Abstract Hypertrophic scars are a significant fibroproliferative disorder complicating deep injuries to the skin. We hypothesize that activated deep dermal fibroblasts are subject to regulation by bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs), which leads to the development of excessive fibrosis following deep dermal injury. We found that the expression of fibrotic factors was higher in deep burn wounds compared with superficial burn wounds collected from burn patients with varying depth of skin injury. We characterized deep and superficial dermal fibroblasts, which were cultured from the deep and superficial dermal layers of normal uninjured skin obtained from abdominoplasty patients, and examined the paracrine effects of BM‐MSCs on the fibrotic activities of the cells. In vi...

(Source: Dermatologic Surgery)

A new, minimally invasive treatment that uses lasers to melt fat could replace the "tummy tuck," suggests research on more than 2,000 people presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology's 38th Annual Scientific Meeting in New Orleans. Without the risks of a surgical procedure (such as the tummy tuck) and when used in combination with standard liposuction, the fat-melting action of laser lipolysis, a minimally invasive treatment, has the added benefit of producing new collagen (collagen is the main protein that gives the skin its tone and texture)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: PCRX) have announced results from EXCLAIM, its Phase 4 prospective, observational study to assess the use of EXPAREL® (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension) for postsurgical analgesia in patients undergoing four common plastic surgery procedures. Patients who received EXPAREL following abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, breast reduction or a combination abdominoplasty/breast procedure reported low pain scores, high satisfaction with pain control and minimal opioid use... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

ConclusionsHigh‐intensity focused ultrasound treatment was well tolerated and safe. Focal damage to target tissue was documented, with adjacent tissues remaining intact. (Source: Dermatologic Surgery)

This article alerts plastic surgeons to potential complications patients who had any type of abdominal or pelvic laparoscopic or open surgery may encounter during liposuction or abdominoplasty. (Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery)

We report the cases of three patients who had incidental asymptomatic hernias diagnosed intra-operatively during abdominoplasty. All patients had previously undergone laparoscopic procedures and two had subsequent massive weight loss. Routine pre-operative clinical examination may not identify a small trocar related hernia. Prior knowledge of such hernias would aid in operative planning and reduce the risk of potential complications. (Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery)

CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine hasn't influenced the swollen process, the fibroblast proliferation, the presence of collagen, neither the epithelialization. The neovascularization showed cicatricial immaturity when comparing group A2 to group B2. The eosinophils in the scars repaired with glue showed that the substance has acted as an allergen. PMID: 23207752 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Acta Cirurgica Brasileira)

In this review, we illustrate the spectrum of imaging features after plastic surgical procedures including transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, deep inferior epigastric perforators flap, latissimus dorsi flap, liposuction, abdominoplasty, and buttocks augmentation. Examples of complications, including seromas, abscesses, fat necrosis, abdominal hernia, and flap necrosis, will also be discussed. (Source: Clinical Radiology)

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Looking for an affordable face lift without breaking the bank? Want to combine a tummy tuck with two weeks in the sun? You're not alone. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Conclusions  We believe that the change in posture following abdominoplasty is a consequence of both surgery (changes in body masses) and psychological factors that influence posture. Indeed, redundant abdominal skin and abdominal muscular anterior wall weakness are often associated with kyphosis since patients try to hide what they consider to be a source of embarrassment. The discovery of a new body image eliminates dissatisfaction, reduces anxiety and increases self-esteem, which provide psychological and physical benefits that improve the quality of life. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s10029-012-1015-1Authors M. Mazzocchi, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Perugia, Via Portuense 331, 00149 Rome, ItalyL. A. ...

Tummy tuck and ancient cathedrals. Face lifts and renaissance castles. Nose jobs and thermal waters. Breast enhancement and breathtaking views. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)

Summary: Background: Seroma formation is a common postoperative complication following many surgical procedures including abdominoplasty. Recently, a lysine-derived urethane (LDU) surgical adhesive was shown to prevent seroma formation in short term studies in a canine model of abdominoplasty. This current study evaluates efficacy of the adhesive (TissuGlu®, Cohera Medical, Inc.) in the same model at longer time points, and examines the histological tissue response to extended exposure to the adhesive.Materials and methods: Bilateral subcutaneous pockets were created in the ventrolateral abdominal wall and additional tissue damage was inflicted using electrocautery. On one side, the tissue layers were treated with the adhesive prior to closure, whereas the control side received no treatme...

