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The importance of nitric oxide in medicine

The harmful effects exerted upon living and injured tissues by free radicals have been explored since the 1980s. Now in 2021 the free radical nitric oxide (NO) is not just a figment of imagination; it is known as one of...

How developments in maxillofacial surgery have contributed to improved quality of life for patients

The patient perspective, functional outcomes and morbidity are key factors that influence ‘quality of life’ [1,2]. There are many examples of how developments in oral and maxillofacial surgery have improved the outcome and ‘quality of life’ for patients with head,...

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) for depression: A review of the mechanism of action and its potential place as an adjuvant treatment

BoNT is becoming a recognised efficient treatment for depression, endorsed by several disciplines including psychiatry. Clare Amrani examines the potential mechanism of action and explores the appropriate place of BoNT in the therapeutic armamentarium for depression. How did BoNT become...

Immediate versus delayed post mastectomy breast reconstruction

The authors review and analyse the current literature comparing the psychosocial outcomes of immediate versus delayed post mastectomy breast reconstruction. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women and has a lifetime incidence of one in nine. Mastectomy may...

Preferred upper / lower lip ratio and perception of naturally looking lips, a study across generations and genders

Introduction ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder’. Although it sounds true, most often some beauty patterns or preferences can be innate or intuitive [1]. When it comes to the ideal lips, how much of their features can be...

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...

Facial nerve palsy and Facial Palsy UK

The term facial palsy is most commonly used to describe a paralytic lower motor neurone (LMN) dysfunction of the facial nerve. Upper motor neurone facial palsy, for example due to strokes and intra-cranial tumours, spares the forehead muscles and will...

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...

Acid Survivors Trust International

The shocking acid attack on two British nationals in Zanzibar in August 2013 drew attention to a little known and under-reported form of interpersonal violence. Acid attack is a particularly vicious form of a premeditated assault, where acid is thrown,...

From PIP to DC-CIK to the Sorcerer’s Apprentice: a medico-political minefield

Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) was a French company that manufactured silicone breast implants that were surgically implanted mainly for cosmetic breast augmentation. Of note, ‘cosmetic’ is used in the strict sense of the word meaning false and artificial and does...

Lymphoedema surgical treatment: myths and facts

Lymphoedema is a common condition that has a major impact on quality of life. Surgical treatment can help affected patients and produce good results, but there is no consensus on which surgical procedure is the most effective. The authors review...