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Medicinal leech therapy in plastic surgery

The medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) has played a role in treating illness for over 3500 years [1]. It has survived rapid paradigm shifts in medical sciences and knowledge. In Ancient Rome, the use of leeches for bloodletting was propagated by...

Laser tattoo removal: results and issues

The term tattoo indicates both the technique for pictorial decoration on a person’s body [1], and the decoration produced by such a technique. Studies show that in the United States around 5-6% of the general population, 13% of adolescents, 19-35%...

Lasers and the skin

Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers have revolutionised the treatment of many skin conditions and are being used both in terms of a medical and an aesthetic context. Laser technology has been advancing...

2nd Chance: reconstructive surgery for life reconstruction

Many populations throughout the developing world have no access to the specialist healthcare needed by patients who have suffered severe burns, war injuries or congenital disorders. The specialties of plastic and maxillofacial surgery can make a vital contribution and PMFA...

Hair removal: a summary of techniques with a particular emphasis on the importance and versatility of electrolysis

Background and causes of excess or unwanted hair The management of unwanted body and facial hair has been a constant challenge for the human species since the dawn of human culture in the Neolithic era. Of note this was the...

The role of angiogenesis in wound healing, scarring and tissue regeneration

In the UK alone there are 175,000 people who visit Accident & Emergency departments with burns each year. This results in around 13,000 hospital admissions, of which 1000 are due to severe burns [1]. Over half of these admissions are...

From female genital mutilation to female genital reconstruction

The demand for reconstruction of mutilated female genitalia is increasing in Europe due to the empowerment of immigrant and naturalised women from Africa. Their wish for reconstruction is more than a matter of surgery, as these women still have to...

The role of maxillomandibular advancement surgery in obstructive sleep apnoea

Facial surgery for the correction of acquired or developmental skeletal and occlusal abnormalities has been practised within the scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) for several decades. OMFS surgeons have an understanding of the influence of skeletal movements on...

The uses of BTX-A in maxillofacial surgery

Botulinum toxin type A has many uses in maxillofacial surgery. This article will cover its uses in the treatment of Frey’s syndrome, myofascial pain, masseteric muscle hypertrophy and sialorrhoea. Other uses relevant to maxillofacial practice but not covered in this...

Non-surgical lip enhancement: systematic preoperative assessment

Detailed knowledge of the anatomy is important prior to any surgical or non-surgical intervention in this complex area. Dr Samizadeh takes us through her pre-procedure analysis. The most frequent location for faciaaestheticl volumising procedures is reported to be the lips...

Genioplasty

With the chin playing a vital part in facial harmony, genioplasty can have a hugely positive impact on patients’ self-esteem and quality of life. The authors share their expertise in the optimal techniques when performing an osseous genioplasty. The perception...

Acid attacks: part 1

In the first of a two-part series, Andrew Burd takes us through the background to the development of his protocol for the acute management of chemical assault burns (see Part 2 here). I have maintained a long-term interest in how...