The advent of new U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved products containing growth factors to improve soft tissue healing signifies a new era for wound healing. Over the last decade, some clinical growth factor studies have been promising, whereas others have not shown any positive effect. What many of these studies have shown is that the state of a healing wound is not only dependent on its growth factor milieu but also on other variables (wound care, tissue oxygen state, bacteria count, and nutritional status of the patient). This article describes recent progress with growth factors on soft tissue structures (skin, mucosa, and nerve) relevant to the facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

Severe obstructive sleep apnea and its comorbid conditions are effectively treated in the long term with tracheostomy. Initial management of more frequent complication is well tolerated. Significant morbidity and mortality are low. Chances of obstructive sleep apnea resolution allowing decannulation remain poor.

To review our preliminary results using distraction osteogenesis for the correction of craniofacial deformities and to determine its role in treating anatomic deformities and functional deficits relative to conventional craniofacial surgery.Design and Setting: Retrospective clinical review; tertiary care center.Methods: Twenty-four consecutive patients were treated with distraction osteogenesis during a 34-month period. Outcomes were compared with preexisting anatomic deformities and functional deficits using records of clinical assessments, photodocumentation, diagnostic imaging, and treatment planning aids.