Clinical experience with polymethylmethacrylate microspheres (Artecoll) for soft-tissue augmentation: a retrospective review.

Objective: To evaluate patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes with soft-tissue augmentation using an injectable alloplast composed of polymethylmethacrylate microspheres 30 to 40 microm in diameter suspended in atelocollagen (3.5% collagen solution) (Artecoll; Artes Medical Inc, San Diego, California).

Design: A retrospective review of the literature and an evaluation of our clinical experience with Artecoll implantation for facial soft-tissue augmentation were performed.

Midface effects of the deep-plane vs the superficial musculoaponeurotic system plication face-lift.

Objective: To determine if there is any observable difference in the midface of patients who have undergone a deep-plane face-lift vs a standard superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) plication face-lift.

Design: Preoperative and postoperative photographs of 25 patients undergoing each type of face-lift were rated by 3 independent and blinded observers. A 7-point scale was used to grade improvement in 5 areas on the face and neck: malar eminence, melolabial fold, jowls, cervicomental angle, and anterior neck banding.

The M-Arch model: a new concept of nasal tip dynamics.

The M-Arch Model introduced herein expands on the utility and simplicity of the tripod concept to consider the overall length of the cartilaginous tripod arch as the major determinant of nasal tip parameters. Surgeons may exploit this powerful tool using modern grafting, suture, and cartilage-cutting techniques to predictably achieve desired tip alterations and, by extension, more consistently satisfactory aesthetic outcomes.

Review of nonablative laser resurfacing modalities.

Because of considerable morbidities and recovery time associated with CO2 laser resurfacing,many efforts are being made to discover a less ablative resurfacing modality. A thorough review of the literature demonstrates promising but less than ideal results for all of the currently used lasers. The clinical efficacy does not appear to be as significant as the histologic results that have been documented.

Management of an arteriovenous malformation.

Arteriovenous malformations represent a unique challenge to the facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Unlike other vascular anomalies, such as hemangiomas or capillary vascular malformations (or port-wine stains), true arteriovenous malformations are rare aberrations in vascular morphogenesis. Their rarity and high propensity toward bleeding and recurrence combined with the potential for life-threatening rupture may make the occasional surgeon who dares to resect these lesions rightfully less than intrepid in his endeavor.

Tissue response to expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and silicone implants in a rabbit model.

Background: Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and silicone are safe and relatively biocompatible materials.

Objective: To compare, using multiple histologic parameters, the tissue response to a standard silicone soft tissue implant with the response to a modified ePTFE implant. The modified form of ePTFE is reinforced with fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEPRePTFE), which provides increased pliability and material integrity.