Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast reconstruction trends in the United States, focusing on implant-based and autologous techniques, as well as the timing of reconstruction (immediate vs. delayed). Methods: A retrospective analysis of data from 2015 to 2022 from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ National Plastic Surgery Statistics was conducted. Annual trends in breast reconstruction procedures were analyzed, comparing the pre-pandemic (2015–2019) and pandemic (2020–2022) periods. A sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the impact of missing data from 2019 and 2021. Results: The total number of breast reconstructions increased from 106,338 in 2015 to 151,641 in 2022. The proportion of implant-based reconstructions decreased from 81.41% pre-pandemic to 76.51% during the pandemic (p < 0.001), with a notable rise in direct-to-implant procedures from 10.37% to 19.12% (p < 0.001). Autologous reconstructions increased from 18.59% to 23.49% (p < 0.001). Among autologous techniques, DIEP flaps remained the most popular. Immediate reconstruction rates increased from 72.61% pre-pandemic to 75.57% during the pandemic, while delayed reconstruction rates decreased from 27.39% to 24.43% (p < 0.001). The sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of these trends. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant shift towards autologous breast reconstruction techniques, particularly DIEP flaps, and an increase in immediate reconstructions in the United States. Within implant-based reconstructions, the proportion of DTI procedures increased while the proportion of tissue expander procedures decreased. These changes likely reflect adaptations in surgical practice and decision-making processes in response to the unique challenges posed by the pandemic, rather than alterations in surgical techniques themselves. The insights gained from this study can help guide plastic surgeons and healthcare providers in preparing for future pandemics or similar disruptions.

Background Fingertip injuries with volar pulp tissue defects present a significant challenge in management. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a conservative treatment protocol using artificial dermis and semi-occlusive dressings for these injuries. Methods A single-center, prospective study was conducted on 31 patients with fingertip injuries involving volar pulp defects. The treatment protocol included wound debridement, application of artificial dermis (Pelnac^®), and a semi-occlusive dressing (IV3000^®). The outcomes were assessed using subjective questionnaires and objective measures, including fingerprint regeneration, sensory function, pain, and cosmetic appearance. Results The mean treatment duration was 45.29 days (SD = 17.53). Complications were minimal, with only one case (3.22%) directly attributable to the treatment. Fingerprint regeneration was considerable (mean score = 2.58, SD = 0.67). The sensory disturbances were minimal, with no significant differences across injury types. Post-treatment pain was low (mean = 0.45, SD = 0.67), and cosmetic satisfaction was high (mean = 4.09, SD = 0.94). The overall patient satisfaction was high (mean = 4.41, SD = 0.67), regardless of injury severity. Conclusions The conservative treatment protocol using artificial dermis and semi-occlusive dressings is a promising strategy for managing fingertip injuries with volar pulp defects. This approach minimizes surgical morbidity and achieves excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Blowout fractures are a common type of facial injury that requires accurate measurement of the fracture area for proper treatment planning. This systematic review aimed to summarize and evaluate the current methods for measuring blowout fracture areas and explore the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing accuracy and reliability. A comprehensive search of the PubMed database was conducted, focusing on studies published since 2000 that investigated methods for measuring blowout fracture area using computed tomography scans. The review included 20 studies, and the results showed that automatic methods, such as computer-aided measurements and computed tomography-based volumetric analysis, provide higher accuracy and reliability compared with manual and semiautomatic techniques. Standardizing the method for measuring blowout fracture areas can improve clinical decision-making and facilitate outcome comparison across studies. Future research should focus on developing AI models that can account for multiple factors, including fracture area and herniated tissue volume, to enhance their accuracy and reliability. Integration of AI models has the potential to improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes in the assessment and management of blowout fractures.

Background: This study explores the dynamic changes in plastic surgery practices, focusing on the growth rates across different subcategories, particularly highlighting the trends in the United States. Objectives: To analyze evolving trends in plastic surgery using statistical methods, providing insights into the changes and growth patterns in various segments over time. Materials and Methods: Utilizing data from 2005 to 2019 from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the authors, conducted a comprehensive statistical analysis using the SPSS program to investigate trends in plastic surgery procedures. Results: Our analysis revealed no significant differences in year-on-year growth rates between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. However, in reconstructive surgery subcategories, maxillofacial surgery showed the highest mean growth rate at 11.61%, though this was not statistically significant. In cosmetic minimally invasive procedures, soft tissue filler injections and botulinum toxin A injections experienced notably higher growth trends compared with microdermabrasion. Conclusion: The findings suggest that practitioners considering a career in plastic surgery should not focus solely on choosing between reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Recognizing substantial growth in cosmetic minimally invasive procedures, especially botulinum toxin A injections and fillers, is vital for making informed career decisions.

Background: The volume of cosmetic procedures and expenditures has increased over the past 15 years. Recent studies have shown that the market for cosmetic procedures follows the standard laws of economics. However, no studies published in the literature have found a direct correlation between US stock market indices and expenditures on cosmetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures. Methods: The authors analyzed annual cosmetic procedure statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for 2005–2020 against economic indices, including major US stock market indices [NASDAQ 100, S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), Russell 2000 indices from the New York Stock Exchange, gross domestic product (GDP)], median income of US citizens, and the US population from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis were used for the statistical analysis. Results: Total expenditure on cosmetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures (TECP) has more than doubled since 2005 to 2020. TECP revealed statistically significant correlations with all other indicators. TECP had the greatest correlation with DJIA (r = 0.952, P < 0.001). In the multiple regression analysis, the increase in TECP led to the rise of the NASDAQ 100 index (adjusted R² was 0.790, P < 0.001). Conclusions: There was a statistically significant correlation between the TECP in USA and the major indices of the US stock market. In particular, the increase in TECP led to the rise of the NASDAQ 100 index.