A quarter of a million Britons suffer from lymphoedema — swelling in the arms or legs. Trisha Meredith was one of the first to undergo a new procedure to combat it. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Conclusion: This study strongly suggests that the menstrual period does not affect perioperative blood loss for operations on areas less sensitive to sex hormone levels such as the abdomen. In light of the results, we can conclude that the patient's menstrual date is not of vital importance regarding perioperative blood loss when planning surgery for areas with less sensitivity to menstrual hormonal changes. (Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery)

Conclusions  Abdominoplasty had the highest “worth it” rating among aesthetic surgical procedures. Aesthetic surgeons should be wary that satisfaction scores reported in the literature might not correlate with commonly achieved results. Social media has opened a new door into how procedures are evaluated and perceived. Level of Evidence III  This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the table of contents or the online instructions to authors www.springer.com/00266. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s00266-012-9977-zAuthors Mark C. Domanski, Department of Surgery, Washington Adventist Hosp...

Conclusions  The results of this study demonstrate an increase of bleeding during the intraoperative period of abdominoplasty in patients with a history of gastroplasty that it is not due to changes in hemostasis. Level of Evidence IV  This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00266-012-9976-0Authors Luís Ricardo Martinhão Souto, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), Av. Rio Branco, 1132, Cj. 41, Alto Cafezal, Marília, SP 17502-000, BrazilElinton Ad...

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Oct. 1, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With rising rates of morbid obesity, the number of bariatric surgery procedures is likely to increase as well, reports a paper in the October issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery(r), the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Because of their role in dealing with aesthetic problems after massive weight loss, plastic surgeons must understand the principles and expected benefits of bariatric surgery procedures--as well as the characteristics and potential medical risks of patients undergoing these procedures, according to the new review by Drs. Bruce Wolfe and Erin Gilbert of Oregon Health and Science University, Portland. Rising Rates of Obesity Lead to Increases in Bariatric Surgery...

Barring massive weight gain, fat does not regrow following liposuction and abdominoplasty, according to the results of a new study that counters previous research. (Source: Modern Medicine)

There have been various refinements in abdominoplasty techniques. These have primarily been aimed at reducing the scar, giving a better contour to the abdomen and restoring a youthful appearance. One of the problems with the traditional abdominoplasty incisions is the long length of the scar. The discrepancy in the length of the upper and lower incisions while performing dermolipectomy is the prime reason for the dog ear at the lateral end of the incision. This resultant dog ear at the lateral end necessitates increasing the length of the scar to correct it. (Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery)

Conclusion  This case series has quantitative limitations and further investigations are needed. However, this study suggests that inverted-Y abdominoplasty could be a good compromise between the need to minimize complication rates and ensure an optimum aesthetic result and patient satisfaction rate in some abdominal defects in massive-weight-loss patients. Level of Evidence IV  This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00266-012-9956-4Authors Roberto Bracaglia, Department of...

Conclusions  The surgical approach to laparoscopic colectomy in the post-abdominoplasty patient requires careful planning. Cosmetic outcome is a particularly important consideration for this subset of patients, and this should be appreciated by the operating surgeon. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Technical NotePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s10151-012-0875-9Authors S. Atallah, Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL, USAM. Albert, Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL, USAO. Felix, Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL, USAS. Izfar, Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL, USAT. deBeche-Adams, Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL, USAS. Larach, Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL, USA Journal Techniques in ColoproctologyOnline ISSN 1128-045XPrint ISSN 1123-6337 (Source: Techniques in Coloproctology)

Doctor allegedly performed procedures, wrote prescriptions for employees, friends and family members in exchange for money, chores (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Body contouring continues to be a mainstay procedure performed by plastic surgeons, with an annual rate exceeding 52,000 in 2010, an increase of 6% from the preceding year. After massive amounts of weight loss and gastric banding procedures, the previously expanded skin envelope becomes deflated, resulting in the common stigmata of the massive-weight−loss patient. Frequently, patients are troubled by this excess skin and subcutaneous tissue, as it can cause discomfort and hygiene problems, in addition to being aesthetically displeasing. Adjustable gastric banding with a subcutaneous port has been demonstrated to be a safe and efficacious procedure providing decreased hunger when filled, and has resulted in an abundance of patients with these complaints. The gastric band adjustment port i...

Authors: Raulo C, Samama CM, Benhamou D, Jeandel T Abstract SUBJECT: Thromboembolic accidents are a frightening complication of plastic and aesthetic surgery. The absence of recommendations for professional practices for the prevention of such accidents justified this work. The therapeutic practices of the surgeons were analysed and the results were then compared with those of the international literature. The analysis by a group of experts made it possible to establish recommendations for professional practices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This work consisted in collecting, retrospectively, the therapeutic practices and the complications of 440 surgeons, concerning four types of interventions (abdominoplasty, mammoplasty, abdominal lift and liposuction), from 2006 to 2008, i.e., app...