Journal Reviews archive for February 2015
Comparison of petrolatum gel with silver sulfadiazine dressings in small superficial burns
This was a randomised controlled trial set up in a single burns centre in Manila in the Philippines. Inclusion criteria were superficial burns not requiring skin grafting, and up to 10% total body surface area in young, fit adults between...
Hey look! Smaller arms and no scars...
The author of this chapter presents his experience of arm reduction leaving a scar in the axilla only; minimal incision brachioplasty (MIB). The technique is a modification of the Pollack technique to treat axillary hydradenitis. It is suitable for patients...
Body contouring surgery: Use common sense!
This informative article, which kicks off this excellent edition of Clinics in Plastic Surgery, provides a sensible and balanced review of when, why and what to do with the massive weight loss patient group. The recommended wisdom will be familiar...
An update on alopecia treatment options
In this paper the authors make a thorough review of the different medical and surgical options for the treatment of androgenic alopecia. Combined therapy with oral finasteride and topical minoxidil continue to be the mainstay for medical treatment. Follicular unit...
Evaluation of lateral crural steal
Many techniques to increase nasal tip projection and rotation have been described. The lateral crural steal (LCS) technique appears to be suitable for patients who have an under-rotation associated with poor projection of the nasal tip. The objective of the...
Non-surgical periocular aesthetics
The periocular region is the focal point of facial communication. Millimetre increments of change required to achieve bilateral symmetry and harmony can be difficult to achieve by surgical means only. Non-surgical aesthetic modifications offer a number of advantages in selected...
Treatments for hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a challenging, multifactorial and complex skin disorder affecting many individuals. The techniques and products described are based upon the author’s own clinical experience in treating hyperpigmentation and emphasises the importance of seeking specialist advice during a face to...
The pitfalls of having cosmetic procedures abroad
The author presents an interesting and thought-provoking case study, describing the risks of undergoing non-surgical procedures overseas. The account describes the journey of an individual who sought treatment with a dermal filler on the basis of a ‘weekend experience’ in...
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and appearance anxiety
An interesting overview of the impact which appearance anxiety can create upon an individual’s wellbeing. Studies estimate one third of individuals with a visible difference are thought to develop anxiety and stress as a consequence. Whilst the discussion surrounding this...
Headache relief and onabotulinumtoxinA injections
This is an evaluation of the treatment efficacy of cosmetic doses of onabotulinumtoxinA (approximately 15-50 units) on the frequency and severity of headaches in patients. This study is marred by its own self-admitted bias, and fault lines exist in the...
Z-plasty release of congenital muscular torticollis
Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is common in neonates, with a frequency of 0.3% to 2%, and usually responds to passive stretching below the age of one year. This study evaluated the results of performing an inferior Z-plasty release of the...
Post auricular advancement flap for partial helix defect repair
Ear defects can be the result of trauma, burns or ablative surgery. The three dimensional structure of the pinna with its subunits presents a difficult reconstructive challenge as successful reconstruction requires both similar tissue cover and a supporting framework. Partial...