The Impact of Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer in Reducing the Rate of Cellulitis in Breast Cancer–Related Lymphedema

Perez, Alejandro MD; Schaverien, Mark V. MD; George-Palop, Monica MD; Chang, Edward I. MD; Barcenas, Carlos H. MD; Viola, George M. MD, MPH

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; 157(4):463e-470e, April 2026.

This retrospective study evaluated 66 breast cancer survivors with upper extremity lymphedema and recurrent cellulitis who underwent vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT). All patients had at least one cellulitis episode preoperatively and were followed for ≥12 months. Most had invasive ductal carcinoma and received multimodal treatment, including axillary lymph node dissection, chemotherapy, and radiation. After VLNT, 88% of patients remained infection-free, with a significant reduction in cellulitis episodes from an average of 2.27 per year preoperatively to 0.17 postoperatively (P < 0.0001). These findings suggest that VLNT is highly effective in reducing recurrent cellulitis in patients with breast cancer–related lymphedema and should be considered when conservative therapies fail.

Link:https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/fulltext/2026/04000/the_impact_of_vascularized_lymph_node_transfer_in.2.aspx

Perioperative GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Use and Surgical Outcomes in Nonbariatric Abdominal Panniculectomy: A 10-Year Retrospective Analysis

Koenig, Zachary A. MD; Rashid, Sydney BS; Hobbs, Gerlad R. PhD; Uygur, Halil Safak MD

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 157(4):p 645-655, April 2026.

This retrospective study evaluated 373 patients undergoing panniculectomy (81 using GLP-1 receptor agonists and 292 nonusers) to assess postoperative complications. GLP-1 RA users had higher rates of comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and COPD, but also slightly better nutritional markers. After adjustment for confounders, GLP-1 RA use was associated with a significantly higher rate of delayed wound healing (18.5% vs 7.5%) but a lower incidence of seroma formation (4.9% vs 14.0%). There were no significant differences in infection, fat necrosis, hematoma, or gastrointestinal side effects. Overall, GLP-1 RAs appear safe in the perioperative setting for panniculectomy patients, though their use may increase the risk of delayed wound healing, highlighting the need for careful postoperative monitoring.

Link:https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/fulltext/2026/04000/perioperative_glp_1_receptor_agonist_use_and.14.aspx

Comparative Effectiveness of Deep Plane and Extended Deep Plane Facelifts in Lower Facial Rejuvenation

Saeed Golparvaran, MD, Pouria Ziaee, MD, Ali Aalizade, MD, Amir A Sazgar, MD

Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 46, Issue 4, April 2026, Pages 407–414

This prospective study compared deep-plane facelift (DPF) and extended deep-plane facelift (EDPF) in 70 patients undergoing lower facial rejuvenation. Both techniques produced significant improvements in marionette lines, jowling, and cervical laxity at 9 months postoperatively. However, EDPF demonstrated superior outcomes across all measured domains, particularly in marionette line reduction and neck contouring. No major complications or permanent facial nerve injuries were reported. Overall, while both approaches are effective and safe, EDPF provides more consistent and enhanced aesthetic results, supporting its use as an advanced technique for lower facial aging correction.

Link: https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/46/4/407/8371815

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Risk of Radiation-Induced Capsular Contracture following Subpectoral or Prepectoral Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction

Shammas, Ronnie L. MD; Levy, Jacob MD; Boe, Lillian A. PhD, et. Al.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery;157(1), Pages 6e-14e, January 2026.

A review was performed of 585 patients who underwent 2-stage tissue expander to implant breast reconstruction with radiation to the tissue expander over a 14-year period.  Implant placement weas prepectoral in 116 patients and submuscular in 469.  The estimated 48-month cumulative incidence of capsular contracture was 61% for submuscular and 35% for prepectoral reconstruction.  Patients with submuscular implant placement were found to have a risk of capsular contracture over time three times that of patients with prepectoral placement.  These results go against conventional wisdom about retropectoral implant placement and capsular contracture risk.  The authors emphasize the need for thorough patient counseling regarding the risks of capsular contracture and the importance of individualized reconstructive planning to optimize outcomes in patients undergoing radiation treatment.

https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/fulltext/2026/01000/risk_of_radiation_induced_capsular_contracture.4.aspx

Evaluating the Safety of Rhinoplasty in Smokers

Tugertimur, Buğra MD; Datta, Shaishav MD; Goote, Paige MD, et. Al.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 157(1):p 43-52, January 2026

The authors performed a retrospective review of 1884 rhinoplasty cases between 2014 and 2022, of whom 80 were active smokers, and 39 former smokers.  Average follow-up was 23.8 months. The overall revision rate was 3.3%, with 3.8% in smokers and 3.3% in nonsmokers; 3.8% of smokers required additional antibiotics for cellulitis compared with 1.6% of nonsmokers; all cases resolved without long-term complications. There were no significant differences between smoker and nonsmoker rhinoplasty patients in rates of revision, postoperative infection, or wound complications. The authors conclude that smoking does not appear to be a strict contraindication for rhinoplasty. This study reinforces the need to counsel patients who smoke appropriately about the risks of each procedure, rather than taking a blanket approach, as the risks vary greatly among procedures.https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/fulltext/2026/01000/evaluating_the_safety_of_rhinoplasty_in_smokers.10.aspx

Fat Graft Replacement for Reducing Implant Size May Decrease Radiotherapy-Related Complications in Prepectoral Expander-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction.

Munur Selcuk Kendir, MD , Majid Ismayilzade, MD

Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 46, Issue 1, January 2026, Pages 49–56

The authors aimed to decrease radiation-related complcations in two stage tissue expander to implant breast reconstruction by staged fat grafting prior to implant exchange.  64 patients were included in the study, of whom 31 underwent fat grafting. In the fat graft group, two sessions of fat grafting were performed after radiotherapy, with 50-100cc of fat being injected. The fat graft group demonstrated a statistically significant lower incidence of wound dehiscence, skin necrosis, infection, implant loss, rippling, and capsular contracture compared to the no fat graft group (P < .05), despite similar baseline characteristics and reconstructive protocols.  The authors concluded that autologous fat grafting before implant exchange was associated with a substantial reduction in complications compared to standard implant exchange without fat grafting in prepectoral breast reconstruction.

https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/46/1/49/8238217

Heather Faulkner, MD, Andrea Pozez, MD, Jorge de la Torre, MD, David Drake, MD, 
Galen Perdikis, MD, Peter Arnold, MD, Scott Hultman, MD, Bruce Mast, MD
Lisa David, MD, Bert Losken, MD, Lynn Damitz, MD, Abigail Chaffin, MD

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Dr. Stephan Finical, SESPRS President, hosted an evening for Southeastern Members and potential new members in Chicago during the ASPS meeting on Saturday evening September 29, 2018. Thank you to RTI Surgical for support of this event.  We hope that everyone who attended the event enjoyed it.

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