Top 50 Highly Cited Publications in Facelift Surgery: A 50-Year Bibliometric Analysis Review.

INTRODUCTION: Facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy, is a commonly performed procedure to address aging-related changes in the face and neck. Over the years, its techniques and methodologies have evolved. This study aimed to provide a bibliometric analysis of the top 50 most cited publications related to facelift surgery over a fifty-year period (1973-2023). METHODS: The authors obtained data from the Web of Science Core Collection on July 15, 2023. Using a predefined search strategy, the most cited articles from 1973 to 2023 on facelift surgery were identified. The publications were analyzed for their type of study, journal of publication, geographic origin, and primary outcomes. Furthermore, the authorship gender distribution was assessed. RESULTS: The majority of the publications (34 out of 50) were published in the "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery" journal. The USA contributed to 72% of the research, followed by the UK, Mexico, Australia, and Germany. The primary outcomes varied from surgical techniques, anatomical studies, risk factors, patient-specific outcomes, and facial rejuvenation techniques, to comparative and historical progression of techniques. Notably, male authors dominated the field with 47 out of 50 papers having both a first and senior male author. CONCLUSION: Facelift surgery has seen substantial research development over the past fifty years. The USA has been at the forefront of this research, with a predominant focus on surgical techniques and anatomical studies. Male dominance in authorship indicates potential scope for increased gender diversity in this specialty. Annual updates are recommended for continued insights. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Current Practices and Guidelines for Perioperative Blood Management in Post-Bariatric Body Contouring Surgery: A Comprehensive Review of Literature.

With the increase in obesity prevalence, a noticeable increase in bariatric surgeries has been reported in national and international statistics. Therefore, body contouring surgeries have increased to help individuals achieve their desired body shape. Plastic surgeons need to consider potential hematologic complications that may occur in this specific group of patients before performing body contouring surgery. This review illustrates the perioperative medical, laboratory, and management strategies needed to minimize blood loss and blood transfusion requirements during body contouring. Using Google Scholar and PubMed, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify articles discussing post-bariatric body contouring perioperative blood management strategies, including the effects of bariatric surgery on hemostasis as well as basic hematology and coagulation. In preoperative blood management, blood investigations aid in the early detection of electrolytes, protein, and vitamin deficiencies and anemia, resulting in the early correction of nutritional deficiencies. In order to reduce postoperative complications, surgical and anesthesia techniques, as well as intraoperative pharmacological therapy, play an essential role. Postoperative blood transfusion and restrictive transfusion thresholds are tailored to the patient's needs and depend on various physiological indicators, such as heart rate, blood pressure, urine output, and laboratory findings, such as acidosis and hematocrit level. Generally, post-bariatric body contouring blood management measures are still lacking, and more research is required to develop standardized guidelines for optimizing patient safety and satisfaction.Level of Evidence III This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Role of External Nasal Splinting Following Rhinoplasty: Is It Really Important? A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Following rhinoplasty, external nasal splints are used to reshape the cartilage and reposition the nasal bone. Despite the popularity of using an external nasal splint in rhinoplasty procedures, there is still a lack of evidence of the effectiveness of using the external nasal splint post-rhinoplasty. This systematic literature review aimed to evaluate the evidence regarding the use of external nasal splints following rhinoplasty. METHODS: A systematic search of Cochrane, Medline, and Embase databases was conducted in September 2022. The literature was screened independently by two reviewers, and the data were extracted. Our search terms included septorhinoplasty, rhinoplasty, osteotomy, splinting, nasal splinting, and external nasal splinting. RESULTS: Initially, 1617 articles were identified, but only four articles were included in the final review. The included studies were all published between 2016 and 2021. The included studies recruited 2425 patients, 20 of whom used external splints and 2415 did not. Out of 2415 patients who did not use an external nasal splint, there were 151 patients with moderate periorbital edema and ecchymosis. There was a decrease in nasal width in 99% of the patients who did not use external nasal splinting postoperatively. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, nasal splinting should not be routinely used following rhinoplasty, but only in certain patients. There is no clear evidence that nasal splints reduce complications, and complications occurred among both patients with and without external nasal splints. Further studies need to be conducted to confirm this conclusion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Ophthalmic Complications Following Facial Autologous Fat Graft Injection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: With the recent increase in interest in using autologous fat (AF) filler injections to enhance aesthetic facial appearance, there is a noticeable increase in the complications such as vascular compromise and blindness. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to understand the symptomatology of ophthalmic complications related to AF facial injections for cosmetic purposes, their underlying causes, management options, and the final clinical outcomes. METHODS: This review was conducted according to the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) guidelines. In November 2021, we performed a systematic review of available literature using the following electronic databases: Cochrane, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. Our search was limited to the published studies between 2000 and 2021. RESULTS: A total of 1052 publications and 34 articles published were included. Twenty case reports, two case series, one prospective cohort study, and eleven retrospective studies were evaluated. The forehead was the most common single injection site (n = 196, 55.36%). The most common initial symptom was periorbital swelling (92.7%). The pooled prevalence of ophthalmic artery occlusion was 50.4% out of all AF injection-related complications. Regarding the management, most patients were managed conservatively (n = 278, 51.38%). Complete improvement was observed among 423 patients (80.57%). CONCLUSION: Autologous facial fat injection is a minimally invasive procedure with a favorable safety profile in cosmetic applications. However, the common use of these injections in aesthetic surgery has resulted in a concomitant increase in devastating consequences, such as blindness. Therefore, a firm understanding of the potential complications of such interventions is essential. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Examining the Differences Between Nonsurgical Management and Percutaneous Fixation of Minimally and Nondisplaced Scaphoid Fractures.

