Poor Aesthetic Outcomes Research Articles

Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy, from the Subpectoral to the Prepectoral Approach: An Evidence-Based Change of Mind?

Over the last years, prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction has undergone a renaissance due to several technical advancements regarding mastectomy techniques and surgical approaches for the placement and soft tissue coverage of silicone implants. Initially abandoned due to the high incidence of complications, such as capsular contraction, implant extrusion, and poor aesthetic outcome, the effective prevention of these types of complications led to the prepectoral technique coming back in style for the ease of implant placement and the conservation of the pectoralis muscle function. Additional advantages such as a decrease of postoperative pain, animation deformity, and operative time contribute to the steady gain in popularity. This review aims to summarize the factors influencing the trend towards prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction and to discuss the challenges and prospects related to this operative approach.

Impact of chest wall perforator flap reconstruction on mastectomy in breast cancer

Introduction: Breast conserving surgery (BCS) has comparable or superior oncological safety when compared to mastectomy and is associated with improved cosmetic and psychological outcome. Previously patients with larger tumour to breast ratios were not suitable for BCS due to poor aesthetic outcomes and hence underwent total mastectomy with or without reconstruction. With the introduction of chest wall perforator flaps (CWPF), a significant proportion of these women who would have otherwise undergone mastectomy, can now qualify for BCS along with volume replacement.

Second-Layer Palmar Graft for Fingertip Reconstruction: An Analysis of Aesthetic and Functional Outcomes.

Background: Fingertip injuries are very common and require a stable and durable cover. The end result after reconstruction must be a painless finger with good aesthetic appearance. Skin loss in fingertip, with or without partial loss of pulp fat, is often managed with a split-thickness skin graft, which causes a poor aesthetic result due to color mismatch of the grafted skin in the glabrous volar skin of fingertip. The full-thickness and partial-thickness skin graft harvested from palmar skin provide color match but may cause donor site morbidity in the form of painful scar or contour deformity. Harvest of the second layer from the palm (intermediate part of dermis) allowed the first layer (epidermis with superficial part of dermis) to be reposed over the remaining dermis in palm, thus allowing closure of donor defect without any tension. This technique provides a good color match for the primary defect, along with reduced donor site morbidity.Aim: The study aims to analyze the outcomes of second-layer palmar graft (SLPG) in patients with fingertip injuries.Materials and methods: The retrospective study was conducted in January 2012 on 40 patients who underwent SLPG.Result: The graft take was 100% in 36 patients with an average static two-point discrimination (2PD) of 6 mm. The average cosmetic visual analog score for the donor area was 100 and recipient site was 80.Conclusion: The SLPG is a good surgical procedure for reconstructing fingertip defects, providing excellent aesthetic appearance and optimal function.

Muscle-sparing posterolateral thoracotomy for esophageal atresia Vogt Type 3b

Background: Posterolateral muscle cutting thoracotomy is the gold standard approach to repair esophageal atresia with distal tracheoesophageal fistula. This technique is associated with morbidities in terms of poor motor and aesthetic outcomes. We aim to share our experience with muscle-sparing skin crease incision posterolateral thoracotomy for esophageal atresia Vogt type 3b.
 Methods: It was a retrospective observational study conducted over a period of 3 years and 6 months from January 2016 to June 2019 at two tertiary care teaching institutes. All patients with esophageal atresia having distal tracheoesophageal fistula were included.
 Results: Fifty-nine neonates underwent muscle-sparing thoracotomy, with 23 males and 36 females. The 34 (58%) neonates had low birth weight. Anorectal malformation (ARM) was the most common (6) associated major malformation(18). Intraoperative findings included long gap EA (6), right aortic arch (RAA, 3), aberrant vessels (1), and long upper pouch (1). Conversion to muscle cutting approach (during early learning curve) was performed in 8 cases i.e. long gap EA (3), RAA (2), Subglottic stenosis (2), others (1). No intraoperative complication was encountered; postoperative seroma formation (related to the approach) was observed in 2 (3.4%) neonates. Most of the patients achieved satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes.
 Conclusions: Muscle-sparing skin crease incision posterolateral thoracotomy is a viable approach for repair of esophageal atresia with distal tracheoesophageal fistula. The technique is easy to perform with adequate exposure and provides satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes with relatively minimum morbidity.

