and 10 mL 8.4 percent sodium bicarbonate in 500 mL of normal saline for TUBA analgesia along with conscious IV sedation. The solution is introduced at the navel along the subcutaneous abdomen and then either above or below the pectoralis major muscle. The tumescent solution also assists with the subsequent blunt tuBA implant introduction. surgical dissection. The 3 cm (or less) superior navel incision is created with a #10 blade, and dissecting facelift scissors are used over the anterior rectus abdominis muscle fascia to generate the initial approach. Blunt solid trocars are introduced and advanced superficially over the abdominal musculature within the same plane as liposuction, either medial or lateral to the NAC (depending on prepectoral or retropectoral implant tuBA fill tubes. placement). It follows that if the implants are to be placed in the prepectoral packet, the approach will be medial to the NAC, Dr. Shumway the tuBA tissue expander. (Photos credit: Robert Shumway, M.D., F.A.C.S.) says. If the placement is subpectoral, the surgical pocket is approached lateral to the NAC. Once the proper surgical space is entered and bluntly developed, the inferomedial fibers of the pectoralis major muscles are released from their origin of attachment up to the fourth rib using various types of curved “hockey stick” a closed fill system developed by the implant manufacturer, Dr. Shumway says, and the patient is evaluated in the sitting, inclined and supine positions for symmetry and bilateral breast volume/appearance. Volume adjustments can be made prior to removal of the fill tubes. A superior umbilicoplasty or even abdominal liposuction may be performed at this point Before (left) and six months after the tuBA procedure. instruments. The pockets are further defined with additional blunt instrumentation and then the tissue expanders are placed behind each NAC and filled with either saline or air. The use of these tissue expanders confirms the next step of the operation, which is the actual placement of the breast implants, Dr. Shumway says. The inframammary crease can be manipulated and adjusted with TUBA at anytime during the procedure. After the surgeon changes gloves, the breast implants may be positioned under endoscopic visualization. The implants are then filled with during the operation, Dr. Shumway says. The navel is closed with dissolvable 4-0 chromic suture in three layers at the superficial fascia, dermis and skin edge in an interrupted fashion. Dr. Shumway says he instructs his patients to keep their navel clean with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol once a day until the sutures dissolve and fall out. Immediately postop, patients are placed in a soft jog bra with an elastic wrap for 24 hours along with several sterile 4 X 4 gauze pads that are secured over the navel to absorb any overnight tumescent fluid solution. All patients mAy 2011 17 TUBA data Cheryl Guttman Krader S ENIOR S TAFF CORRESPONDENT Findings from a retrospective chart review of 3,300 consecutive transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA) cases underscore the assertion of Robert A. Shumway, M.D., F.A.C.S., that TUBA is a faster, safer and better procedure than other breast augmentation approaches. During the 27th annual American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery scientific meeting, Dr. Shumway reported on the complications, complaints and patient satisfaction ratings from TUBA procedures he performed between 1994 and 2010. Capsular contracture (69 cases, 2.09 percent) was the most common complication, although he notes the rate is lower than the published national average for augmentations performed via other routes. There was one possible infection (0.03 percent), and only several other types of complications, all with rates equal to or less than 0.18 percent, he says, adding that there were no acute hematomas. “TUBA is about as safe as breast augmentation can get,” Dr. Shumway says. Delayed hematomas presenting several weeks to months after surgery secondary to external manipulation were rare, and represented less than 0.05 percent of cases, Dr. Shumway says. The events, he says, were associated with aggressive postoperative manipulation and were surgically treated to full resolution without adverse sequelae. (0.06 percent). One case involved a patient who presented four months after surgery with a self-induced breast skin injury that she allowed to fester and eventually erode into the breast, Dr. Shumway says. “The patient never looked under her own homemade bandages,” he says. Upon assessment of the situation, Dr. Shumway says he removed the exposed implant, cleaned the affected area and debrided the wound. After several months, the resulting lateral breast scar was eliminated by a large “O” to “T” local skin-flap closure. Months later, the patient underwent a unilateral TUBA to replace the removed implant. The second patient reportedly consumed large amounts of abortion medication (morning-after pills) directly following her implant surgery. She also wore unsanctioned postoperative underwire bras directly against written medical orders, Dr. Shumway says. Breast asymmetry occurred in six cases (0.18 percent), and size dissatisfaction presented in five cases (0.15 percent). “The key to happy patients and excellent breast symmetry is the notion of placing breast implants directly behind each nipple areolar complex. It is very important to first document any preoperative asymmetry by photography and then explain to patients that breasts are sisters, not twins,” Dr. Shumway says, adding that the distinct possibility of postop asymmetry is included in every informed consent he obtains from patients. He says that patients must also give signed approval of their selected implant size after thorough consultation, and that there is a monetary charge for any future surgical size changes. The single report of possible breast infection was an event that was diagnosed and managed with several doses of overnight IV cefazolin by another surgeon, Dr. Shumway says. “Remember, if you feel there are two appropriate sizes, pick the larger size,” Dr. Shumway says. Four patients (0.12 percent) developed minor hypertrophic navel scars that were easily treated either with intralesional corticosteroid injections or by simple surgical excision and direct closure. Implant extrusion occurred in two patients The results of the patient satisfaction ratings at two and six months after surgery were revealing, he says. Using a scale of one to 10, all two-month scores were eight or higher, with a 9.7 mean. are seen postop on day one to evaluate the breasts, implant mobility and the navel incision. Postoperatively, the bilateral implants should be mobile and possess excellent symmetry, Dr. Shumway says. At the end of the first postop visit, patients are given written postop instructions with a one-week return (or sooner, as required) along with appropriate instructions about icing the breasts and taking oral antibiotics, and analgesics as needed. Weekly follow-up visits occur until the internal surgical breast implant pocket has totally healed. Thereafter, the patient returns to the office every six months for two years and then for annual check-ups during the life of the implants, Dr. Shumway says. Disclosures: Dr. Shumway reports no relevant financial interests. Dr. Shumway offers the following tips to cosmetic surgeons performing the TUBA procedure: • Ask and specifically know about every OTC and prescription drug in the medical history of each patient, including products taken weeks before and weeks after surgery; • Use a psychiatric screening system that includes a mechanism that reveals how a potential surgical patient feels about lawsuits; • Avoid general anesthesia; use tumescent anesthesia; • Always use the minimal touch techniques for handling implants; • Teach patients to keep their superior breast implant surgical pockets open and mechanically instruct them how to “pinch and slide” the implant upward once a day; • Provide quality postop care and see patients on postop day one and again at one week, or sooner if they are experiencing any discomfort. Double TAKE Study highlights connection between highly textured breast implants and double capsules, related complications Rochelle Nataloni S ENIOR S TAFF CORRESPONDENT Quick read a retrospective analysis illustrates an association between aggressively textured implants and late seromas and/or double capsules. GETTY IMAGES: JAMES WOODSON COSMETIC SURGERy TIMES 18 May 2011 19 A ggressively textured breast implants are associated with double capsules and late seromas, according to a retrospective study of several hundred primary bilateral breast augmentations and primary bilateral mastopexy augmentations. The study, which was performed and published recently by Canadian plastic surgeon Elizabeth J. Hall-Findlay, M.D., is a look back at her own patients treated at Banff Plastic Surgery, in Banff, Alberta, over almost two decades. “ with an expanding seroma 19 months after her original surgery. Dr. Hall-Findlay says she recalls that the left breast of this patient kept enlarging, and it was assumed that the problem might have been some form of infection, but detailed questioning and eventual cultures ruled that out. When the patient was taken into surgery, there was a large amount of serosanguineous fluid and a double capsule, Dr. Hall-Findlay reports, adding that this is just one example of several that eventually prompted her study. Study methodS Dr. Hall-Findlay I have always followed my results in all of my breast surgery patients because I think it is important to review outcomes. I have been performing careful measurements to be able to add some ‘science’ to the ‘art’ of plastic surgery. ” Elizabeth J. Hall-Findlay, M.D. Banff, Alberta, Canada “I have always followed my results in all of my breast surgery patients, because I think it is important to review outcomes. I have been performing careful measurements to be able to add some ‘science’ to the ‘art’ of plastic surgery,” Dr. Hall-Findlay says. Dr. Hall-Findlay says she had not seen significant numbers of late seromas or double capsules in the early years of her practice, which she started in 1983. She began to notice them in 2006. “Given that it is difficult to assess capsular contracture when comparing different surgeons’ outcomes, I decided to compare my own outcomes to each other. I tried not to change any of the other variables such as prep solution, pocket irrigation and so on, and I noticed that late seromas and double capsules were a new finding that I had not seen in the first 25 years of my practice. The study was my way of figuring out what was happening,” she says. Dr. Hall-Findlay says she noticed doublecapsule formations on some Biocell (Allergan) textured-surface implants when revisions were being performed for various reasons, such as size change and capsular contracture. She did not really take notice, however, until a patient with Style 410 implants presented reviewed all of the primary bilateral breast augmentations and primary bilateral mastopexy augmentations performed in her practice after 1992. There were 209 patients with saline implants; 160 patients with CML and CMH (CUI) MicroCell textured-surface implants; 105 patients with Biocell texturedsurface silicone gel breast implants; and 152 patients with smooth round (Allergan and Mentor) silicone gel breast implants. She reviewed these cases for complications and revisions to see whether any patterns emerged and found that 14 patients developed double capsules, and that these double capsules were only seen with the Biocell texturedsurface implants. Three patients developed late seromas — more than a year after their original surgery — with two patients requiring urgent drainage of an expanding seroma/hematoma. Seven patients were found to have double capsules as an incidental finding for procedures, such as asymmetry and bottoming out, and five patients were found to have double capsules when surgery was performed for capsular contracture. This image illustrates how a complete double capsule formed around an aggressively textured (Biocell) implant, and shows that the double capsule did not form where the implant is smooth. (Photos credit: Elizabeth J. Hall-Findlay, M.D., F.R.C.S.C.) The double capsule is cut open, and this view reveals how the double capsule has contracted over the implant and has caused it to fold as the capsule tightened. the Baker classification; no patient had a Baker IV capsule in this series. “ Given that it is difficult to assess capsular contracture when comparing different surgeons’ outcomes, I decided to compare my own outcomes to each other. ” Elizabeth J. Hall-Findlay, M.D. theorieS There are several possible theories for the late seroma/double-capsule outcomes. While some surgeons suggest that infection or biofilm may be the culprit, cultures tend to be negative, and infection did not result after replacing the original implant. Dr. Hall-Findlay says a more plausible rationale may be of a mechanical nature. Banff, Alberta, Canada The review of complications and revisions showed that the silicone gel implants performed better than saline implants; highly cohesive MicroCell textured CMH and CML implants had by far the best capsular contracture profile; and Biocell texturing had an increased capsular-contracture rate. Capsular contractures were evaluated using “The mildly textured surfaces can cause some irritation and a mild seroma, but the more aggressive textured surfaces are designed to adhere to the capsule. This capsule can be forcefully separated from the implant, causing shear forces to result with an expanding seroma and/or a double capsule,” she says. “The problem does not happen in the 20 polyurethane implants, because there COSMETIC SURGERy TIMES 20 Double capsules continued a distinction between using a subpectoral versus subglandular implant placement. was true tissue ingrowth that could not be separated from the implant. AdditioNAL ComPLiCAtioNS “The problem does not happen in the less With respect to complications in Dr. HallFindlay’s study, other than late seromas There are several possible theories for the late seroma/ double-capsule outcomes. While some surgeons suggest that infection or biofilm may be the culprit, cultures tend to be negative, and infection did not result after replacing the original implant. Dr. Hall-Findlay says a more plausible rationale may be of a mechanical nature. aggressively textured implants, because there is no true adherence to allow subsequent separation.” Dr. Hall-Findlay says other than the important double-capsule/late seroma finding, her most interesting observation was how well the CUI implants performed compared to both the saline implants, on which she had longer follow-up, and the newer silicone gel implants, of which she had fewer years followup. The impressive performance of the CUI implants confirmed her clinical impressions, she says, but “it is always important to actually put the numbers together rather than just going by impressions.” Dr. Hall-Findlay points out that she can no longer get the CUI implants in Canada, and that they have not been available in the United States for some time. “The CUI implants had a textured surface that rarely adhered, but they were more cohesive than the implants currently available in Canada,” she says. “It will be interesting to see if the more cohesive implants perform better over time.” Dr. Hall-Findlay adds that “it makes me wonder whether the higher cohesivity is a factor in the lower capsular-contracture rate.” Dr. Hall-Findlay says she has discontinued use of aggressively textured implants. “I am now applying to the Health Protection Branch in Canada to attempt to gain approval for each patient to use the smooth-walled breast implants that are more cohesive than the ones we can use without additional approval,” she says. “I still prefer a subglandular pocket for my patients who have enough padding, and I use a subpectoral plane for patients who are thin with minimal padding.” Dr. Hall-Findlay’s study did not reveal any complications that were associated with and double capsules, one patient had an infection (transaxillary CMH implant) in the primary bilateral breast augmentation group; one patient had a hematoma (smooth-walled gel subpectoral); two saline (subglandular) implants leaked; and four patients had a revision because they wanted smaller implants. Seven patients had a revision because they wanted larger implants. Since the publication of her study, Dr. Hall-Findlay says she is often approached by surgeons who say they have also seen a case or two of double capsules, but that they had not noted the association with the aggressive texturing until she reported it. Since the publication of her study, Dr. Hall-Findlay says she is often approached by surgeons who say they have also seen a case or two of double capsules, but that they had not noted the association with the aggressive texturing until she reported it. “Many of the younger surgeons did not realize that this was a new problem that had not occurred with smooth-walled silicone implants,” Dr. Hall-Findlay says. She expects that her findings will have an impact on breast surgery trends for the foreseeable future. “I suspect that fewer surgeons will use the aggressively textured implants,” she says. Disclosures: Dr. Hall-Findlay reports no relevant financial interests. mAy 2011 21 fat GETTY IMAGES: INGRAM PUBLISHING Frank talk about Pros, cons and controversies surrounding breast lipoaugmentation Cheryl Guttman Krader S ENIOR S TAFF CORRESPONDENT Quick read Available evidence seems to allay concerns that fat transfer to the breast might interfere with cancer detection, but surgeons recognize further study is needed to optimize its efficacy and safety. S urgeons who perform fat grafting of the breast acknowledge a need for further research to answer a number of questions about the procedure. But based on available evidence and their personal experience, they consider lipoaugmentation a valuable option for select women seeking cosmetic breast enhancement and for those with various reconstruction needs. “Autologous fat injection with or without stem cell enhancement appears to be a very worthwhile alternative for addressing a variety of plastic and 22 CosmetiC surgery times 22 � Lipoaugment continued cosmetic breast issues, and one of its benefits is that it avoids the potential risks associated with large tissue grafts, flaps and implants,” says Maurice Sherman, M.D., who discussed lipoaugmentation of the breast at The Art of Cosmetic Breast Surgery, a workshop preceding the annual scientific meeting of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery in January in Phoenix. Sean Rice, M.D., spoke about harvesting techniques and primary augmentation with fat at the 11th annual Toronto Breast Surgery Symposium in Toronto. He emphasizes the need for patient education. “As with any procedure, patients choosing breast lipoaugmentation need to be welleducated, so that they have appropriate expectations and are aware of potential risks. In addition, as highlighted by the 2009 report of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Fat Graft Task Force, patients and surgeons must realize that outcomes of fat grafting in the breast are very dependent on technique and surgeon expertise,” Dr. Rice says. “This means women interested in breast lipoaugmentation should be careful in selecting a surgeon, while surgeons who want to perform these procedures should be prepared to face a learning curve.” CanCer deteCtion In 1987, concerns that postlipoaugmentation scarring and calcifications could interfere with detection of early breast carcinoma led the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons Ad-Hoc Committee on New Procedures to issue a statement deploring the use of autologous fat injection in the breast, Dr. Sherman says. “This condemnation not only limited use of the procedure worldwide, but also research and discussion of the topic,” he says. “Fortunately, reports began to surface during the 1990s on the success of autologous fat grafting in A patient before (left) and five months after breast lipoaugmentation using approximately 300 cc of autologous fat injected into each breast. (Photos credit: Sean Rice, M.D.) breast reconstruction that led the society to re-evaluate its position.” In 1997, the ASPS recommended that lipoaugmentation of the breast undergo further review as a potentially worthwhile treatment modality. In 2009, based on a comprehensive review of the literature, the ASPS Fat Graft Task Force concluded there was no evidence strongly suggesting that fat grafting to the breast could interfere with breast cancer detection. The group called for more studies to confirm what they considered still preliminary findings, but they also concluded that fat grafting may be considered for breast augmentation, as well as correction of defects associated with medical conditions and previous breast surgeries. Regarding the cancer-detection issue, Dr. Sherman says the macrocalcifications that can occur with any type of trauma to the breast are easily differentiated from the microcalcification pattern of early cancerous changes of the breast. Dr. Rice says radiologists have experienced no difficulties identifying breast cancer in women with a history of mammaplasty, which results in much more significant scarring and mammographic changes than fat injection. He says, however, he encourages his patients to make sure the radiologist who reads their cancerscreening studies has solid competency in interpreting the images. Women are instructed to obtain a mammogram or MRI prior to a lipoaugmentation procedure and to have regular follow-up studies, beginning about one year after the procedure. teChnique topiCs The question of how much fat survives after breast lipoaugmentation has been another controversial issue. Results of a recently published study by German surgeons (Herold C, et al. Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. 2011 Feb 1. (Epub ahead of print)) indicate that about 75 to 80 percent of fat survives, assuming proper injection technique, Dr. Rice says. “Fat survival depends on the injected cells being in close proximity to a blood supply, and that, in turn, requires that the fat be injected in small quantities. In the past, some surgeons were injecting fat in larger aliquots, as if it were a synthetic filler, but fat is made up of living cells that must receive nourishment from the circulation in order to survive,” Dr. Rice says. Dr. Rice uses a 3 mm cannula to deposit 2 cc to 3 cc aliquots in multiple planes. The fat is delivered below and into the muscle and subglandular space, as well as beneath the skin, but none is placed into the breast tissue. Dr. Sherman also emphasizes that the fat should not be injected into the parenchymal or glandular substance of the breast. Not only does this tissue have less blood supply than muscle or the subcutaneous space, it contains contaminated ducts, so that there is a risk for abscess or lipid cyst formation. “Due to the potential risk of cellulitis, antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended pre- and postlipoaugmentation,” Dr. Rice says. Dr. Sherman says whether considering the breast or another recipient site for fat grafting, there is a need for further laboratory and clinical research to understand the optimal combination of harvesting, processing and delivery techniques for maximizing fat viability and survival. Additional study is also warranted to determine the potential benefit of adjuncts such as hyperbaric oxygen, stem cells and mAy 2011 23 tissue expansion with a proprietary device (Brava System, Brava) for increasing the volume achieved and take rate, Dr. Sherman says. Dr. Rice says individual surgeons have their own preferences for harvesting and processing of fat for grafting. His favored approach, however, is to use water-assisted liposuction to obtain the fat, because it is gentle and the aspirate contains a relatively high proportion of fat and does not have to be centrifuged. “Concerns in the past about limited survival of fat after transfer to the breast may have been related to the harvesting and preparation technique. In some cases, the injected material contained a lot of water that should not have been there in the first place,” Dr. Rice says. to direct an outward-turning nipple-areolar complex inward.” Therefore, Dr. Rice suggests when performing breast augmentation, surgeons should not be asking the question, “Fat or implant?” but rather they should take into account the pros and cons of each modality and consider if the two might be used in combination for optimal results. “The idea should not be whether to use A versus B, but whether A plus B equals a better C,” he says. “The enhanced ability to manipulate the aesthetics of the breast using fat grafting also makes this technique an excellent tool for reconstructing deformities.” Disclosures: Drs. Rice and Sherman report no relevant financial interests. Join Our Family of Happy Customers… pros and Cons of fat Autologous fat injection as a method for cosmetic enhancement can augment the breast by about one-half to one full cup size. Additional volume increase can be achieved using a staged approach, although lipoaugmentation cannot match the enhancement volume possible with an implant. “SINGLE BEST LASER” —Dr. Albert Nemeth “the closest thing there is to magic” Lipoaugmentation has some unique advantages, however. In addition to allowing contouring at the sites of fat harvest and transfer, fat grafting affords the surgeon greater control in shaping the breast. “The beauty of fat is that you can mold it and shape the breast in a way that will optimize the cosmetic result,” Dr. Rice says. “For example, fat can be placed preferentially in the upper pole if the patient wants more cleavage, or more fat can be put laterally than medially —Dr. Ken Arndt Photos courtesy of Drs. G Munavalli, R. Weiss, W. Baugh, and J. Niamtu. “Even with a second session, fat transfer can increase breast size by about 1.5 cup sizes, and in my experience, additional injections of fat into the breast are mostly performed in women whose primary reason for cosmetic surgery is liposculpting at another body site,” Dr. Rice says. “Most women seeking breast augmentation want a substantial size increase, and breast lipoaugmentation is not for the individual who is interested in the kind of results that require a 400 cc round implant. 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IRIDEX | 1212 Terra Bella Avenue | Mountain View, CA 94043 | Ph: 650.962.8100 | 800.388.4747 | www.iridex.com AD0118 COSMETIC SURGERY TIMES 24 Personality impacts quality of life following breast reconstruction after mastectomy Ilya Petrou, M.D. S ENIOR S TAFF CORRESPONDENT The personality type of a patient undergoing breast reconstruction following mastectomy appears to influence quality of life outcomes. Patients undergoing this procedure should be closely evaluated to help them overcome the psychological trauma associated with breast cancer and subsequent surgical reconstruction. GETTY IMAGES: TRIPOD Quick read MAY 2011 25 T he goal of breast reconstruction following mastectomy is to help patients improve their self-image and augment their quality of life. Depending Dr. Bellino on the individual personality traits of the patient, however, quality of life outcomes following breast reconstruction surgery can vary. This, in turn, underscores the need for an indepth evaluation of mental characteristics of all breast reconstruction patients to help improve outcomes. “New and very encouraging reconstructive techniques can provide a very significant According to Dr. Bellino, patients with a “vindictive and selfcentered” model of interpersonal relationship are “resentful and aggressive,” and here, breast reconstruction could symbolize the conclusion of a reparative process and fulfill the desire of revenge on cancer. help to patients with breast cancer. However, an accurate investigation of individual personality characteristics is essential to improving quality of life outcomes, and a brief course of psychotherapy, where appropriate, following reconstruction should be part-and-parcel of a complete breast cancer treatment,” says Silvio Bellino, M.D., professor, department of psychiatry and neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turin, Italy. MEASURING QUALITY OF LIFE In a recent study, Dr. Bellino and colleagues evaluated the clinical and personality characteristics related to quality of life in 57 women who underwent breast reconstructive surgery following mastectomy. Psychometric evaluation included a semistructured interview for demographic and clinical characteristics; the Temperament and Character Inventory; the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems; the Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire; the Severity Item of the Clinical Global Impression; the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale; and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. An assessment with the Short Form was repeated three months after breast reconstruction. Results showed that those patients who were assessed with the temperamental characteristic of “harm avoidance” and characterized as “apprehensive and doubtful” scored high in their quality of life scores. According to Dr. Bellino, the restoration of their body image helped them reduce social anxiety and insecurity. Similarly, those patients who were evaluated as “vindictive and self-centered” on a scale of interpersonal problems also had high quality of life scores. According to Dr. Bellino, patients with a “vindictive and self-centered” model of interpersonal relationship are “resentful and aggressive,” and here, breast reconstruction could symbolize the conclusion of a reparative process and fulfill the desire of revenge on cancer. None of the other psychological or other factors evaluated, including the characteristics of the cancer and its treatment, were significantly related to quality of life scores. “Overall, all of the patients in our study showed significant improvements in quality “ With very few exceptions, breast reconstruction following mastectomy has a positive impact on quality of life. However, the positive psychological effects can be differentiated in relation to individual characteristics, begging the need for a closer care for these patients. ” Silvio Bellino, M.D. Turin, Italy of life following breast reconstruction surgery. With very few exceptions, breast reconstruction following mastectomy has a positive impact on quality of life. However, the positive psychological effects can be differentiated in relation to individual characteristics, begging the need for a closer care for these patients,” Dr. Bellino says. PATIENT EDUCATION Immediate reconstruction is currently considered the standard of care in post-mastectomy patients. According to Dr. Bellino, it is better to perform a mastectomy and breast reconstruction in the same procedure, in order to shorten the period in which patients have to suffer the psychological consequences of a change in their body image as a consequence of illness. Patients who can receive breast reconstruction should be carefully assessed with psychometric evaluation tools, and a detailed personality profile should be investigated and established, Dr. Bellino says. “Available evidence on the effects of personality and relational factors on the outcome of reconstruction should be the object of a complete information of patients, in order to allow them to give their informed consensus to treatment procedures with a full and updated knowledge of the effects of reconstruction on long-term functionality and quality of life,” Dr. Bellino says. According to Dr. Bellino, physicians should take into account personality issues and their effects on treatment outcome in these patients. They should be able to listen to patients and their problems to accept functional consequences of interventions. “Here, we believe that a better and more structured interspecialty cooperation with psychiatry is clearly needed to deal with these problems,” Dr. Bellino says. Disclosures: Dr. Bellino reports no relevant financial interests. Quick read Multiple features of highcohesive, form-stable silicone gel implants make them a valuable option for breast augmentation and particularly for addressing a variety of challenging situations. finesse Form-stable High-cohesive silicone gel implants have a special place in breast augmentation surgery, one expert says Cheryl Guttman Krader S ENIOR S TAFF CORRESPONDENT GETTY IMAGES: TETRA IMAGES COSMETIC SURGERY TIMES 26 MAY 2011 27 E xperience with high-cohesive, formstable silicone gel implants (Allergan and Mentor) throughout the past 14 years has convinced one European cosmetic surgeon of their unique benefits for breast augmentation surgery. Dr. Randquist Form-stable implants have been available in Europe since 1996. Speaking at the 2010 annual meeting of the Canadian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Toronto, Charles Randquist, M.D., told attendees that when he first heard about these devices as a next generation in breast implants, he was wary that their touted advantages were marketing hype. His viewpoint was altered, however, after using the devices in more than 2,000 procedures. “With all modern implants — and assuming the surgeon has good technical skills and maintains sterility — problems with infection, bleeding and capsular contraction should not be a major issue,” says Dr. Randquist, Victoriakliniken, Stockholm. “Nevertheless, the highly cohesive form-stable implants, anatomical and round, have allowed me to conquer some challenging situations in breast augmentation that I could not address adequately before. I believe the form-stable implants are predictable and clearly superior in certain regards, and I believe the data “ With all modern implants — and assuming the surgeon has good technical skills and maintains sterility — problems with infection, bleeding and capsular contraction should not be a major issue. Charles Randquist, M.D. Stockholm ” I have collected over