Navigating the Pandemic: Shifts in Breast Reconstruction Trends and Surgical Decision-Making in the United States.

: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast reconstruction trends in the United States, focusing on implant-based and autologous techniques, as well as the timing of reconstruction (immediate vs. delayed). : A retrospective analysis of data from 2015 to 2022 from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' National Plastic Surgery Statistics was conducted.

Legal analysis of South Korean cosmetic filler litigations for safer medical practices.

Cosmetic filler injections have gained popularity in recent years, but the rise in complications has led to an increase in legal disputes. This study analyzes civil court rulings related to cosmetic filler injection lawsuits in South Korea from 2007 to 2023. A retrospective case analysis was performed using a systematic database search, and a mixed-methods approach was employed for data analysis.

The relationship of human acellular dermal matrix thickness on complication rate and patient-reported outcomes in implant-based immediate breast reconstruction.

Background: As it can be said that prosthetic breast reconstruction has been increased by the use of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs), ADMs are widely used in implant reconstruction. A large variety types of ADMs are now produced, but there is a paucity of data comparing the ADM products directly. We evaluated the effects of ADM thickness on complication rates and patient satisfaction after dual-plane subpectoral ADM-assisted implant breast reconstruction.

A Comparative Analysis between Subpectoral versus Prepectoral Single Stage Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction.

Until now subpectoral breast reconstruction (SBR) has been the predominant form; however, it can present with pectoralis muscle contraction and animation deformity. To avoid these complications, surgeons have begun placing breast implants in the same anatomic space as the breast tissue that was removed. We report a comparative analysis of prepectoral breast reconstruction (PBR) versus subpectoral breast reconstruction to analyze their differences.

Funnel usefulness in direct-to-implant breast reconstruction using periareolar incision with prepectoral implant placement and complete coverage with acellular dermal matrix.

Background: The funnel has been used in esthetic breast surgery that requires a small incision. Recent advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques have led to more cases of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) through periareolar incision. However, prepectoral implant placement and complete coverage with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is almost impossible with the periareolar approach.

The influence of contralateral breast augmentation on the development of complications in direct-to-implant breast reconstruction.

Background: Simultaneous contralateral augmentation in direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction may increase the risk of skin flap necrosis on the reconstruction side due to increased tension on the skin flap when implants are larger than the original breast size. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the contralateral augmentation procedure affects complications in unilateral DTI breast reconstruction.

Methods: Patients who underwent immediate unilateral DTI breast reconstruction from January 2013 to July 2017 were included in this study.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy through periareolar incision with immediate reconstruction.

Purpose: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) has become increasingly popular due to improved cosmesis without compromising oncologic safety. Radial and inframammary incisions are usually used to achieve NSM, with periareolar incisions usually being avoided because of the risk to nipple-areola complex viability. In an attempt to maximize esthetic effects, we performed NSM through periareolar incision with immediate reconstruction.

Is the "ghost surgery" the subject of legal punishment in Korea?

Purpose: Recently a controversy has arisen about so-called "ghost surgery" practices, and people have voiced their opinions for legal sanction against such practices, which clearly undermine the foundation of medical ethics. However, there has been a lack of legal basis for punishing those actions. The present study aims to examine which pre-existing legal provisions could be applied to regulate ghost surgery.

Judicial Precedent-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines of Propofol in Sedative Esthetic Surgery.

Background: Propofol is has been widely used for sedation in the field of esthetic surgery because of its favorable pharmacokinetic profile. Propofol sedation-induced side effects are rare. However, when present, they can be serious.

Effect of Human Placental Extract Treatment on Random-Pattern Skin Flap Survival in Rats.

: Human placental extract (HPE), prepared from the placentas of healthy, postpartum females, displays various physiological activities, including antioxidative properties. In this study, a dorsal skin flap model was used to investigate the effect of HPE on flap viability in rats. : Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent random-pattern skin flap surgeries.

