Search

The primary goal of blepharoplasty for blepharoptosis and blepharochalasis is to elevate the upper eyelid to restore a full field of vision, although many surgeons also aim to provide a better aesthetic outcome. Several facial configuration changes may occur following blepharoplasty. This study examined the effectiveness of vessel clips to preoperatively predict facial configuration alterations.We retrospectively enrolled 93 consecutive patients who underwent blepharoplasty correction for blepharoptosis and blepharochalasis with eyebrow elevation. Frontal portrait images were taken at the initial examination without load, preoperatively with vessel clips, and without load at 6 months postoperatively for evaluations of eyebrow height, forehead wrinkle length, and procerus area wrinkle length. Subjective outcomes were also surveyed by questionnaires and interviews at 6 months post-surgically.No significant differences were detected between preoperative measurements with vessel clips and recordings at 6 months postoperatively. Significant correlations were identified among the addition/reduction values for preoperative and postoperative measurements (eyebrow height and forehead wrinkle length: r=0.402, p0.001; eyebrow height and procerus area wrinkle length: r=-0.327, p0.01; forehead wrinkle length and procerus area wrinkle length: r=-0.488, p0.001). Women more frequently described notable changes in wrinkles than men.Postoperative facial change outcomes for blepharoplasty may be predicted using the simple but effective vessel clip test. A better understanding of surgical results can relieve patient anxiety and contribute to increased satisfaction.

A puffy eyelid without a crease, also known as single eyelid, is a common characteristic in East Asians. Existence of a lid crease is generally considered an aesthetic concern for both patients and surgeons, and postoperative evaluations have mainly focused on the appearance of the eye. The aim of this study was to clarify the functionality of the superior visual field (SVF) with single eyelid.This prospective cohort study compared edge of the upper eyelid to central corneal light reflex distance (edge reflex distance [ERD]) preoperatively and postoperatively and examined the SVF, as measured by Goldmann perimetry, in single-eyelid patients who underwent blepharoplasty.Twenty patients (40 eyelids) with a median age of 21 years were examined. The median preoperative and postoperative ERDs were 1.45 and 3.4 mm, respectively. The median areas of the SVF preoperatively and postoperatively were 34,443 and 50,796 degrees2, respectively. Although a positive correlation existed between preoperative ERD and SVF, no correlation was observed between postoperative ERD and SVF.The SVF of the single eyelid is narrower than that of the double eyelid, even under circumstances of equivalent palpebral fissure height. The single eyelid commonly found in East Asian populations is associated with both cosmetic and functional issues.

Here, we present 2 cases of a severely hypoplastic duplicated thumb classified as Wassel types 5 and 6 and discuss whole-joint implantation from a supernumerary thumb as an alternative to stabilize the hypoplastic metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. The aim of the surgical treatment of thumb polydactyly is to reconstruct a functional and aesthetically pleasing thumb. Hypoplasia of joint components and abnormal tendon alignment lead to unpleasing results with angular deformity of the reconstructed thumb. In 2 cases, the MCP joint of the dominant digit was hypoplastic and unstable in all directions. The main problem was underdevelopment of the affected MCP joint, and it was reasonable to attempt to stabilize the unstable joint by adding another redundant joint in parallel. Whole-joint implantation with a flap on a vascular pedicle is useful to repair both joint instability and soft tissue hypoplasia, as in case 1. The vascularized joint can maintain balanced growth potential. However, nonvascularized interphalangeal (IP) joint implantation is a simple solution for repairing MCP joint instability, as in case 2. These joints have no tendon insertions, so we believe they are acting as a splint supporting the hypoplastic joint for a long period. The transfer of composite tissues from the foot has been reported for reconstruction of finger and thumb hypoplasia. Duplicated thumb operation is usually recommended at 1 year old. Similarly, nonvascularized joint implantation in parallel may be a promising choice to overcome MCP joint instability and to maintain range of motion in hypoplastic cases with a duplicated thumb.In conclusion, joint implantation in parallel from a supernumerary thumb could prevent angular deformity and is an alternative to overcome MCP joint instability in cases of a severely hypoplastic duplicated thumb without any donor morbidity.

We performed a comparative study looking at the aesthetic outcomes of using a digital artery vascularized adipose flap (DAAF) for treatment of Wassel type IV radial polydactyly versus a fillet flap technique. Clinical charts and pictures of patients between 2002 and 2017 were reviewed to evaluate the appearance of 16 reconstructed thumbs using a visual analogue scale. Our results showed that the DAAF technique resulted in better outcomes with regard to contour of the thumb than the fillet flap group, with significantly less conspicuous scarring in the DAAF group. We conclude that the DAAF can produce better aesthetic outcomes in the reconstruction of radial polydactyly than conventional fillet flaps. Level of evidence: III

Objectives Laser speckle flowgraphy is a technology using reflected scattered light for visualization of blood distribution, which can be used to measure relative velocity of blood flow easily without contact with the skin within a short time. It was hypothesized that laser speckle flowgraphy may be able to identify foot ischemia. This study was performed to determine whether laser speckle flowgraphy could distinguish between subjects with and without peripheral arterial disease. Materials and methods All subjects were classified based on clinical observations using the Rutherford classification: non-peripheral arterial disease, class 0; peripheral arterial disease group, class 2–5. Rutherford class 6 was one of the exclusion criteria. Laser speckle flowgraphy measured the beat strength of skin perfusion as an indicator of average dynamic cutaneous blood flow change synchronized with the heartbeat. The beat strength of skin perfusion indicates the strength of the heartbeat on the skin, and the heartbeat strength calculator in laser speckle flowgraphy uses the blood flow data to perform a Fourier transform to convert the temporal changes in blood flow to a power spectrum. A total of 33 subjects with peripheral arterial disease and 40 subjects without peripheral arterial disease at a single center were prospectively examined. Laser speckle flowgraphy was used to measure hallucal and thenar cutaneous blood flow, and the measurements were repeated three times. The hallucal and thenar index was defined as the ratio of beat strength of skin perfusion value on hallux/beat strength of skin perfusion value on ipsilateral thenar eminence. The Mann–Whitney U-test was used to compare the median values of hallucal and thenar index and ankle brachial index between the two groups. A receiver operating characteristic curve for hallucal and thenar index of beat strength of skin perfusion was plotted, and a cutoff point was set. The correlation between hallucal and thenar index of beat strength of skin perfusion and ankle brachial index was explored in all subjects, the hemodialysis group, and the non-hemodialysis (non-hemodialysis) group. Results The median value of the hallucal and thenar index of beat strength of skin perfusion was significantly different between subjects with and without peripheral arterial disease (0.27 vs. 0.87, respectively; P < 0.001). The median value of ankle brachial index was significantly different between subjects with and without peripheral arterial disease (0.8 vs. 1.1, respectively; P < 0.001). Based on the receiver operating characteristic of hallucal and thenar index, the cutoff was 0.4416 and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 68.7%, 95%, 91.7%, and 77.6%, respectively. The correlation coefficients of all subjects, the hemodialysis group, and the non-hemodialysis group were 0.486, 0.102, and 0.743, respectively. Conclusions Laser speckle flowgraphy is a noninvasive, rapid, and widely applicable method. Laser speckle flowgraphy using hallucal and thenar index would be helpful to determine the differences between subjects with and without peripheral arterial disease. The correlation between hallucal and thenar index of beat strength of skin perfusion and ankle brachial index indicated that this index was especially useful in the non-hemodialysis group.

