The Impact of Psychiatric Comorbidities on Outcomes and Quality of Life in Plastic Surgery: A Literature Review & Matched Analysis.

Background: Patients undergoing plastic surgery often have higher rates of psychiatric disorders, which may influence surgical outcomes and quality of life (QoL).

Methods: A retrospective review of patients with and without psychiatric comorbidities who underwent reduction mammoplasty or body contouring (panniculectomy and/or abdominoplasty) from 2016 to 2022 was conducted. Propensity-score matching considered age, BMI, ethnicity, bariatric surgery history, ptosis, and breast tissue mass.

Outcomes of Abdominal Contouring in Patients With and Without Weight Loss Surgery: A Propensity-Matched Comparison Study.

Background: Patients undergo abdominoplasty/panniculectomy following excessive weight loss and/or to improve abdominal appearance/shape. The authors aim to compare clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL) following these procedures in patients with/without a history of weight loss surgery (WLS).

Methods: A single-center, single-surgeon retrospective review from 2015-2022 was performed examining patients who underwent abdominal contouring procedures with/without a history of WLS.

Impact of Penicillin Allergy on Antibiotic Prophylaxis Selection and Surgical Site Infection Rates in Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Patients undergoing plastic and reconstructive procedures with penicillin allergies (PAs) often receive second-line antibiotic agents. Evidence from other surgical specialties suggests this can lead to increased complications and greater morbidity. However, limited research exists in plastic surgery regarding this issue.

Biosynthetic compared with synthetic mesh in retrorectus ventral hernia repair: A matched analysis with 3-year outcomes.

Introduction: The comparative effectiveness of biosynthetic and synthetic mesh in ventral hernia repair remains an area of ongoing inquiry. This study aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes after retrorectus ventral hernia repair using either poly-4-hydroxybutyrate biosynthetic (Phasix) or uncoated polypropylene synthetic mesh (Marlex) in clean wounds.

Methods: This single-center, retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent retrorectus ventral hernia repair with biosynthetic or synthetic mesh in clean wounds between 2015 and 2021 who were followed up to hernia recurrence or 3 years.

Abdominal wall reconstruction in ventral hernia repair: do current models predict surgical site risk?

Introduction: Complications from ventral hernia repair (VHR) pose a significant healthcare burden. Risk assessment and stratification models are thus incentivized to improve cost-effectiveness and patient outcomes. The Ventral Hernia Risk Score (VHRS) and Ventral Hernia Work Group Classification (VHWG) are metrics that attempt to stratify and predict surgical site infection (SSI) and surgical site occurrence (SSO) risk based on patient characteristics.

Comparison of Botulinum Toxin A Formulations for Glabellar Strain Treatment in Women: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Multiple botulinum toxin A formulations were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treating the glabellar rhytids. A comparative quantitative evaluation of their effects on the glabella has not been conducted.

Objective: To provide an objective quantitative assessment of the effect of 4 botulinum toxin A formulations on glabellar strain across using dynamic 3-dimensional photogrammetry.

Longitudinal Outcomes of Abdominoperineal Resection Reconstruction: A Single-center Retrospective Review.

Background: Reconstruction after abdominoperineal resection (APR) typically utilizes primary closure, locoregional myocutaneous flaps (gracilis or vertical rectus myocutaneous [VRAM]), or omental flaps. Although flap coverage is considered superior to primary closure, no specific flap is preferred, and reconstructive complications can occur in 20%-50% patients. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of perineal reconstruction with VRAM, gracilis, and omental flaps.

A Large Prospective Volumetric and Patient-Reported Outcome Analysis Of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers to the Face.

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) facial fillers are a non-surgical treatment for age-related changes. Literature on long-term volumetric results and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is limited. This prospective study aims to precisely define and measure objective tissue metrics and PROs of HA fillers in different facial regions over 12 weeks.

A cross-sectional survey investigating surgeon perceptions of pre-operative risk prediction models incorporating radiomic features.