Salvage of infected implant-based breast reconstructions in morbidly obese patients with explantation and replacement with an autologous muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flap

Morbidly obese patients who undergo reconstruction with implants after mastectomy are at higher risk of reconstructive failure. Prosthetic infection historically required explantation with plans for delayed implant-based reconstruction or conversion to autologous tissue. Loss of the skin envelope in the delayed setting often leads to poor aesthetic outcomes. Recently, several different approaches for salvage of infected implant-based reconstructions with immediate prosthetic replacement have been described. While these strategies have proven useful in many patients, we find a prohibitive risk of failure of this approach in the morbidly obese, especially in those undergoing chemotherapy or who have been radiated. Instead, we have offered these patients salvage of their reconstructions with explantation and immediate autologous conversion to a muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flap. Here, we report on 11 morbidly obese patients where this strategy was utilized.

Skin biomechanics: a potential therapeutic intervention target to reduce scarring.

Pathological scarring imposes a major clinical and social burden worldwide. Human cutaneous wounds are responsive to mechanical forces and convert mechanical cues to biochemical signals that eventually promote scarring. To understand the mechanotransduction pathways in cutaneous scarring and develop new mechanotherapy approaches to achieve optimal scarring, the current study highlights the mechanical behavior of unwounded and scarred skin as well as intra- and extracellular mechanisms behind keloid and hypertrophic scars. Additionally, the therapeutic interventions that promote optimal scar healing by mechanical means at the molecular, cellular or tissue level are extensively reviewed. The current literature highlights the significant role of fibroblasts in wound contraction and scar formation via differentiation into myofibroblasts. Thus, understanding myofibroblasts and their responses to mechanical loading allows the development of new scar therapeutics. A review of the current clinical and preclinical studies suggests that existing treatment strategies only reduce scarring on a small scale after wound closure and result in poor functional and aesthetic outcomes. Therefore, the perspective of mechanotherapies needs to consider the application of both mechanical forces and biochemical cues to achieve optimal scarring. Moreover, early intervention is critical in wound management; thus, mechanoregulation should be conducted during the healing process to avoid scar maturation. Future studies should either consider combining mechanical loading (pressure) therapies with tension offloading approaches for scar management or developing more effective early therapies based on contraction-blocking biomaterials for the prevention of pathological scarring.

Muscle-Sparing Skin Crease Incision Posterolateral Thoracotomies in Pediatric Patients: Our Experience.

ABSTRACTContext:Standard posterolateral muscle cutting thoracotomies in pediatric patients are associated with morbidities in terms of poor motor and esthetic outcomes and also more postoperative analgesia requirement, when compared with muscle-sparing technique.Aims:The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of muscle-sparing skin crease incision posterolateral thoracotomies in pediatric patients in terms of abovementioned variables.Settings and Design:This prospective observational study was conducted over a period from January 2016 to July 2020 in a tertiary care teaching institute.Materials and Methods:All patients of stage 3 empyema and pulmonary hydatidosis were included in the study.Results:Thirty-nine patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. There were 38 children with organized (Stage 3) empyema and one patient with bilateral lung hydatid. There were 24 males and 15 females; age ranging from 6 months to 15 years. Right thoracotomy was performed in 28, left in 10, and bilateral in one patient with lung hydatid. Adequate exposure was achieved in all cases. Decortication with complete excision of thickened parietal pleura with stripping of the visceral peel and release of the entrapped lung was performed in all 38 patients. In 5 children along with decortication, repair of bronchopleural fistula due to necrotizing pneumonia was performed. Bilateral thoracotomies with pericystectomies were performed with a gap of 3 weeks for lung hydatid. Lung expansion assessment at 3 months was satisfactory. Ultrasound assessment of the latissimus dorsi muscle and serratus anterior muscle at 4 weeks revealed complete integrity in all the cases. Most of the patients achieved satisfactory motor and esthetic outcomes.Conclusions:Muscle-sparing skin crease incision posterolateral thoracotomy is a viable alternative to standard posterolateral muscle cutting thoracotomy, especially in a resource-challenged setting. The technique is easy to perform with satisfactory exposure.

Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin: A New Method for Scalp Defect Reconstruction.

Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin: A New Method for Scalp Defect Reconstruction.

Should the ‘normal’ and ‘ideal’ nipple position in a male influence the surgeon when planning severe gynaecomastia correction?