A drain tube is commonly inserted during breast reconstruction surgery. This leads to a scar in addition to the scar on the breast. This study was performed to investigate how patients feel about the drain scar and to clarify its ideal location. A questionnaire survey about the drain scar was distributed to 38 consecutive breast reconstruction patients and a total of 104 female doctors and nurses engaged in breast reconstruction. The drain scars were evaluated using the Japan Scar Workshop (JSW) Scar Scale. A total of 32% of the patients expressed some anxiety about the drain scar. Patients who were anxious about the drain scar had higher scores on the JSW Scar Scale than those who were not anxious. Younger doctors and nurses preferred the drain scar to be on the side of the chest, while older doctors and nurses preferred the drain scars to be at the axilla. About a third of the patients had some anxiety associated with their drain scar after breast reconstruction surgery, and this anxiety level was correlated with objective assessment of the scar. Thus, more patient involvement or the provision of more information regarding drain placement is required.

Objective Here, we present the efficacy of an aggressive respiratory rehabilitation program that was initiated from early postoperative period, expecting to improve inspiratory volume at an early stage after primary Nuss procedure. Methods The study was performed as a nonrandomized controlled study undergoing primary Nuss procedure at our institute from 2016 to 2018. We evaluated 34 patients and assigned them to two groups based on whether or not they received a respiratory rehabilitation. Group A (between June 2016 and March 2018) includes patients with inspiratory training postoperatively, and group B (between April 2018 and July 2018) includes patients without training. At the time of admission, a physiatrist provided each patient with a training instruction. From day five postoperatively, the patients in group A started training for inspiration with an incentive spirometer (Coach 2®PORTEX) four times a day. Patients were instructed to perform the same training at home after discharge. Using this device, we measured pre- and postoperative inspired volumes in each group. Data were analyzed with Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney tests and a paired Student t-test. A p-value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups concerning both operative age and the degree of the deformity calculated by Haller index. Preoperative inspiratory volume showed no significant differences. Although there were no statistical differences between two groups in the inspiratory volume at discharge, these two parameters were significantly higher in group A after three months postoperatively (A: 1404 ± 466 ml vs B: 900 ± 314 ml) and the values increased compared to the preoperative stage in group A. Conclusions These data indicate the aggressive respiratory rehabilitation is an effective regimen to increase inspiratory volume at an early stage after Nuss procedure. Level of evidence III.

The objective was to prepare guidelines to perform the current optimum treatment by organizing effective and efficient treatments of hemangiomas and vascular malformations, confirming the safety, and systematizing treatment, employing evidence-based medicine (EBM) techniques and aimed at improvement of the outcomes. Clinical questions (CQs) were decided based on the important clinical issues. For document retrieval, key words for literature searches were set for each CQ and literature published from 1980 to the end of September 2014 was searched in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Japana Centra Revuo Medicina (JCRM). The strengths of evidence and recommendations acquired by systematic reviews were determined following the Medical Information Network Distribution System (MINDS) technique. A total of 33 CQs were used to compile recommendations and the subjects included efficacy of resection, sclerotherapy/embolization, drug therapy, laser therapy, radiotherapy, and other conservative treatment, differences in appropriate treatment due to the location of lesions and among symptoms, appropriate timing of treatment and tests, and pathological diagnosis deciding the diagnosis. Thus, the Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Vascular Anomalies 2017 have been prepared as the evidence-based guidelines for the management of vascular anomalies.

Recent studies have shown that the PI3K signaling pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of slow-flow vascular malformations (SFVMs). Analysis of genetic mutations has advanced our understanding of the mechanisms involved in SFVM pathogenesis and may identify new therapeutic targets. We screened for somatic variants in a cohort of patients with SFVMs using targeted next-generation sequencing. Targeted next-generation sequencing of 29 candidate genes associated with vascular anomalies or with the PI3K signaling pathway was performed on affected tissues from patients with SFVMs. Fifty-nine patients with SFVMs (venous malformations n = 21, lymphatic malformations n = 27, lymphatic venous malformations n = 1, and Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome n = 10) were included in the study. TEK and PIK3CA were the most commonly mutated genes in the study. We detected eight TEK pathogenic variants in 10 samples (16.9%) and three PIK3CA pathogenic variants in 28 samples (47.5%). We also identified a pathogenic variant in RASA1 in one sample. In total, 38 of 59 patients (64.4%) with SFVMs harbored pathogenic variants in these three genes involved in the PI3K signaling pathway. Inhibitors of this pathway may prove useful as molecular targeted therapies for SFVMs.

Maintaining a moderately moist environment is important in the treatment of chronic skin ulcers. Excessive exudate inhibits wound healing, although it may be difficult to control. We report a case of successful treatment with triamcinolone to suppress retroperitoneal exudates and facilitate wound healing.A 78-year-old man presented to our department with excessive exudative oozing from a chronic ulcer in the gluteal region. The retroperitoneum was exposed for a prolonged period after colon cancer surgery and developed chronic granulation.The exposed retroperitoneum was covered using an island flap, with the left superior gluteal artery perforator providing the feeding vessels and skin graft, which covered part of the flap harvesting area. The flap and lower bed did not adhere because of the presence of an excessive retroperitoneal exudate. Skin grafts to the flap harvesting area were not accepted, and secondary healing did not proceed because of exudate leakage.A single dose of 2.5-mg triamcinolone was injected inferiorly to the flap.After injection of triamcinolone, the exudate decreased, and secondary healing in the residual ulcer progressed satisfactorily.Injection of triamcinolone might be an option for controlling exudates to heal skin ulcers.

