Background: Body contouring surgery is increasingly requested by patients, both for aesthetic and post-bariatric purposes. There has also been a rapid increase in demand for noninvasive aesthetic treatments. While brachioplasty is burdened by numerous complications and unsatisfactory scars, and conventional liposuction is unsuitable for all patients, nonsurgical arm remodeling performed with radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) allows to effectively treat most of patients, regardless of the amount of fat and ptosis of the skin and avoiding surgical excision. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 120 consecutive patients who presented to the author's private clinic and required upper arm remodeling surgery for aesthetic purposes or after weight loss. Patients were classified according to the modified classification of El Khatib and Teimourian. Pre- and posttreatment upper arm circumferences were taken after 6 months of follow-up to assess the degree of skin retraction obtained by treating the arm with RFAL. A satisfaction questionnaire regarding the appearance of the arms (Body-Q upper arm satisfaction) was administered to all patients before surgery and after 6 months of follow-up. Results: All patients were effectively treated with RFAL, and no cases required conversion to brachioplasty. The average reduction in arm circumference was 3.75 cm at 6 months follow-up, and patients’ satisfaction increased from 35 to 87% posttreatment. Conclusions: Radio frequency is a valid tool to treat most patients with upper limbs skin laxity, with significant aesthetic results and a high degree of patient satisfaction, regardless of the degree of skin ptosis and lipodystrophy of the arm. Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Background: Tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) describes the practice of injecting a very dilute solution of local anesthetic combined with epinephrine and sodium bicarbonate into the tissue until it becomes firm and tense to obtain local anesthesia and vasoconstriction. The use of TLA in augmentation intramuscular gluteoplasty has never been described for implants positioning. Advantages of the TLA technique include a reduction in blood loss through epinephrine-induced vasoconstriction and hydrostatic compression from the tumescent effect. We describe TLA technique for primary intramuscular gluteal augmentation, reporting our experience during the last 5 years. Methods: From 2017 to 2021, 20 patients underwent bilateral primary gluteal augmentation under TLA and conscious sedation. The tumescent solution was prepared with 25 mL of 2% lidocaine, 8 mEq of sodium bicarbonate, and 1 mL of epinephrine (1 mg/1 mL) in 1000 mL of 0.9% saline solution. The solution was infiltrated with a cannula inside the gluteus maximus muscle intra-operatively. Results: The mean age of the patients was 39, 15 years. The average amount of tumescent solution infiltrated was 240 mL per gluteus. Operating time was 1 h and 40 min, and recovery room time averaged 240 min. Major surgery-related complications were found in 15% of patients (2 hematomas and 1 seroma) and minor complications were described in a total of 8 patients (4 wound dehiscence and 1 dystrophic scar formation). No signs of adrenaline nor lidocaine toxicity were reported and conversion to general anesthesia was never required. Conclusions: The tumescent local anesthesia technique represents a safe and efficacious technique for performing gluteal augmentation surgery with an intramuscular implant positioning. The advantages of this technique are safety, reasonable pain control during and after surgery and a low incidence of postoperative side effects due to general anesthesia avoidance. Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Background: Tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) involves infusing a saline solution containing lidocaine and epinephrine into tissues to achieve localized anesthesia and vasoconstriction. While liposuction under general anesthesia remains the most used treatment, we introduce a novel TLA approach for gynecomastia surgery, drawing from our extensive experience in recent years. Methods: Between the years 2010 and 2023, we performed gynecomastia surgery on 60 male patients under TLA. The gynecomastia was treated by liposuction plus periareolar excision technique. Liposuction was carried out on both breasts in every case, regardless of whether the gynecomastia was bilateral or unilateral. The tumescent solution consisted of 25 mL of 2% lidocaine, 8 mEq of sodium bicarbonate, and 1 mL of epinephrine (1 mg/1 mL) in 1000 mL of 0.9% saline solution. The solution was infiltrated between the pectoral fascia and the mammary gland, and then the surgery was carried out. Results: The average volume of tumescent solution infiltrated during TLA was 300 mL per breast. There were no reports of adrenaline or lidocaine