The Not Fade Away Phenomenon: 2 Cases of Delayed Nonabsorption of Biodegradable Fixation in Craniosynostosis.

Bioresorbable plating systems have been more recently developed as an alternative to metal osteofixation systems and can be used for craniosynostosis operations. To date, the bioresorbable materials used for osteofixation have been used clinically with excellent safety outcomes and good patient outcomes without major plate-induced complications. In this report, we present 2 cases in which bioresorbable materials failed to degrade following operations for craniosynostosis in a chronic manner mandating removal and revision.

The use of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in plastic surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, introduced in 1997, are evidence-based strategies designed to reduce postoperative stress and improve recovery through a multidisciplinary approach. This systematic review evaluated the use of ERAS in plastic surgery, focusing on opioid use, pain management, hospital stay, and patient outcomes.

Methods: A literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science was conducted up to May 9, 2024, identifying 239 studies on ERAS in plastic surgery.

Patient Preferences for Utilization of Telemedicine in Aesthetic Surgery Consultations.

Purpose: Telemedicine has been increasingly utilized by plastic surgeons since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as it minimizes visit time, costs, and viral exposures. However, patient comfort level and preference for telemedicine visits in the aesthetic surgery perioperative period remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient comfort and preferences regarding perioperative telemedicine visits for aesthetic surgery.

The Impact of Vegan and Vegetarian Diets on Wound Healing: A Scoping Review.

Background: Globally, vegan and vegetarian diets have grown in popularity. At the same time, it is well-known that nutrition plays a critical role in postoperative outcomes, including wound healing. The present investigation undertakes a systematic scoping review of the current literature that explores the impact of vegan or vegetarian diets on wound healing.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Image Enhancing Filters on Patient Expectations for Plastic Surgery Outcomes.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies use a three-part strategy for facial visual enhancement: (1) Facial Detection, (2) Facial Landmark Detection, and (3) Filter Application (Chen in Arch Fac Plast Surg 21:361-367, 2019). In the context of the surgical patient population, open-source AI algorithms are capable of modifying or simulating images to present potential results of plastic surgery procedures. Our primary aim was to understand whether AI filter use may influence individuals' perceptions and expectations of post-surgical outcomes.

Preferences in Suture Skills Instruction: Virtual Versus In-Person Instruction.

Introduction: As medical education increasingly incorporates digital methods such as video lectures, e-learning, and virtual meetings, it becomes crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual classrooms in teaching surgical techniques. This study aims to assess whether live virtual classrooms can effectively convey surgical skills to medical students.

Methods: First- and second-y medical students were randomized to in-person or live-video sessions once a week, for 2 wk.

Trends in Minority Representation Among Independent Plastic Surgery Match Applicants: An Analysis of 1000 Applicants Over an 11-Year Period.

Background: Improving diversity within plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) trainees is a crucial step to reduce inequities at the provider level. Trends in minority representation among independent program match applicants are understudied. We analyzed gender, racial, and ethnic demographic trends among independent PRS match applicants.

Hirudotherapy Efficacy and Complications in the Management of Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Background: We aimed to assess the effect of hirudotherapy on flap congestion and thrombosis in adult female patients who underwent microvascular breast reconstruction.

Methods: A systematic review of PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane was completed. A qualitative synthesis of all included studies was then performed.

Zinc in Dermatology: Exploring Its Emerging Role in Enhancing Botulinum Toxin Formulations and Clinical Efficacy.

This literature review provides a novel exploration of zinc's multifaceted roles in dermatology, with a particular focus on its potential integration into botulinum toxin formulations-an area that remains relatively underexplored in clinical practice. Zinc is widely recognized for its critical functions in skin health, including morphogenesis, regeneration, and protection, and its use in aesthetic medicine offers a unique opportunity for innovation. Specifically, incorporating zinc into botulinum toxin formulations could enhance the efficacy and stability of these treatments.

Comparison of Complication Risks Following Lower Extremity Free Flap Reconstruction Based on Seven Pre-Operative Indications: Analysis of the ACS-NSQIP Database.

Free tissue transfer is a valuable surgical option for the reconstruction of a myriad of complex lower extremity defects. Currently, there is a paucity of data that examines the risks of complications for each of these unique indications. Patients undergoing lower extremity free flap reconstruction from the ACS-NSQIP 2011-2019 database were stratified into groups based on the etiology and indication for reconstruction.

The Impact of Race and Ethnicity in Microvascular Head and Neck Reconstruction Postoperative Outcomes: A Nationwide Data Analysis.

