Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Peter A Hilger.
Middle-aged men represent an emerging group expressing an interest in facial rejuvenation procedures. One must understand the complex differences in motivation, psychosocial factors, and aspects associated with anatomy and facial aging that are unique to men. To maximize postoperative results and increase patient satisfaction, the facial plastic surgeon must adjust perioperative management and surgical techniques when performing a male face-lift.
Lip augmentation has become increasingly popular in recent years as a reflection of cultural trends emphasizing youth and beauty. Techniques to enhance the appearance of the lips have evolved with advances in biotechnology. An understanding of lip anatomy and aesthetics forms the basis for successful results. We outline the pertinent anatomy and aesthetics of the preoperative evaluation. A summary of various filler materials available is provided. Augmentation options include both injectable and open surgical techniques. The procedures and materials currently favored by the authors are described in greater detail.
Several authors have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of titanium in orbital reconstruction. One question posed by clinicians is what happens to large pieces of titanium in communication with the paranasal sinuses or nasal-oral-pharyngeal area. This question becomes increasingly relevant as titanium is used to reconstruct extensive defects for which the destruction of bony architecture requires the placement of mesh in proximity to these areas. The objective of this study was to examine the gross and histologic soft-tissue response to large segments of titanium mesh in the setting of orbital and midface reconstruction, particularly when exposed to the nasal-oral-pharyngeal area and paranasal sinuses. In this study, large segments of titanium mesh were used in eight patients to reconstruct orbital and midface defects, with direct communication between the mesh and nasal-oral-pharyngeal area and paranasal sinuses. Four patients had suffered self-inflicted gunshot wounds; as a result, much of their midface was missing, including the inferior and medial orbital floor, maxilla, nose, naso-orbital-ethmoid complex, and hard palate. Extensive sheets of titanium mesh were used to reconstruct their medial and inferior orbital walls, nasal bridge, and maxilla. In the fifth patient, titanium mesh was used to reconstruct the maxilla after resection of a squamous cell carcinoma of the nasolacrimal duct. In the sixth and seventh patients, mesh was used to reconstruct the nasal bridge after severely comminuted nasal fractures resulted in the loss of bone and mucosa. Finally, the eighth patient had titanium mesh used to replace cocaine-induced bone loss involving the left medial orbital floor and wall and part of the maxilla. On gross examination by either endoscopy or direct inspection, all eight patients had rapid soft-tissue incorporation of the titanium mesh. Initial examination typically revealed budding of soft tissue through mesh interstices, followed by progressive incorporation. One patient's mesh was covered in only 15 days. Two patients underwent biopsies of this newly formed soft tissue. One had biopsies performed at 3, 15, and 31 months after the original operation. Biopsy examination at 3 months revealed incorporation of the titanium with fibrous soft tissue covered by ciliated respiratory epithelium, goblet cells, and squamous epithelium with metaplasia. In addition, the dense, acute inflammation present at 3 months evolved into mild, chronic inflammation at 31 months. The second patient had a single biopsy 4 months after secondary orbital reconstruction for delayed enophthalmos. Biopsy examination revealed a fibrous soft-tissue sheath lined by squamous epithelium with metaplasia. Again, mild chronic inflammation was present within the soft tissue. This study provides evidence of titanium's compatibility with soft tissue. The mesh underwent progressive incorporation with soft tissue that was then resurfaced by indigenous cells, including respiratory epithelia and goblet cells. This phenomenon occurred despite communication with the nasal-oral-pharyngeal area and paranasal sinuses.