the years proves this point.” CUSTOMIZATION, PREDICTABILITY Since the anatomical implants are available in a variety of heights, projections and sizes and because of their highly cohesive material, the form-stable implants provide the surgeon with increased opportunity to customize the procedure. This is a benefit for augmenting breasts with a lower constricted pole that has not been possible before using any other type of implant.” Consequently, early results are more predictable and better. Because the implants are textured, long-term outcomes are superior, as well, Dr. Randquist says. VARIATIONS, ASYMMETRY Since the “When a smooth implant is put into a relatively large pocket, depending on the anatomical form-stable implants can vary in three dimensions — in contrast to twodimensioned, round implants — they have benefits for use in flat-chested women with limited glandular tissue. Greater firmness to the touch on the table does not mean the implant feels unnatural once it is in the body, and besides, there is already natural variation in breast firmness among women that depends on the amounts of fatty and glandular tissue present. quality of the woman’s tissue and size of the implant there may be bottoming out, asymmetries and less control over time. In contrast, my data show that using the textured cohesive implants, a preoperative planned breast shape depending on volume of breast tissue and shape of implant can be achieved after surgery and stay maintained after one year, five years or 10 years,” Dr. Randquist says. The form-stable implants also provide better results in breasts with a lower constricted pole because the implant is firm and better able to shape the surrounding tissue than a softer material. Some critics of form-stable implants cite firmness as a negative feature, arguing that it imparts a less natural feeling to the breast. Greater firmness to the touch on the table does not mean the implant feels unnatural once it is in the body, however, and besides, there is already natural variation in breast firmness among women that depends on the amounts of fatty and glandular tissue present, Dr. Randquist says. “Better shape is one of the primary reasons why women seek augmentation, it is not all about volume, and the form-stable implants meet this goal better than other devices,” Dr. Randquist says. “When placed into a precise pocket, it can act like a controlled tissue expander, adding volume where needed. “In this situation, the form-stable implant allows me to shape the breast into what I consider an aesthetically superior appearance, and it gives me an opportunity to individualize the results in a way that has not been possible before,” Dr. Randquist says. The form-stable implants also have a unique role for addressing asymmetry, which Dr. Randquist says is present in almost all women to some degree and is usually related to rib cage configuration and bone structure, rather than a consequence of differences in the amount of tissue present between breasts. The increased versatility for varying projection and width available using an anatomical form-stable implant enables asymmetry to be addressed in a way not possible with other prosthetic devices, he says. “One-third of all of my augmentation patients receive two different implants because of the unique potential the form-stable implants give me to minimize asymmetry,” Dr. Randquist says. “With these devices, I am even able to solve minor differences between breasts as I strive for perfection.” Disclosures: Dr, Randquist is co-chairman of the Allergan Asia Council on Breast Aesthetics (AACE), but he reports he has declined any financial compensation. Instead, the money offered goes to a fund for charity. He reports no other relevant financial interests. Quick read An implant-selection system integrates easily obtained patient measurements with information on patient outcome preference to suggest implants of varying volume, projection and base diameter. Free implant-selection system aims to match implant dimensions with patients’ anatomy and desired outcome Cheryl Guttman Krader S ENIOR S TAFF CORRESPONDENT GETTY IMAGES: MOMENT COSMETIC SURGERY TIMES 28 MAY 2011 29 se of a system designed to aid breast implant selection can help to optimize patient satisfaction after augmentation mammaplasty and reduce the rate of reoperation for size change, according to Dennis C. Hammond, M.D., Dr. Hammond who spoke at the 2010 meeting of the Canadian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Toronto. The system integrates information on breast anatomy with patient preference. It is available as a kit (BodyLogic) and is distributed by Mentor, but the information it generates is applicable to all available implants. Dr. Hammond originated the idea, and he developed the system in collaboration with Mentor consultants. After they established the basics, a working group of high-volume breast augmentation surgeons was organized to help finalize the system, which was introduced in 2008 and is being used by surgeons worldwide. STUDYING SATISFACTION According to Dr. Hammond, a survey of patients who used the system to guide implant selection before their operations indicate it is fulfilling its design objectives. In a cohort of 30 women whose implants were selected with use of the kit, 96 percent indicated they were satisfied with their size and agreed with the surgeon that the desired result had been obtained, says Dr. Hammond, a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in Grand Rapids, Mich. “Available data on breast augmentation indicate a surprisingly high rate of reoperation for size change. This problem reflects in part the pitfalls of trying to use cup size for determining the outcome. Many women presenting for breast augmentation have a certain cup size in mind, but cup size is variable and an inaccurate representation of breast size,” Dr. Hammond says. “Therefore, even when the surgeon has completed a technically perfect breast operation, if implant selection was based on cup size, the woman can be very dissatisfied because she may not be the full C she hoped for.” “The implant selection system is designed to help the surgeon better understand how the patient hopes to look after augmentation and to pick the implant in a more accurate way to match that goal,” he says. Using supplied skin-fold calipers and a slide ruletype instrument, the surgeon determines breast base diameter, breast height, skin thickness of the medial and lateral skin folds and the upper pole and the position of the nipple and areola. The data are recorded on a worksheet that also captures assessment of the skin envelope, inframammary fold position and patient input on the desired outcome. For the latter, patients are asked to choose one of four outcomes depicted pictorially as representing the following: a modest, natural result; a breast that looks as full as possible but still appears natural; a full breast that looks somewhat artificial; or an out-of-proportion breast that is as big as possible. “Most patients select the second option. However, the system also features an educational component that reflects its purpose to increase the likelihood of picking an implant to match the patient’s desired result ‘within reason,’” Dr. Hammond says. “ The implant selection system is designed to help the surgeon better understand how the patient hopes to look after augmentation and to pick the implant in a more accurate way to match that goal. ” Dennis C. Hammond, M.D. Grand Rapids, Mich. “The outcome some women have in mind is not safe to create. To help prevent problems before they occur, the system includes an element of preoperative evaluation to help identify this situation, so the patient can be advised that what she is seeking is not a good idea,” he says. Using the data in hand, the surgeon refers to the implant selection booklet that will identify a range of devices varying in terms of implant volume, projection and base diameter but that would be appropriate to provide the desired result. The breast implant selection kit is available without charge to any surgeon who requests it from their Mentor sales representatives, the company says. It includes an instructional CD that Dr. Hammond developed to outline its use. A chapter about the selection system is also found in Dr. Hammond’s book, Atlas of Aesthetic Breast Surgery, Elsevier, 2009. COMPLEMENTARY TOOL The implant selection system is intended to be an adjunctive tool that still allows for surgical judgment and experience. Disclosures: Dr. Hammond is a consultant for