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Background:. With marijuana use on the rise, its influence on surgical outcomes, particularly for breast reduction, warrants investigation. This study aims to clarify marijuana’s effects on breast reduction surgery outcomes, given its limited research focus despite potential perioperative implications. Methods:. A retrospective review was conducted from 2016 to 2022 of patients with/without marijuana use undergoing breast reduction. Propensity score-matching considered age, body mass index, ptosis, and breast tissue mass. Patient demographics, clinical attributes, and postoperative details were analyzed. Quality-of-life (QoL) changes were gauged using pre- and postoperative BREAST-Q. Results:. Of 415 patients who underwent breast reduction, 140 patients documented marijuana use. After propensity matching, a total of 108 patients (54 marijuana users versus 54 nonusers) were analyzed. The average age was 39 years ± 12 and body mass index 30.1 kg/m2 ± 5.3. There were no differences between the 2 groups in comorbidities, breast symmetry, excision patterns, pedicle use, or drain count (P > 0.05). Furthermore, surgical outcomes including surgical site occurrences, scarring, pain levels, hypersensitivity, or sensation loss were comparable between the groups (P > 0.05). There were also no differences in number of readmissions, reoperations, or emergency department visits (P > 0.05). Both groups showed enhanced postoperative QoL, regardless of marijuana usage. Conclusions:. This study indicates that marijuana use does not significantly impact breast reduction surgery outcomes. Comparable surgical results and postoperative QoL improvements were observed in both marijuana users and nonusers. This study provides surgeons with the knowledge to offer more informed patient counseling regarding the implications of marijuana use in relation to breast reduction procedures.

Background:. A previous study by the authors noted a decline in independent plastic surgery residency programs and rising applicant participation. This study provides updates on match trends and influential predictors, and gathers program leaders’ views on the future of the independent track. Methods:. Match data (2019–2022) were obtained from the San Francisco match after American Council of Educators in Plastic Surgery approval. Variables influencing match success were analyzed, and program leaders were surveyed about desirable applicant traits and program trajectories. Results:. From 2019 to 2022, 243 of 428 applicants matched. Programs and positions declined by 10% and 9.5%, respectively. Applicants rose to 42.3%, but match rates fell from 82% to 56%. Osteopathic graduates doubled, whereas international graduates increased to 53.8%. Successful matches were associated with US allopathic medical school graduates, university-affiliated general surgery residencies, eight or more interviews, United States Medical Licensing Examination scores greater than 230, and high post graduate year (PGY)1–3 American Board of Surgery In-service Training Examination scores (PGY1–64.7%, PGY2–61.2%, PGY3–60.7%; P < 0.05). Of surveyed programs, 55.6% aimed to continue running the independent track in the next year. Conversely, 7.4% planned to discontinue in the next year, 22.2% within 2–5 years, 7.4% within the next decade, and 7.4% were unsure. Conclusions:. Although support for the independent plastic surgery track remains, program participation diminishes as applicant interest increases, intensifying match challenges. Increasing number of interviews improves match potential. Program leaders display varied commitments, with looming plans for some programs to discontinue offering this track. Applicant evaluation pivots on strong recommendations, research, and test scores.

Background:. Few dedicated, funded clinical research fellowship positions exist in plastic surgery. This study provides insights from an established clinical research fellowship, highlighting its educational impact and confirming the impact of positive institutional support and a collaborative-first approach. Methods:. All research fellows within the program from 2008 to 2020 were examined during their year of employment and subsequent 2 years. Internal and external collaboration trends were assessed using PubMed affiliations. Correlation between external collaborations and research impact were examined. Research impact was characterized by publication count, journal impact factor, and journal diversity. Results:. Thirty-one research fellows were identified, with a 100% match rate. Four phases of development were identified, and a three-period cycle of productivity was noted to occur every 3 years. A shift toward more external collaborations occurred after 2016 (P = 0.008). A positive correlation was observed between external collaborations and academic output (r = 0.72, P = 0.004), journal diversity (r = 0.74, P = 0.004), and journal impact (r = 0.63, P < 0.05). Significant growth was observed in the collaborative networks (P = 0.002), publications (P = 0.003), journal diversity (P < 0.001), and research personnel (P = 0.002). Conclusions:. As a result of our strategic decision to engage collaborators across multiple disciplines, there is discernible improvement in measurable impact, contributing to the growth of our program. Dedicating resources to foster deeper collaborations can enrich the field of plastic surgery research, recognizing that this investment fuels the cycle of productivity, offering promising returns to the future.

Background:. This study aimed to analyze the association between completion of research training and career success in American plastic surgery faculty to aid trainees in their decisions to perform research fellowships. Methods:. A cross-sectional analysis of attending academic plastic surgeons in the United States was conducted. Outcomes were compared between faculty who completed research training (research fellowship, PhD, or MPH) and those who did not. Outcomes included promotion to full professor and/or department chair, h-index, and attainment of National Institutes of Health funding. Outcomes were analyzed using chi-squared tests, t tests, and multivariable regressions. Results:. A total of 949 plastic surgery faculty members were included, and of those, 185 (19.5%) completed dedicated research training, including 13.7% (n = 130) who completed a research fellowship. Surgeons who completed dedicated research training were significantly more likely to achieve full professorship (31.4% versus 24.1%, P = 0.01), obtain National Institutes of Health funding (18.4% versus 6.5%, P < 0.001), and have a higher mean h-index (15.6 versus 11.6, P < 0.001). Dedicated research fellowships were independently predictive of achieving full professorship (OR = 2.12, P = 0.002), increased h-index (β = 4.86, P < 0.001), and attainment of National Institutes of Health funding (OR = 5.06, P = 0.01). Completion of dedicated research training did not predict an increased likelihood of becoming department chair. Conclusion:. The performance of dedicated research training was predictive of improved markers of career success in plastic surgery and should be considered beneficial in both the short and long term.