Purpose: Incisional hernias are a significant source of morbidity in the United States that impact quality of life and can cause life-threatening complications. Complex patient factors, collected as structured and unstructured data, contribute to the risk of developing an incisional hernia following abdominal surgery. It is unknown how risk prediction models derived from imaging data, or radiomic features, can enhance pre-operative surgical planning.

Looped Penrose Drainages of Acute Hand Infections in Vulnerable Populations.

Purpose: Acute hand infections (AHIs) remain a challenge for hand surgeons and represent a condition for which clinical outcomes are considerably affected by social barriers. We previously described the looped Penrose drainage technique, where a drain is sutured to itself in a loop and the outflow tract of egress is maintained, thus obviating the need for large incisions, wound closure, or repeat packing, thereby reducing the follow-up burden. In the face of escalating numbers of socioeconomically vulnerable patients, especially in urban settings, we aimed to characterize the clinical features and outcomes of this technique in an urban population of patients with AHI.

Onlay Resorbable Biosynthetic Versus Underlay Biologic Mesh Ventral Hernia Repair in Contaminated Fields.

Introduction: Abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) with ventral hernia repair (VHR) in the setting of contamination poses unique and controversial challenges. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of onlay resorbable biosynthetic mesh against underlay biologic mesh in contaminated VHR with AWR.

Methods: A single-center retrospective review from 2015 to 2021 was performed examining subjects who underwent VHR with AWR in contaminated fields (Centers for Disease Control wound class II-IV).

Word of the Wise: A Propensity-Matched Comparative Analysis of Breast Reduction Incision Patterns on Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life.

Introduction: Breast reduction surgery addresses both functional complaints and aesthetic concerns. Two commonly used incision patterns in the US are the Wise and vertical patterns, but there are limited data comparing their clinical and quality of life (QoL) outcomes. This study evaluates and compares these outcomes between the two techniques.

Multimodal Pilot Evaluation of a Hyaluronic Acid Infraorbital Filler Using Precise, Multipositional, 3-Dimensional Imaging Quantification, Patient-Reported Outcomes, and Anatomic Cadaveric Assessments.

Background: Despite the high demand of filler in the infraorbital area, there remains debate on injection practices, precise anatomical placement, and hyaluronic acid (HA) filler behavior.

Objectives: We aimed to contribute to the clinical and anatomic understanding of infraorbital HA injection through a prospective patient injection study in combination with a cadaveric analysis.

Methods: Patients were injected with Volbella XC (JUVÉDERM, Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie Company, Irvine, CA) into the tear trough region by a single experienced aesthetic plastic surgeon.

A Longitudinal Evaluation of Collaboration in Plastic Surgery Clinical Research.

Background: Few dedicated, funded clinical research fellowship positions exist in plastic surgery. This study provides insights from an established clinical research fellowship, highlighting its educational impact and confirming the impact of positive institutional support and a collaborative-first approach.

Methods: All research fellows within the program from 2008 to 2020 were examined during their year of employment and subsequent 2 years.

Marijuana and Its Implications in Breast Reduction Surgery Outcomes and Quality of Life: A Matched Analysis.

Background: With marijuana use on the rise, its influence on surgical outcomes, particularly for breast reduction, warrants investigation. This study aims to clarify marijuana's effects on breast reduction surgery outcomes, given its limited research focus despite potential perioperative implications.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted from 2016 to 2022 of patients with/without marijuana use undergoing breast reduction.

Unplanned 180-day Readmissions and Health Care Utilization after Immediate Breast Reconstruction for Breast Cancer.

To assess the burden of postdischarge health care utilization given by readmissions beyond 30 days following immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) nationwide.Women with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy and concurrent IBR (autologous and implant-based) were identified within the 2010 to 2019 Nationwide Readmission Database. Cox proportional hazards and generalized linear regression controlling for patient- and hospital-level confounders were used to determine factors associated with 180-day unplanned readmissions and incremental hospital costs, respectively.

