Non-pathogenic microflora of a spring water with regenerative properties.

The Comano spring water (Comano, Italy) has been demonstrated to improve skin regeneration, not only by increasing keratinocyte proliferation and migration, but also by modulating the regenerated collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis. However, such biological properties may not be entirely explained by its mineral composition only. As the non-pathogenic bacterial populations have demonstrated an active role in different biological processes, the potential presence of non-pathogenic bacterial species within the Comano spring water was investigated in order to identify any possible correlation between these bacterial populations and the demonstrated biological properties of this water.

Long term assessment of intralipotherapy in Madelung's disease.

Madelung's disease is characterised by multiple symmetric abnormal fat masses in the head, neck and upper limbs. Surgical excision or liposuction is the only realistic available option, although palliative in nature. The serial intralipotherapy with phosphatidylcholine/deoxycholate has been proposed as a non-invasive treatment of Madelung's disease.

Sites of Basal cell carcinomas and head and neck congenital clefts: topographic correlation.

Background: The embryologic fusion planes might be related with the sites of onset of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), thus supporting an embryologic role for its pathogenesis.

Methods: A study involving 495 patients with 627 BCCs of the head and neck was carried out over a period of 5 years by correlating the distribution of all BCCs with the sites of congenital clefts of the head and neck using (1) the original anatomic diagram of the Tessier classification of craniofacial clefts, (2) the anatomic diagram by Moore et al featuring the paths of the "hairline indicators" of craniofacial clefts that represent the cranial extensions of the Tessier classification, and (3) an anatomical diagram featuring the sites of congenital clefts of the neck.

Results: The proportion of BCCs localized within a cleft site was significantly higher than those in the noncleft sites.

Long-term in vivo assessment of bioengineered skin substitutes: a clinical study.

The aim of the study was an objective in vivo assessment of skin properties after reconstruction with two artificial dermal substitutes, Integra® and Hyalomatrix®. Twenty-seven patients underwent reconstruction of 36 skin-loss sites with full-thickness skin graft, split-thickness skin graft, Hyalomatrix® bioengineered skin substitute and sequential split-thickness skin graft and Integra® bioengineered skin substitute and sequential split-thickness skin graft. Objective assessments were carried out using three instrumental devices: Multi Probe Adapter System MPA; 22 MHz ultrasound skin scan; and Primos Pico for a three-dimensional (3D) skin scan.

Lipofilling for functional reconstruction of the sole of the foot.

Background: New advances in regenerative surgery may increase the potential for rehabilitation in the injured foot.

Objectives: A clinical prospective observational study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of lipofilling to improve the functional recovery of the injured foot.

Methods: Four patients with anatomical-functional impairment following repair of post-traumatic soft tissue loss of the foot were involved in the study.

The role of rehabilitative camouflage after cervicofacial reconstructive surgery: a preliminary study.

A randomized, prospective, controlled study was carried out at the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit of the University of Pavia, Salvatore Maugeri Research and Care Institute, Pavia, Italy, to evaluate the psychological benefits from corrective medical camouflage (CMC) following surgical treatment for skin cancer of the face. Twenty-four female patients, following recovery from facial skin cancer surgery, were enrolled in the study over a period of 1 year. The study was performed using two health-related quality of life tests, the Satisfaction Profile (SAT-P) test and the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT).

Refinements in brow reconstruction: synergy between plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine.

Objective: The purpose of this study was the introduction in clinical practice of the combined application of traditional reconstructive surgery and intense pulsed light (IPL) for the restoration of a post-traumatic eyebrow defect.

Case: The authors present a case of surgical eyebrow reconstruction with an axial temporal hair-bearing scalp island flap. A persistent localized erythema and a marked difference in hair density in comparison with the contralateral one harmed the eventual surgical outcome.