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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:. We aimed to identify how Integra bilayer wound matrix has expanded facial reconstruction options after Mohs surgery due to its reliability in both single- and dual-stage reconstruction. Methods:. A retrospective review of patients undergoing Mohs surgery and alloplastic facial reconstruction with Integra between 2012 and 2022 was performed. Patients who underwent single-stage reconstruction and dual-stage reconstruction with skin graft with at least 90 days of follow-up were included. Results:. One hundred thirty patients with a median age of 76 years were included. Basal cell carcinoma was the most common malignancy (39%). One hundred forty-two lesions were treated and reconstructed same-day with Integra. Lesions most commonly involved the nose (34%) and forehead (22%). The mean postoperative defect size was 26.9 cm2. An estimated 45.5% (n = 60) of defect sites underwent single-stage reconstruction with healing by secondary intention, whereas 54.5% (n = 72) underwent dual-stage reconstruction with skin graft. Integra success rate was 90.2%. Average time to re-epithelialization was 32.2 + 7.3 days. Average time to repigmentation was 169.5 + 14.6 days. The complication rate was 12.8% (n = 17), with 12 undergoing debridement, three needing new Integra graft, and seven needing new skin grafts. Average size for successful healing without complication was 26.6 cm2. Nineteen sites (13.2%) underwent aesthetic improvement procedures, with the majority occurring after dual-stage reconstruction (n = 13). Conclusions:. Integra is a reliable outpatient reconstructive option for facial Mohs defects that can increase the threshold for autologous tissue harvesting and successfully reconstruct large defects of 26.6 cm2 on average with low complication and reoperation rates.

Background:. Breast implant illness (BII) is a poorly understood heterogeneous disorder treated with implant removal; however, patient-reported symptoms and outcomes after treatment remain unclear. Methods:. A retrospective review of patients undergoing bilateral breast implant removal related to BII by two surgeons at an academic medical center between 2018 and 2022 was conducted. Patients were surveyed using the BREAST-Q Reconstruction model with the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery BII survey extension. Outcomes were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for patient-associated factors. Results:. Forty-seven patients were surveyed with a response rate of 51% (n = 24). Of the 20 patients who completed the survey, the majority were White (85%), with 45% (n = 9) having a documented history of psychiatric illness. Six (30%) patients had capsular contracture and four (20%) had documented implant rupture. Most implant removal procedures (n = 12, 60%) were not covered by insurance. Fourteen (70%) patients reported a net improvement in their symptoms after implant removal, most commonly chest discomfort, muscle pain, fever, and headaches. Capsular contracture was predictive of reduced psychosocial, sexual, and breast satisfaction scores (P = 0.015). Self-pay was predictive of increased breast satisfaction scores (P = 0.009), but had no impact on symptomatic improvement. A reduced time to implant removal was predictive of fewer residual symptoms (P = 0.032). Psychiatric illness had no significant impact on the outcomes. Conclusions:. In the setting of suspected or diagnosed BII, a reduced time to implant removal may decrease the risk of residual symptoms and improve overall patient satisfaction. In patients with capsular contracture, preoperative counseling should emphasize that implant removal may only improve physical symptoms.

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.

Background:. Academic advancement in plastic surgery necessitates creation of opportunities for rising faculty, which are pivotal for women in their efforts to close prominent gender gaps in higher ranks. We study positions of academic prestige that benefit from internal nomination as surrogates for opportunities afforded to men and women seeking leadership roles. Methods:. We collected the following datapoints: authors of invited discussions published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery from 2010 to 2019; current editorial board members of representative plastic surgery journals; recipients of society-sponsored traveling fellowships; and directors of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Public profiles for all authors and surgeons were referenced to confirm gender identification. Results:. Seven-hundred ninety-seven plastic and reconstructive surgery discussions were included, 18% of which included female first or senior authorship. