- Home
- About
- Education & Research
- Join
- Member Resources
- Meetings
- Find a Member
- Contact Us
| Top Journal Picks |
|
Must-read articles chosen by the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons October 2025: Prepectoral versus Submuscular Breast Reconstruction after Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: Complications and Outcomes Wang J, Shammas RL, Montes-Smith E, Boe L, Levy J, Graziano F, Stern C, Nelson JA, and Disa JJ Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; 156(4):513-520, October 2025. A review was performed of 693 patients who underwent 2-stage tissue expander to implant breast reconstruction over a 10 year period, with an even split between prepectoral and submuscular implant placement. Subpectoral reconstruction was associated with higher rates of surgical site infection and seroma, but prepectoral reconstruction scored significantly higher on the BREAST-Q, in the “physical well-being of the chest” domain. The authors conclude that an increased risk of complications should be weighed against improved patient-reported outcomes when deciding implant plane placement.
Systemic Symptoms Associated With Breast Implants: A Psychological Study of Beliefs and Emotions Glicksman C, McGuire P, Barnes K, Shedden-Mora M, and Faasse K. Aesthetic Surgery Journal; Volume 45, Issue 11, November 2025, Pages 1141–1151 The authors sought to determine the relationship between BII-type symptoms and somatic symptom disorder (SSD), a condition where patients experience excessive and disproportionate thoughts, feelings, and behaviors about symptoms. An online survey was completed by 304 adult female patients, who comprised three cohorts: BII patients, non-BII patients, and patients seeking mastopexy. The proportion of participants in the BII cohort who met criteria for SSD was 34.5%, which was significantly higher than both control cohorts, with 1.9% in the non-BII cohort and 4.8% in the mastopexy cohort (P < .001). The authors conclude that the negative thoughts and feelings associated with SSD may contribute to the development and maintenance of BII. Link: https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaf125
Tranexamic Acid in Body Contouring Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Fijany AJ, Holan CA, Troia T, et. al. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 45, Issue 10, October 2025, Pages 1026–1034 The authors performed a meta-analysis of recent literature to determine if routine use of TXA in body contouring surgery was associated with reduced risk. 13 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 3 were RCTs. In all, the studies included 1203 treated patients and 1495 controls. There was a significantly lower risk of hematoma (OR = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.18-077; P = .008) in the TXA cohort. There were no significant differences observed in terms of wound-healing issues or seroma formation. The subgroup analysis of this study demonstrated significantly decreased risks of infection (OR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.22-077; P = .005) in the topical TXA cohort. In breast and body contouring procedures, the risk of hematoma and wound-healing complications can potentially be reduced by IV TXA administration. The infection risk can be potentially reduced by topical TXA administration. Link: https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaf112
Must-read articles chosen by the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons: July 2025 Three Decades of Outpatient Plastic Surgery Safety: A Review of 42,720 Consecutive Cases Rohrich, Rachel N. BS; Brown, Tal BS; Brown, Stav MD; Burns, John MD; Jejurikar, Sameer MD; Meade, Ricardo MD; Rohrich, Rod J. MD Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 156(1):p 49-61, July 2025 The authors retrospectively reviewed all consecutive cases completed by board-certified plastic surgeons at an accredited outpatient surgical center between 1995 and 2023. Patient demographics, operative details, and postoperative complications were recorded to determine risk factors for complications and inpatient admissions. A subgroup analysis for procedures of the face, breast, and body was also performed. A total of 42,720 consecutive cases were reviewed. Patients who experienced a venous thromboembolism or transfer to an inpatient setting had a higher body mass index (P < 0.05), had a longer operative duration (P < 0.05), and were more likely to have undergone combined procedures (P < 0.05). Undergoing a combined procedure was the strongest predictive factor for venous thromboembolism and inpatient admissions (OR, 12.65; OR, 3.73; P < 0.05), followed by longer operative time (OR, 1.45; OR, 1.32; P < 0.05). The authors conclude that outpatient plastic surgery is safe, but postoperative monitoring should be considered for high-risk patients, particularly those with a body mass index exceeding 26 kg/m², operative times surpassing 3 hours, lipoaspirate volumes greater than 3 liters, and planned combined procedures—particularly in cases involving abdominoplasty
