The thersites complex in plastic surgical patients

Body dysmorphic disorder describes the preoccupation with an imagined defect of appearance. A subgroup of patients suffer from the so-called Thersites complex, in which a minimal physical deformity causes excessive psychological disturbances and distress. Patients with body dysmorphic disorder tend primarily to visit a plastic surgeon for relief with distinct plans for surgical correction of their "deformity." Psychotherapy is generally refused or ineffective. The plastic surgeon should be familiar with this mental disorder and recognize these patients during consultation. Most of these patients should be excluded from surgery; however, patients of the Thersites complex category might be candidates for plastic surgical correction after careful selection. Only the experienced plastic surgeon should make the decision to operate in this situation. A successful treatment can relieve the patient from his or her distress and improve the quality of life substantially. A surgical result that is not accepted by the patient can end in a tragedy for either the patient or the doctor.     

An approach to the repair of partial mastectomy defects

In many cases, breast deformity caused by partial mastectomy can be reduced or corrected by plastic surgery. Partial breast reconstruction is best performed immediately after the partial mastectomy using an approach determined by the size of the breast and the defect. Small defects in large breasts usually need no reconstruction. For larger defects in large breasts, breast reshaping (similar to reduction mammaplasty) combined with a contralateral breast reduction is usually the best option. For medium-sized or smaller breasts with small to moderate-sized defects, local flaps from the subaxillary region are very useful. If the defect is too large for correction with local tissue, a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is usually the best choice. Using these techniques, patients can achieve aesthetically better outcomes from breast-conservation therapy, even when larger tumors are being treated or when wider margins are taken to reduce the risk of tumor recurrence. By working together with an oncologic surgeon and facilitating the removal of larger tumors, the plastic surgeon can widen the indications for both breast-conservation therapy and breast reconstruction at the same time.     

Acute burns

Burn injuries are complex cutaneous traumas cared for by many plastic surgeons. Care is stratified by burn size, depth, and associated injuries. Advances in surgical technique, wound care, and bioengineered skin have resulted in excellent outcomes for most burn survivors. Moderate burn injuries can be treated effectively by an interested and experienced plastic surgeon.     

Complications in postbariatric body contouring: strategies for assessment and prevention

Massive weight loss patients present specific challenges to the plastic surgeon. Review of these issues may be valuable for the surgeon who does not specialize in this area. Obtaining excellent results involves a comprehensive perioperative approach, beginning with proper patient selection and appropriate expectations. Operative considerations such as hypothermia prevention and thromboembolic prophylaxis can play a role in improving outcomes and reducing morbidity. Appropriately focused postoperative care completes the surgical plan, leading to satisfying results for both patient and surgeon.     

Reconstructive surgery for immunosuppressed organ-transplant recipients

Prolonged vascularized organ allograft survival and an improved quality of life are now possible for many transplant recipients. These advances are due largely to greater understanding of the immune response, the development of potent immunosuppressive agents (cyclosporin A), and improved surgical techniques. Thus more of these patients may require surgical procedures related or unrelated to their original operation, and the plastic surgeon, among other specialists, should be aware of the special problems of the immunocompromised transplant recipient who needs to undergo reconstructive surgery. We report our experience with 15 kidney, heart, and liver transplant recipients who required reconstructive surgery for a variety of conditions. The combined team approach by reconstructive and transplant surgeons is described, as well as the perioperative drug protocol and the special problems that immunosuppressed transplant recipients present. We conclude that these patients can successfully undergo major reconstructive procedures as long as the plastic surgeon not only performs technically flawless surgery, but also familiarizes himself or herself with the special problems of the immunosuppressed host, including the ever-present risk of sepsis and delayed and impaired wound healing, the potential for acute Addisonian crisis, and the possibility of multiple complicating comorbid conditions.     

Precision rhinoplasty. Part I: The role of life-size photographs and soft-tissue cephalometric analysis

I describe a simple technique of full-scale life-size photography using marker/stickers and a ruler at the side of the face as an index for magnification. I also report a technique of soft-tissue cephalometric analysis that consists of some new proportion and some old angles and measurements. This technique will enable the plastic surgeon, even if not artistically inclined, to draw an aesthetically pleasing and very proportionate profile outline of the nose and measure the proportions of the front view on the majority of patients. The difference between the patient's nasal outline and the planned nasal definition is then measured and expressed in quarters of millimeters to give the surgeon a very precise numeric guide for surgery. This will help the plastic surgeon define the aesthetic goals very accurately and also might be helpful in detecting other facial disharmonies that might be influential in the outcome of the rhinoplasty. Using this technique of analysis, along with the prediction guidelines extrapolated from my study on soft-tissue response to surgical alteration, one can develop a fairly predictable approach to rhinoplasty.     

