Trends in Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship Training: An Analysis of Supply and Demand.

BACKGROUND: Aesthetic surgery fellowship applications were consolidated under the San Francisco Match in 2018. The impact of these changes on aesthetic program and applicant numbers had not yet been investigated. OBJECTIVES: In this study we sought to evaluate changes in programs, positions, applications, match rates, and fill rates since aesthetic surgery joined the San Francisco Match. We also aimed to compare these trends to craniofacial surgery, microsurgery, and hand surgery fellowships over this same time period. METHODS: San Francisco and National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) match data for aesthetic, craniofacial, microsurgery, and hand fellowships were obtained from 2018 to 2022, and the number of applications, positions, programs, and successful matches were evaluated. RESULTS: The number of aesthetic fellowship positions increased from 17 to 41 (141%) over the period studied. This resulted in increased match rates and more unfilled positions. Over the same period, fellowship positions for craniofacial, hand, and microsurgery increased by 3.4%, 6%, and 2.5% respectively. There was no increase in applications to any postgraduate subspecialty, nor was there any change in the number of residents pursuing fellowship. Similarly, there was no change in the percentage of fellowship-bound residents applying to any given discipline. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in aesthetic fellowship programs and positions did not generate an increase in applications. Applications to other plastic surgery subspecialties also failed to increase. Unlike aesthetic fellowships, their program numbers have remained stable. Given the limited fellowship applicant pool, our focus should be on enhancing the quality of existing aesthetic programs rather than continuing to increase the number of aesthetic positions.

Practice Patterns: An American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Member Survey, 2000 and 2020-How Much Has Brow Lifting Changed?

BACKGROUND: In 2001, Elkwood and Matarasso published an American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) member survey detailing brow lift practice patterns. Interval changes in practice patterns have not been studied. OBJECTIVES: The previous survey was revised to elucidate current trends in brow lift surgery. METHODS: A 34-question descriptive survey was distributed to a random group of 2360 ASPS members. Results were compared to the 2001 survey. RESULTS: A total of 257 responses were collected (11% response rate; ± 6% margin of error at 95% CI). The most frequent technique for the correction of brow ptosis in both surveys was the endoscopic approach. The use of hardware fixation has increased in endoscopic brow lifting, whereas the use of cortical tunnels has decreased. Although coronal brow lifting has decreased in frequency, hairline and isolated temporal lift have increased. Neuromodulators have replaced resurfacing techniques as the most common nonsurgical adjunct. Frequent use of neuromodulators has risen from 11.2% to 88.5%. Nearly 30% of current surgeons feel that neuromodulators have replaced formal brow lifting procedures to a significant degree. CONCLUSIONS: In comparing the 2001 and current ASPS member survey there has been a clear transition to less invasive procedures over time. Although the endoscopic approach was the most popular means of forehead correction in both surveys, coronal brow lifting has decreased in frequency and the hairline and temporal approaches have increased. Neurotoxins have replaced laser resurfacing and chemical peeling methods as an adjunct, and in some cases replaced the invasive procedure entirely. Possible explanations for these findings will be discussed.

Happiness in Plastic Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of 595 Practicing Plastic Surgeons, Fellows, Residents, and Medical Students.

BACKGROUND: Despite a heightened appreciation for wellness in medicine, there exists little information specific to plastic surgery. The purpose of this research was to assess happiness within the field of plastic surgery. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in July of 2017 by distributing an American Society of Plastic Surgeons sponsored survey to a random cohort of current practicing American Society of Plastic Surgeons members, residents and fellows. In addition, the same survey was sent to medical students applying to integrated plastic surgery residency. Total happiness scores (Subjective Happiness Scale) were averaged and compared between and within surveyed groups. RESULTS: A total of 595 individuals completed surveys, including 287 practicing surgeons, 116 residents, 12 fellows, and 180 medical students. Differences in happiness scores between the groups were statistically significant (P < 0.01). For practicing physicians, happiness scores were significantly greater for those more than 20 years out from training (P < 0.01). Furthermore, a significantly positive correlation was found between practice expectations coming out of residency and happiness scores (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.2; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the prevalence of burnout and mental health disorders associated with a career in medicine, plastic surgeons and trainees report high levels of happiness. Practicing plastic surgeons report increased happiness further out from training and when meeting practice expectations coming out of training. Otherwise, there were no significant differences in happiness between groups. Regarding sex, it is encouraging to report no significant sex discrepancies with happiness in a field where women still face significant adversity.

Assessing the Efficacy of Deoxycholic Acid for the Treatment of Submental Fat: A Three-Dimensional Study.