Long-Term Volume Retention of Breast Augmentation with Fat Grafting Depends on Weight Changes: A 3-Year Prospective Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study Ørholt, Mathias MD; Weltz, Tim K. MD; Hemmingsen, Mathilde N. MD, PhD; Larsen, Andreas MD; Bak, Erik E. F. BMSc; Norlin, Caroline B. BMSc; Hart, Liv BMSc; Elberg, Jens Jørgen MD; Vester-Glowinski, Peter V. MD, PhD; Herly, Mikkel MD, PhD Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 155(6):p 947-954, June 2025. In this ambitious prospective study, the study group consisted of 28 patients undergoing breast augmentation with fat grafting. These patients were studied with magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively and up to 3 years postoperatively. Fat graft retention was measured over time, and the effect of weight loss or gain on retention was determined. The mean volume of injection was 300 cc per breast. The mean time to steady state was 253 days postoperatively, with a mean volume retention of 46%. Patients with a weight loss of 1 body mass index point after surgery had a volume retention of 22%, whereas those increasing 1 and 2 body mass index points had retention rates of 57% and 85%, respectively. Increasing graft-to-recipient volume ratio was associated with higher percentage augmentation with no plateau in this relationship even up to ratios of 2:1. Postoperative Satisfaction with Breasts and Sexual Well-Being increased substantially. The authors conclude that breast augmentation with fat grafting reached volumetric steady state after 8 months with a volume retention of 46%. Weight loss following fat grafting leads to significantly lower volume retention.
Effect of Subcutaneous Injection of Tranexamic Acid on Ecchymosis and Edema After Oculofacial Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Split-Face, Double-Blind Study Teresa H Chen, MD , Dylann Fujimoto, MD , Eduardo Damous Feijó, MD, PhD , Jose Eduardo Rios, MD , Marisa Novaes de Figueiredo Rassi, MD, PhD , Rafael Leão, MD , Jeremiah P Tao, MD , Roberto Murillo Limongi, MD Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 45, Issue 6, June 2025, Pages 563–567. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of subcutaneous TXA in facial aesthetic plastic surgery. The authors conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, split-face study. The sides of the face were randomized to local anesthetic (bupivacaine with epinephrine) mixed with TXA or local mixed with saline (placebo). Photographs were taken immediately postoperatively and on postoperative day 7. Photographs were graded for eccymosis by 2 masked. Patients selected the side that they subjectively determined to have less ecchymosis and edema, and patients rated pain on each side of their face with the Wong-Baker FACES pain scale. There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative periocular ecchymosis on POD7 and in periocular edema on POD1. All patients selected the side of the face receiving TXA as having less periocular ecchymosis and edema. There was no statistically significant difference in subjective pain level between the side receiving TXA vs placebo. There were no TXA-related complications. The authors conclude that subcutaneous TXA is safe and reduces periocular ecchymosis and edema in patients undergoing facial aesthetic procedures. https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/45/6/563/8069060
April 2025 Has Propranolol Eradicated the Need for Surgery in the Management of Infantile Hemangioma? Coulie, Julien MD; Dekeuleneer, Valérie MD; Gerdom, Alexander MD; Roggen, Mieke MD; Bataille, Anne-Christine MD; Moniotte, Stéphane MD, PhD; Coyette, Maude MD; De Roo, An-Katrien MD; Boon, Laurence M. MD, PhD Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 155(3):539-546, March 2025. Propranolol has become the first-line treatment of choice in the treatment of infantile hemangioma. The authors studied how surgical treatment has changed in the last 20 years. Of the 420 patients who presented, 243 were treated (57.86%) using surgery (n = 128 patients), propranolol (n = 79 patients), corticosteroids (n = 51 patients), or laser (n = 34 patients). Propranolol was effective in all but 2 infants with IH. Seven of 79 patients (8.86%) initially treated with propranolol still required surgery, in contrast to 18 of 51 patients (35.29%) initially treated with corticosteroids and 103 of 290 patients (35.51%) with no medical treatment. Since the availability of propranolol, patients were less likely to undergo surgery (48 versus 80 patients; P < 0.001). This demonstrated that the use of propranolol reduced the need for surgery. However it is important that plastic surgeons remain engaged in the multidisciplinary care of these patients, as surgical correction remains necessary in approximately 10% of cases.
