Dr. Lara's Plastic Surgery Compendium

This episode reviews the core principles of oropharyngeal, tongue, and pharyngoesophageal reconstruction , focusing on defect analysis, flap selection, and functional restoration . Topics include the reconstructive goals of alimentary continuity, carotid protection, speech, swallowing, and aspiration prevention . The episode emphasizes the “ snowball effect ” of salivary leak, where small fistulas...

This episode reviews the core principles of mandible and tongue reconstruction , focusing on functional restoration, flap selection, and three-dimensional reconstructive strategy . Topics include the goals of mandibular reconstruction, including scaffold restoration, oral competence, swallowing, lower facial projection , and prevention of the Andy Gump deformity . The episode also emphasizes the i...

This episode reviews the core principles of midface reconstruction , focusing on the cheek, eyelid, and nose as distinct but interconnected aesthetic and functional units. Topics include the greater than 50% subunit rule , aesthetic unit reconstruction, relaxed skin tension lines, trapdoor deformity, and the reconstructive ladder. Cheek reconstruction is discussed through regional zones, primary c...

This episode reviews the core principles of lip reconstruction , focusing on layered anatomy, aesthetic landmarks, vascular supply, and functional restoration . Topics include the orbicularis oris sphincter , three-layer closure, vermilion border alignment, the white roll , Cupid’s bow, philtral columns, commissure anatomy, and the location of the superior and inferior labial arteries deep to the...

This episode reviews the core principles of scalp and calvarial reconstruction , focusing on scalp anatomy, vascular supply, soft tissue coverage, and skull reconstruction . Topics include the five layers of the SCALP , the importance of the loose areolar “magic plane,” the danger space, the galea , and the role of the pericranium as a vascular bed for skin grafting. The episode also reviews the m...

This episode provides a comprehensive, high-yield review of head and neck oncology , focusing on squamous cell carcinoma, HPV-driven disease, staging systems, and surgical management . We begin with the classic presentation of a neck mass and unknown primary , then explore the evolving epidemiology of head and neck cancer, including the role of tobacco, alcohol, and HPV (P16-positive disease) . Ke...

This episode reviews the core principles of mandibular fractures , focusing on diagnosis, biomechanics, occlusion, and fixation strategy . Topics include the ring-bone “pretzel” principle , the Five Ps of initial management, malocclusion as the key diagnostic clue, floor-of-mouth ecchymosis, the tongue blade test, mental nerve injury, marginal mandibular nerve injury, and imaging with Panorex vers...

This episode reviews the core principles of facial skeletal trauma , focusing on fracture biomechanics, occlusion, buttress reconstruction, and high-risk anatomic patterns . Topics include mandible fracture mechanics , the ring-bone rule, favorable vs unfavorable fractures, Champy’s tension band principle , and condylar fracture decision-making. The episode also reviews LeFort fractures , the impo...

This episode reviews the core principles of ear reconstruction and otoplasty , focusing on auricular embryology, aesthetic anatomy, prominent ear correction, and microtia reconstruction . Topics include the hillocks of His , first and second branchial arch contributions, conductive hearing loss in microtia, and key aesthetic rules for ear position, projection, and proportion. The episode also cove...

This episode reviews the core principles of facial soft tissue trauma , focusing on initial evaluation, wound preparation, layered repair, and region-specific anatomy . Topics include conservative debridement of facial wounds , prevention of traumatic tattooing, the “ jigsaw puzzle ” approach to stellate lacerations, and the importance of marking key landmarks before local anesthetic distortion. H...

This episode provides a high-yield, conceptual review of craniofacial clefts using the Tessier classification system , focusing on embryology, anatomical mapping, and surgical reconstruction . We begin with the fundamentals of facial embryogenesis , comparing the classic fusion theory with the modern mesodermal penetration theory , highlighting how failure of neural crest migration leads to comple...

Episode Description This episode reviews the core principles of cleft palate repair , focusing on palatal anatomy, velopharyngeal function, surgical timing, and long-term outcomes . Topics include the distinction between the primary and secondary palate , the Veau classification , palatal embryology, and the critical role of the levator veli palatini muscle sling . The episode also covers newborn...

This episode reviews the core principles of cleft lip deformity and repair , focusing on embryology, anatomy, and surgical reconstruction . Topics include failure of fusion between the medial nasal and maxillary prominences (weeks 4–7) , cleft epidemiology, and key concepts such as the 631 rule and 4917 recurrence rule . The episode also explores abnormal anatomy, including orbicularis oris muscle...

This episode reviews the core principles of craniofacial and head and neck embryology , focusing on molecular signaling, neural crest migration, and structural development . Topics include key pathways such as Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and BMP signaling , neural crest cell dynamics ( EMT, migration, and differentiation ), and the organization of the pharyngeal arches, pouches, and clefts . The episode...

Episode Description This episode reviews the core principles of wound healing and pressure ulcer (decubitus ulcer) reconstruction , focusing on the biology, biomechanics, and surgical decision-making required for successful treatment. Topics include the phases of wound healing , key mediators such as PDGF, TGF-β, and VEGF , and why chronic wounds fail—particularly in the setting of diabetes and is...

Episode Description This episode reviews the core principles of flaps and microsurgery , focusing on blood supply, tissue movement, and reconstructive decision-making . Topics include random vs axial pattern flaps , local flap geometry, the delay phenomenon , and key designs such as advancement, rotation, transposition, interpolation, V-Y, and Limberg flaps . The episode also covers the reconstruc...