Faculty Bibliography

A retrospective analysis of data on 307 patients was made. The incidence of firmness in breasts augmented by saline-filled prostheses was compared to the incidence in breasts augmented by gel-filled prostheses. A statistically significant lower rate of constricting capsule formation was found in the saline-inflated group

The author describes a three-stage reconstruction for the patient with C5-C6 tetraplegia who has powerful wrist extensors and median sensibility. This procedure gives maximum utilization to the remaining four functional muscles. Triceps substitution by a posterior deltoid transfer is an excellent adjunctive procedure

Congenital lipomatosis of the face is characterized by collections of nonencapsulated, mature lipocytes which infiltrate local tissues and tend to recur after surgery. These lesions represent a distinct clinicopathologic entity that has not been previously reported in this location in children. Three children with congenital lipomatosis of the face were treated at the Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery over a 2- to 14-year follow-up period. In each instance, pathologic evaluation by light and electron microscopy revealed similar lesions sharing the following morphologic criteria: (1) nonencapsulated tumors containing mature fat cells, (2) infiltration of adjacent muscle and soft tissue, (3) absence of malignant characteristics, (4) absence of lipoblasts, (5) presence of fibrous elements in conjunction with increased numbers of nerve bundles and vessels, and (6) hypertrophy of subjacent bone. All three lesions recurred after numerous excisions, some of which were extensive. All were benign by histologic examination and remained so for as long as 14 years. Surgical treatment improved the aesthetic appearance of each child despite evidence of tumor persistence. Although these tumors are benign, we recommend an early aggressive surgical approach to control the infiltrative nature of their growth and to improve facial appearance

Fifteen patients with paralysis of the 7th and 5th nerves or the 7th nerve alone were treated with an encircling silicone prosthesis. There has been no serious ocular complication observed over the last 3 years. The prosthesis has been removed in 9 of the 15 patients in whom good 7th nerve recovery has occurred. In the remaining 6 patients, the prosthesis is being well tolerated