Background Although several investigations have described the safety, utility, and precision of magnetic resonance lymphography (MRL) as a preoperative examination for lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA), it is unclear how much MRL assistance impacts LVA results. The present study aimed to clarify the outcome of MRL-assisted LVA for leg lymphedema using body water measurements obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Methods The water reductive effect of MRL-assisted LVA in female secondary leg lymphedema patients was compared with that of non-MRL-assisted controls in this retrospective study. In the MRL-assisted group, all LVA candidates underwent MRL prior to surgery, and the lymphatic vessels to be anastomosed were primarily determined by MRL findings. The body water composition of the treated legs was assessed before LVA and at 6 months postoperatively using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Results Twenty-three patients in the MRL-assisted study group and an equal number in the non-MRL-assisted control group were analyzed. Although mean leg water volume before LVA, mean excess water volume of the affected leg before LVA, and number of anastomoses created were comparable between the groups, the water volume reduction (1.02 L versus 0.49 L; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03–1.03, p Conclusion Preoperative MRL-assisted lymph vessel visualization and selection appeared to significantly enhance the water reductive effect of LVA for International Society of Lymphology classification stage 2 leg lymphedema. MRL also helped to reliably identify lymphatic vessels for anastomosis. Without increasing the number of anastomoses, LVA could be performed more effectively by better detecting stagnant lymphatic vessels using MRL.

Laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) is a new device that can measure skin blood flow and capture the movement of erythrocytes. However, there are a few reports on the use of LSFG to estimate skin blood flow, especially in the lower extremities. We aimed to compare plantar skin blood flow between patients with and without peripheral arterial disease (PAD) to discern the extent to which LSFG could accurately predict PAD. We prospectively measured the plantar skin blood flow in 28 patients with PAD and 37 participants without PAD at two hospitals from 2017 to 2021, using the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and LSFG. We partitioned the plantar into 12 parts: digits 1-5, medial metatarsal, middle metatarsal, lateral metatarsal, medial arch, middle arch, lateral arch, and heel, and compared the difference between the two groups and the area under the curve (AUC) of each point. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the sensitivity, specificity, false-positive rate, and false-negative rate at high accuracy points of AUC and ABI. There was a significant difference among the 12 points between the two groups, and the ratio using toe 1 and toe 5 was highly accurate. The ratio using toe 1 indicated higher sensitivity (89 vs. 82%), higher false-positive rate (22 vs. 4%), lower specificity (81 vs. 97%), and an equivalent false-negative rate (9 vs. 12%) to that of the ABI. These findings could facilitate the use of LSFG to estimate the skin blood flow condition in the plantar skin. Our results indicate that measuring toe 1 using LSFG could be used to somewhat assess PAD.

Facial surgeries are usually performed with the patient in the supine position; however, it is crucial to predict postoperative results in the upright position. This study aimed to clarify the posture-related morphological changes in the facial soft tissue regarding age and sex, using physical measurements to obtain results in specific linear metric measurements of standard facial features. One hundred healthy volunteers were divided into four groups based on age and sex (25 young men, 25 young women, 25 old men, 25 old women). For all participants, 18 measuring points were marked on the skin along with 18 paired linear measurements, and the angle was measured using a digital sliding caliper and angle meter in both upright and supine positions. In all four groups, the intercanthal width (en-en), binocular width (ex-ex), length of the eye fissure (en-ex), length of the nasal bridge (n-prn), width of the nose (al-al), height of the lower face (sn-gn), vermilion height of the lower lip (sto-li), height of the lower lip (sto-sl), width of the philtrum (cphi-cphi), width of the mouth (ch-ch), and nasolabial angle (NLA) were significantly larger in the supine position than in the upright position. The increase was larger in the older age groups than in the younger age groups. Moreover, the increase was larger in old men than in old women. During facial surgery involving these areas, surgeons should consider the patient's age and sex and understand what facial figuration change would occur depending on posture and change their preoperative design or make minor adjustments during operation in the supine position to increase patient satisfaction.

Objective: There have been few reports addressing asymmetric bilateral cleft lip repair with contralateral lesser form defects. Two studies have described the thin medial tubercle as the most common remaining labial deformity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the use of a foxtail-shaped vermilion flap to reconstruct the median tubercle in primary repair. Design: A blinded retrospective study of photography and chart review. Setting: Shinshu University Hospital, tertiary care. Private practice. Patients: Forty-nine patients with asymmetric bilateral cleft lip with lesser form defects treated using a primary “unilateral” repair by the senior author (S.Y.) between 2007 and 2017. Interventions: The foxtail-shaped vermilion flap was applied at the time of the primary nasolabial repair. This flap is similar to Noordhoff laterally based triangular vermilion flap but with modifications to the shape and length. The body of the flap is wider than the pedicle to add tissue to the center of the vermilion, and the length is sufficiently elongated to reach the lesser side. Main Outcome Measure: Lip shape was graded on a 4-point scale when patients were 1 year old. Results: Twenty-two patients were treated with the foxtail-shaped vermilion flap (group A) and 27 patients with Noordhoff triangular vermilion flap (group B). Group A had a better lip shape than group B ( P = .006). Conclusions: The foxtail-shaped vermilion flap is useful to reconstruct the median tubercle in asymmetric bilateral cleft lip repair with contralateral lesser form defects.

Fistula recurrence is high after secondary follow-up operation to close the fistula after primary palatal surgery. Therefore, preventing fistula recurrence is important. Here, we describe the technique of closing palatal fistula after palatal surgery with a buccal fat graft in 2 cases. We elevate the mucosal flap around the palatal fistula, suture the nasal mucosa, transplant the buccal fat between the nasal and oral mucosa for the palatal fistula after palatal surgery, and suture the oral mucosa. Palatal fistula did not recur after surgery. This method is simple and useful for suturable fistula and does not require a local flap.

Background: This case–control retrospective study focused on the extracellular water ratio (%ECW) of lymphedemic limbs measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as a possible indicator of ...

Background We previously examined the water reductive effect of lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measurement on lower-limb lymphedema and revealed mean water volume reduction and edema reduction rate by leg LVA to be 0.86 L and 45.1%, respectively. This study aimed to clarify the water reductive effect of LVA on arm lymphedema and compare its results with those for leg lymphedema.Patients and Methods The efficacy of LVA for unilateral arm lymphedema was evaluated using BIA in a retrospective cohort. Limb circumference and arm body water volume (ABW) of the affected and unaffected arms were measured before and after LVA. Mean water volume reduction (ΔABW) and edema reduction rate by arm LVA were compared with values for leg LVA cited from our previous report as a historical control.Results Nineteen consecutive patients were enrolled. The mean ΔABW and edema reduction rate by BIA were 0.267 L and 46.0%, respectively. The decreasing rate of ABW by BIA was significantly larger than those of the upper extremity lymphedema index and sum of 5 circumferences measurement methods. ΔABW could be predicted by a regression line based on the preoperative water volume difference between affected and unaffected limbs. The mean edema reduction rates for arm and leg LVA were comparable.Conclusion The water reductive effect of LVA on upper-limb lymphedema was demonstrated by BIA assessment. BIA can reflect the effect of LVA more sensitively than conventional objective measurements and may facilitate the interpretation of LVA results. Although water volume reduction by arm LVA was less than that by leg LVA, the edema reduction rates were comparable.