BackgroundThe ideal nipple areolar complex (NAC) position of the male chest following gynaecomastia surgery is well documented; however, with increased development of the chest muscles, the NAC placement can change, leading to the medial displacement of the nipple giving a poor aesthetic outcome. Therefore, we believe that these measurements need to be applied to the patients’ build and take into consideration the future fitness goals of the patients. MethodWe have analysed the photographs of three groups of men: super athletes, athletes and individuals with severe gynaecomastia. We have assessed the proportions of the chest in relation to the NAC, degree of ptosis and TAP index. ResultsThere was a wide variation between the athlete and the super athlete group, with minor variations within each group. The range of measurement in the severe gynaecomastia group was significantly larger than those in the other groups. We feel that based on this research study, surgeons should however be somewhat circumspect in their choice of nipple position as there is a wide variation in what can be considered as normal, and positioning of the NAC too early in the recovery process may lead to an abnormal aesthetic appearance following muscle development. ConclusionDespite the multitude of techniques available in the literature to determine the position of nipple, there is a lack of understanding on how the NAC position changes with muscle development. Adopting a dogmatic approach may result in a very aesthetically displeasing outcome, which can be very difficult to correct in men.

Determinants of Upper Lip Form: An Analysis Using Geometric Morphometrics

Orthodontics and orthognathic surgery can alter an individual's facial form, and it is the clinician's goal to predictably control changes in the facial soft tissues to achieve treatment goals. Within the facial profile, controlling projection of certain structures, such as the chin, is predictable, as the soft-tissue response to hard-tissue changes in such areas is predictable. The upper lip, on the other hand, presents a different challenge. While multiple studies have shown relationships between advancement of the upper incisor and advancement of the soft-tissue lip, unlike the chin, the anterior position of the upper lip is only a small component of upper-lip profile esthetics. Given the structure of the upper lip, the angulation plays a prominent role in upper-lip profile esthetics besides just its anteroposterior projection. No direct or indirect relationships have been established between the maxillary incisal orientation and upper-lip angulation. The clinical significance in understanding the upper lip to hard-tissue relationship is to predictably control the upper-lip angulation in orthodontics and/or orthognathic surgery in patients with dentofacial deformities. In the absence of reliable data, planning often becomes overly subjective or arbitrary, which could lead to poor esthetic outcomes. To the author's knowledge, there are no studies that analyze the relationship between the hard tissues and the upper-lip angulation. This is presumably the case because of the difficulty in comparing the contours of the hard and soft tissues in these non-linear structures. Any “parallelism” cannot be reliably measured in a reliable or quantitative way using conventional cephalometric or other linear techniques.A retrospective cross-sectional study was designed to analyze cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans from 104 patients, using geometric morphometrics. The contour of the hard tissue was evaluated by taking a point below anterior nasal spine (ANS) at the point of greatest convexity between ANS and maxillary alveolus, as well as the most anterior point of the maxillary alveolar bone between the central incisors. Once these points were identified, 3 semi-landmarks were taken at equidistant points between these in order to best trace the curvature of this area. For the soft-tissue analysis, subnasale and labrale superioris were identified and, once again, 3 semi-landmarks were taken at equidistant points between these landmarks to map the upper-lip curvature.The data were then compiled, giving a total of 1040 data points, 520 hard-tissue and 520 soft-tissue points. While the results of the principal components analysis and partial least squares are pending, the initial data show a positive correlation between contour of the alveolar bone and teeth and the upper-lip position and form.Based on these findings, it appears that the upper-lip contour in the dentofacial deformity patient can be predictably controlled by manipulating the position of the maxillary alveolus and incisor position via orthodontic and surgical means.

Klebsiella Aerogenes Infection on the Costochondral Graft of the Nose.

Klebsiella aerogenes is a nosocomial and pathogenic bacterium that causes opportunistic infections including most types of infections. After rhinoplasty, the inserted costochondral graft could be a good material for bacterial growth due to less vascularization and difficult-to-reach antibiotics. The unusual bacterial infection should be considered for preventing poor aesthetic results including graft or implant loss when the surgical site infection is uncontrolled despite proper treatment and administration in aesthetic rhinoplasty surgery. The use of appropriate antibiotics for drug sensitivity may be necessary with bacterial culture tests. In this case, an unusual K. aerogenes infection on the costochondral graft of the nose and related treatment course was reported.

