Management of skin grafts using negative pressure therapy: the effect of varied pressure on skin graft incorporation.

Introduction: Optimal pressure settings have been suggested in the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in wound dressings. When used as a bolster for skin grafting, an NPWT setting of 125 mm Hg was initially suggested, but not validated through studies. The objective of this study is to report findings on the effect of varied pressure settings on the incorporation of split thickness skin grafts when using an NPWT bolster.

Operative techniques in Asian rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty in patients of Asian descent presents a different set of challenges for rhinoplasty surgeons. Most Asian noses are characterized by a thick skin envelope, low radix and dorsum, bulbous tip, weak lower lateral cartilages, and a short columella. In this article, the authors describe an autogenous approach to Asian rhinoplasty that achieves aesthetic results comparable to the use of silicone implants without the associated risks observed with alloplastic implants.

Dermabrasion.

This review presents skin anatomy, dermabraders, indications for dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, and dermabrasion techniques for the face, along with potential complications. Dermabrasion is a minimally invasive technique used for skin resurfacing. Its applications include treatment of rhytids, abnormal scarring, and premalignant lesions.

Use of free tissue transfers in head and neck reconstruction.

More than 20 different free flaps have been described for head and neck reconstruction including fibula, iliac crest, scapula, radial forearm, rectus abdominis, anterolateral thigh, latissimus dorsi, and jejunum (Head Neck. 2004;26:930). The high success rate and improved functional outcomes seen with free-tissue transfers have made them the workhorse for oromandibular defects (Plast Reconstr Surg.