In orbital floor fracture, diplopia often persists post-operatively. This study evaluated the association between pre-operative parameters concerning the extent of the injury and post-operative diplopia, using multivariate analysis. A retrospective computed tomography analysis and chart review was performed for patients with punched out orbital floor fracture, who underwent operations during the period from April 2011 to March 2018. Five parameters were evaluated: the number of upward arrows on the Hess chart (representing compensatory overaction of the non-injured eye), time interval to surgery, muscular subscores, fracture area, and swelling rate of the inferior rectus muscle. Of the 32 patients, 9 (28%) had post-operative diplopia; pre-operative diplopia was completely restored in 23 (72%) patients by 6 months after surgery. Univariate analysis found statistically significant differences in the number of upward arrows on the Hess chart, time interval to surgery, muscular subscores, and fracture area. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that only the number of upward arrows displayed a significantly increased risk for post-operative diplopia (odds ratio, 15.3; 95% confidence interval, 2.0-117.0; P = 0.008). Excessive overaction of the non-injured eye predicted persistent diplopia by 6 months post-operatively. Surgical intervention may be insufficient to achieve full recovery from diplopia and disturbances of ocular motility in some patients.

Background Although lymphedema is fundamentally abnormal accumulation of excess water in the extracellular space, previous studies have evaluated the efficacy of physiological bypass surgery (lymphaticovenular anastomosis [LVA]) for lymphedema without measuring water volume. This study clarified the water reductive effect of LVA using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Methods The efficacy of LVA for unilateral lower-limb lymphedema was evaluated using BIA in a retrospective cohort. The water volume of affected and unaffected legs was measured using multifrequency BIA before and after LVA. Preoperative measurements were undertaken after compression therapy for at least 3 months. The follow-up period after LVA was a minimum of 6 months. Results Thirty consecutive patients with unilateral lower-limb lymphedema were enrolled. The mean water volume reduction of the affected leg by LVA (ΔLBW) was 0.86 L (standard deviation [SD]: 0.86, median: 0.65) with a mean number of 3.3 anastomoses (SD: 1.7). The mean reduction rate of edema was 45.1% (SD: 36.3). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed water volume difference between the affected and unaffected legs before LVA (excess LBW) as the strongest predictor of ΔLBW (R 2 = 0.759, p Conclusion The LVA reduces the volume of accumulated body water in lower-limb lymphedema. As excess LBW most strongly predicted the amount of water volume reduction by LVA, body water volume measurement by BIA before LVA might identify patients with low excess LBW not expected to benefit from LVA, regardless of apparent differences in limb circumference.

BACKGROUND This study was conducted to evaluate the incidence and early predictive factors of the development of protuberant umbilicus in pediatric umbilical hernia patients. METHODS In this retrospective visual and chart review, patients younger than 3 months with umbilical hernias who initially visited Ina Central Hospital from April 2011 to March 2017 and were followed until they started to walk (at the age of 1 year) were evaluated. The umbilici of the patients at the age of 1 year were classified into two types based on their appearance: concave and protuberant umbilici. Single-factor and logistic regression analyses of the association between the appearance of the umbilicus at the age of 1 year and various clinical data were performed. RESULTS Of the 103 patients, 72% had concave umbilici, and 28% had protuberant umbilici. Single-factor analysis showed significant differences in the umbilical shapes at the initial visit (P < 0.001) and straining habit (P < 0.001). The most ideal logistic regression model demonstrated that umbilici of the highly inflated balloon type (odds ratio, 27.00; 95% confidence interval odds ratio, 5.60-130.08) and crescent type (odds ratio, 14.34; 95% confidence interval odds ratio, 4.22-48.77) were more likely to develop into protuberant umbilici. CONCLUSIONS Umbilical shapes at the initial visit can be used to predict the future development of protuberant umbilici in pediatric patients with umbilical hernias.

Summary Background Precise mapping of functional lymphatic vessels is essential for successful lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA). This study aimed to clarify the precision of magnetic resonance lymphography (MRL) in detecting lymphatic vessels prior to LVA. Methods Eighteen patients with leg lymphedema were recruited for this prospective study. All patients underwent MRL before LVA to obtain three-dimensional coordinates of lymphatic vessels from MRL images. The precision of MRL for detecting lymphatic vessels was evaluated and compared with those of other contrast techniques. Results Twenty legs from 18 patients were analyzed. A total of 40 skin incisions were made, 32 of which were determined by MRL. The precision of MRL to detect lymphatic vessels was 94%. With the addition of MRL, the number of lymphatic vessels identified preoperatively was increased as compared with indocyanine green lymphography (ICG-L) alone. Assuming a detection sensitivity of MRL for lymphatic vessels of 1, those of other contrast techniques were 0.90 for ICG-L under microscopy, 0.73 for patent blue staining, and 0.43 for ICG-L before incision. Whereas ICG-L before incision could not detect lymphatic vessels at depths greater than 17.0 mm, all deeper anastomosed lymphatic vessels were identified by MRL. Conclusion Lymphatic vessels enhanced on MRL can be reliably identified intraoperatively. MRL is a promising preoperative examination in LVA that can selectively depict suitable lymphatic vessels even in deep tissue layers.

Objective: In unilateral cleft lip and palate, the reconstructed nasal floor is sometimes uplifted regardless of the reconstructive method used. We used a 5-0 absorbable anchoring suture, the oronasal transfixion suture (ONT suture), to fasten the reconstructed nasal floor to the orbicularis oris muscle to prevent this deformity. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of the ONT suture. Design: Blind retrospective study of photography and chart review. Setting: Shinshu University Hospital, tertiary care, Nagano, Japan. Private practice. Patients: Ninety-three consecutive patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate who had undergone primary nasolabial repair in our department and affiliated hospitals between 1999 and 2011 participated in this study. Finally, 45 patients were included. Interventions: The ONT suture was put in place at the time of primary nasolabial repair. Main Outcome Measure: The height of the nasal floor was evaluated on submental view photographs at 5 years old. Results: The ONT suture was applied in 21 patients. The height of the nasal floor on the cleft side was significantly closer to that on the noncleft side with the ONT suture than without the ONT suture ( P = .008). Conclusions: The ONT suture is effective to prevent uplifted nasal floor deformity on the cleft side// in unilateral complete cleft lip and palate at the time of primary nasolabial repair.