Twenty Years of Breast Reduction Surgery at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Breast reduction surgery has a high patient satisfaction rate for the treatment of symptomatic macromastia. However, complications from the surgery can significantly disrupt a woman's life due to time in the hospital, clinic appointments, wound care, time off work, and poor aesthetic outcome. Beginning July 2007, the Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center (MRVAMC) Plastic Surgery Service in Gainesville, Florida, started using a preoperative screening protocol to help patients achieve a healthier and more favorable risk profile. A retrospective chart review was conducted on all breast reduction surgeries performed at the MRVAMC from July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2020. Medical records were queried for all primary breast reduction surgeries performed for symptomatic macromastia. Potentially modifiable or predictable risk factors for wound complications were recorded: nicotine status, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus (DM) status, skin incision pattern, and pedicle location. Records were reviewed for 3 months after surgery for local wound complications that included: hematoma, infection, wound breakdown, skin and nipple necrosis. Major complications required an unplanned hospital admission or operation. Over the 20-year period, 115 bilateral breast reduction surgeries were performed. There were 48 wound complications (41.7%) and 8 major complications (7%). Most complications were identified in the first 7 years of the study. BMI > 32 (P = .03) and active nicotine use (P = .004) were found to be statistically significant risk factors for wound complications. DM status (P = .22), skin incision pattern (P = .25), and pedicle location (P = .13), were not predictors of wound complications. Breast reduction surgery has a high wound complication rate, which can be predicted and improved upon so that patients can receive their indicated surgery with minimal inconvenience and downtime. This review confirms that preoperative weight loss and nicotine cessation were the appropriate focus of the MRVAMC Plastic Surgery service's efforts to achieve a safer surgical experience.

H&E-like histology of unstained fresh and formalin fixed breast tissue with Photo Acoustic Remote Sensing (PARS) microscopy.

e12590 Background: Approximately 30% of breast cancer patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery (BCS) require re-excision(s) to obtain clear margins, causing delays in adjuvant treatment, poor aesthetic results, and increased infection rates, costs, and patient anxiety. Frozen section pathology assessment (FSA) reduces re-excision rates from 27% to 6%, but FSA extends operative times and has a false negative rate of 17%. Photo-Acoustic Remote Sensing (PARS) is a new laser-based light microscope that permits non-contact cellular resolution imaging of unstained tissues. Methods: We used an ultraviolet reflection-mode PARS microscope to study i) formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) breast tissue blocks, ii) unstained thin sections of FFPE invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ, iii) formalin fixed bulk surgical specimens of benign and malignant human breast tissue, and iv) benign and malignant fresh rodent mammary tissue without fixation, processing, or staining. Fresh tissues were imaged after a range of warm ischemic times and across a range of cold ischemic times in neutral phosphate buffered saline at 4°C. For each condition, an ultraviolet laser was used to excite DNA and other cellular components in these samples, and signals were captured using a continuous-wave detection laser. The PARS signal was false-colored to closely replicate traditional hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: In all fixed tissues, PARS virtual histology images were of diagnostic quality, permitted margin assessment, and analogous to transmission light microscopy of standard hematoxylin and eosin-stained FFPE slides, achieved without tissue sectioning or tissue staining. Furthermore, PARS microscopy also provided cellular level virtual histology images in fresh breast tissue with warm and cold ischemic times ranging from twenty minutes to two hours; these images have no available clinical comparators as non-contact cellular level imaging of unprocessed fresh tissue has not previously been reported. In aggregate, we demonstrate the feasibility of PARS to provide diagnostic and margin assessment images across a range of tissues including formalin fixed and freshly resected, unstained, unprocessed breast tissue. Conclusions: PARS is a new microscope technology addressing the practical needs of intraoperative margin assessment during BCS: i) no requirement for tissue staining, ii) rapid acquisition of hematoxylin and eosin-like images without the requirement for tissue freezing, embedding, or sectioning, iii) diagnostic quality cellular resolution, and iv) assessment of resected bulk tissue margins. In principle, this technology may also permit label-free non-contact intraoperative margin assessment of the surgical cavity. These data support the clinical development and evaluation of PARS microscopic intraoperative assessment of BCS margins.

59 Should The ‘Normal’ And ‘Ideal’ Nipple Position in A Male Influence the Surgeon When Planning Severe Gynaecomastia Correction?

