Secondary mastopexy with exchange of prosthesis: mirror “D” technique

Introduction: Breast implantation combined with mastopexy is challenging, not only because a standard procedure is lacking, but also because of the high potential for complications, including a high rate of post-surgical revision. Originally intended for primary mastopexy and inclusion of silicone implants in hypoplastic breasts with moderate to severe ptosis, the use of the mirror "D" technique is now extended to treatment of ptosis recurrence with displacement of prostheses, with or without capsular contracture and/or unsightly scars. Method: The procedure described was performed in 90 patients, using specific marking to determine block resection of skin and underlying parenchyma for symmetrization. The procedure included use of a medial pedicle flap and exchange of original implants for textured, high-profile, round silicone prostheses with equal volumes bilaterally and positioned in the submuscular plane, resulting in a final vertical scar. Results: No surgical revision was required in any of the cases. There was no occurrence of postoperative infection or necrosis of the nipple-areola complex or scar. The average parenchyma resection was 80 g. Eighty-nine patients (98.8%) were submitted to resection of different volumes. The average prosthesis volume was 300 mL. The length of the vertical scar was stable with an average of 6.5 cm after 2 years. The results were considered satisfactory according to patient assessment. Conclusion: Secondary mastopexy is a more complex surgery due to severe atrophy of the tissue as a result of previous surgery. Its benefits include improved symmetrization, thinner scars and reduction in tension on the nipple-areola complex, long-lasting results, and a high degree of patient satisfaction

Synergic Effect of the Antimicrobial Peptide ToAP2 and Fluconazole on <i>Candida albicans</i> Biofilms

Candida albicans is one of the agents of invasive candidiasis, a life-threatening disease strongly associated with hospitalization, particularly among patients in intensive care units with central venous catheters. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic activity of the antifungal peptide ToAP2 combined with fluconazole against C. albicans biofilms grown on various materials. We tested combinations of different concentrations of the peptide ToAP2 with fluconazole on C. albicans biofilms. These biofilms were generated on 96-well plates, intravenous catheters, and infusion tubes in RPMI medium at two maturation stages. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were employed to assess the biofilm structure. We also evaluated the expression of genes previously proven to be involved in C. albicans biofilm formation in planktonic and biofilm cells after treatment with the peptide ToAP2 using qPCR. ToAP2 demonstrated a synergistic effect with fluconazole at concentrations up to 25 µM during both the early and mature stages of biofilm formation in 96-well plates and on medical devices. Combinations of 50, 25, and 12.5 µM of ToAP2 with 52 µM of fluconazole significantly reduced the biofilm viability compared to individual treatments and untreated controls. These results were supported by substantial structural changes in the biofilms observed through both scanning and atomic force microscopy. The gene expression analysis of C. albicans cells treated with 25 µM of ToAP2 revealed a decrease in the expression of genes associated with membrane synthesis, along with an increase in the expression of genes involved in efflux pumps, adhesins, and filamentation. Our results highlight the efficacy of the combined ToAP2 and fluconazole treatment against C. albicans biofilms. This combination not only shows therapeutic potential but also suggests its utility in developing preventive biofilm tools for intravenous catheters