Summary Background Nasal fracture is the most common type of facial fracture treated by plastic surgeons. Here, we clarify the postoperative deformities that frequently remain after closed reduction of fresh nasal bone fracture by three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT). Methods Hundred consecutive cases of fresh nasal bone fracture in patients treated between May 2010 and January 2016 were examined. After closed reduction, the overall appearance of the arch formed by the nasal bone and maxillary process was evaluated as ‘Excellent’, ‘Good’ or ‘Fair’. Patients were also asked about their overall satisfaction with the operation, and the responses were classified as ‘Satisfied’, ‘Neutral’ or ‘Dissatisfied’. Results Eighty-six patients underwent 3D-CT examination both at the time of the initial consultation and 3 months after the operation. The results were ‘Excellent’ in 69 patients and ‘Good’ in 17 patients, with none of the patients having only ‘Fair’ results. Convex bone deformities on one side were seen in all six bilateral type fractures evaluated as ‘Good’. All patients classified as ‘Excellent’ reported being ‘Satisfied’ with the results, but some patients classified as ‘Good’ gave a ‘Neutral’ evaluation regarding their satisfaction. Conclusions The residual deformities seen in bilateral type fractures were most notable, and they were all convex bone deformities on one side. Plastic surgeons should use ultrasonography or other reliable new methods in addition to visual inspection during the operation to successfully treat the region of the convex fracture.

Previously, bilateral lateral vermilion border transposition flaps were reported to correct whistling lip deformity in patients with cleft lip. This study examined the long-term outcome in these patients and modified the procedure. Here, the use of this procedure is reported in 69 cleft lip patients. The follow-up period after the operation ranged from 4-14 years. In addition to the standard method, a unilateral flap was applied for asymmetrical vermilion and small bilateral flaps were applied to loosen the transverse tightness of the vermilion. The asymmetry of the tightness was improved in all patients. The reconstructed tubercle diminished in volume gradually over a few years postoperatively. Secondary deformities after its use were subtly everted tubercle during smiling (18.8%) and irregularities on the labial-free margin (21.7%). They were corrected by minor follow-up revision. Although it is necessary to wait several years until the postoperative shape has stabilised, this is a simple and widely available method to reconstruct a naturally-shaped vermilion in cleft lip patients.

Summary Stretching of mechanoreceptors in Mueller's muscle induces reflexive contraction of not only the levator muscle but also the frontalis muscle as two different eyelid-opening muscles. Previously, we reported that fine neural myelinated structures, acting as mechanoreceptors, were found in the proximal Mueller's muscle. Since there is a risk of misunderstanding that the middle and distal Mueller's muscle does not contain mechanoreceptors and can be invalidated or resected, the accurate distribution of myelinated trigeminal proprioceptive nerve fibres as mechanoreceptors in Mueller's muscle was refined horizontally in this study. We explored 10 whole Mueller's muscles between the levator muscle and the tarsus of the upper eyelids obtained from five Japanese cadavers. The specimens were serially sliced along the horizontal plane and stained with HE, S-100 protein to determine the presence of Schwann cells, and smooth muscle actin antibody to determine the presence of Mueller's smooth muscle fibres. Although all myelinated nerve fibres in the intermuscular connective tissues among the sympathetically innervated Mueller's multi-unit smooth muscle fibres may not correspond to the proprioceptive nerve fibres, the nerve bundles consisting of multiple myelinated nerve fibres were well distributed in the proximal Mueller's muscle, and single myelinated nerve fibres were well distributed in the middle and distal Mueller's muscle. We believe that the mechanoreceptors in Mueller's muscle consist of myelinated proprioceptive nerve fibres with nerve endings possibly attached to collagen fibres in the intermuscular connective tissues present among Mueller's smooth muscle fibres. As the myelinated nerve fibres innervate the middle and distal Mueller's muscle to a greater extent than those in the proximal Mueller's muscle, the former may be more important as mechanoreceptors than the latter and should not be invalidated or excised during surgery for treatment of blepharoptosis to prevent reduction of reflexive contraction of the levator and frontalis muscles.

Whatever method of closure, a cleft lip scar extends along the full labial height. A smaller scar is possible in repair of limited forms of incomplete cleft lip. This retrospective study was undertaken to define the subgroups of lesser-form cleft lip, describe technical alternatives, and review results of repair.The senior author's (J.B.M.) registry was searched for patients with lesser-form cleft lip, defined by the extent of vermilion-cutaneous dysjunction as either minor-form, microform, or mini-microform. Techniques for repair of these three anatomical variants were examined and the revisions were analyzed.Of 393 patients with unilateral incomplete cleft lip, 59 lesser-form variants were identified. Minor-form clefts (n = 20), defined as a defect extending 3 mm or more above the normal Cupid's bow peak, were repaired by rotation-advancement. Microform clefts (n = 28), defined as a vermilion-cutaneous notch less than 3 mm above the normal peak, were corrected by double unilimb Z-plasty. Mini-microform clefts (n = 11), defined as a disrupted vermilion-cutaneous junction without elevation of the bow peak, were repaired by vertical lenticular excision. Primary nasal correction was necessary in all minor-form and microform types and in some mini-microform types. In all three lesser-forms, the rate of nasolabial revision was relatively low in comparison with that for unilateral complete cleft lip.The extent of disruption at the vermilion-cutaneous junction defines minor-form, microform, and mini-microform cleft lip. These anatomical designations determine the method of nasolabial repair and correlate with types and frequency of revision.

Complete or incomplete cleft lip can be associated with a contralateral lesser form of incomplete cleft lip, constituting an asymmetrical bilateral malformation.The cleft lip registry was searched for patients with complete or incomplete cleft lip and contralateral minor-form, microform, or mini-microform defects. Methods of repair were documented and results were assessed by reviewing photographs and recording revisions.Of 309 patients with bilateral cleft lip, 72 patients (23 percent) had asymmetrical cleft lip, with 40 patients having contralateral minor-form, microform, or mini-microform defects. All infants with complete cleft lip and palate on the greater side underwent preoperative dentofacial orthopedic alignment, nasolabial adhesion, and gingivoperiosteoplasty. Infants with a contralateral minor-form defect (n = 7) had second-stage, synchronous bilateral nasolabial repair. Contralateral microform defects (n = 6) were not addressed during rotation-advancement repair on the complete/incomplete side; the later repair was a double unilimb Z-plasty. Contralateral mini-microform defects (n = 27) were corrected by vertical lenticular excision and, if necessary, alar base Y-V advancement, either synchronously with closure on the greater side or at another stage. The revision rate correlated with the degree of preoperative asymmetry. The most common revisions were augmentation of the median tubercle and free margin on the lesser side and repositioning of the lower lateral cartilage and alar base on the greater side.The operative strategy for repair of an asymmetrical bilateral cleft lip is determined by the extent of the vermilion-cutaneous dysjunction on the lesser side. Synchronous bilateral nasolabial repair is indicated for a contralateral minor-form defect. Correction of a contralateral microform or mini-microform defect is usually deferred to achieve symmetry.