Abstract Background The ideal nipple position of the male chest following gynecomastia surgery is well documented however with increased development of the chest muscles, the NAC placement can change, leading to the medial displacement of the nipple giving a poor aesthetic outcome. Therefore, we feel these measurements need to be applied to the patients build and take into consideration the patient's future fitness goals. Method We have analysed photographs of 3 groups of men: super- athletes, athletes and severe gynaecomastia. We assessed the proportions of the chest in relation to the NAC and the degree of ptosis. Results There is wide variation in the position of the nipple to the chest wall between each group with minor variation within each group. Based on this research we believe that surgeons should be circumspect when considering breast reduction with a Wise pattern in patients with severe gynaecomastia. In patient with increased development of the pectoralis major muscles, the NAC placement can change, leading to medial displacement of the nipple and ptosis and poor aesthetic result. Conclusions We suggest a two-stage procedure, carried out on two separate occasions wound be more ideal than a single stage as this allows better long-term better positioning of the nipple.

Disappointing results of spring-assisted cranial vault expansion in patients with Crouzon syndrome presenting with sagittal synostosis.

The aim of this study was to report on a single center's experience with spring-assisted cranial vault expansion (SAE) in patients with Crouzon syndrome and sagittal suture synostosis. Strip craniotomy with SAE has resulted in successful outcomes with low complication and revision rates in patients with isolated scaphocephaly. However, recent experience suggests that outcomes in patients with Crouzon syndrome and sagittal synostosis (SS) who undergo SAE are less favorable compared with the outcomes of those who undergo frontobiparietal (FBP) expansion. The authors reviewed both operations performed at a single center and noticed an upward expansion of the skull, which may be related to ventriculomegaly, with concurrent intracranial hypertension and poor aesthetic outcome. All patients diagnosed with Crouzon syndrome and SS who were treated with SAE required a revision FBP operation. Based on this outcome, the authors consider Crouzon syndrome a contraindication for correcting SS with springs.

Effectiveness of the socket shield technique in dental implant: A systematic review.

Dental implant therapy is a common clinical treatment for missing teeth. However, the esthetic result is not as satisfactory as expected in some cases, especially in the anterior maxillary area. Poor esthetic results are caused by inadequate preparation of the hard and soft tissues in this area before treatment. The socket shield technique may be an alternative for a desirable esthetic outcome in dental implant treatments. In the present systematic review, PubMed-Medline, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were searched for clinical studies published from January 2000 to December 2018. Twenty studies were included, comprising one randomized controlled trial, two cohort studies, 14 clinical human case reports, and three retrospective case series. In total, 288 patients treated with the socket shield technique with immediate implant placement and follow-up between 3-60 months after placement were included. A quality assessment showed that 12 of the 20 included studies were of good quality. Twenty-six of the 274 (9.5%) cases developed complications or adverse effects related to the socket shield technique. Most studies reported implant survival without the complications (90.5%); most of the cases that were followed up for more than 12 months after implant placement achieved a good esthetic appearance. The failure rate was low without the complications, although there were some failures due to failed implant osseointegration, socket shield mobility and infection, socket shield exposure, socket shield migration, and apical root resorption. The socket shield technique can be used in dental implant treatment, but it remains difficult to predict the long-term success of this technique until high-quality evidence becomes available.

Direct to Implant Breast Reconstruction With Prepectoral Micropolyurethane Foam-Coated Implant: Analysis of Patient Satisfaction

BackgroundImmediate implant reconstruction after mastectomy with submuscular implant placement is widely used in order to avoid implant exposure, capsular contracture and poor aesthetic result. Postoperative complications can be reduced by maintain mastectomy flap thickness and asses flap vascularity with near infrared imaging. The prepectoral reconstruction with polyurethane implants has been utilized with encouraging results. Postoperative patient satisfaction was assessed with the BREAST-Q scores in patients who underwent prepectoral reconstruction with polyurethane implants. Additionally the impact of mastectomy flap thickness on breast reconstruction was investigated. Materials and MethodsThe Breast Q-scores of satisfaction with the breast, the postoperative outcome and physical well-being of the chest in 70 patients underwent immediate implant breast reconstructions with prepectoral polyurethane implant were retrospectively reviewed. The correlation between mastectomy flap thickness and satisfaction with breast was analyzed. ResultsAt 12-month follow-up the mean Q-score for satisfaction with breast was 71.73 (standard deviation: 13.31), and for physical well-being chest was 70.73 (standard deviation: 7.94). A positive linear correlation between mastectomy flap thickness and satisfaction with the breast was identified. ConclusionsThe postoperative Q-scores are encouraging in the use of polyurethane prepectoral implants in immediate breast reconstruction, especially in patients with “thick” mastectomy flaps.