Body dysmorphic disorder: diagnosis and approach

Body dysmorphic disorder is a psychiatric disease that can be frequently encountered in an aesthetic practice. Body dysmorphic disorder is characterized by a preoccupation with a minimal or nonexistent appearance defect and causes significant distress and interferes with the social life of the patient. The perceived physical anomaly may involve the shape and size of the whole body or may be centered around single units. Body dysmorphic disorder patients are known to request multiple aesthetic procedures that leave them unsatisfied. Only a timely diagnosis will enable the surgeon and staff to adequately address the patient's needs. Body dysmorphic disorder patients cannot be cured with surgery. Diagnostic techniques such as patient interview and observation are presented in this article. With this, the plastic surgeon should be able to diagnose body dysmorphic disorder preoperatively. Using the presented algorithm to approach body dysmorphic disorder patients will avoid disappointment for patients and surgeons alike.     

The economics of plastic surgery practices: trends in income, procedure mix, and volume

Anecdotally, plastic surgeons have complained of working harder for the same or less income in recent years. They also complain of falling fees for reconstructive surgery and increasing competition for cosmetic surgery. This study examined these notions using the best available data. To gain a better understanding of the current plastic surgery market, plastic surgeon incomes, fees, volume, and relative mix of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery were analyzed between the years 1992 and 2002. To gain a broader perspective, plastic surgeon income trends were then compared with those of other medical specialties and of nonmedical professions. The data show that in real dollars, plastic surgeon incomes have remained essentially steady in recent years, despite plastic surgeons increasing their surgery load by an average of 41 percent over the past 10 years. The overall income trend is similar to that of members of other medical specialties and other nonmedical professionals. The average practice percentage of cosmetic surgery was calculated and found to have increased from 27 percent in 1992 to 58 percent in 2002. This most likely can be explained by the findings that real dollar fees collected for cosmetic surgery have decreased very slightly, whereas those for reconstructive procedures have experienced sharp declines. This study demonstrates that plastic surgeons have adjusted their practice profiles in recent years. They have increased their case loads and shifted their practices toward cosmetic surgery, most likely with the goal of maintaining their incomes. The strategy appears to have been successful in the short term. However, with increasing competition and falling prices for cosmetic surgery, it may represent a temporary bulwark for plastic surgeon incomes unless other steps are taken.     

Victor von Bruns (1812-1883) and his contributions to plastic and reconstructive surgery

Victor von Bruns was an active surgeon in Germany during the nineteenth century. His work is accompanied by many illustrations, and a selected few are presented in this survey. His original contributions to plastic and reconstructive surgery are notable, mainly in lip and cheek reconstruction. These are still valid today and have been adopted by many plastic surgeons. His books dealt not only with plastic surgery, but with almost every surgical event, such as amputation, larynx surgery, galvanosurgery, and war surgery. His publications and illustrations give an excellent picture of the advances made by him and other plastic surgeons during the second half of the nineteenth century, thus making him an important contributor to the renaissance of plastic surgery.     

Aesthetic perspectives regarding physically and mentally challenged patients

Cosmetic surgery was undertaken on a limited number of physically or mentally challenged patients. Motivation for surgery seemed to mimic those of average cosmetic surgery patients, although the request for surgery was more difficult for some patients in view of their physical or mental challenges. Patient and surgeon satisfaction was extremely high. In each case, expectations were realistic. Physical or mental variations should not cloud the indications for cosmetic surgery; on the contrary, it may be a wonderful way for the plastic surgeon to contribute to bettering the life of those less fortunate.     

Male rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is one of the most complex and challenging operations in plastic surgery. This complexity is increased among male patients, because male patients tend to have relatively nonspecific complaints, are typically more demanding, and are regarded as being much less attentive during consultations. It is critical for the surgeon to verify that the male patient has realistic goals before he undergoes an operation, and the surgeon must confirm that the male patient has heard and understood all of the risks, benefits, and options. It is essential that masculine features be preserved for male rhinoplasty patients. Excessive dorsal reduction or tip refinement produces unsatisfactory results. A comprehensive discussion of proper evaluation of the male nose, surgical planning, intraoperative techniques, and postoperative treatment is presented. These tools should allow plastic surgeons to produce a balanced harmonious nose in relation to the rest of the face.     

