The evolution of the brow lift in aesthetic plastic surgery

For nearly 100 years, aesthetic improvement of the aging face has included surgical elevation of the brow. Early attempts to correct brow ptosis were largely unsuccessful. Recognizing the need to modify the frown muscles heralded the achievement of results previously unobtainable. Within the past decade, the minimal incision approach to brow lifting afforded with the endoscope radically changed surgical options in forehead rejuvenation. Further advances have added to these options and have provided a palette of alternatives in aesthetic correction of the upper one-third of the aging face.     

Evaluating rejuvenation of the forehead and brow: an algorithm for selecting the appropriate technique

The traditional reason for performing aesthetic surgery in the forehead and brow area has been to correct brow ptosis. However, there are several other conditions that may be improved by surgery in this area, including frown muscle imbalance, transverse forehead rhytids, and lateral brow laxity. Recently, a better understanding of the relevant anatomy and the evolving therapeutic modalities (including both open and closed techniques) have contributed to a renewed interest in aesthetic surgery in the forehead and brow area. One hundred consecutive patients were studied, each of whom underwent forehead rejuvenation for one of four indications-forehead rhytids, glabellar creases, lateral brow laxity, or brow ptosis. Thirty-eight percent of patients underwent open procedures, 30 percent underwent closed procedures, and 32 percent underwent limited procedures. Complications occurred in 4 percent of patients, including three patients who were dissatisfied with the surgery and one patient who required scar revision. Based on our findings, we formulated an algorithm that integrates the different indications and any concomitant procedures being performed. Our proposed treatment plan is based on this information. The algorithm may be used as a template when assessing a patient and adapting the recommended intervention to the individual patient.     

The carbon dioxide laser: an alternative surgery technique for the treatment of common cutaneous tumors in dogs

Background

Tumors of the skin and subcutaneous tissue are the largest group of canine neoplasms. Total excision is still the most effective method for treatment of these skin tumors. For its universal properties the carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser appears to be an excellent surgical instrument in veterinary surgery. Laser techniques are alternatives to traditional methods for the surgical management of tumors. The aim of this study was to compare various types of laser techniques in skin oncologic surgery: excision, ablation and mixed technique and to suggest which technique of CO₂ laser procedure is the most useful in particular case of tumors in dogs.

Findings

The study was performed on 38 privately-owned dogs with total number of 40 skin tumors of different type removed by various CO₂ laser operation techniques from 2010–2013. The treatment effect was based on the surgical wound evaluation, the relative time of healing and possible local recurrence of the tumor after 3 months post surgery. Local recurrence was observed in two cases. The study showed that in 30 cases time needed for complete resection of lesions was less than 10 minutes. Time of healing was longer than 12 days in 6 cases (42.8%) with tumor excision and in 14 cases (87.5%) where excision with ablation technique was performed.

Conclusions

The advantages of the CO₂ laser surgery were better hemostasis, precision of working, non-contact dissection, less instruments at the site of operation and minimum traumatization of the surrounding tissues.     

Borderline ovarian tumors: a review of treatment.

Borderline ovarian tumors have an excellent prognosis. In stage I disease, no therapy in addition to surgery is needed, and conservation of ovarian tissue for future childbearing may be appropriate. In advanced stages, the use of adjuvant therapy has not consistently led to cures, and complications have been reported. A randomized study of no adjuvant therapy versus adjuvant treatment with long-term follow-up will be necessary to determine the efficacy of additional treatment.     

The aesthetic unit dorsal nasal flap: rationale for avoiding a glabellar incision.

The dorsal nasal flap was first introduced by Rieger in 1967. Since that time, it has proven reliable in the coverage of dorsal nasal soft-tissue defects; however, the glabellar component of the flap can leave a conspicuous scar and/or a contracture band. The authors present their experience with 48 patients who had an aesthetic unit dorsal nasal flap and their technique of incisional interface resurfacing, which obviates the need for the glabellar component. Objective independent assessment of the outcomes revealed overall excellent results, with no flap loss, hematoma, or dehiscence. Two cases of contour deformity were noted in male patients with preexisting rhinophyma in the area of the reconstruction. These design modifications enhance the aesthetic result and simplify the use of this flap in dorsal nasal reconstruction.     

An improved technique for making permanent slide cultures of fungi

A double-over-glass technique used for preparing permanent slides of marine fungal spores is herein adapted to the standard slide culture technique. Fungal slide cultures made by this new method will last indefinitely.     

Comparison of the efficacy of slide/tape and cine-loop as teaching aids for a microbiological technique

The efficacy of slide/tape and cine-loop presentations in teaching a simple manipulative skill in micro-biology were compared in a population of first-year undergraduate students in Life Sciences. No difference could be found between the two techniques. Students whose first language was not English were at a disadvantage in comparison with others even when language did not appear to be a component of the teaching technique.     

The stuck slide: how to unstick it.

A longitudinally folded 3 x 5 card or similar-sized stiff piece of paper can be used to release a slide stuck in a carousel without removing the carousel or its locking ring.     

The use of a slide spinner in the analysis of cell dispersion.

A simple and reliable method of determining the degree of dispersion of a cell suspension has been developed using the Perkin-Elmer Uni-Smear Spinner. Optimum conditions regarding rate and duration of spin, etc., were first ascertained using dispersed cell cultures including human cervical cancer cells as well as gynecologic samples. After spinning, single cells in suspension appeared as isolated cells on the slides. Cell aggregates, on the other hand, remained together. Therefore, the distribution of cells in various sized aggregates could be easily quantitated and the slides retained for future review. This method was used to evaluate the dispersing effects of trypsin, ethylenediaminetetraacetate and and syringing human on human gynecology samples obtained by routine cervical scrapes. None of the dispersion methods has, so far, produced an adequate monodispersed cell suspension without unacceptable cell loss.     

Correction of lateral brow ptosis: a nonendoscopic subgaleal approach

The authors present their experience with a relatively uncomplicated, rapid technique for elevation of the lateral eyebrow and a simultaneous correction of eyelid hooding that is secondary to the descent of the eyebrow. The procedure is designed for all patients requiring lateral brow elevation, either separately or in combination with other procedures. The authors describe and illustrate their technique.     

Laser immunotherapy: a novel treatment modality for metastatic tumors

Laser immunotherapy is a novel approach for the treatment of metastatic tumors. It combines a selective photothermal laser-tissue interaction for direct tumor destruction and an immunoadjuvant-directed simulation for immune responses. In experiments using a rat metastatic tumor model, laser immunotherapy resulted in the eradication of both treated primary tumors and untreated metastases at remote sites. It also induced anti-tumor resistance.