The Use of Tranexamic Acid in Breast Reduction and Abdominoplasty: A Review of a Multicenter Federated Electronic Health Record Database.

Background: Tranexamic acid (TXA), a fibrinolysis inhibitor, is widely used in various surgical fields to minimize blood loss. However, its efficacy and safety in plastic surgery, especially in reduction mammaplasty and abdominoplasty, remain underexplored. This study investigates the utility of intravenous (IV) TXA in these procedures, focusing on reducing postoperative complications and evaluating its safety in the context of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Reevaluation of Recipient Vessel Selection in Breast Free Flap Reconstruction.

Background: Current consensus has established the internal mammary vessels (IMV) over the thoracodorsal vessels (TDV) as the preferred recipients for microvascular breast reconstruction due to their superior flow rates and long-established outcomes. Yet, there are occurrences where the IMVs are not reliable and may subsequently prompt intraoperative decision-making. Several options exist, including the contralateral IMVs, thoracoacromial vessels, and TDVs.

Mesh exposure after ventral hernia repair with onlay biosynthetic mesh: a retrospective review of associated risk factors and management strategies.

Background: Although intraperitoneal and retromuscular mesh placement in ventral hernia repair (VHR) are associated with lower recurrence rates, the onlay plane remains a well-established option for certain clinical scenarios. A knowledge gap remains regarding resorbable biosynthetic onlay mesh and mesh exposure. We aim to determine exposure rate, risk factors, and treatment options.

The Godina Principle in the 21st Century: Free Flap Timing after Isolated Lower Extremity Trauma in a Retrospective National Cohort.

Background:  The timing of free flap reconstruction after lower extremity trauma has been a controversial debate since Marko Godina's original 72-hour recommendation. Recent advances in microsurgery warrant an evaluation of the optimal time to reconstruction.

Methods:  The Nationwide Readmission Database (2014-2019) was used to identify patients undergoing free flap reconstruction after lower extremity trauma.

An Update on the Independent Plastic Surgery Match (2019-2022): Trends, Predictors, and Program Leaders' Perspectives.

Background: A previous study by the authors noted a decline in independent plastic surgery residency programs and rising applicant participation. This study provides updates on match trends and influential predictors, and gathers program leaders' views on the future of the independent track.

Methods: Match data (2019-2022) were obtained from the San Francisco match after American Council of Educators in Plastic Surgery approval.

Unveiling the Need to Improve Personalized Applicant Tools: A Critical Evaluation of the Reliability of the Texas STAR database in Predicting Match Success for Plastic Surgery Applicants.

Objectives: Using Texas STAR (seeking transparency in application to residency), we aimed to 1) examine predictors of matching success in integrated plastic surgery residency programs and 2) assess the reliability of the tool.

Design, Setting, And Participants: A retrospective analysis of self-reported nationwide data of plastic surgery residency applicants between 2021 and 2023 across 146 participating medical schools were included. A comparison analysis was performed between matched and unmatched applicants using chi-squared tests, t-tests, and logistic regression models.

Balancing the Scales: Caution in Reduction Mammaplasty Recommendations for Obesity Class III Patients.

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity has risen worldwide, posing a problem to surgeons as obesity is a well-known risk factor for surgical outcomes. While prior studies have suggested performing reduction mammaplasty (RM) in patients with obesity, the variance in outcomes and quality of life (QoL) for obesity classes are ill-defined. We investigated whether obesity classes should be considered for RM by examining the surgical outcomes and QoL across different weight classes, aiming to pinpoint when outcomes become less favorable.

Impact of Implant Exchange Timing after Postmastectomy Radiation in Immediate Tissue Expander Breast Reconstruction.

Background: The use of postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) in the setting of immediate 2-stage breast reconstruction is becoming increasingly widespread. However, the timeframe of tissue expander exchange for permanent implant placement following PMRT is not well defined, and it remains unclear what time interval optimizes surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Methods: A systematic review conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 was completed.