PURPOSE: The optimal management of undisplaced scaphoid fractures remains controversial. A systematic review was conducted to assess the outcomes of acute, undisplaced scaphoid fractures managed with cast immobilization versus percutaneous or miniopen screw fixation in terms of time to return to work (RTW), time to union, and morbidity. METHODS: PubMed MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane electronic databases were searched over the period 1974 to 2015. Key words included "scaphoid fracture," "navicular fracture," "hand," "immobilization," "cast," "conservative," "percutaneous," "screw fixation," "mini open," and "minimally invasive." A 2-step review process was done by 2 independent reviewers (H.A. and J.K.) using the following criteria: (1) acute undisplaced scaphoid fracture, (2) English language, (3) RTW duration objectively reported, (5) age older than 15 years, and (5) studies with more than 10 patients. Patient demographics, duration of immobilization, time to RTW, time to union, and complications were extracted. The methodological quality of each study included was assessed independently. Meta-analysis was performed for comparative trials. RESULTS: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria: 6 comparative studies and 4 case series. Patients were divided into 2 groups: cast immobilization (group 1) and percutaneous fixation (group 2). Average time to RTW was 77 days for group 1 versus 46 days for group 2. Average time to radiographic union was 79 days for group 1 versus 44 days for group 2. There was no significant difference in complication rate between the groups (7% in group 1 vs 14% in group 2). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous fixation of acute undisplaced scaphoid fractures has union rates comparable with those of nonsurgical cast immobilization but with faster RTW and time to union without a significant difference in complication rate. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

Vascularized proximal fibula epiphyseal transfer for distal radius reconstruction in children: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Reconstruction of the distal radius in children is cumbersome, requiring simultaneous restoration of joint function and axial growth. Vascularized proximal fibular epiphyseal transfers (VFET) have been popularized over non-vascularized transfers and prosthesis. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VFET and its associated complications. METHODS: Electronic database of PubMed MEDLINE was searched between 1970 and 2014. Studies reporting VFET for distal radius reconstruction in children (<15 years old) with clear reporting of technique (vascular pedicle) and objective outcome measures were included. Outcomes of interest were rate of graft growth, bone union and complications. A one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was used to compare growth rates between pedicle types. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, representing 25 patients. Pedicles used were anterior tibial (44%), peroneal (16%), or bi-pedicled (40%) anastomosed in antegrade (64%) or reverse flow (36%) fashion. Among all pedicle types, best results were achieved using anterior tibial artery with reversed flow, yielding average growth rate of 0.83 cm/year (P = 0.01). Recipient complications included four premature epiphyseal plate closures, a flap loss, and six wrist radial deviations. Donor complications included six common peroneal nerve palsies (five temporary, a permanent), and a talocalcaneal instability. Overall complication rates between pedicle types were comparable (P = 0.062). CONCLUSION: VFET may be a surgical option capable of restoring joint function and axial growth potential in select patients. The reverse flow technique based on the anterior tibial artery may result in superior outcomes. However, the overall complication rate is high and permanent peroneal nerve palsy may result. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:705-711, 2016.

Impact of Body-contouring Surgery Post Bariatric Surgery on Patient Well-being, Quality of Life, and Body Image: Saudi Arabia-based Cross-sectional Study.

Background: Body-contouring surgery is commonly performed to address functional and aesthetic issues that can arise following bariatric surgery. However, there is limited understanding of the psychological impact of this procedure on Saudi Arabian patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. This study aimed to explore the effects of body-contouring surgery on the psychological well-being, quality of life, and body image of individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the psychological impact of body-contouring surgery by measuring levels of depression and generalized anxiety disorder using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, respectively. Results: The study included a total of 227 participants, with 112 (49.3%) undergoing body-contouring surgery. Among the entire sample, 77.5% experienced excess skin folds following bariatric surgery. The prevalence of depression was 6% in the body-contouring group, lower than the 8% observed in the non-body-contouring group (P = 0.073). Notably, anxiety was significantly lower in the body-contouring group, with a prevalence of 4% compared with 6% in the non-body-contouring group (P = 0.006). Additionally, patients who had undergone body-contouring surgery reported higher scores for emotional well-being when compared with those who had not undergone body-contouring (P = 0.011). Conclusions: The study suggests that body-contouring surgery improves the physical appearance of bariatric-surgery patients and reduces anxiety and depression, leading to improved psychological well-being. Further research, including larger and more diverse populations, such as multicenter studies at a regional or international level, is needed to validate these findings.