When increased contraction of the levator muscle accompanied by the superior rectus muscle compensates for aponeurotic blepharoptosis, increased contraction of the inferior rectus muscle for foveation retracts the lower eyelid through the capsulopalpebral fascia, showing the lower sclera. We hypothesized that in patients with aponeurotic blepharoptosis, the capsulopalpebral fascia excessively retracts the posterior lamella of the lower eyelid alone while keeping the anterior lamella unretracted, especially in patients with both weak extension of the capsulopalpebral fascia to the pretarsal anterior lamella and increased contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle, resulting in entropion. Aponeurotic reinsertion to the tarsus for the upper eyelid improved entropion in 15 younger patients. Surgical disinsertion of the capsulopalpebral fascia from the tarsus and creation of a cicatricial connection between the pretarsal skin and the tarsus for the lower eyelid corrected entropion in 15 elderly patients. Both procedures also corrected the lower scleral show.

Assuming that an agonistic function is present to maintain an adequate visual field, we hypothesized that stretching of the mechanoreceptor of Mueller muscle induces involuntary contraction of the occipitofrontalis muscle, as well as the levator muscles. In patients with aponeurotic blepharoptosis, both unilateral instillation of phenylephrine to contact Mueller smooth muscle fibers and unilateral aponeurotic fixation ipsilaterally reduced the eyebrow height during primary and upward gazing. Bilateral aponeurotic fixation bilaterally reduced the eyebrow height, with fewer forehead wrinkles. Stretching of the mechanoreceptor of Mueller muscle induces involuntary contraction of the bilateral levator muscles. Its increased stretching may induce involuntary contraction of the ipsilateral occipitofrontalis muscle via the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus and the facial subnucleus as another stretch reflex. The involuntary contraction of the occipitofrontalis muscle that causes forehead wrinkles during primary gazing can be corrected by the aponeurotic fixation to reduce the stretching of Mueller muscle.

Because stretching of Mueller's muscle induces involuntary contraction of the levator muscle, we hypothesised that Mueller's muscle functions as a serial kind of muscle spindle of the levator muscle. To confirm the presence and location of efferent and afferent innervations of Mueller's muscle, cadavers' eyelids were microscopically and macroscopically examined, and the resultant findings were physiologically confirmed in patients' eyelids during surgery. Fine neural myelinated structures acting as a mechanoreceptor were found in the proximal Mueller's muscle. Mueller's muscle is doubly innervated by the unmyelinated sympathetic efferent nerve and the myelinated trigeminal proprioceptive afferent nerve, both of which run transversely on the proximal Mueller's muscle to join the lacrimal nerve. Electrical stimulation of the transverse nerve fibres induced involuntary contraction of both the levator muscle as the Hoffmann reflex and Mueller's muscle. Surgical injury to these nerve fibres should be avoided to preserve involuntary contraction of the levator muscle.

We have created an alternative method for tracheal reconstruction. Our new surgical procedure using a deltopectoral flap combined with a costal cartilage graft and mucosal graft for tracheal reconstruction allows us to achieve reconstruction of the tracheal mucosa, the tracheal cartilage, and the covering skin with adequate subcutaneous tissue. In one case, a tracheostenosis was reconstructed with a deltopectoral flap combined with a costal cartilage graft. In the other case, a tracheal defect was reconstructed with a deltopectoral flap combined with a costal cartilage graft and palatal mucosal graft. Although the operation is a multistage procedure, our method provides satisfactory clinical results. Thus, we believe that our method is useful for the surgical treatment of large tracheal defects.

The authors report a successful reconstruction of the total upper eyelid in conjunction with the gliding surface of the extraocular muscles. A 21-year-old woman sustained an inner layer defect of her right upper eyelid together with avulsions of the superior levator palpebrae muscle and the superior orbital fat. Her right superior rectus muscle was exposed, and no orbital fat was seen in the space between the muscle and the orbital roof. To preserve eye movement, a gliding surface between the superior rectus muscle and the orbital roof had to be reconstructed. Total upper lid reconstruction was performed using a radial forearm flap with a hard palate mucosal graft. The gliding surface was reconstructed with an adipofascial flap obtained from the forearm. Despite lack of levator function, the patient could raise her eyelid approximately 5 mm by using only the superior rectus muscle without frontalis suspension.

Eyelid opening stretches mechanoreceptors in the supratarsal Müller muscle to activate the proprioceptive fiber supplied by the trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus. This proprioception induces reflex contractions of the slow-twitch fibers in the levator palpebrae superioris and frontalis muscles to sustain eyelid and eyebrow positions against gravity. The cell bodies of the trigeminal proprioceptive neurons in the mesencephalon potentially make gap-junctional connections with the locus coeruleus neurons. The locus coeruleus is implicated in arousal and autonomic function. Due to the relationship between arousal, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, and skin conductance, we assessed whether upgaze with trigeminal proprioceptive evocation activates sympathetically innervated sweat glands and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Specifically, we examined whether 60° upgaze induces palmar sweating and hemodynamic changes in the prefrontal cortex in 16 subjects. Sweating was monitored using a thumb-mounted perspiration meter, and prefrontal cortex activity was measured with 45-channel, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and 2-channel NIRS at Fp1 and Fp2. In 16 subjects, palmar sweating was induced by upgaze and decreased in response to downgaze. Upgaze activated the ventromedial prefrontal cortex with an accumulation of integrated concentration changes in deoxyhemoglobin, oxyhemoglobin, and total hemoglobin levels in 12 subjects. Upgaze phasically and degree-dependently increased deoxyhemoglobin level at Fp1 and Fp2, whereas downgaze phasically decreased it in 16 subjects. Unilateral anesthetization of mechanoreceptors in the supratarsal Müller muscle used to significantly reduce trigeminal proprioceptive evocation ipsilaterally impaired the increased deoxyhemoglobin level by 60° upgaze at Fp1 or Fp2 in 6 subjects. We concluded that upgaze with strong trigeminal proprioceptive evocation was sufficient to phasically activate sympathetically innervated sweat glands and appeared to induce rapid oxygen consumption in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and to rapidly produce deoxyhemoglobin to regulate physiological arousal. Thus, eyelid opening with trigeminal proprioceptive evocation may activate the ventromedial prefrontal cortex via the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus and locus coeruleus., Article, PLOS ONE.10(8):e0134659(2015)

How and why aponeurotic blepharoptosis develops was investigated in terms of the relationship between the levator aponeurosis and Mueller's muscle functioning as the muscle spindle of the levator muscle. A total of 200 consecutive patients with moderate to severe acquired blepharoptosis completed questionnaires regarding their history of physical irritations to the eyelids, and intraoperative conditions of the levator aponeurosis and Mueller's muscle were evaluated. Several kinds of physical irritations to the eyelids were reported, such as habitual rubbing of the eyelids, contact lens usage, cataract surgery, and continuous rubbing of the eyelids while crying all night. The two main findings for aponeurosis were that it was disinserted from the tarsus, resulting in a large amount of play between the aponeurosis and the tarsus, and that the aponeurosis and Mueller's muscle were attenuated and elongated. The authors believe that rubbing may have caused disinsertion as well as attenuation and elongation of the aponeurosis, which result in transmission failures between the levator muscle and the tarsus as well as between the levator muscle and the mechanoreceptor of Mueller's muscle, leading to clinical blepharoptosis.