Clearing the smoke: the scientific rationale for tobacco abstention with plastic surgery

The use of tobacco is a significant contributor to preventable morbidity and mortality in the United States. A significant proportion of cardiovascular diseases, various oral and pulmonary neoplasms, nonmalignant respiratory diseases, and peripheral vascular disorders can be attributed to the use of cigarettes. Surgical outcomes can also be adversely affected as a result of cigarette smoking with intraoperative and postoperative pulmonary, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular complications as well as increased wound healing complications. These are found across the entire spectrum of surgical specialties. Tissue ischemia and wound-healing impairment secondary to the influence of tobacco is particularly problematic for the plastic surgeon, especially during elective facial aesthetic procedures, cosmetic and reconstructive breast operations, abdominoplasty, free-tissue transfer, and replantation procedures. By educating and providing guidelines to those patients who smoke and by refusing to operate on individuals who fail to abstain, tobacco-associated surgical morbidity in the plastic and reconstructive surgery patient can be eliminated.     

The use of hypnosis as a tool in plastic surgery

Clinical hypnosis can be valuable tool for the plastic surgeon. Techniques can be rapidly learned at workshops that are held frequently at convenient locations throughout the country. Once misconceptions are dispelled, use of hypnosis is appropriate, safe, and effective.     

Vilray P. Blair, his surgical descendants, and their roles in plastic surgical development.

Perhaps one of the most historically well-known plastic surgeons is Vilray P. Blair. As commander of the U.S. Army corps of head and neck surgeons during World War I, he became well known for his work in posttraumatic reconstruction. Blair's efforts in the early part of this century helped to develop plastic surgery as a distinct surgical subspecialty in the United States. His prowess as a surgeon allowed him to build one of the largest plastic surgery centers in the country and to train many of the top young American surgeons. Blair excelled as a teacher. He produced academic surgeons such as James Barrett Brown and Bradford Cannon, who took the lead in the care of wartime injuries during World War II. At Valley Forge General Hospital, Blair's trainees dedicated themselves to the reconstruction of injured patients and trained other young plastic surgeons in the care of postwar trauma. This exceptional level of patient care resulted in the U.S. government recognizing plastic surgery as a subspecialty following World War II. Since that time, Blair's surgical descendants at Washington University have led the country in the development of new training concepts and ideals and have gone on to become leaders in plastic surgery worldwide.     

General anesthesia in an office-based plastic surgical facility: a report on more than 23,000 consecutive office-based procedures under general anesthesia with no significant anesthetic complications

The popularity of elective office-based plastic surgery has increased significantly over the past two decades. The continuing demand for improved aesthetic results has stimulated the development of ever more complex plastic surgical techniques. These techniques may require extended periods of operative time spent under anesthesia. Patients have come to expect an almost perfect anesthetic and surgical experience, with safety and comfort being their foremost concerns. Because of increasingly complex and lengthy operations, the authors believe that intravenous sedation, used for many years in their plastic surgery practice, is now suboptimal for most longer and complex surgical procedures. In their experience, under most circumstances, general anesthesia provides the optimal anesthetic experience for the patient, anesthesiologist, and surgeon. The authors present a consecutive 18-year study of general anesthesia in more than 23,000 procedures in an accredited, office-based plastic surgical facility that offers a very safe and uniformly pleasant anesthesia experience for patients. There were no intraoperative or postoperative deaths and no significant complications. The authors' experience differs from the common perception that general anesthesia is too risky for aesthetic surgery procedures.     

The cocaine user: the potential problem patient for rhinoplasty

The current popularity of cocaine use poses special hazards for the patient and the plastic surgeon during rhinoplasty. It is incumbent upon the surgeon to inquire preoperatively about possible recreational use of cocaine. As the preferred site of cocaine administration, the nasal septal mucosa is exposed to both the intense vasoconstrictive action of cocaine and the irritative effects of numerous contaminating additives. Pathologic changes in the septal mucosa should be recognized by preoperative rhinoscopy and evaluated by biopsy. In this series of 13 patients, fewer than half were properly identified as cocaine users during the preoperative consultation. Preoperative rhinoscopic findings varied from grossly unremarkable septal mucosa to visible perforation and microscopic evidence of granulomas, inflammation, and necrosis. Surgical complications consisted of localized septal collapse, delayed mucosal healing, and inadequate correction of septal deflection. Submucous resection and septoplasty should be avoided in patients with a known history of intranasal cocaine application. Although rhinoplasty can be safely performed in selected patients with a history of cocaine use, it may be extremely limited, unfeasible, or hazardous in those with significant mucosal and cartilaginous impairment as well as in those patients who refuse or are unable to relinquish the drug.     

