Since the advent of three-dimensional printing in the 1980s, it has become possible to produce physical objects from digital files and create three-dimensional objects by adding one layer at a time following a predetermined pattern. Because of the continued development of inexpensive and easy-to-use three-dimensional printers and bioprinting, this technique has gained more momentum over time, especially in the field of medicine. This article reviews the current and possible future application of three-dimensional printing technology within the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

There has been a significant increase in the number of body contouring procedures performed worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term psychosocial effects of these procedures among patients who undergone weight loss surgery and maintained their body mass for a minimum of one year. Post-bariatric patients undergoing body contouring procedures were recruited for the study consecutively. Inclusion criteria: BMI < 30 following bariatric surgery, weight maintenance for a minimum of 12 months, and completion of all follow up questionnaires (6 and 12 months). Patients were surveyed 24 hours before, 6-months, and 12-months post-procedure using a Polish validated version of BODY-Q. 30 consecutive patients with a mean age of 38 years (SD 5,91) were included in this study. The BODY-Q questionnaire revealed statistically significant improvements in the acceptance of body appearance after 12 months of follow up. In the abdominal area, the rise in scores achieved 90 from the starting level of 13, and the overall body image increased from 24 to 67. Moreover, in patients with postoperative complications (one hematoma and four minor wound dehiscence), the overall score did not differ from uncomplicated patients. Body contouring procedures after massive weight loss significantly improve the general perception of personal appearance as well as both the psychological and social aspects of life in patients, already significantly stigmatized by their appearance. Body contouring procedures have essential value and should be widely offered as a step in the treatment of morbidly obese patients.

Background The incidence of breast cancer (BC) cases has increased significantly. The number of breast reconstruction (BR) procedures performed has mirrored this trend. Although implant-only procedures remain the most commonly used type of immediate BR, autologous techniques involving donor sites account for approximately 20%. The aim of this study was to assess national and regional trends in different types of autologous BR. Methods Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (2008 to 2012), data on BC and mastectomy rates, type of autologous BR, and sociodemographics were obtained and analyzed. Furthermore, national and regional trends over time for autologous BR were plotted and analyzed. Results A total of 427,272 patients diagnosed with BC or at increased risk of BC were included in the study. A total of 343,163 (80.3%) patients underwent mastectomy and, within this group, 148,700 (43.3%) patients underwent immediate BR. Of these, 32,249 (21.7%) patients underwent an autologous BR (not solely implant based) and 118,258 (78.3%) implant-based BR. Most autologous BRs were performed in the Southern region (37.4%). When stratified into flap types, most pedicled transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM), free TRAM, and other flaps were performed in the Northeast region, whereas most deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps were performed in the Southern region. Subgroup analysis demonstrated a significant increasing trend for both LD and DIEP flaps, both nationally (P < 0.001) and regionally (P < 0.001). Pedicled TRAM and free TRAM reconstructions decreased significantly both on national and regional level. Conclusions Autologous BR demonstrated a significant positive trend over time in the Southern region (P < 0.001). The DIEP and LD flaps increased significantly over time, both nationally and regionally.

Background: Rhinoplasty is 1 of the most common aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgical procedures performed within the United States. Yet, data on functional reconstructive open and closed rhinoplasty procedures with or without spreader graft placement are not definitive as only a few studies have examined both validated measurable objective and subjective outcomes of spreader grafting during rhinoplasty. The aim of this study was to utilize previously validated measures to assess objective, functional outcomes in patients who underwent open and closed rhinoplasty with spreader grafting.Methods: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive rhinoplasty patients. Patients with internal nasal valve insufficiency who underwent an open and closed approach rhinoplasty between 2007 and 2016 were studied. The Cottle test and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation survey was used to assess nasal obstruction. Patient-reported symptoms were recorded. Acoustic rhinometry was performed pre- and postoperatively. Average minimal cross-sectional area of the nose was measured.Results: One hundred seventy-eight patients were reviewed over a period of 8 years. Thirty-eight patients were included in this study. Of those, 30 patients underwent closed rhinoplasty and 8 open rhinoplasty. Mean age was 36.9 ± 18.4 years. The average cross-sectional area in closed and open rhinoplasty patients increased significantly (P= 0.019). There was a functional improvement in all presented cases using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale evaluation.Conclusions: Closed rhinoplasty with spreader grafting may play a significant role in the treatment of nasal valve collapse. A closed approach rhinoplasty including spreader grafting is a viable option in select cases with objective and validated functional improvement.

Background: Implant-based reconstruction is the predominant form of breast reconstruction, with the two-stage tissue expander/implant approach being the most popular. Recently, the direct-to-implant, one-stage breast reconstruction procedure has gained momentum. In this study, national and regional trends across the United States for the two different types of implant-based reconstructions were evaluated. Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was used to extrapolate data on type of mastectomy, implant-based reconstructive technique (one-stage or two-stage), and sociodemographic and hospital variables. Differences were assessed using the chi-square test, impact of variables on reconstructive method was analyzed using logistic regression, and trends were analyzed using the Cochrane-Armitage test. Results: Between 1998 and 2012, a total of 1,444,587 patients treated for breast cancer or at increased risk of breast cancer met the defined selection criteria. Of these, 194,377 patients underwent implant-based breast reconstruction (13.6 percent one-stage and 86.4 percent two-stage). In both, there was a significant increase in procedures performed over time (p < 0.001). The highest increase in both was seen in the Northeast region of the United States, and the lowest increase was seen in the South. When stratified into regions, analysis showed differences in socioeconomic and hospital characteristics within the different regions. Conclusions: There is an observed increase in the number of one-stage and two-stage breast reconstructions being performed. Sociodemographic and hospital factors of influence vary in the different regions of the United States. This study provides important information for clinicians and policy makers who seek to ensure equitable and appropriate access for patient to the different types of implant-based procedures.