Smith’s and Nesi Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Congenital Soft Tissue Deformities

The fourth edition of the Smith’s and Nesi Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery text-book has been published this year and it is available at Springer’s internet site. As usual, it is a cyclopean book that is completely updated.

I had the honor to rewrite chapter 64 (Congenital Soft Tissue Deformities) which had originally been written by the late Jack Mustarde. In the chapter, Dr. Mustarde was listed as my co-author.

Although, book chapters are not counted by the federal Brazilian graduate agencies as scientific production, writing this text was a rich experience because the author learns in the process of writing and teaching. The text is lengthy. It comprises 14 pages and 193 references. I tried to bring into focus modern molecular information to the variety of clinical conditions described. During this process, I was helped by Brazilians and foreign colleagues who shared their cases. To all my sincere thanks.

As once said a French writer, I am aware of the criticism that every author is exposed to when he publishes something because mistakes and omissions are inevitable. So, I apologize for my mistakes. Anyway, I have the impression that the chapter somehow helps to insert the Brazilian oculoplastic in the international scenario.

Antonio Augusto Velasco e Cruz

SBCPO Former President