Managed care's attempts to capture aesthetic surgery

Managed care organizations recently have attempted to add aesthetic surgery to their line of available services. To better understand the challenges posed by these actions, all members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery were surveyed about managed care overtures to aesthetic plastic surgeons, their responses, and the likely responses of their patients. The goal was to examine both the supplier and consumer ends of the aesthetic surgery market to determine the likely effects of managed care's attempts to capture aesthetic surgery. A total of 632 plastic surgeons returned the surveys (response rate, 54.5 percent). Twenty-two percent reported being approached by managed care organizations about joining a panel of aesthetic surgeons. Approximately one-quarter of the plastic surgeons said they would participate in aesthetic surgery panels developed by managed care organizations. Characteristics significantly associated with willingness to participate were solo practice structure, a low percentage of practice revenues from aesthetic surgery, and a very competitive practice environment. Plastic surgeons believed that their colleagues would be even more willing to acquiesce to managed care aesthetic surgery; more than one-third said that 25 to 50 percent of their colleagues would join, and nearly one-third thought that more than half would participate. Plastic surgeons believed that many of their patients would also participate in managed care aesthetic surgery. Twenty-four percent thought that more than half of their patients would choose an aesthetic surgeon through their managed care organization if that organization developed a network for aesthetic surgery. This figure increased to almost 40 percent if the organization would deny coverage for complications resulting from nonpanel surgeons, and to 41 percent if the organization would offer price discounts. This survey shows that most plastic surgeons are against managed care aesthetic surgery. But it also shows that some plastic surgeons will participate, and that most plastic surgeons think many of their colleagues and patients will do likewise. This means that managed care organizations have the potential to make inroads in aesthetic surgery on both the supplier and consumer ends of the market. To prevent managed care from capturing aesthetic surgery, plastic surgeons must anticipate the likely business strategy of managed care. To this end, they must understand the steps involved in the creation of a new service business and offer organized countermeasures against each of them.     

Differences in breast shape preferences between plastic surgeons and patients seeking breast augmentation

There has been little discussion in the published literature regarding breast shape preferences. This study was conducted to ascertain previously undocumented differences in breast shape preferences between plastic surgeons and patients seeking breast augmentation, with respect to upper-pole contour. Sixty-six respondents, grouped into three cohort categories (plastic surgeons, breast augmentation patients, and lay people), were asked to evaluate a series of 12 nonptotic breast profiles representing a range of upper-pole contours. Five profiles exhibited convex upper-pole contours, five exhibited concave contours, and two exhibited upper poles with flat slopes. A five-point Likert-type scale was used to rate attractiveness, naturalness, how close the shape was to each respondent's personal ideal, and how close the shape was to what the respondent believed was our society's ideal. Statistical comparisons were made among the three cohorts. The plastic surgeon cohort (n = 11) rated concave upper-pole contours significantly higher than did the patient cohort (n = 13) for attractiveness, naturalness, and personal ideal (p < 0.01). For convex contours, the plastic surgeon cohort gave significantly lower scores than did the patient cohort (p < 0.01). The lay category (n = 42) demonstrated preferences intermediate between those of the other groups. There are no known studies in the literature documenting the breast shape preferences of plastic surgeons and their patients. This study suggests that plastic surgeons and patients seeking breast augmentation may have drastically different images in mind regarding what constitutes an attractive, natural, and ideal breast shape. These findings have potential implications for patient treatment and satisfaction.     

Total mandibular and lower lip reconstruction with a prefabricated osteocutaneous free flap.

Large, complex bony defects can be a vexing problem for the reconstructive surgeon, especially when standard donor sites are not available or do not provide sufficient tissue. Using the concept of flap prefabrication, we demonstrated in a single patient that (1) iliac crest bone chips and bone morphogenic protein in an alloplastic mandibular tray can ossify in a heterotopic location and (2) neovascularization sufficient to support a large, custom-designed bone graft occurs within a convenient "carrier" flap. Ultimately, the fields of angiogenesis and osteogenesis research could significantly contribute to the ability of the plastic surgeon to construct the "ideal" composite prefabricated flap for complicated reconstruction.     

Speech results after bilateral osteotomy surgery for cleft palate: a review of 413 patients

Patients records of those who had received the bilateral osteotomy surgical procedure for cleft palate were studied. There were 413 records available for review. Patients evaluated by a speech/language pathologist numbered 226. The other 137 patients were evaluated either by a school speech/language pathologist or by the plastic surgeon. An additional 50 records could not be used. Patients were 18 to 24 months through 35 years of age. The results revealed that 81.5 percent of the patients demonstrated normal or near normal resonance quality. Two additional positive aspects of the procedure are that the risk of postpuberty maxillary retrusion is reduced, and palatal length is increased. It is, however, a disadvantage that considerable training and experience are essential in order that the surgeon can successfully use the osteotomy. Based on a review of the literature and findings of this study, it appears that the speech results for bilateral osteotomy palate closure are comparable with and in some cases better than the results reported on smaller populations.