BACKGROUND: Deoxycholic acid is used for the treatment of excess submental fat, offering a potential alternative to more invasive surgical procedures. However, there is currently an absence of high-level evidence in the literature outside of Phase 3 clinical trials. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of deoxycholic acid for the treatment of submental adiposity by correlating objective 3-dimensional (3D) data with subjective patient assessment scores. METHODS: Thirteen patients were prospectively enrolled into the study. 3D images were obtained prior to initial treatment, at 4-week intervals, and in the acute recovery period. Volumetric changes were calculated using Vectra software. Corresponding subjective surveys using the FACE-Q tool evaluated the perceived treatment results and side effects. RESULTS: Objectively, there was a significant reduction in submental volume following treatment (P = 0.004), with total rounds of treatment averaging 3.4 (SD: 1.19). During the immediate recovery period, there was a statistically significant increase in submental volume, with an average increase of 8.68% (P = 0.0003). Subjectively, patient satisfaction scores improved significantly for both the aesthetics of the area under the chin and jawline (P < 0.005). Self-resolving paresthesia following treatment occurred in all study participants. There were no major complications. Participant scores of early treatment recovery also improved significantly with subsequent treatments (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: This study validates the use of deoxycholic acid for reducing supraplatysmal adiposity in the submental area. Objective volume changes showed positive correlation with subjective improvements in patient satisfaction scores. Recovery and side effect profiles were also described and may aid in future patient education and management.

Smartphone Applications in Plastic Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Survey of 577 Plastic Surgeons, Fellows, Residents, and Medical Students.

BACKGROUND: There are now over 2.2 million mobile applications (apps) in existence, with more than 250 identifiable by searching "plastic surgery." Unfortunately, only 30% of these are academically relevant, which makes finding useful plastic surgery apps both challenging and inefficient. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to evaluate the use of digital resources and awareness of available apps within plastic surgery to improve their clinical/educational utilization. METHODS: An extensive search of the Apple and Android databases was performed to identify all relevant plastic surgery apps. An American Society of Plastic Surgeons-sponsored survey was distributed to a random cohort of American Society of Plastic Surgeons members (practicing surgeons, fellows, and residents) and students applying to an integrated plastic surgery residency. The survey queried utilization of resources to access medical information and awareness of apps relevant to clinical/educational plastic surgery. RESULTS: A total 153 relevant applications were identified between the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores. Of the 577 respondents (273 practicing surgeons, 117 residents, 11 fellows, and 177 medical students), 99.31% own a smartphone/tablet. Furthermore, medical students and residents/fellows utilized both smartphones and computers more frequently than practicing physicians (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0022, respectively). Digital resources were also utilized more frequently than printed material (P < 0.00001). For app awareness, 82.1% of respondents reported knowing of fewer than 10 apps relevant to plastic surgery, and only 8.41% were aware of more than 20. CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone usage is nearly ubiquitous among plastic surgeons, and most utilize these devices daily to access medical information. However, awareness of the many available and relevant plastic surgery apps is extremely limited.

Repair of a pediatric bilateral condylar and symphyseal fracture using a transfacial Steinman pin.

The proper management of complex pediatric mandibular fractures remains a topic of debate because of the relatively uncommon presentation of these fractures, combined with concerns related with deciduous teeth, tooth buds, and growth inhibition. In this current study, we present a novel approach to the repair of bilateral condylar fractures with concomitant symphyseal fracture in a 4-year-old girl. Manual closed reduction was first obtained, followed by placement of a transfacial Steinman pin through the angles of the mandible and placement of circummandibular wires. Maxillomandibular fixation remained for 2 weeks and the Steinman pin was removed after 11 weeks. At 3 months of postsurgical follow-up, the patient displayed class I occlusion, facial symmetry, full range of jaw motion, and absence of deviation or pain on full oral excursion. Radiographic findings also revealed complete resolution of the symphyseal fracture with appropriate condylar healing and alignment.

Brow Anatomy and Aesthetics of the Upper Face.

The surgical approach to the brow has changed perhaps more than any other facial esthetic procedure in the past 20 years. Understanding the functional anatomy of the upper face is the best means of maximizing results and minimizing untoward events in this region. The surgical and clinical correlation is addressed in detail in this article. Cadaver and intraoperative photographs are used to illustrate critical points. Armed with the details of this anatomy, the reader will best be able to best individualize surgical treatment.

Face Lift Practice Patterns: An American Society of Plastic Surgeons Member Survey, 2000 and 2020. How Much Have We Changed?

