Sang Wha Kim

Scars vary from mature linear scars to abnormal excessive scars such as hypertrophic scars and keloid scars. Keloid scars are fibro-proliferative disease entities that reflect an abnormal process of wound healing. They can cause pain, itching, stiffness, and psychological distress, all of which can affect quality of life. Various treatment options have been advocated as ways to prevent and treat keloid scars. These include noninvasive treatments such as use of silicone gel sheeting and compressi

Impaired wound healing is a significant medical problem. Recently, cell-based therapy focused on stem cells has been developed to overcome the challenges of defective wound healing. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in promoting wound healing, using different techniques for administering them. Dorsal full-thickness skin defects (1 × 1 cm) were created in three groups of mice that received intravenous ASCs by intravenous injection, intramus

Therapeutic, IV.

In this study, we compared outcomes in patients with acute hand injury, who were managed with or without negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) after reconstructive surgery. All of the patients who sustained acute and multitissue injuries of the hand were identified. After reconstructive surgery, a conventional dressing was applied in Group 1 and NPWT was applied in Group 2. The dressing and NPWT were changed every 3 days. The mean age and Hand Injury Severity Scoring System score of both groups

Pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery is an unusual complication. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings and radiologic study. The standard treatment is surgical ligation and resection, and other treatment options include radiologic intervention, thrombin injection, and conservative treatment. In this article, the authors report several cases of pseudoaneurysm and suggest a treatment protocol to manage pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery.We conducted a retrospective re

In severe, infected scalp defects, locally available tissues are not sufficient for reconstruction and are often unhealthy. In this situation, healthy free tissue transfer offers abundant vascularity of uncompromised tissue that can control infections and a single-stage reconstruction. Between March 2002 and May 2010, 18 patients (20 cases) underwent traumatic scalp defect reconstruction with coincident infections as follows: 16 cases of postcranioplasty infections with previous traumatic open s

Reconstruction of the lateral malleolus or calcaneus region is challenging because of poor vascularity, minimal presence of soft tissue, and difficulties with flap positioning during and after the operation. In many cases, local flaps are limited in terms of size, durability, and vascularity. Free tissue transfer can be useful for complicated wounds. We report here on the results of the reconstruction in this region using free thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps. Between October 2010 and Octob

The gluteal fold V-Y advancement flap is a good option for the reconstruction of a vulvovaginal defect because it is thin, sensate, reliable, and has matched local skin quality. However, in situations where wider and deeper vulvovaginal reconstruction is needed, advancement of the flap alone may not be sufficient to create tension-free closure. To overcome these limitations, we designed a modified gluteal V-Y advancement flap, which has 1 or 2 additional transposition flaps at the base of the co

BACKGROUND: Chimeric flaps are often used in reconstructive fields for multiple defects, different functional defects, and extensive defects. In this article, we present the results of the use of thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAp) chimeric flaps including a latissimus dorsi (LD) or serratus anterior (SA) muscle to prevent pedicle compression for lower extremity reconstruction. METHODS: Nineteen TDAp chimeric flaps were used to prevent pedicle compression. Seven were female and 12 male. Patie

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of complicated diabetic lower leg and foot defects involving multiple tissue components remains a challenge. The purpose of this report is to introduce thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) chimeric flaps for reconstructing diabetic lower leg and foot soft tissue defects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 2010 and August 2016, 17 patients with multiple diabetic lower leg and foot defects underwent reconstruction with TDAP chimeric flaps. Nine were women and the mean

The ulnar artery perforator flap is thin and pliable and provides nonhairy skin with color and texture matches. In addition, it is a simple and fast procedure with a reliable and constant blood supply. The ulnar artery perforator flap could be an alternative for the resurfacing of finger defects.

Chronic wounds are often characterized by prolonged inflammation, impaired angiogenesis, and dysregulated hypoxic response, partly caused by the insufficient activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α). This study investigated the potential of engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) to deliver a stable, constitutively active form of HIF-1α (scHIF-1α) to promote wound healing. A collagen-binding domain (CBD) was integrated into EVs to enhance their retention at wound sites, and collag

INTRODUCTION: Fibrin sealants have had applications in hemostasis, cohesion, and promotion of healing in plastic surgery. In this article, we review cases where fibrin sealant was used to stabilize microvascular pedicles and compared with previous free flaps performed without fibrin sealant. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2010, 62 consecutive patients underwent free tissue transfer for reconstruction; this involved 33 latissimus dorsi perforator flaps, 14 thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps, 9 lati

BACKGROUND: Severe burn scar contracture of the extremities, especially the joint areas, causes aesthetic problems and functional limitation. Release of burn scar contractures requires complete removal of the scars and resurfacing of the resulting defects. Here, we describe thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) free flaps for reconstructing burn scar contractures. METHODS: Between August 2013 and July 2018, 25 patients with severe burn scar contractures of the extremities underwent reconstructi