The Effect of Botulinum Toxin on an Iatrogenic Sialo-Cutaneous Fistula.

A sialo-cutaneous fistula is a communication between the skin and a salivary gland or duct discharging saliva. Trauma and iatrogenic complications are the most common causes of this condition. Treatments include aspiration, compression, and the administration of systemic anticholinergics; however, their effects are transient and unsatisfactory in most cases.

Analysis of the Legal Effect of Settlement Agreements Prepared in Medical Litigation Following Plastic Surgery in Korea.

Background: Settlements between doctors and patients provide a solution to complicated disputes. However, some disputes may be renewed as a result of negligence by both parties. The purpose of this study was to review the legal issues that may potentially arise during the preparation of settlement agreements and to propose a list of requirements for ensuring the effectiveness of these settlement agreements.

Legal issues related to postoperative pulmonary thromboembolism in Korea.

Purpose: Currently, development of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) after surgery is frequently being followed by legal action in Korea, as consequences may be fatal. In the current study, we assessed possible countermeasures that medical teams can take when faced with conflicting opinions on responsibility for PTE.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of claims handled by the Supreme Court and subordinate courts, from 1999 to 2015, was performed.

Analysis of Malpractice Claims Associated with Surgical Site Infection in the Field of Plastic Surgery.

Postoperative infections are rare after plastic surgery; however, when present, they can affect the aesthetic outcome. Currently, many malpractice lawsuits are associated with surgical site infection. The present study aimed to analyze malpractice claims associated with surgical site infection in the field of plastic surgery through a review of Korean precedents.

Informed Consent as a Litigation Strategy in the Field of Aesthetic Surgery: An Analysis Based on Court Precedents.

Background: In an increasing number of lawsuits doctors lose, despite providing preoperative patient education, because of failure to prove informed consent. We analyzed judicial precedents associated with insufficient informed consent to identify judicial factors and trends related to aesthetic surgery medical litigation.

Methods: We collected data from civil trials between 1995 and 2015 that were related to aesthetic surgery and resulted in findings of insufficient informed consent.

Effects of neodymium-yttrium-aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) pulsed high-intensity laser therapy on full thickness wound healing in an experimental animal model.

Objective: Wound healing can be aided by the use of low- and medium-intensity lasers. The use of pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) with a 1064-nm wavelength laser provides deeper and more efficient penetration into tissue as it is being less absorbed by chromophores in tissue, e.g.

A Legal Analysis of the Precedents of Medical Disputes in the Cosmetic Surgery Field.

Background: Disputes regarding medical malpractice occur between practitioners and patients. As patients have become increasingly aware regarding medical care, an increase in the unexpected side effects of procedures has been observed, thereby leading to an increase in disputes regarding medical malpractice. In this study, we reviewed trends in precedents involving cosmetic surgery-related medical disputes, with the goal of helping to prevent unnecessary disputes in the future.

The Legal Doctrine on 'Limitation of Liability' in the Precedent Analysis on Plastic Surgery Medical Malpractice Lawsuits.

This study intended to review the precedents on plastic surgery medical malpractice lawsuits in lower-court trials, classify the reasons of 'limitation of liability' by type, and suggest a standard in the acknowledgement of limitation of liability ratio. The 30 lower-court's rulings on the cases bearing the medical negligence of the defendants acknowledged the liability ratio of the defendants between 30% and 100%. Ten cases ruled that the defendants were wholly responsible for the negligence or malpractice, while 20 cases acknowledged the limitation of liability principle.

Unusual Bilateral Impalement Injury with Rusted Iron Bars on Face and Neck.

Impalement injury is the subset of penetrating trauma, defined as fixed, elongated objects penetrate and remain in the human body cavity or region by relatively low velocity. We report an unusual case of facial and neck impalement where two dirty rusted iron bars penetrated forehead bilaterally and exited neck and ear respectively without causing major organ injuries. After thorough radiologic and physical evaluation, the patient got medical and surgical treatment.