OBJECTIVE: To report techniques successful for nasal columella reconstruction. METHODS: Retrospective medical chart review of patients undergoing columella reconstruction by 2 of us (D.A.S. and P.A.H.) from January 1, 1982, to December 31, 2000. Photographs before tumor resection or trauma, after resection or trauma, and after reconstruction were examined by facial plastic surgeons masked to the cases and were rated on a 10-cm visual analogue scale. RESULT: Sixteen patients were identified, most of whom had columellar defects repaired with forehead flaps, nasolabial flaps, or nasofacial sulcus flaps. The mean improvement on the 10-cm visual analogue scale was 2.0 from before tumor resection or trauma to after reconstruction, and 5.0 from tumor resection or trauma to after reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Skin grafts, composite grafts, and several flaps, including nasolabial, nasofacial sulcus, and forehead flaps, are useful in repairing defects of the nasal columella.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anatomic effects of the transnasal nasal "inside-out" lateral osteotomy in comparison to a continuous lateral osteotomy to widen the excessively narrow bony nasal pyramid. DESIGN: A series of 4 fresh cadavers were used. Lateral osteotomies were performed on each cadaver. On one side, a continuous lateral osteotomy was performed with a curved, guarded 4-mm osteotome. On the contralateral side, a straight 2-mm osteotome was used to perform the transnasal perforating inside-out lateral osteotomy. The soft tissue was then dissected off the nasal dorsum and the effects were noted. Specifically, the following factors were assessed: (1) the continuity of the internal and external periosteum; (2) any change, without manipulation, of the position of the lateral nasal walls; (3) the mobility of the fragments; and (4) the effect of any of the preceding factors on the nasal airway. RESULTS: All 4 cadavers showed identical results. The external and internal periostea were significantly disrupted on each of the sides with continuous osteotomies. The periosteum was completely preserved on the sides, which underwent inside-out lateral osteotomies, with the exception of the 3 or 4 holes created by the 2-mm osteotome. In each of the sides with continuous osteotomies, the lateral nasal wall was demonstrably unstable, as the segment was, to varying degrees, displaced inwardly. The inside-out lateral osteotomized segments were uniformly lateralized and stable to gentle palpation. Finally, these changes corresponded to a visible effect on the diameter of the nose in the region of the nasal valve. The inward displacement of the segments undergoing continuous osteotomies narrowed the airway. However, the contralateral inside-out osteotomized segments were lateralized, which widened the diameter of the valve. CONCLUSIONS: The inside-out lateral osteotomy is an effective technique for lateral repositioning of the bony lateral sidewall of the nose. It is reproducible and accurate and appears to provide greater preservation of the periosteal support of the bony segments than a continuous osteotomy. This technique provides a more predictable long-term result, with preservation and/or improvement of the nasal airway. The procedure is ideal for managing the bony nasal segment that needs lateralization, particularly in revision rhinoplasties or after trauma.
Preservation of the middle nasal vault has increasingly become a topic of interest and concern in rhinoplasty. Modification of the nasal dorsum with traditional techniques may create unfavorable cosmetic results and adverse functional sequelae due to collapse of the middle nasal vault. Nasal dorsal reduction invariably involves separating the upper lateral cartilage (ULC) attachments from the dorsal septum. A number of procedures are used to reestablish the width of the middle nasal vault and competence of the internal nasal valve. Spreader grafts are the most frequently used technique. Although these grafts reliably preserve the middle vault, dorsal irregularities may result. Alternative techniques, such as suture suspension of the ULCs to dorsal onlay grafts or direct suturing of the ULCs to the septum, may pose similar problems. We have found that a modification of the Skoog technique for dorsal hump reduction preserves both a favorable aesthetic contour of the middle nasal vault and proper function of the internal valve. This procedure involves removal of the osseocartilaginous dorsum en bloc. The nasal dorsum is further reduced; the removed portion of nasal dorsum is sculpted and then replaced anatomically. Once a favorable position is found for the native dorsal graft, the upper lateral cartilages are resuspended to the graft with suture fixation. The dorsal segment thus acts as a dorsal onlay spreader graft, reestablishing a natural dorsal contour and preserving the middle nasal vault. We can avoid osteotomies in patients with an appropriate preoperative width of their bony base while correcting the open roof with the replaced dorsal segment.