Synopsis ■ Melanocytes usually exist as single cells in the basal layer of the epidermis, of which they represent approximately 1 in 8 cells. They function to export melanin via dendrites to the squamous cells which form a shield over…
Synopsis All typical skin and skin-associated soft-tissue tumors apart from malignant melanocytic tumors are described from the point of view of the plastic surgeon. Topics covered include: ■ Diagnosis: inspection and palpation, dermoscopy, imaging ■ Pathologic diagnosis: TNM classification and…
Synopsis ■ Lymphedema is a progressive disease that can occur as a result of congenital defects, iatrogenic injury, or infection of the lymphatic system. ■ The lymphatic system is comprised of capillary lymphatics that drain into progressively larger collecting vessels.…
Synopsis ■ Radiation therapy (RT) can be used as a primary or adjuvant treatment for many cancers. ■ The unit of dose measurement is the gray (Gy). ■ Side-effects are characterized as acute and late toxicities. ■ Acute toxicities are…
Access video lecture content for this chapter online at Elsevier eBooks+ Introduction Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic surgery procedures worldwide, with breast implants being a staple of reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. The ability of the…
Synopsis ■ Microsurgery and supermicrosurgery refers to the surgical coaptation of small vessels, usually around 1 mm in diameter or smaller, under microscope magnification. Microsurgery is a broad term not only limited to blood vessels but also refers to coaptation…
Synopsis ■ Flap is tissue(s) with its own vascular supply, allowing transfer from one site to another. ■ Flaps come in various forms, shapes, and function. They may be composed of a simple skin tissue or multiple composite tissues. ■…
Synopsis ■ This chapter provides an overview of the angiosome concept and reviews the vascular anatomy of the body. The historical perspective summarizes the major progress in understanding the vascular basis and clinical applications of flaps in reconstructive surgery. ■…
Synopsis ■ Fat grafting is an important technique for tissue repair and/or augmentation in both reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery. ■ Fat grafting can be used as a minimally invasive adjunct to restore volume and rejuvenate tissues lost secondary to…
Synopsis ■ Primary neurorrhaphy remains the gold standard in nerve repair; all other methods of repair are judged in comparison to primary neurorrhaphy. ■ Excessive tension will inhibit nerve regeneration, however a small amount of tension to achieve primary coaptation…