Are we training oral and maxillofacial surgeons in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures?

Objective: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS) are well trained in facial anatomy, but exposure to cosmetic procedures in residencies is inconsistent due to several factors, including the patient population, technique, and cost. The primary objective of the present study was to identify an association with exposure to treatment modality in residency with likelihood to perform these procedures in practice.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional survey distributed to practicing OMS in the United States. Links to the online survey were distributed using communications from local, state, and regional OMS surgery societies. Information was gathered on clinical practice and training during and after residency. The study outcome was whether the respondent performed injectables (dermal fillers or neuromodulators) in their practice.

Results: A total of 150 responses were included in the study sample, and no responses were excluded. Only 42.7% of respondents reported performing injectables. Just 37% of respondents stated they had had an opportunity to perform these procedures as a resident, suggesting that 5.7% did not perform injectables until they started practice. Dual-degree training, additional fellowship training, and practical and didactic continuing education training were all associated with higher likelihoods of having an injectable practice. Injectable exposure in residency did not significantly affect the prevalence of having an injectable practice.

Conclusions: OMS who performed injectables were more likely to seek additional forms of training outside of residency. Educators should reevaluate the way that they are approaching cosmetics procedures in residency.