Evolution of Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System Facelift Techniques: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Complications and Outcomes.

Background: Facelift procedures are a popular method of facial rejuvenation. The most common technique is superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) plication, with several variations. However, the optimal approach remains unclear. This review analyzed previous studies to compare SMAS facelift techniques, their outcomes, and complication rates. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using the MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar electronic databases in September 2022. The search included studies published from January 2000 to September 2022 using keywords such as "facelift," "complications," and "outcomes." Results: This review examined 27 selected studies that evaluated 6 SMAS facelift techniques. The studies involved 6086 patients in total, over 85% of who were satisfied with the outcome of their surgery. The complication rates varied depending on the technique used, with the SMAS flap and composite SMAS technique having the highest (5.75%) and lowest (0.05%) complication rates, respectively. The most common complications were temporary facial nerve injury (0.85%) and skin necrosis (0.41%). To date, only one case of permanent facial nerve injury has been reported. Conclusions: On the basis of our findings, SMAS facelift techniques achieve high patient satisfaction rates, with complication rates that vary by technique. The composite SMAS technique showed the lowest complication rates, whereas the SMAS flap showed the highest rate. However, some studies have not reported all complications, making it difficult to determine the best approach. Therefore, future studies are required to identify the most aesthetically pleasing technique with the lowest complication risk.

Assessing the Efficacy of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Facelift Outcomes: A Case-Control Study Comparing Outcomes in Patients With and Without Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

Background: Wound healing remains among the most concerning complications in aesthetic surgery. The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an accepted method of supporting wound healing. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the role of HBOT in postoperative healing and complication rates following facelift surgery. Methods: This case-control study comprised facelift patients who received HBOT and those who did not between 2019 and 2022. Data were extracted from the patients' medical records, with the primary outcomes being the presence of complications, wound-healing duration, and patient satisfaction. Results: The authors recruited 20 female patients who underwent facelift for this study, with 9 patients in the HBOT group and 11 patients in the control group. The average number of HBOT sessions received was 7.22, and each session lasted an average of 78 ± 5 min. The duration of wound healing in the HBOT group ranged from 7 to 30 days (mean of 13.3 days), whereas the control group ranged from 6 to 90 days (mean of 36.9 days). This indicates a statistically significant shorter time to wound healing in the HBOT group compared to the control group (P < .001). Conclusions: Future prospective randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and blinding are needed to further evaluate the potential benefits of HBOT in the postoperative period. Nonetheless, our findings suggest that HBOT may be a promising adjunctive therapy for patients undergoing facelift surgery.

Use of Tranexamic Acid in Aesthetic Surgery: A Retrospective Comparative Study of Outcomes and Complications.

Background: Bleeding is a potential complication of aesthetic surgery. Surgeons have adhered to the principle of minimizing blood loss. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic medication capable of reducing bleeding. This study aimed to investigate TXA and its effect on complications and overall outcomes in aesthetic surgery patients. Methods: This retrospective chart review of patients undergoing various aesthetic procedures between 2019 and 2022 was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels, blood transfusions, and complications were the primary outcomes. Furthermore, the predictors of giving TXA were studied. Results: In total, 435 patients were included in the study. TXA was administered to 181 patients (41.6%). Significantly higher proportions of patients who received TXA underwent trunk aesthetic surgery (P < 0.001), and those who received TXA underwent combined procedures more frequently than non-users (P < 0.001). The mean operative time and length of hospital stay were significantly longer among patients who did not receive TXA (P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). Most predictors for using TXA were significantly associated with performing liposuction (OR = 5.5), trunk aesthetic surgery (OR = 4.9), and undergoing combined procedures (OR = 2.7). No significant difference was noted in the rate of complications between the two cohorts. Conclusions: Although our data show improvement in patient outcomes in multiple aspects, the heterogeneity of our cohort makes us unable to draw definite conclusions to recommend the use of TXA in aesthetic surgery. Thus, a randomized controlled trial is necessary to support the findings of this study.

Optimizing Nonopioid Analgesia and Different Pain Management Options following Abdominoplasty: A Systematic Literature Review.

Introduction: Postoperative pain remains a significant challenge with the growing number of abdominoplasties every year. Opioids are currently considered the mainstay modality for controlling postoperative pain. However, opioid-related side effects raise the need for a safer and more effective approach. In this study, we aimed to investigate these alternative evidence-based postoperative pain relief modalities following abdominoplasty. Methods: This systematic review was designed and conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The literature was systematically searched in December 2021 using the following databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane, and EMBASE. The MeSH terms used to aid the search were the following: abdominoplasty, postoperative pain management, postoperative analgesia, pain control, analgesia, and pain. Results: Reviewing the literature resulted in a total of 851 publications. After implementing our criteria, only 13 articles were included in this study, with 990 patients. A continuous infusion pump was the most commonly used method of analgesia (n = 3), followed by a transversus abdominis plane block (n = 2). The postoperative pain assessment scale was mentioned in nine out of the 13. Compared to controls, all interventions resulted in considerably lower pain levels in all the patients. Patient satisfaction was reported in three studies, and all studies reported higher satisfaction rates than the control groups. Conclusions: The authors performed a systematic review of the existing database of high-quality research on pain management after cosmetic abdominoplasty to determine the best pain management options currently available. However, future studies are recommended to assess the optimum dosing and administration methods.

Reporting disclosures to the reader in plastic surgery journal publications.

BACKGROUND: With the associations between investigators and funding sources becoming increasingly complicated, conflicts of interest may arise that could potentially cause biases in the reporting of results. OBJECTIVE: To determine the number of published plastic surgery articles that lack reporting of disclosures. METHODS: An online review of four major North American plastic surgery journal publications from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007, was performed. For identification and to provide anonymity, journals were assigned a letter from A to D. RESULTS: Of the 1759 articles reviewed, 726 (41%) were included. Disclosure was not reported in 368 (51%) articles: Journal A (n=10, 3%), Journal B (n=153, 85%), Journal C (n=193, 93%) and Journal D (n=12, 32%). Journals differed significantly in their reporting of disclosure (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: In the plastic surgery journals reviewed, the lack of documentation of disclosures was frequent. To ensure identification of bias in plastic surgery publications, a section dedicated to disclosure statements is recommended for each published article.

HISTORIQUE: Puisque les associations entre les chercheurs et les sources de financement deviennent de plus en plus complexes, des conflits d'intérêts risquent de biaiser la transmission des résultats. OBJECTIF: Déterminer le nombre d'articles de chirurgie plastique publiés qui ne transmettent pas les divulgations de conflits d'intérêts. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Les chercheurs ont procédé à une analyse virtuelle des publications de quatre grandes revues nord-américaines de chirurgie plastique entre le 1er janvier 2007 et le 31 décembre 2007. Afin de les identifier tout en conservant leur anonymat, les revues étaient désignées par les lettres A à D. RÉSULTATS: Des 1 759 articles examinés, 726 (41 %) ont été inclus. Dans 368 articles (51 %), la divulgation n'était pas indiquée : revue A (n=10, 3 %), revue B (n=153, 85 %), revue C (n=193, 93 %) et revue D (n=12, 32 %). La transmission des divulgations de conflits d'intérêts différait considérablement selon les revues (P<0,01). CONCLUSION: Dans les revues de chirurgie plastique examinées, on constatait fréquemment l'absence de divulgation. Afin d'assurer la divulgation des conflits d'intérêts dans les publications de chirurgie plastique, il est recommandé de prévoir une rubrique consacrée aux énoncés de divulgation dans chaque article publié.

Level of evidence in plastic surgery research.

BACKGROUND: There has been a recent shift toward evidence-based medicine in the medical and surgical literature. The objective of this study was to determine the level of evidence of published plastic surgery articles. METHODS: A review of the following four major plastic surgery journal publications was performed to determine the level of evidence utilized in the published studies: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS), Annals of Plastic Surgery (Annals), Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery (JPRAS), and American Journal of Aesthetic Surgery (Aesthetic) from January 1 to December 31, 2007. RESULTS: Of the 1759 articles reviewed, 726 (41 percent) were included (animal studies, cadaver studies, basic science studies, review articles, instructional course lectures, and correspondence were excluded). The articles were ranked according to their level [level I (highest evidence, e.g., randomized-controlled trials) to level IV (lowest evidence, e.g., case reports)]. The average level of evidence in each journal was as follows: PRS, 3.05; Aesthetic, 3.11; JPRAS, 3.35; and Annals, 3.31. The evidence differed significantly between journals (p < 0.05), except when JPRAS was compared with the Aesthetic journal. Only 2.2 percent of articles were level I evidence. CONCLUSIONS: The average level of evidence in four major plastic surgery journals was 3.2 (level III). In order for the plastic surgery profession to become a participant in higher-level evidence-based medicine, greater emphasis must be placed on prospective randomized blinded trials.