The typical Mongoloid eye differs from the Occidental one in puffiness of the upper eyelid and narrowness of the palpebral fissure. We surmised that an anatomical structure might exist in the preaponeurotic fat space, which determines the features of the Mongoloid eye. The upper eyelids of 720 Japanese patients and eight Japanese cadavers were macroscopically investigated, and sagittal slices of the central upper eyelid of one patient and nine cadavers were microscopically analysed. Another, lower-positioned transverse ligament different from the higher-positioned Whitnall's one was identified just above the fusional line between the orbital septum and the levator aponeurosis in almost every upper eyelid. A robust ligamentous structure was observed in 331 patients (46%) with puffier eyelids and a narrower palpebral fissure, a diaphanous retinaculum in 381 patients (53%) and no transverse ligamentous tissue in eight patients (1%). Histological evaluation demonstrated that this ligament was composed of tight bundles of collagen fibres containing few elastic fibres. Examination of the preaponeurotic fat space indicated that the superficial expansion of the levator aponeurosis turned up around this transverse ligament to become the orbital septum. When the levator muscle contracts, the deep expansion of the levator aponeurosis retracts the tarsus, the middle expansion retracts the pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle and skin, and the superficial expansion retracts the preaponeurotic fat against this ligament. This structure thus determines the low position of the preaponeurotic fat and restricts the vertical width of the palpebral fissure, causing the features of the Mongoloid eye.

The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com, As infrared penetrates the skin, thermal effects of infrared irradiation on cancer cells have been investigated in the field of hyperthermia. We evaluated non-thermal effects of infrared irradiation using a specialized device (1100-18000 nm with filtering of wavelengths between 1400 and 1500 nm and contact cooling) on cancer cells. In in vitro study, five kinds of cultured cancer cell lines (MCF7 breast cancer, HeLa uterine cervical cancer, NUGC-4 gastric cancer, B16F0 melanoma, and MDA-MB435 melanoma) were irradiated using the infrared device, and then the cell proliferation activity was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay. Proliferation of all the cancer cell lines was significantly suppressed by infrared irradiation. Total infrared output appeared to be correlated with cell survival. Increased temperature during infrared irradiation appeared not to play a role in cell survival. The maximum temperature elevation in the wells after each shot in the 20 and 40 J/cm2 culture was 3.8 degrees C and 6.9 degrees C, respectively. In addition, we have shown that infrared irradiation significantly inhibited the tumor growth of MCF7 breast cancer transplanted in severe combined immunodeficiency mice and MDA-MB435 melanoma transplanted in nude mice in vivo. Significant differences between control and irradiated groups were observed in tumor volume and frequencies of TUNEL-positive and Ki-67-positive cells. These results indicate that infrared, independent of thermal energy, can induce cell killing of cancer cells. As this infrared irradiation schedule reduces discomfort and side effects, reaches the deep subcutaneous tissues, and facilitates repeated irradiations, it may have potential as an application for treating various forms of cancer., Article, CANCER SCIENCE. 101(6):1396-1402 (2010)

Lesser forms of incomplete cleft lip (CL) have been called microform, occult, forme fruste, and congenitally healed. The association of a minimal bilateral CL in branchio-oculo-facial syndrome (BOFS) is well described and commonly referred to as a "pseudocleft." We conducted a systematic analysis of CL types in BOFS, including a retrospective cross-sectional chart and photographic review with variable longitudinal follow-up of our patients and those described in the literature. We compared data on the type of CL and palate (CL/P) and craniofacial and extracranial anomalies in patients with BOFS and classified the lesser forms CL as either minor-form, microform, or mini-microform as defined by the extent of disruption at the vermilion-cutaneous junction. The study comprised 62 patients with BOFS (1 new and 61 in literature, 4 treated by J.B.M). Forty-four patients (71%) had CL only; 16 (26%) had CL/P; and 2 patients had neither CL nor isolated CP. Thirty-five patients with CL had adequate information for analysis (defined as either seen by J.B.M., having a published photograph, or having a detailed description). The most common type was bilateral symmetrical, lesser form CL (n = 20): minor-form (n = 2), microform (n = 6), or mini-microform (n = 12). Among 17 asymmetrical forms, the left side was more severely affected side than the right (12 vs 5). Of 9 patients with CL/P and adequate clinical description, 4 were bilaterally symmetrically complete. Other anomalies, in addition to the familiar cardinal features of BOFS, included facial nerve weakness (n = 6), chin dimple or cleft of the lower lip (n = 4), upper labial pits (n = 6), minor digital anomalies (n = 12), renal anomalies (n = 14), and ectopic thymus (n = 18). This analysis reaffirms the high frequency of CL or CL/P in BOFS and the rarity of isolated cleft palate and underscores that the term "pseudocleft" lip is incorrect. The more precise lesser form designations used in this study may prove useful for future clinical studies because the causative gene, TFAP2A, is known. Lesser forms of CL may be the most subtle expression of BOFS and assist in identifying patients. Unlike major forms of CL/P, either, syndromic or non syndromic, lesser forms suggest that the developmental insult occurs later in labial formation when fusion of the medial nasal process and maxillary process is nearly complete. The deficient vermilion-mucosa and hypoplastic orbicularis oris may be the result of incomplete or deficient mesodermal penetration of the ectodermal envelope. Another possible pathogenic explanation is that failure of labial closure occurs earlier than in a major cleft when the primitive cells of ectoderm and mesoderm retain the capacity to "heal" the defect.

Infrared irradiation stimulates collagen production, but histological differences in its long-term effects on type I versus type III collagen and elastin in human tissue are unclear.To investigate the effects of infrared irradiation.In vivo human tissues in sun-protected and sun-exposed areas were irradiated with infrared. Histological samples were analyzed, and visual changes were assessed up to 90 days post-treatment.Infrared irradiation provided long-term increases in collagen and elastin levels on post-irradiation days 30, 60 and 90 compared to controls. Significant increases in type I collagen persisted until 30 and 60 days, and in sun-protected and exposed skin biopsies, respectively. Significant increases in type III collagen and elastin persisted until 90 days in both sun-protected and sun-exposed skin biopsies.Infrared irradiation provides safe and effective long-term stimulation of collagen I and III and elastin, which is beneficial for improving skin laxity and wrinkles.