BACKGROUND: In 2000, Matarasso et al. performed a survey of American Society of Plastic Surgeons members' face lift practice patterns. Since that publication, the aesthetic marketplace has changed dramatically, as have ancillary face lift techniques. In an attempt to detail these changes, we repeated that original survey, adding questions to address more recent technical issues and advances. The goal of this report was to define current face lift practice patterns, compare current patterns to the previous ones, and define recent advances. METHODS: A 38-question survey assessing face lift techniques, perioperative management, complications, and concomitant procedures was electronically distributed to a random cohort of American Society of Plastic Surgeons members. Data were recorded and statistically analyzed utilizing the Pearson chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 251 forms were returned and analyzed. Details of demographics, face lift techniques, ancillary procedures, perioperative care, and complications are presented. Current results were compared to the previously published society member practice patterns delineated in the 2000 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery publication. CONCLUSIONS: The basic approach of American Society of Plastic Surgeons members to the face lift operation has not changed dramatically over the past 20 years. The development of operative adjuncts, however, has been positive, including fat grafting techniques, concomitant use of skin resurfacing, and means of minimizing blood loss with tranexamic acid. In certain instances, respondents do not follow evidence-based guidelines for perioperative care. Finally, common complications of practicing members appear to coincide with published retrospective reviews.

Parameters for Ordering Blood Cultures in Major Burn Injury Patients: Improving Clinical Assessment.

Hypermetabolic and catabolic states in large TBSA burns lead to higher basal body temperature and tachycardia. These metabolic changes complicate the diagnosis of bacteremia and sepsis. Current indications for obtaining blood cultures (BCs) in this population are poorly described and nonstandardized. Fever, leukocytosis, and lactic acidosis are common during sepsis. This study aims to identify limits of these parameters with the highest rates of bacteremia. A retrospective review was performed for burn patients with > 20% TBSA between January 2009 and June 2011. BCs were collected with corresponding body temperature, white blood cell (WBC) count, and serum lactate levels. Positive culture rates were analyzed with univariate and multivariate analysis. Seventy-one patients met inclusion criteria and 360 BCs were included in data analysis. Cultures taken with temperature > 38.9°C were significantly more positive (P = .01) than temperatures between 38 and 38.9°C. There were significantly more positive cultures when the WBC count was < 4.5 compared with those ≥ 4.5 × 103/µl (P = .04). Lactate was an independent predictor of bacteremia (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.21-12.71). Cultures were significantly more positive when the lactate level was ≥ 2.5 compared with < 2.5 mg/dL (P = .02). A temperature ≥ 38.5°C and a lactate ≥ 2.5 mg/dL corresponded to a 28.6% positive culture rate compared with 4.8% for all other scenarios (P = .001). This study demonstrates that body temperature > 38.9°C, WBC < 4.5 × 103/µl, and serum lactate ≥ 2.5 mg/dL have the highest rate for positive BCs in severe burn patients. A combination of leukopenia and pyrexia as well as lactic acidosis and pyrexia represent even higher specificity for positive BC in these patients.

Alternatives to Acellular Dermal Matrix: Utilization of a Gore DualMesh Sling as a Cost-Conscious Adjunct for Breast Reconstruction.

Objective: This study seeks an alternative to acellular dermal matrix in 2-staged breast reconstruction while minimizing cost. It was hypothesized that use of a Gore DualMesh would allow for similar intraoperative tissue expander fill volumes, time to second-stage reconstruction, and number of postoperative fills compared with acellular dermal matrix at only a fraction of the expense. Methods: Retrospective analysis comparing Gore DualMesh (59 breasts, 34 patients), acellular dermal matrix (13 breasts, 8 patients), and total muscle coverage (25 breasts, 14 patients) for postmastectomy breast reconstruction was performed. Time to second-stage reconstruction, number of expansions, and relative initial fill volumes were compared between the 3 groups. Secondarily, complication rates were also considered, including seroma, infection, expander/implant explantation, removal of mesh, and capsular contracture. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing the Fisher exact test and the χ2 test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. Results: Relative initial fill volumes, number of expansions, and time to second-stage reconstruction showed no statistical difference between the acellular dermal matrix and Gore DualMesh groups (P = .494, P = .146, and P = .539, respectively). Furthermore, the Gore DualMesh group underwent significantly fewer fills (P < .001) and had a higher relative initial fill volume (P < .001) than the total muscle coverage group. The additional cost per breast as a result of including DualMesh was on average $385 versus $4287 for acellular dermal matrix. Complication rates were similar between all 3 groups without statistically significant differences. Conclusions: Gore DualMesh represents a safe alternative to acellular dermal matrix for breast reconstruction with similar aesthetic results in certain patients at a fraction of the cost.