We suggest that overexpression of GCP-2 in stem cells has the potential to enhance their angiogenic and survival properties.

PurposeAugmentation rhinoplasty using alloplastic materials is a relatively common procedure among Asians. Silicon, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-tex®), and porous high density polyethylene (Medpor®) are most frequently used materials. This study was conducted to analyze revisional rhinoplasty cases with alloplastic materials, and to investigate the usage of alloplastic materials and their complications. We also reviewed complications caused by various materials used in plastic surgery while operating rhinoplasty.Materials and MethodsWe report 581 cases of complications rhinoplasty with alloplastic implants and review of the literature available to offer plastic surgeons an overview on alloplastic implant-related complications.ResultsAmong a total 581 revisional rhinoplasty cases reviewed, the alloplastic materials used were silicone implants in 376, Gore-tex® in 183, and Medpor® in 22 cases. Revision cases and complications differed according to each alloplastic implant.ConclusionOptimal alloplastic implants should be used in nasal structure by taking into account the properties of the materials for the goal of minimizing their complications and revision rates. A thorough understanding of the mechanism involved in alloplastic material interaction and wound healing is the top priority in successfully overcoming alloplastic-related complications.

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One of the primary goals of the phalloplasty for female-to-male transsexuals is to gain the voiding ability in the standing position. However, achieving the competence of urethra, sensation and rigidity of the neophallus is still a significant challenge. Serious complications such as urethral fistula, obstruction and stricture were encountered in this surgery. In experienced hands, this seems to be associated with urethroplasty technique. The authors performed phalloplasty with radial forearm osteocutaneous free flap method in 70 patients of female-to-male transsexuals. In 38 cases which were enrolled before 2001, we had carried out the urethroplasty by our own method, but since 2001, we have applied the modified method of urethroplasty to reduce the incidence of urethrocutaneous fistula. Thirty-four cases have undergone a new modified method of ours. For construction of the urethra, an anteriorly based vaginal wall flap and labium minoral flaps were used in this technique. In our new method series, 1 case (1.4%) of flap loss occurred after phalloplasty. The incidence of urethrocutaneous fistula was 30%. Before the year 2001, of 38 patients, there were 14 cases (36.8%) who developed urethrocutaneous fistula. On the other hand, 7 of 32 patients (21.9%) who underwent urethroplasty by the modified labium minoral flap and anteriorly based vaginal flap had urethrocutaneous fistula after 2001. One-stage total phalloplasty and urethroplasty is associated with a significant increase of urethral fistula and obstruction. However, the urethrocutaneous fistula at the level of the female external urethral orifice can be successfully reduced using this new method.

BackgroundThe ear is composed of elastic cartilage as its framework, and is covered with a thin layer of skin. Auricular reconstruction using autogenous cartilage in microtia patients requires delicacy. This paper reports clinical experiences related to elevation of reconstructed ear in the last 11 years.MethodsThis study was based on 68 congenital microtia patients who underwent auricular elevation in our hospital. Among these 68 patients, 47 patients were recruited. We compared the differences in the ear size, auriculocephalic angle, and conchal depth with those in the opposite ear, and the patients' satisfaction levels were investigated using a survey.ResultsThe difference in the sizes of the two ears was less than or equal to 5 mm in 32 patients, 5 to 10 mm in 10 patients, and greater than or equal to 10 mm in 5 patients. The difference in the auriculocephalic angles of the two ears was less than or equal to 10 degrees in 14 patients, 10 to 20 degrees in 26 patients, and greater than or equal to 20 degrees in 7 patients. The difference in the conchal depths of the two ears was less than or equal to 5 mm in 24 patients, 5 to 10 mm in 19 patients, and greater than or equal to 10 mm in 4 patients. The average grade of 3.9 points out of 5 points was obtained by the patients with satisfactory surveys.ConclusionWe could make enough protrusion and maintain the three-dimensional shape for a long time to satisfy our patients.