Radiofrequency and pulsed electromagnetic field application following liposuction-Clinical evaluation of performance and safety

OBJECTIVE

With more than 1.5 million performed procedures, liposuction was the second most performed esthetic surgical procedure all over the world in males and in females in the year 2020. The objective of this open-label, evaluator-blinded study was to assess the efficacy and safety of an energy-based device that combines multipolar radiofrequency with pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) in patients that underwent liposuction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 30 subjects, of whom 24 were females (80%), with a mean age of 48.4 ± 11.0 years (range: 27-69 years) and a mean weight of 69.5 ± 11.7 kg underwent unilateral treatment with radiofrequency and application of PEMF after bilateral liposuction. One month after the last of a total of six weekly treatments, skin elasticity, visco-elasticity and net elasticity, as well as subject reported satisfaction on a 5-point scale ranging from -1 (worse) to 3 (very much improved) and esthetic improvement ranging from 0 (very unsatisfied) to 4 (very satisfied) rated by three independent reviewers were assessed.

RESULTS

Three independent and blinded reviewers rated the improvement of the treated side on average as 1.17 + 0.07 compared with baseline. Subjects were very satisfied with their treatment, with a mean score of 3.24 (0.03) out of 4 at the 1-month follow-up visit. Cutometer measurements showed no significant changes.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that the subjective satisfaction with the results of the application of RF and PEMF after liposuction is high, while at the same time the esthetic appearance as rated by independent raters improved on the treated side.

The Multiple Rhomboid Vector Suture-Our Experience of Two Years with a Modified Suspension Approach for SMAS Plication Facelifts

Purse string sutures in superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) plication facelifts may cause technique-related problems, such as soft tissue deformities, dimpling, and bulkiness inside and between the independent sutures. Therefore, the authors have developed a new approach named the multiple rhomboid vector (MRV) suture. A total of 103 patients (89 female, 14 male patients; median age: 57 years) received a primary rhytidectomy with the MRV SMAS plication suture in our clinic (2015-2017). Intraoperative time to perform the suture per side was recorded. Postoperative complications and dimpling and bulkiness of subcutaneous tissues were judged by three independent surgeons from 1 (= none) to 4 (= extreme) after 1 week, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. A standardized survey, the FACE-Q questionnaire, was performed to evaluate postoperative patient satisfaction. Mean time to perform the suture was 5:14 minutes per side (minimum: 3:20 minutes, maximum: 5:53 minutes; standard deviation: 0:51 minutes). During the follow-up period, four complications were detected (two cases of temporary neurapraxia of the marginal branch of the mandibular nerve {n = 2 [1.9%]} and two cases of retroauricular hematoma {n = 2 [1.9%]}). Postoperative dimpling or bulkiness of subcutaneous tissues was judged as absent. Overall patient satisfaction rate, after the surgery was performed, was measured as "very high." The MRV suture offers a combined horizontal and vertical suspension approach, which effectively addresses the different vectors of age-related facial soft tissue descent with complication rates equal to other surgical lifting techniques. Apart from that, it may help reduce the possibility of contour irregularities, whereby it must be noted that a thorough preoperative assessment together with the patient and surgical planning is crucial to ensure realistic expectations of the surgical outcome.

Elective, Non-urgent Procedures and Aesthetic Surgery in the Wake of SARS-COVID-19: Considerations Regarding Safety, Feasibility and Impact on Clinical Management

BACKGROUND

The worldwide spread of a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has led to a near total stop of non-urgent, elective surgeries across all specialties in most affected countries. In the field of aesthetic surgery, the self-imposed moratorium for all aesthetic surgery procedures recommended by most international scientific societies has been adopted by many surgeons worldwide and resulted in a huge socioeconomic impact for most private practices and clinics. An important question still unanswered in most countries is when and how should elective/aesthetic procedures be scheduled again and what kind of organizational changes are necessary to protect patients and healthcare workers when clinics and practices reopen. Defining manageable, evidence-based protocols for testing, surgical/procedural risk mitigation and clinical flow management/contamination management will be paramount for the safety of non-urgent surgical procedures.

METHODS

We conducted a MEDLINE/PubMed research for all available publications on COVID-19 and surgery and COVID-19 and anesthesia. Articles and referenced literature describing possible procedural impact factors leading to exacerbation of the clinical evolution of COVID-19-positive patients were identified to perform risk stratification for elective surgery. Based on these impact factors, considerations for patient selection, choice of procedural complexity, duration of procedure, type of anesthesia, etc., are discussed in this article and translated into algorithms for surgical/anesthesia risk management and clinical management. Current recommendations and published protocols on contamination control, avoidance of cross-contamination and procedural patient flow are reviewed. A COVID-19 testing guideline protocol for patients planning to undergo elective aesthetic surgery is presented and recommendations are made regarding adaptation of current patient information/informed consent forms and patient health questionnaires.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 crisis has led to unprecedented challenges in the acute management of the crisis, and the wave only recently seems to flatten out in some countries. The adaptation of surgical and procedural steps for a risk-minimizing management of potential COVID-19-positive patients seeking to undergo elective aesthetic procedures in the wake of that wave will present the next big challenge for the aesthetic surgery community. We propose a clinical algorithm to enhance patient safety in elective surgery in the context of COVID-19 and to minimize cross-contamination between healthcare workers and patients. New evidence-based guidelines regarding surgical risk stratification, testing, and clinical flow management/contamination management are proposed. We believe that only the continuous development and broad implementation of guidelines like the ones proposed in this paper will allow an early reintegration of all aesthetic procedures into the scope of surgical care currently performed and to prepare the elective surgical specialties better for a possible second wave of the pandemic.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

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.