toxicity, and no cases required a conversion to general anesthesia. Patients experienced no pain or discomfort during the preoperative infiltration or surgical procedure. We observed a major postoperative complications rate of 6.7%, represented by three incident of hematoma and one case of seroma. A minor complication rate of 5% was observed: two cases of retraction of the NAC and one case of gynecomastia recurrence, the latter undergoing an additional combination procedure with liposuction and subcutaneous mastectomy. Follow-up time ranged from 30 days to 1 year. Conclusions: We developed a new outpatient surgical method for gynecomastia using liposuction and periareolar excision under tumescent local anesthesia. This technique, supported by a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, proved a successful and quick recovery, and high patient satisfaction. Our results suggest it is a feasible and effective option, warranting further consideration in gynecomastia treatment strategies. Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266
Background: Scalp-associated cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) presents formidable treatment challenges, especially when it leads to full-thickness defects involving bone. Aggressive or recurring cases often demand a multidisciplinary approach. Leveraging our surgical experience and a literature review, we introduce a therapeutic algorithm to guide the selection of reconstruction methods, particularly for locally advanced lesions, furthermore showing the synergy between surgery and other therapies for comprehensive, multidisciplinary disease management. Methods: Our algorithm stems from a retrospective analysis of 202 patients undergoing scalp cSCC resection and reconstruction over a 7-year period, encompassing 243 malignancies. After rigorous risk assessment and documentation of surgical procedures, reconstruction methods were therefore related to malignancy extent, depth, and individual clinical status. Results: The documented reconstructions included 76 primary closures, 115 skin grafts, 7 dermal substitute reconstructions, 33 local flaps, 1 locoregional flap, and 1 microsurgical free flap. Patients unsuitable for surgery received radiotherapy or immunotherapy after histological confirmation. Precise analysis of tumor characteristics in terms of infiltration extent and depth guided the selection of appropriate reconstruction and treatment strategies Combining these insights with an extensive literature review enabled us to formulate our algorithm for managing scalp cSCCs. Conclusions: Effectively addressing scalp cSCC, especially in locally advanced or recurrent cases, demands a systematic approach integrating surgery, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Our multidisciplinary team’s decision-making algorithm improved patient outcomes by offering a broader spectrum of therapeutic options that can synergistically achieve optimal results.
Background: The integration of neck liposuction with FaceTite Manipulus Radiofrequency (RF) technology and buccal fat pad excision for enhanced neck rejuvenation promise heightened precision and efficacy in sculpting the neck and jawline. Neck liposuction, coupled with RF technology, provides controlled thermal energy for adipose tissue treatment and collagen remodeling, while buccal fat pad excision offers refined contouring of the lower face and neck. This integrated approach aims to optimize patient outcomes and advance the field of esthetic plastic surgery. Methods: A prospective study was conducted from 2016 to 2023 on 80 consecutive patients who presented to the author's private clinic and required neck remodeling surgery for esthetic purposes. Patients were monitored and clinic appointments were scheduled at intervals of 0, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-treatment for evaluation. A tape measure recorded submental length at 1 and 6 months, and a satisfaction survey was administered one week before surgery and after six months. Physicians assessed improvement using a five-point scale for patient satisfaction and a four-point scale for overall improvement. Results: All patients underwent successful RFAL treatment, consistently achieving satisfaction with the outcomes. The average reduction in submental length measured 23 mm during the 6-month follow-up period. Additionally, the removal of buccal fat pads played a pivotal role in facial slimming and enhancing the esthetics of the upper cheek region. Conclusions: The integration of neck liposuction with FaceTite RF technology and buccal fat pad excision offers a promising approach for enhanced neck rejuvenation and facial contouring. This combined method demonstrates heightened precision and efficacy in sculpting the neck and jawline, aiming to optimize patient outcomes and advance the field of esthetic plastic surgery. Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.