Mentor. COSMETIC SURGERY TIMES 30 B O D Y B R E A S T F A C E ATLANTA — Understanding the anatomical basis of the tear trough deformity provides a foundation for choosing appropriate techniques that will successfully correct this common cosmetic complaint, says Mark A. Codner, M.D. Dr. Codner “Until fairly recently, the need for specific techniques to address the tear trough deformity was commonly overlooked when treating patients seeking lower eyelid rejuvenation,” says Dr. Codner, a board-certified plastic surgeon in private practice in Atlanta and clinical assistant professor, division Tear fix trough Cheryl Guttman Krader S ENIOR S TAFF CORRESPONDENT A n a t o m i c a l a n a lys i s g u i d e s s u c c e s s f u l c o r re c t i o n o f d e fo r m i t y of plastic surgery, Emory University. “However, this problem has received attention in the past several years both in published papers and scientific presentations that have increased surgeon awareness of the issues and led to improved surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.” Quick read Tear trough deformity confers a tired, sad and aged appearance to the face and may be present with or without other significant signs of periorbital aging. Both nonsurgical and surgical techniques can be used to fill the concavity and achieve improved cosmetic results. The tear trough deformity is defined as a groove below the medial canthus and the nasolacrimal crest that runs from the medial portion of the lower eyelid along the side of the nose and angles toward the cheek. It lies over the inferomedial orbit, where the skin and muscle layers are very thin and there is minimal fat. The deformity can be corrected nonsurgically with soft tissue augmentation or surgically with blepharoplasty. The choice between these techniques depends on whether the patient presents with lower eyelid bags and excessive skin laxity in addition to the tear trough deformity. It also depends on the patient’s desire for a more permanent correction. MAY 2011 31 “Some patients who present with complaints about a tear trough deformity are fairly young, in their late 20s or early 30s and have concerns about looking tired or sad, but have no other signs of periorbital aging. While they may benefit from soft tissue augmentation alone, surgery may be a reasonable option considering the need for repeat filler injections,” Dr. Codner says. “There is also a role for filler and fat transfer at the time of lower blepharoplasty to improve results of surgery alone.” hyaluronidase (Wydase), and he has a preference for a particular hyaluronic acid product (Prevelle, Mentor) because of its flow characteristics. “This hyaluronic acid formulation is thinner than other fillers, which makes it particularly useful for achieving a natural result with a reduced risk for the development of contour irregularities or a Tyndall effect in this area where there is minimal soft tissue coverage over the bone,” Dr. Codner says. LOWER EYELID BLEPHAROPLASTY Surgical correction of the tear trough deformity via lower eyelid blepharoplasty requires surgeons to use a fat transposition technique. “Blepharoplasty with fat resection may improve the appearance of lower eyelid bags associated with prolapsed orbital fat, but will not address the tear trough deformity, and in fact may even accentuate it, worsening the hollowed appearance,” Dr. Codner says. “ GETTY IMAGES: MICHAEL HALL Some patients who present with complaints about a tear trough deformity are fairly young, in their late 20s or early 30s and have concerns about looking tired or sad, but have no other signs of periorbital aging. While they may benefit from soft tissue augmentation alone, surgery may be a reasonable option considering the need for repeat filler injections. Mark A. Codner, M.D. Atlanta OPTING FOR FILLERS Augmentation can be performed by injecting either an alloplastic filler or autologous fat along the orbital rim to add volume. Dr. Codner says he prefers hyaluronic acid fillers, because any overcorrection or irregularity can be reversed with injection of “ Blepharoplasty with fat resection may improve the appearance of lower eyelid bags associated with prolapsed orbital fat but will not address the tear trough deformity, and, in fact, may even accentuate it, worsening the hollowed appearance. Mark A. Codner, M.D. Atlanta ” The correction provided using this hyaluronic acid filler usually lasts for six to 12 months. Other hyaluronic acid fillers offer slightly greater longevity of improvement, and autologous fat injection can provide permanent correction, although Dr. Codner says particular care must be taken with the technique used when injecting fat in this area of the face. “The fat must be injected in multiple, very small aliquots using a fine 25-gauge cannula, and a blunt needle is recommended with any injection in this area to minimize bruising and the risk of inadvertent intra-arterial injection,” he says. Whether using fat or a hyaluronic acid filler, the injections must be delivered deep, to the preperiosteal level, because injection that is too superficial may result in the material being visible or palpable. It is also important to inject only to the desired level of correction, rather than overcorrecting in anticipation of resorption, because resorption is minimal at this site compared with other areas of the face, Dr. Codner says. ” Dr. Codner says his preferred blepharoplasty technique involves release of the medial and nasal fat pads with elevation of the orbitomalar ligament at the preperiosteal level to allow the fat to redrape and add volume to the tear trough. A medial dissection is performed to release the origins of the orbicularis muscle to create a space for fat transposition. The fat can be fixed to the periosteum underlying the tear trough deformity with 6-0 Vicryl. “In my experience, the surgical technique is safe, effective and provides long-lasting, natural results,” Dr. Codner says. DISCLOSURES: Dr. Codner has received research grants from and is a consultant to Mentor. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Codner MA, Hirmand H. Lid Cheek Blending: The Tear Trough Deformity. In: Aston S, et al, eds. Advances in Aesthetic Surgery. Elsevier; 2009. Codner MA, Ford DT. Blepharoplasty. In: Grabb TC, ed. Grabb and Smith’s Plastic Surgery. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins; 2007. Codner MA, Hanna MK. Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty. In: Nahai F, ed. The Art of Aesthetic Surgery. Quality Medical Publishing; 2007. B O D Y B R E A S T F A C E Forehead flap, modified Three-stage forehead flap with modified folded lining can address anatomical and aesthetic deficits of full-thickness nasal defects Cheryl Guttman Krader S ENIOR S TAFF CORRESPONDENT Quick read A plastic surgeon specializing in nasal reconstruction finds that a forehead fl ap with his personal modification to the traditional folded-fl ap technique reliably achieves success in the vast majority of patients requiring full-thickness nasal repair. GETTY IMAGES: ZLATKO KOSTIC COSMETIC SURGERY TIMES 32 MAY 2011 33 TUCSON, A RIZ. — A full-thickness forehead flap procedure incorporating a modification of the traditional folded forehead flap technique for the nasal lining with delayed primary graft replacement offers a Dr. Menick safe and reliable method for successfully restoring form and function in patients with a major defect of the nose, says Frederick J. Menick, M.D. Currently, Dr. Menick relies on this approach as his workhorse for the majority of patients who present for the repair of full-thickness nasal defects. Exceptions are those patients with a very large defect where a free flap is needed, as in an individual with irradiation injury or extreme cocaine abuse. While this approach employs a three-stage operation that takes two months to complete, Dr. Menick says he believes it provides better cosmetic and functional results compared with traditional methods, which are less reliable or more destructive to the remaining nose. “Based on color and texture, forehead skin is the best donor tissue to resurface the nose, and it is best transferred as a full-thickness flap, especially when repairing defects that extend through the full thickness of the nose,” says Dr. Menick, a board-certified plastic surgeon in private practice in Tucson, Ariz., and clinical associate professor of surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine. “Taking a little extra skin for folding provides a simple and effective way to restore a thin, supple, vascularized nasal lining.” “Achieving the goals of restoring both form and function in the reconstruction of complex nasal defects requires a multistage procedure, and in my experience, patients are more than willing to delay pedicle division to achieve better functional and cosmetic results,” he says. “In the end, these patients are happier than those left with a suboptimal outcome after a ‘simpler’ repair. The latter patients may not only be unhappy, but angry, as well, because of a poor result.” THE APPROACH In Dr. Menick’s approach, an extended full-thickness forehead flap is elevated and transposed into the defect, folding the distal end for lining. The flap is not thinned at this stage, because it can result in scarring and compromise vascularity, he says. While this approach employs a three-stage operation that takes two months to complete, Dr. Menick says he believes it provides better cosmetic and functional results compared with traditional methods, which are less reliable or more destructive to the remaining nose. The flap is left in place and allowed to heal to the recipient bed for one month. At the second stage, forehead flap skin with 2 mm to 3 mm of subcutaneous fat is raised in the subcutaneous plane over the entire nasal inset, creating thin supple covering skin. The distal folded forehead skin is incised free along the nostril margin, separating the distal lining extension from the proximal covering flap. Then, excess subcutaneous tissue and frontalis muscle are removed, and delayed primary cartilage grafts are positioned to support the nose and establish an ideal subunit support framework. “During the initial healing phase, the folded aspect of the flap becomes well-integrated into the adjacent normal lining and receives sufficient blood supply so that at the intermediate operation, the folded lining layer can be completely separated from the proximal overlying covering flap,” Dr. Menick says. “Then, excess soft tissue and frontalis muscle are removed from the lining aspect of the flap, creating thin vascular lining and allowing placement of cartilage grafts at the second operation.” The thinned forehead skin flap is replaced and allowed to heal for another month before the pedicle is divided at the third stage. BENEFITS OF MODIFICATION In their textbook, first published 16 years ago, Dr. Menick and Gary Burget, M.D., introduced the intranasal lining flap for use in repairing complex nasal defects. While this technique revolutionized nasal reconstruction, Dr. Menick says he finds that his modification of the folded forehead flap for lining provides equal or better results in a procedure that is technically easier for the surgeon, and less traumatic for the patient. The technique is illustrated in Dr. Menick’s new textbook (Menick FJ. Nasal Reconstruction: Art and Practice. Elsevier; 2009). “The folded forehead flap modification avoids additional injury to the remaining lining of the nose that can be created by intranasal lining flaps, minimizing that additional surgical morbidity. Since the skin extension used for lining lies within the area of dog-ear excision on forehead flap closure, taking additional skin from the forehead does not significantly increase forehead donor injury,” he says. Dr. Menick’s modification of the traditional folded forehead flap for lining also avoids the limitations of the traditional folded technique. “Because of inadequate soft tissue thinning and insufficient cartilage support, the traditional method frequently led to a thick, collapsed and bulky reconstructed nose,” he says. “In contrast to the original technique, my approach does not add morbidity to the reconstruction, because it does not cause injury inside the nose, and it allows for improved molding of cartilage grafts, because there is no scarring and the cartilage is not placed in the folded area.” COSMETIC SURGERY TIMES 34 O F ‘e’ - R E P U T E Experts weigh in on how to manage negative online reviews Lisette Hilton GETTY IMAGES: OZGUR DONMAZ S TAFF CORRESPONDENT E Quick read Cosmetic surgeons who are turning to social media to boost business are finding there’s a dark side. Experts weigh in on how to handle negative comments and reviews. nglewood, Colo., plastic surgeon Gregory A. Buford, M.D., remembers the disgruntled patient who gave him a less-than-favorable online review years ago. The patient complained that Dr. Buford was too expensive and that she had to wait 15 minutes for her appointment. She gave him a low star rating, he says. opportunity to address or change the comments. “So, it wasn’t about being unhappy with results or anything having to do with her care,” Dr. Buford says. “I view the feedback and spend a lot of time answering questions and looking at blogs,” he says. “It’s important to know what people are saying about you or about your specialty.” He says he remembers being frustrated, because he wasn’t able to respond. And that’s Dr. Buford’s beef with user-generated comments and reviews: They’re not always constructive, and those being attacked don’t always have the Nevertheless, Dr. Buford says he is a social media advocate. He blogs on his website (www.beautybybuford.com/news/bufords-blog) and spends time addressing patients’ questions and concerns on general cosmetic surgery websites, such as RealSelf.com. COMES WITH THE TERRITORY Bad comments come with the social media territory, says Alan J. Bauman, M.D., a hair42 restoration physician in Boca Raton, Fla. | MAY 2011 35 cosMeceUTIcaLs Azelaic Acid. Reinvented. PHYSICIAN DISPENSED The creation of Azelaic Acid in a water-based and non irritating cream base has finally been achieved as a result of years of clinical and bench research. AzaClear’s unique base requires no added moisturizers to counter irritation. The formulation also demonstrates an extremely rapid skin response and is complexed with the water soluble vitamin niacinamide as part of the patent pending enhanced SynergyE™ cosmetic base. It’s our formula for the future of beautiful skin. AzaClear™ is a patent pending proprietary blend of pharmaceutical grade ingredients. Distributed and available to you by EpiKinetics, LLC. without prescription Pharmaceutical-grade Dermatologist/ lab tested & hypoallergenic Soothing, hydrating & non-irritating Manufactured in the U.S.A. at FDA registered facilities FOR ORDERING INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT www.AzaClear.com OR CALL SynergyE™ emollient base for enhanced & rapid skin effects Niacinamide-enriched Propylene Glycol & Hydroquinone free Fragrance & dye free 888.261.2956 ©2011. All rights reser ved. Consult your dermatologist. See Web site for medical information. PRODUC T S & SERVICE S showcase AZA CLEAR ™ COSMETIC SURGERY TIMES | 36 EDUCATION EDUCATION 2011 Richmond, ViRginia PRODUC T S & SERVICE S showcase Ultimate Facial Rejuvenation Live Cosmetic Surgery Workshop Learn the latest cosmetic facial surgery techniques from internationally recognized surgeon, lecturer, and author Dr. Joseph Niamtu, III. Live observational surgeries and lectures, with meals and social activities included. Attendance is limited so make your reservations today. Facelift and Facial Liposuction Browlift (endo & mini open) – Eyelid surgery Facial Implants – Chemical Peels Botox & Dysport – Contemporary Fillers Laser resurfacing (CO2 & Fractional) Mole Removal – Radiowave Surgery…and more. March 11-13, 2011 Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Fellow of American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery Board Certified American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and November 4-6, 2011 $2,495 for doctors, $1195 for staff (meals and social events included) Live surgeries and lectures on the following procedures: Joe NiamtU, iii,DmD v Dr. Niamtu’s DVD’s and New Text Book available on our website. v One to One Preceptorships avail. 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Practice For Sale Los Angeles, CA Long established cosmetic surgery practice in well-known, prestigious medical building. Modern, attractive 2100 sq.ft facility with AAAASF certified ASC. Grossed $1,150,000 in 2010. Substantial growth potential by providing facial plastic procedures to existing patient base. Retiring seller will assist with transition. Call 800-416-2055 www.TransitionConsultants.com colorado FOR SALE 2008 2008 MiXto MiXto SX SXFractional FractionalLaser........$25,000 Laser....$25,000 2006 Fraxel SR1500 Restore 2003 Sciton Profile Laser................$25,000 (Factory Renewed) ……….....…$35,000 2006 Sciton Fraxel Profile SR1500Laser Restore...........