Reduction of postoperative bruising and swelling

This is a review of 27 patients undergoing periocular surgery who postoperatively applied hydrogel pads impregnated with Arnica montana and Ledum palustre (Ocumend, Cearna inc., Chicago). The pads were used continuously for the first two postoperative days, changing them every...

Selection of full thickness skin graft donor site influences extent of contraction

Full thickness skin grafts (FTSG) remain a standard reconstructive option in burns surgery, resulting in lesser secondary contracture and improved cosmesis compared to split skin grafts. Although the recipient site is known to influence contraction, the role of the donor...

Bad splits

This is a meta-analysis of reported risk factors of a ‘bad split’ in a sagittal split mandibular osteotomy. They identified 30 observational articles and therefore acknowledged it is based on low quality studies. It is compounded by the definition of...

Money saving using CAD-CAM in mandibular reconstruction

Computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) are an exciting dimension in the functional and accurate reconstruction of the oral cavity. The fibula is commonly used for mandibular reconstruction as a free flap. This straight bone needs to be...

Retroauricular vs. inguinal donor site for full-thickness skin grafts in syndactyly repair

Most surgeons recommend the use of full thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) for syndactyly repair in order to achieve a tension free reconstruction and prevent web creep. The inguinal region, cubital fossa and wrist are all well recognised donor sites for...

CAD/CAM assisted mandibular reconstruction free hand: is there a difference?

The gold standard for the reconstruction of the mandible is a free bony flap, the fibula is commonly used. The fibula is a straight bone and indeed all the other donor sites present various other considerations and difficulties, to allow...

A modification of the crescentic flap for nasal skin reconstruction

Non melanoma skin cancers are the most frequent malignant skin tumours and in over 25% of cases affect the nose. Following excision, the reconstruction can be challenging. The nasal complex has adjacent concave and convex surfaces, minimal laxity and nasal...

Treatment of low-risk basal cell carcinoma and actinic

The first paper of this topic explored skin cancer recognition, patient education and sun safety. The second part focused on practical guidance for aesthetic nurses, should a patient present with a suspicious skin lesion. The author maintains that aesthetic nurses...

Psychosocial impact of otoplasty

This paper examines the impact of otoplasty on quality of life. Eighty-one patients who underwent otoplasty were evaluated using questionnaires. They were divided into three age groups: Youth 1 (Y1) = 8-12 years (n = 17), Youth 2 (Y2) =...

Three-dimensional visualisation of the human face using DICOM data

This is an extended case report and something I would not normally review for the purposes of PMFA News. However, we should welcome innovation and use of simple technologies to potentially improve clinical care. This study describes the use of...

Nanotechnology and regenerative therapeutics in plastic surgery

This review is focussed on how novel nanotech therapeutics can apply to modern plastic surgery. The review does not pose a specific question and, therefore, does not base the review on a particular hypothesis to whether nanotech carries an evidence...

An overview of microsurgical reconstruction of the head and neck worldwide

Microsurgical reconstruction is an integral part of the treatment following ablation for malignancy or trauma. Currently there are no clear treatment guidelines following tumour resection. This was recognised a few years ago and in 2008 various collaborative groups were founded...