The Modified Frailty Index Predicts Outcomes in Immediate Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction Danko, Dora MD; Ash, Makenna E. BA; Losken, Albert MD; Thompson, Peter W. MD Annals of Plastic Surgery 94(4):p 426-432, April 2025 Implant based breast reconstruction is plagued with relatively high rates of complication with reported rates of reconstructvie failure greater than 10%. Risk stratification is a crucial tool to help in surgical planning and counseling. Historically, this has been measured by age, BMI, smoking status, or medical comorbidities. This study applies a modified 5-factor frailty index as a simple way to combine disparate risk factors into one number and assign a risk level. The factors used were: age, BMI, smoking, diabetes, CHF, COPD, hypertension, and prior radiation. A total of 650 patients undergoing breast reconstruction were divided into 5 mFI-5 groups based on these comorbidities. When comparing the mFI-5 0 group to the mFI-5 2 group, there was a significant difference in overall complications on univariate analysis, minor infections on univariate and multivariate analysis, seroma formation on univariate analysis, hematoma formation, return to OR, and replaced implant on multivariate analysis. When comparing the mFI-5 1 group to the mFI-5 2 group, there was a significant difference between overall complications on both univariate and multivariate analyses and minor infections on univariate analysis. The modified 5-factor frailty index is effective in predicting increased complication risks and may be helpful for surgeons when counseling patients and assessing overall operative risk.
Semaglutide and Postoperative Outcomes in Nondiabetic Patients Following Body Contouring Surgery Joshua E Lewis, BS, Mbinui Ghogomu, BS, Stanley J Hickman, BS, Adedamola Ashade, BS, Raven J Hollis, BS, Jimmie E Lewis, III, BS, Wei-Chen Lee, PhD Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 45, Issue 4, April 2025, Pages 381–386 Semaglutide has become a popular medication for weight loss with many plastic surgeons recommending semaglutide for weight loss. However, postoperative complications such as wound dehiscence, delayed healing, and infection pose significant risks. The authors utilized the TriNetX Research database to examine the relationship between preoperative semaglutide and postoperative complications in nondiabetic obese patients undergoing body contouring surgery between 2021 and 2024. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: Cohort A (4215 patients) which received semaglutide for ≥6 months before surgery, and Cohort B (104,927 patients) which did not receive semaglutide. Semaglutide patients had higher rates of wound dehiscence (5.19% vs 2.78%); delayed wound healing (2.58% vs 1.21%); surgical site infections (5.37% vs 2.87%); nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (11.27% vs 5.34%); hypertrophic scar formation (5.53% vs 3.86%); and surgical site pain (6.05% vs 3.29%). The authors highlight the need for enhanced preoperative counseling and surgical planning to minimize risks and improve patient outcomes. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjae241
January 2025 Polyethylene Glycol–Mediated Axonal Fusion Promotes Early Sensory Recovery after Digital Nerve Injury: A Randomized Clinical Trial Nemani, Sriya BA; Chaker, Sara BS; Ismail, Helen MSc; Yao, Julia RN; Chang, Monal MD; Kang, Hakmook PhD; Desai, Mihir MD; Weikert, Douglas MD; Bhandari, Panambur L. MD; Drolet, Brian MD; Sandvall, Brinkley MD; Hill, John B. MD; Thayer, Wesley MD, PhD Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 154(6):p 1247-1256, December 2024 PEG application at the time of nerve repair has been shown in animal models to promote axonal fusion, resulting in immediate restoration of action potentials without the delay engendered by the Wallerian degeneration/axonal regeneration sequence. The authors performed a randomized controlled trial and enrolled 22 patients with 48 digital nerve injuries who underwent either direct neurorrhaphy autograft repair. Eight patients were randomized to the control group and 14 to the PEG-fusion group. Patients in the PEG fusion group had significantly improved sensory recovery at 2 weeks and 1 month, but the groups had equivalent recovery at 3 months. Patients were blinded to repair type, but the evaluators were not blinded. This is an excellent example of a benchtop-to-OR innovation that could be a game changer for nerve repair, especially in mixed and motor nerve injuries where “time is muscle”.
Outcomes of In-Office, High Resolution Ultrasound Silicone Breast Implant Surveillance by Plastic Surgeons Adam D Glener, MD, Amanda R Sergesketter, MD, William P Adams, Jr., MD Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 45, Issue 1, January 2025, Pages 48–55 This retrospective review of a single surgeon’s experience aimed to validate high resolution ultrasound for diagnosing silicone implant rupture. 254 patients (508 implants) were included. 52 patients (104 implants) underwent operative exploration for various reasons; 20 implants had confirmed ruptures. Examining this operative cohort, high-resolution ultrasound was found to have excellent positive and negative predictive value: 100% and 97.6%, respectively. The sensitivity was 90.9% and specificity was 100%. The median age of the implant at the time of ultrasound was 119 months. After multivariable adjustment, only the implant age was a significant predictor of implant rupture (P = .04). Across the entire cohort, Kaplan-Meier methods estimated 10-year and 15-year implant survival rates of 0.98 and 0.80, respectively. The authors conclude that plastic surgeon–delivered office-based high resolution ultrasound surveillance is a highly sensitive and specific method for assessing silicone breast implant integrity. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjae165
Optimal Practices in the Delivery of Aesthetic Medical Care to Patients on Immunosuppressants and Immunomodulators: A Systematic Review of the Literature Leila Cattelan, MD, Steven Dayan, MD, Sabrina G Fabi, MD Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 44, Issue 11, November 2024, Pages NP819–NP828 The authors performed a comprehensive review of the literature to determine the risk of potential complications in immunocompromised patients undergoing nonsurgical aesthetic procedures, and to suggest recommendations for optimal management of these patients. Forty-three articles reporting on 1690 immunosuppressed patients who underwent filler injection were evaluated, of which the majority (99%; 1682/1690) were HIV patients, while the remaining 8 were medically immunosuppressed. The complication rate of filler in this population was 28% (481/1690), with subcutaneous nodules the most frequently reported adverse event. A detailed synthesis of complications and a review of the inflammatory responses and impact of immunosuppressants and HIV infection on filler complications is presented. The authors concluded that patients on immunomodulatory medications may be at increased risk of filler granuloma relative to the general population, while patients on immunosuppressants may be at increased risk of infectious complications. Rudimentary guidelines for optimal preprocedural patient assessment, aseptic technique, injection technique, and antibacterial and antiviral prophylaxis are reviewed. Ongoing advancements in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these inflammatory processes will undoubtedly optimize management in this patient population. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjae141
Past Journal Picks:
|
1/30/2026 » 2/1/2026
41st Annual Atlanta Breast Surgery Symposium, Atlanta, GA
6/13/2026 » 6/17/2026
69th Annual Scientific Meeting - JW Marriott Marco Island, Marco Island, FL
1/29/2027 » 1/31/2027
42nd Annual Atlanta Breast Surgery Symposium, Atlanta, GA
6/20/2027 » 6/24/2027
70th Annual Scientific Meeting - Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Ponte Vedra, FL