We have proposed a hypothetical mechanism to involuntarily sustain the effective eyelid retraction, which consists of not only voluntary but also reflexive contractions of the levator palpebrae superior muscle (LPSM). Voluntary contraction of fast-twitch fibres of the LPSM stretches the mechanoreceptors in Mueller's muscle to evoke trigeminal proprioception, which induces continuous reflexive contraction of slow-twitch fibres of the LPSM through the trigeminal proprioceptive nerve fibres innervating the mechanoreceptors in Mueller's muscle via the oculomotor neurons, as a tonic trigemino-oculomotor reflex. In the common skeletal mixed muscles, electrical stimulation of the proprioceptive nerve, which apparently connects the mechanoreceptors in muscle spindles to the motoneurons, induces the electromyographic response as the Hoffmann reflex. To verify the presence of the trigemino-oculomotor reflex, we confirmed whether intra-operative electrical simulation of the transverse trigeminal proprioceptive nerve on the proximal Mueller's muscle evokes an electromyographic response in the LPSM under general anaesthesia in 12 patients. An ipsilateral, phasic, short-latency response (latency: 2.8+/-0.3 ms) was induced in the ipsilateral LPSM in 10 of 12 subjects. As successful induction of the short-latency response in the ipsilateral LPSM corresponds to the Hoffmann reflex in the common skeletal mixed muscles, the present study is the first electromyographic verification of the presence of the monosynaptic trigemino-oculomotor reflex to induce reflexive contraction of the LPSM. The presence of the trigemino-oculomotor reflex may elucidate the unexplainable blepharoptosis due to surgery, trauma and tumour, all of which may damage the trigeminal proprioceptive nerve fibres to impair the trigemino-oculomotor reflex.

Increased stretching of the mechanoreceptors in Mueller's muscle induces involuntary reflex contraction of the ipsilateral frontalis muscle. We used this neurophysiological mechanism during surgery on 50 patients with severe unilateral or bilateral congenital blepharoptosis that does not have the levator muscle but has Mueller's muscle. To facilitate contraction of the superior rectus muscle to sufficiently stretch the mechanoreceptors in Mueller's muscle, transverse fibrous tissues that restrict the stretching are medially and laterally incised. Without fascial or muscular advancement, the fascia lata was grafted as far between the frontalis muscle and the tarsus as possible. After 15.5% postoperative shrinkage of the grafted fascia lata, all 50 patients involuntarily elevated their ptotic eyelids over the pupillary centre on primary gaze without severe lagophthalmos on eye closing. Forty-five patients could lift the upper eyelid over the pupillary centre even on upward gaze. Our procedure appeared to enhance the involuntary reflex contraction of the ipsilateral frontalis muscle, providing satisfactory dynamic retraction of the upper eyelid through fascia lata. We consider our procedure an alternative for reconstructing not only severe congenital blepharoptosis but also severe acquired blepharoptosis after orbital trauma or orbital tumour resection, in patients who do not have or lose the levator muscle while the Mueller's muscle, the superior rectus muscle and the trigeminal proprioceptive nerve function to induce involuntary reflex contraction of the frontalis muscle.

To differentiate between congenital and aponeurotic blepharoptosis, we investigated whether upgaze with stretching of the mechanoreceptor of Mueller muscle increases involuntary reflex contraction of the levator slow-twitch muscle fibers. In 50 cases each of unilateral congenital blepharoptosis and of asymmetric aponeurotic blepharoptosis, the mean increases by upgaze in the upper eyelid margin to the line between the medial and lateral canthi as upper eyelid retraction distance (UERD) of the ptotic eyelid 0.4 mm and 2.9 mm, respectively. These were significantly smaller and significantly larger than those of the corresponding nonptotic eyelid, 2.0 mm and 2.3 mm, respectively.Worsening of ptosis on upgaze is common in congenital ptosis and is an abnormal differentiating sign, lacking the involuntary reflex contraction. Improvement of ptosis on upgaze is common in aponeurotic blepharoptosis and likely represents a normal physiological process, restoring the involuntary reflex contraction.

We previously reported that a lower positioned transverse ligament, which was identified just above the fusional line between the orbital septum and the levator aponeurosis or anteroinferiorly in the upper orbital fat space, determines the lower position of the preaponeurotic fat, and restricts the upper eyelid retraction causing the external features that define the appearance of the Mongoloid eye. Because the narrow palpebral fissure of the Mongoloid eye is composed of the restricted upper eyelid and the restricted lower eyelid, we surmised that the ligamentous tissue, which is analogous to the lower positioned transverse ligament in the upper eyelid, might also exist in the lower eyelid.

Paralysis of the frontalis muscle causes ipsilateral brow ptosis and contralateral hypermotility of the non-paralytic frontalis muscle in Oriental patients. In this paper, we describe an effective way of correcting such asymmetry by using blepharoplasty with aponeurotic fixation, and three case reports were presented. This procedure makes it possible to reduce the hypermotility of the non-paralytic frontalis muscle, and symmetry of the brows can be achieved easily with minimal brow lift. All three patients had symmetrical brows six months postoperatively. Although we think that brow ptosis may recur eventually, if symmetry is obtained as a result of minimal brow lift, we think that our method can delay recurrence.

Cotton gauze with alpha cyanoacrylate was used for alveolopalatal wound dressing after alveolar bone grafting to treat 93 alveolar clefts in 74 cleft patients to reduce mechanical injuries, tension for wound dehiscence, and adhesion of food remnants. T-shaped cotton gauze was put on the gingivoperiosteal flaps and was impregnated with cyanoacrylate. The procedure required no preoperative preparation and its intraoperative execution took less than 5 minutes. The gauze with cyanoacrylate was removed approximately 1 week after surgery. No infection was observed at any of the operational sites, but tiny fistulas developed at four of them. The mean bone graft score was 1.4 point. No complications such as thermal injury resulted from the use of cyanoacrylate. Gauze impregnated with cyanoacrylate proved to be a convenient and dependable dressing for alveolopalatal wounds resulting from gingivoperiosteoplasty for alveolar bone grafting.

A 50-year-old woman suffered deep burns to the face, neck, chest, back and extremities. Total reconstruction of the eyelids and nose was undertaken nine months after injury. A forearm flap was utilized for resurfacing and was followed by debulking, costal cartilage grafting, and reconstruction of the eyebrows. The thinness and adaptability of the forearm flap allowed for exact reconstruction of the eyelids and nose. The forearm flap imparted equal colour and texture to the area that could not be covered with a flu mask. The flu mask may be used to diminish the strangeness of the reconstructed face. This reconstruction has improved the patient's quality of life immediately.

Vermilionplasty using medical tattooing was performed after radial forearm flap reconstruction of the lower lip in 2 patients. This technique is easy to perform in the outpatient setting, does not involve sacrifice of tissue, and results in an acceptable aesthetic outcome. We recommend vermilionplasty with medical tattoing as the procedure of choice after lip reconstruction with a distant flap.