Ear reconstructive surgery aims to solve the deformities caused by cancer excision. Despite the numerous surgical procedures described, recreating the complex anatomy of the ear still represents a challenge, particularly for young surgeons. The purpose of this exploratory pilot study is to review our experience with single stage reconstruction of the partial defects of the auricle, and propose an algorithm based on defect size, location, and characteristics. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent ear reconstruction after cancer excision at our institution between February 2018 and November 2020. The data collected included patients’ demographics, defect characteristics, reconstructive technique used, complications, and outcomes. The patients were evaluated at a minimum follow-up time of 12 months. Forty-six patients were included in the study. The most common cause for ear reconstruction was basal cell carcinoma. The mean area of defect was 4.3 cm² and the helix was the most frequent location of defect. Two patients experienced post-operative complications. At the one-year follow-up, difference in skin pigmentation was reported in 10 cases, a depressed contour of the ear was found in 4 cases, and moderate ear asymmetry was found in 11 cases. No patient needed a secondary procedure. In conclusion, the proposed reconstructive algorithm represents a reconstructive indication that is simple and characterized by low complication rates and good outcomes for both the patient and the surgeon.

Background and Objectives: Significant progress has been made in skin cancer diagnosis, with a surge in available technologies in recent years. Despite this, the practical application and integration of these technologies in dermatology and plastic surgery remain uneven. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive 20-question survey was designed and distributed using online survey administration software (Google Forms, 2018, Google, Mountain View, CA, USA) from June 2023 to September 2023. The survey aimed to assess the knowledge and utilization of dermatologic diagnostic advancements among plastic surgeons in various European countries. Results: Data were obtained from 29 plastic surgeons across nine European countries, revealing a notable gap between diagnostic technologies and their routine use in surgical practice. The gap for some technologies was both cognitive and applicative; for electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and multispectral imaging, only 6.9% of the sample knew of the technologies and no surgeons in the sample used them. In the case of other technologies, such as high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS), 72.4% of the sample knew about them but only 34.5% used them, highlighting a more significant application problem. Conclusions: Spotlighting this discrepancy provides a valuable foundation for initiating collaborative efforts between units and facilitating knowledge exchange among diverse specialists. This, in turn, contributes to advancing clinical practice by integrating the innovative opportunities presented by ongoing research.

Introduction: Augmentation rhinoplasty traditionally represents a serious challenge for plastic surgeons. The association with centrofacial lipofilling is a great approach to achieve harmonious, aesthetic results. The aim of this article is to describe our personal association between Augmentation Rhinoplasty and Centrofacial Lipofilling (ARCL) in non-Caucasian patients. Materials and Methods: In this study, we retrospectively reviewed patients treated with ARCL at our institution between January 2019 and December 2023. We described our personal approach and technique. At a minimum follow-up time of one year, post-operative pictures were taken, and patients were reassessed, evaluating aspects such as global symmetry, shape and contour of the nose, and facial harmony and rejuvenation; finally, patients’ satisfaction was investigated according to the ROE questionnaire and the modified S-GAIS. Results: A total of 307 patients were included in the study. They reported a significant satisfactory aesthetic result in nasal image and facial harmony, as the mean postoperative ROE and S-GAIS score show. None of the grafts extruded or collapsed. Wounds healed without reported major infection. Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that ARCL is a safe approach that contributes to improve functional and aesthetic outcomes, has a high patient satisfaction rate, and limited post-operative complications.

Background and Objectives: Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition that leads to significant morbidity, including recurrent infections, fibrosis, and functional limitations. Conservative treatments often offer limited relief, particularly in severe cases. Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT), especially using the gastroepiploic lymph node flap, has emerged as a promising intervention. This study evaluates the long-term outcomes of gastroepiploic VLNT combined with suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL) for extremity lymphedema. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 53 patients treated for lymphedema at our clinic in Taiwan from January 2016 to August 2023. The inclusion criteria required patients to have persistent lymphedema for at least six months despite conservative treatment. VLNT was performed using a laparoscopic approach, and postoperative assessments included limb circumference measurements, lymphoscintigraphy, and tonicity evaluations. Results: Follow-up data were collected for a minimum of 12 months. At a mean follow-up of 14.2 months, significant reductions in limb circumference were observed—35.5% ± 24.9% for upper limbs and 32.2% ± 4.5% for lower limbs. Tonicity improved by 6.2%, and no cellulitis episodes were reported post-surgery. Minor complications included hematoma and sensory changes, with no major donor-site morbidity. Lymphoscintigraphy confirmed improved lymphatic drainage. Conclusions: Gastroepiploic VLNT combined with SAL is an effective and safe treatment for severe extremity lymphedema, providing significant improvements in limb size and tissue tonicity. This technique offers a promising solution for refractory cases.

Keywords: Rhinoplasty - Augmentation rhinoplasty - Open rhinoplasty - Facial rejuvenation – Centrofacial lipofilling.