Special Issue Marks 25th Anniversary Of Advances In Plastic Surgery

Main Category: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Article Date: 24 Jan 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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The January issue of Annals of Plastic Surgery is a special issue comprising the latest stage in the evolution of a recurring title that since 1982 has introduced many major developments that have transformed the science and practice of plastic and reconstructive surgery: the Advances in Plastic Surgery series.

"In its new format as a special issue in the Annals of Plastic Surgery, the Advances series joins Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, the major publishing house for plastic surgery," comments Dr. Mutaz B. Habal, Editor-in-Chief of the Advances in Plastic Surgery series. "It also appears for the first time in an electronic format, which will allow these important articles to be viewed by every practicing plastic surgeon."

The 25th anniversary edition of Advances in Plastic Surgery presents 14 papers covering what is new and upcoming in the field. The lead article draws attention to an important but often-neglected aspect of breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty): preserving normal sensation of the nipple. Until recently, plastic surgeons focused on aesthetic issues such as breast shape, at the expense of the unique sensitivity of the nipple and areola. The authors review some relatively simple modifications of surgical technique that can preserve the "sexually important erogenous sensation of the breast…while improving body image and, with it, sensuality."

Several articles in the new Advances describe new refinements to improve on the results of common plastic surgery procedures. One study describes a new technique using computed tomography (CT) scans to "map" the blood supply to skin flaps used for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Other reports highlight the importance of identifying "perforator" blood vessels, helping to ensure a healthy blood supply for skin and muscle flaps used in reconstructive procedures. Another study presents a new approach to dealing with the difficult surgical problem of treating non-healing wounds of the lower leg.

The special issue also reports on the development of a "center of excellence" in one of the fastest-growing areas of plastic surgery: body contouring after massive weight loss in patients who have undergone weight-loss surgery (bariatric surgery). The authors advocate an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to these complex cases, combining plastic surgery expertise with nutritional and psychological counseling and other services.

Other new developments reported in the 2007 Advances in Plastic Surgery include:

-- The use of automated facial image analysis technique to evaluating the effects of "Botox" treatment in patients with facial nerve disorders.

-- A "partial mastectomy" approach to breast cancer surgery, which may offer special advantages for women with larger breasts.

-- A new spray technique for applying cultured skin graft cells in patients with facial burns of the face.

-- A new approach to the difficult problem of reconstruction after surgery for skin cancers on the nose. "Speaking on behalf of the editorial board, we are enthusiastic and happy to see the progress we have made in getting the Advances series in a continuum with the other publications in the field," adds Dr. Habal. "We expect to continue the tradition of excellence and innovation presented by Advances in Plastic Surgery over the past 25 years."

About Annals of Plastic Surgery

Published monthly, Annals of Plastic Surgery is the only independent journal devoted exclusively to general plastic and reconstructive surgery. The journal features peer-reviewed original articles, case reports, tips and techniques, and commentary on all topics of interest to the practicing plastic surgeon, under the guidance of Editor-in-Chief Dr. William D. Morain. Visit the Annals website at http://www.annalsplasticsurgery.com.

About Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (http://www.LWW.com) is a leading international publisher for physicians, nurses, specialized clinicians, and students. Nearly 275 periodicals and 1,500 books in more than 100 disciplines are published under the LWW brand, as well as content-based sites and online corporate and customer services. LWW is part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading provider of information for professionals and students in medicine, nursing, allied health, pharmacy, and the pharmaceutical industry. Wolters Kluwer Health is a division of Wolters Kluwer, a leading multinational publisher and information services company with annual sales of €3.4 billion (2005) and approximately 18,400 employees worldwide.

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http://www.lww.com

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