[Plastic-reconstructive treatment options for burns caused by concrete exposure]

BACKGROUND

In industry as well as in the private sector, cement is often used as building material. Although severe skin injuries are known to be caused due to improper handling of cement, the incidence and severity of these cutaneous injuries are often underestimated. Heavy cement burns are rare but in our centers the authors treat affected patients on a regular basis. The aim of this study is to analyze the given patient data in order to give treatment suggestions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

During 2013 to 2017, a total of 7 patients (median age: 39 years), which had suffered chemical burns after concrete, cement or screed exposure, were treated in two German plastic-surgical clinics. The authors performed a retrospective data analysis by using the hospital information systems (HIS).

RESULTS

All patients were treated with surgical interventions. Median inpatient treatment period was 9.8 days (n = 6). The average time for surgery was 1:04 hours (n = 5). During surgical treatment an average of 1.4 operations were performed (n = 7). In all cases a sustained wound healing could be achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

If a patient suffers from a concrete burn, a fast and competent initial treatment is imperative in order to prevent worse. The presented patient cases prove the value of these rare but devastating medical conditions. Therefore, it is essential to implement the given treatment recommendations for a sustainable patient care.

Removal of Polyacrylamide Gel (Aquamid®) from the Lip as a Solution for Late-Onset Complications: Our 8-Year Experience

BACKGROUND

The polyacrylamide hydrogel Aquamid^® has been used as a permanent filler to enhance facial soft tissue volume and correct wrinkles since 2001. Various long-term studies have proved the safety of the product. Nonetheless, if complications such as migration occur, they can be difficult to treat.

METHODS

Eleven patients suffering from late-onset complications after taking Aquamid^® injections in the lips underwent product removal and subsequent labial reconstruction between 2009 and 2017. The reconstruction was performed using a modified bikini reduction technique combined, in eight cases, with immediate autologous fat grafting.

RESULTS

In all the patients, general fibrosis and a diffused distribution of the product within all three layers of the lips resulted in the need for labial reconstruction. Migration, as far as in the mucosa and perioral skin, accounted for macroscopically visible yellowish accumulations. In ten out of eleven cases, an individually modified bikini reduction technique, with or without any combination of autologous fat grafting, led to an esthetically satisfying result. One patient developed a severe upper lip necrosis.

CONCLUSION

Contradictory to several previous studies attesting to the lack of migration after Aquamid^® application to the lips, capsule formation around the product is impaired, allowing for migration even years after the injection. Product aspiration is not possible in these cases, thus necessitating complex lip reconstruction. Bikini reduction and fat grafting are valuable tools for labial reconstruction. Product residuals within the mucosa have to be accepted. Special care has to be taken while treating smokers.

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 .

[Quo vadis DGPRÄC: associated members' goals for the future]

Plastic surgery is extremely diverse and offers various fields of work. To provide optimal support for plastic surgeons in training, it is therefore paramount to know their mid- and long-term goals. To that end, we conducted a web-based survey among the 462 associated members of the German Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (DGPRÄC). Besides asking questions about the current status, we specifically inquired about the pursued setting and main area of work. 84 completed questionnaires were evaluated. Most respondents saw their future in a private practice setting. Reconstructive surgery and aesthetic surgery were by far the most sought-after fields, while only a few of the associated members pursued a career in hand surgery, and none of them wished to work in burn care. At the same time, they felt that aesthetic surgery was the field where training was most insufficient. Therefore, measures need to be taken to improve the training in aesthetic surgery. Also, it is paramount to increase the attractiveness of both the fields of hand surgery and burn care to assure highly qualified care in the future.

Prospective clinical study on digital nerve repair with collagen nerve conduits and review of literature

Little data are available concerning conduit repair of digital nerve lesions. We are presenting a prospective two-center cohort study on digital nerve reconstruction with collagen nerve conduits. The data are put into the context of a comprehensive review of existing literature. Over a period of 3 years, all consecutive digital nerve lesions that could not be repaired by tensionless coaptation with a gap length of less than 26 mm were reconstructed with nerve conduits made from bovine collagen I. Sensibility was assessed 1 week, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively by static and moving 2-point-discrimination (2PD) and monofilament testing. Forty-nine digital nerve lesions in 40 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean nerve gap was 12.3 ± 2.3 mm (span 5-25 mm). Forty nerve reconstructions could be included in the 12-month follow-up. Three cases, assessed 12 months postoperatively, showed excellent sensibility (static 2PD <6 mm). Seventeen achieved good (2PD 6-10 mm), 5 fair (2PD 11-15 mm), 6 poor (2PD >15 mm, but protective sensibility), and 9 achieved no sensibility. Monofilament test results were significantly better if gap length was shorter than 12 mm. Our results confirm tubulization as one possible technique in nerve reconstruction for gap lengths of 5 to 25 mm.