Three-Dimensional Custom-Made Surgical Guides in Facial Feminization Surgery: Prospective Study on Safety and Accuracy.

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) includes several osseous modifications of the forehead, mandible, and chin, procedures that require precision to provide the patient with a satisfactory result. Mispositioned osteotomies can lead to serious complications and poor aesthetic outcomes. Surgical cutting guides are commonly employed in plastic and maxillofacial surgery to improve safety and accuracy. Yet, to our knowledge, there is no report in the literature on the clinical application of cutting guides in FFS. The authors sought to assess the safety and accuracy of custom surgical cutting guides in FFS procedures. A prospective follow-up of 45 patients regarding FFS with preoperative virtual planning and 3-dimensional custom-made surgical guides for anterior frontal sinus wall setback, mandibular angle reduction, and/or osseous genioplasty was conducted. Accuracy (superimposing preoperative data on postoperative data by global registration with a 1-mm margin of error), safety (intradural intrusion for the forehead procedures and injury of the infra alveolar nerve for chin and mandibular angles), and patient satisfaction were assessed. A total 133 procedures were documented. There was no cerebrospinal fluid leak on the forehead procedures or any infra alveolar nerve or tooth root injury on both chin and mandibular angle operations (safety, 100%). Accuracy was 90.80% on the forehead (n = 25), 85.72% on the mandibular angles (n = 44), and 96.20% on the chin (n = 26). Overall satisfaction was 94.40%. Custom-made surgical cutting guides could be a safe and accurate tool for forehead, mandibular angles, and chin procedures for FFS.

Thin submental artery perforator flap for upper lip reconstruction: A case report

Reconstruction of upper lip defects can be challenging even for experienced surgeons. In order to restore both function and morphology, the use of quality soft tissue is essential. To this effect, the most common solution is the use of local flaps, or, in extreme situations, a free flap. However, a thin cutaneous upper lip defect may require a different approach. Perforator flaps are versatile and may allow an efficient reconstruction of soft tissue defects using adjacent similar tissues, providing the benefit of "like with like" coverage. We present the case of a 41-year-old female with a 1 × 1.5 cm basal cell carcinoma of the right-side upper lip, initially treated with a full thickness skin graft. Due to poor aesthetic and functional result, a thin submental artery perforator (SMAP) flap reconstruction was performed. Flaps' dimensions were 6 cm long and 4 cm wide and it was based on a perforator arising from the submental artery. Dissection was conducted above the platysma muscle, and the SMAP flap was transferred into the defect through a subcutaneous tunnel created below the mandible and posterior to the anterior belly of digastric muscle. The pedicle length of 6.5 cm was adequate for a tension free inset of the flap. Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged after 2 days. The 4-month follow-up showed a satisfying functional and aesthetic outcome with a concealed donor site scar. This report points out the coverage potential of the thin SMAP flap, which can be successfully used for a harmonious reconstruction in both color and texture of the upper lip.

Osteotomized folded scapular tip free flap for complex midfacial reconstruction.

Aim:To describe a novel technique for the reconstruction of geometrically complex defects of the midface using an osteotomized folded scapular tip-free flap.Methods:Five patients underwent maxillectomy with defects disrupting two or more of the following facial axes: orbital, nasofacial, and palatal axes. Patients underwent primary reconstruction using an angular artery-based scapular tip-free flap with an osteotomy to fold the flap. Harvest techniques, including placement of osteotomies, folding and plating, surgical esthetic, and functional outcomes, are presented.Results:Osteotomies placed in the scapular tip-free flap allowed folding of the osseous flap and improved restoration of all three facial axes with a single flap. In one patient, the tip of the scapula was used to reconstruct the nasofacial axis, while the body and lateral border were used to reconstruct the palate. In four patients, the tip of the scapula was used to reconstruct the orbital axis, while the body and lateral border were used to reconstruct the nasofacial axis. Patients had successful oronasal separation, healed wounds withstanding adjuvant therapy, satisfactory orbital positioning and facial projection, preserved masticatory surfaces and opportunity for dental implants.Conclusion:The midface is geometrically complex and is one of the most challenging head and neck sites to reconstruct. Ablative defects in this area can disrupt facial axes resulting in poor esthetic and functional outcomes. This study demonstrates the reconstructive advantages of a novel osteotomized folded scapular tip-free flap.