$32,000 2003 ..................$25,000 1999 Cool Touch Touch Prima I Laser.............negotiable 2003 Laser......negotiable 2001 2001 Cool Touch Touch III......................negotiable III....................negotiable 1999 Cool Touch Laser...............negotiable 2003 Cool Touch IPrima Laser....negotiable Complimentary preceptorship included with purchase of Fraxel and Sciton lasers. 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If you don’t have a Facebook page or blog, you should launch these online platforms. This way, the surgeon can dictate the online narrative and terms of the debate, instead of an irate patient doing it for them,” he says. “(Third), do not ignore online complaints. As we know, in cyberspace, these complaints do not disappear, and, at worse, the surgeon’s indifference might communicate ineptitude per the doctor-patient relationship. That perception alone can threaten a large share of medical income.” TRADE TOOLS Cosmetic surgeons can There’s no escaping the potential for negativity, according to Dr. Bauman, and there’s no reason to shun social media because of it. He says would-be patients aren’t necessarily turned away by occasional uninviting remarks. “I think as more and more people get used to the reviews — whether it be to a steak house or for your local massage therapist, spa or surgeon — the savvy consumer realizes that there is going to be pros and cons,” he says. monitor at least some of what’s being said about them or the industry by doing Google and other online key term searches. Crisis management or public relations professionals experienced in social media might be better suited to address situations that are potentially damaging. Still another option is to pay for reputationmanagement reports. According to David Jackson, digital strategist with SEOward.com, New York, these reports vary, depending on the practice. TAKE CHARGE Dr. Bauman says surgeons should be proactive, rather than reactive, to the criticism. “I’m not saying that you should engage a disgruntled patient in a forum. That’s not appropriate. But I think that you do in some way have to address the issues. You can’t let them fester,” he says. “The most important thing is that physicians have to build their positive images. And they have to put out the good information and encourage their patients to post their good results and talk about their good experiences.” Public relations and social media consultant Amanda Vega of Amanda Vega Consulting in New York; Dallas; and Scottsdale, Ariz.; says physicians should, in most cases, ignore posts, reviews and comments that have no validity. But they should pay attention in many cases. For those comments that are constructive, “Respond (usually with facts, but nothing that breaks HIPAA regulation) and an offer to help,” she says. Responding should be anything but a knee-jerk reaction, according to Babak Zafarnia, president of Praecere Public Relations, Washington. Cosmetic surgeons need to anticipate negative comments and plan for them, he says. Mr. Zafarnia recommends three steps: “Determine the probable universe of likely online criticism, and prioritize these possible complaints. (Second), plan your outreach to address and counter the “For a recent research project, we ran a report on a cosmetic surgery practice with two surgeons for $450 up front and $200” each month, broken down to updates every two weeks, he says. “This included reports for the practice name and for each surgeon. We provide a detailed account of where/when reviews were posted and their disposition, as well as advising whether specific reviews should receive a response. We will also petition sites to have incorrect reviews removed when possible.” GONE TOO FAR While not an attorney, Michael Roberts is a victim’s advocate, forensic analyst and litigation support consultant with the international firm Rexxfield (www.rexxfield.com). Roberts founded Rexxfield, which specializes in false allegations of medical malpractice online, after he survived being a victim of an Internet smear campaign. “Cosmetic surgery is by far the most requested specialty as far as these problems,” Mr. Roberts says. “In our experience, in addition to complaints by patients, we have also found that there are some unscrupulous physicians, particularly in specialties relating to cosmetic procedures and hair transplants, who are not below anonymously executing unfounded smear campaigns against their competitors.” Emotionally unstable patients have been known to turn on their capable and skilled physicians with online smear campaigns, according to Mr. Roberts. As a result, he says, “We have had successful doctors who are experts in their respective fields forced to file bankruptcy.” The sad truth is that targeted Internet smear campaigns leveled against physicians, personally or professionally, endure indefinitely and have very few remedies. “This dilemma is exacerbated further by the fact that the defamatory postings can be made anonymously,” Mr. Roberts says. “Furthermore, the statute of limitations for libel and defamation in most states is only one year from the date of posting. If a victim of Internet libel does not file suit within that time, they are left with no legal recourse for damages or for injunctive relief.” Mr. Roberts says he does not recommend responding to or refuting damaging allegations, because that often inflames antagonists. Filing lawsuits can also backfire and become public relations nightmares, he says. Mr. Roberts recommends physicians engage a specialist in reverse search-engine optimization. It’s important in a crisis to elevate positive content and work with a digital forensic specialist (“social forensics”) to identify potential offenders, he says. IT IS WHAT IT IS For the most part, user- generated comments and reviews are marketing and learning opportunities. Constructive criticism should make cosmetic surgeons look at, and possibly correct, negative patient experiences. The experts says physicians should look at the comments for what they are, and learn from those that are constructive. “I use the example of my favorite steak restaurant — I love it. I go there all the time. I know the quality of the food and service, and I’m always surprised at some of the negative reviews that pop up,” Dr. Bauman says. “I just know that those people have some kind of ax to grind or maybe that steak restaurant isn’t the right restaurant for them.” GETTY IMAGES: OZGUR DONMAZ ‘e’-repute Safe. Effective. Chosen over two million times. That’s RADIESSE® volumizing filler. 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Contact your local Merz Aesthetics Representative today to learn more. phone (866) 862-1211 | fax (866) 862-1212 | customerser vice@merzaesthetics.com ® Important RADIESSE Wrinkle Filler Treatment Considerations RADIESSE wrinkle filler is FDA-approved for subdermal implantation for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. After injection, patients may experience redness, bruising, swelling or other local side effects. Most side effects of treatment resolve within a few days. More rare side effects may include swelling that lasts longer, unevenness or firmness in the area injected, and as with any injection, there may be a risk of infection. ¹ Data on file Berlin, A, Hussain, M, Goldberg, D. (2008) Calcium Hydroxylapatite Filler for Facial Rejuvenation: A Histologic and Immunohistochemical Analysis. Dermatologic Surgery, Volume 34, S64-S67. Marmur, E, Green, L, Busso, M. (2010) Controlled, Randomized Study of Pain Levels in Subjects Treated with Calcium Hydroxylapatite Premixed with Lidocaine for Correction of Nasolabial Folds. Dermatologic Surgery, Volume 36 (3), 309-315 4 Moers-Carpi M, Vogt S. (2007) A Multicenter, Randomized Trial Comparing Calcium Hydroxylapatite to Two Hyaluronic Acids for Treatment of Nasolabial Folds. Dermatologic Surgery, Volume 33 (S52), S144-S151. 5 Moers-Carpi M, Tufet J. (2007) Calcium Hydroxylapatite versus Nonanimal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid for the Correction of Nasolabial Folds: A 12-Month, Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Split-Face Trial. Dermatologic Surgery, Volume 34:1-6 2 3 Copyright © 2010 Merz Aesthetics, Inc. All rights reserved. MERZ AESTHETICS is a trademark of Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA. RADIESSE is a registered trademark of Merz Aesthetics, Inc. ML00663-00 “I’ve been performing fat transfer procedures since the late 80’s and I’m always looking for a better technique. 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