Background: Racial and ethnic disparities have been extensively reported across surgical specialties, highlighting existing healthcare inequities. Nevertheless, evidence is lacking regarding their influence on postoperative outcomes after head and neck reconstruction. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of race and ethnicity on postoperative complications in head and neck microvascular reconstruction.

Impact of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB) versus Other Antihypertensive Medication on Blood Pressure in Patients on Dialysis: A Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Hypertension is an important factor driving mortality among dialysis patients. Angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB) has been effective similarly to angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACEs) but with a low incidence of side effects.

Methodology: The meta-analysis included all published studies that investigated the effect of ARB on the hypertension in adult dialysis patients (≥18 years).

A Cost-Utility Analysis of the Use of -125 mm Hg Closed-incision Negative Pressure Therapy in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery.

Background: Closed-incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) decreases the rate of wound complications in oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS) but at a fiscal cost. Our aim was to examine the cost-utility of ciNPT in OBS.

Methods: A literature review was performed to obtain the probabilities and outcomes for the treatment of unilateral breast cancer with OBS with ciNPT versus without.

Variability in Postoperative Nipple Sensation by Dermoglandular Pedicle in Bilateral Breast Reduction.

Background: Decreased nipple sensation following reduction mammoplasty can negatively affect a variety of patient-centered outcomes. This observational study examined the impact of dermoglandular pedicle type on subjective postoperative nipple sensation.

Methods: A total of 178 women who underwent a bilateral reduction mammoplasty at a single institution from 2017 to 2023 and completed an 11-item survey assessing subjective postoperative nipple sensitivity across various tactile modalities were included.

Association of Race and Postoperative Outcomes in Ventral Hernia Repair With Component Separation.

Introduction: Hernia repairs are the most common surgical procedures in the United States, with a significant financial burden primarily attributed to emergent presentations and postsurgery complications. This study aimed to examine race differences on postoperative outcomes.

Methods: American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify ventral hernia repair (VHR) cases from 2016 to 2021, with a subgroup of patients undergoing component separation (CS).

Dorsal Preservation versus Component Dorsal Hump Reduction Rhinoplasty: An Assessment of Patient-reported Outcomes.

Background: The literature on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) discussing dorsal preservation rhinoplasty (DPR) and component dorsal hump reduction (CDHR) is scarce. This study aims to fill the gap in PROs between these techniques.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted to investigate PROs of DPR and CDHR.

Breast Reduction Epidemiology and Complications in Nonbinary, Transgender, and Cisgender Adults.

Introduction: Research in gender-affirming chest surgery has primarily compared cisgender versus transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people, without specifically addressing nonbinary people. This study will assess surgical complications between cisgender, transgender, and nonbinary adults undergoing breast reductions.

Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases from 2015 to 2021 were used to identify TGD patients who underwent breast reduction (Current Procedural Terminology code: 19318) and cisgender patients who underwent this procedure for cosmesis or cancer prophylaxis.

Costs Versus Complications: Public Perspectives on International Cosmetic Surgery Tourism.

The purpose of this study was to understand the perceptions of potential complications and motivations among patients willing to travel internationally for cosmetic surgery and to gain insight into public perceptions of cosmetic surgery tourism by surveying a large, cross-sectional sample of the general public. A cross-sectional survey was performed through Amazon Mechanical Turk regarding cosmetic surgery tourism in adults 18 years and older and currently residing in the United States (US). A total of 484 responses were analyzed.

Enhancing Post-Mastectomy Care: Telehealth's Impact on Breast Reconstruction Accessibility for Breast Cancer Patients.

Objective: To examine how the recent sharp rise in telemedicine has impacted trends in accessibility of breast reconstruction (BR).

Patients And Methods: A retrospective study reviewed patients who underwent a total mastectomy at our institution from 1 August 2016 to 31 January 2022. By comparing cohorts before and during the widespread implementation of telemedicine, we assessed telehealth's impact on healthcare accessibility, measured by distance from patients' residences to our institution.

BREAST-Q Analysis of Reduction Mammaplasty: Do Postoperative Complications of Breast Reduction Surgery Negatively Affect Patient Satisfaction?

Background: Reduction mammaplasty can provide symptomatic relief to patients suffering from macromastia; however, complications such as dehiscence are common. It is unknown if the presence of complications affects patient-reported outcomes.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for the development of complications, and to examine the correlation between postoperative complications and patient-reported outcomes in reduction mammaplasty.