ABPS Aesthetic Procedures & Patient Safety 5

Question 1

Which laser wavelength is most selectively absorbed by oxyhemoglobin and therefore most appropriate for treating facial telangiectasias?

Accepted Answer

Pulsed dye laser (585–595 nm)

Answer

The pulsed dye laser wavelength is selectively absorbed by oxyhemoglobin in superficial vessels, making it the gold standard for treating telangiectasias with minimal surrounding tissue damage.

Question 2

A post-bariatric patient with a BMI of 32 requests a body contouring panniculectomy. Which preoperative nutritional marker most affects wound healing risk?

Accepted Answer

Serum albumin below 3.5 g/dL indicating protein malnutrition

Answer

Serum albumin below 3.5 g/dL reflects significant protein malnutrition and is strongly associated with poor wound healing and increased infection risk after body contouring.

Question 3

During a rhinoplasty, the surgeon inadvertently disrupts the upper lateral cartilages' attachment to the nasal bones. The long-term functional consequence most likely to develop is:

Accepted Answer

Internal nasal valve collapse causing nasal obstruction

Answer

Disruption of the scroll area and upper lateral cartilages narrows the internal nasal valve angle, leading to functional nasal obstruction often requiring spreader grafts.

Question 4

A patient develops a seroma 2 weeks after abdominoplasty. Initial management should be:

Accepted Answer

Aspiration under sterile technique with compressive dressing application

Answer

Seromas after abdominoplasty are initially managed with serial aspiration under sterile conditions and compressive garments, reserving surgical intervention for refractory cases.

Question 5

The 'safe zone' for injecting botulinum toxin in the forehead to preserve brow position requires injecting at least how far above the brow?

Accepted Answer

At least 2 cm above the brow

Answer

Injecting at least 2 cm above the orbital rim prevents diffusion into the brow depressors or levators, reducing the risk of brow or lid ptosis.

(ABPS) Certified American Board of Plastic Surgery Practice Test

(ABPS) Certified American Board of Plastic Surgery Practice Test

ABPS Aesthetic Procedures & Patient Safety 5