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.
Background/Objectives: Simulation has become an integral part of contemporary surgical training, allowing safe acquisition of technical skills with objective performance assessment. Microsurgery and robotic surgery share several technical features, including fine bimanual coordination, precise instrument control, and stereoscopic vision. This study aimed to evaluate whether a structured microsurgical course is associated with improved performance on a robotic surgical simulator and to explore its potential role within robotic training pathways. Methods: A prospective study was conducted between October 2022 and November 2025 at a single academic center, including 56 participants divided into three groups. Group A consisted of surgical residents attending a 3-day Basic Microsurgery Course; Group B included residents who did not undergo training during the same period; and Group C comprised experienced microsurgeons. Groups A and B performed two robotic simulation tasks at baseline (T0) and after three days (T1). Group C was assessed at T1 only as a reference benchmark. Performance was evaluated using simulator-derived metrics. Statistical analysis was performed using paired and unpaired t-tests. Results: Group A showed significant improvement across several performance parameters following training, whereas no comparable changes were observed in Group B. At T1, Group A demonstrated better performance than Group B in multiple metrics. Group C achieved the highest scores and was considered a reference group. Conclusions: Structured microsurgical training was associated with improved performance in a robotic simulation setting. These findings suggest that microsurgical skills may be transferable to robotic tasks and may contribute to the early phases of robotic skill acquisition. Further studies are required to assess their impact in clinical practice.
5 November 2025 in Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery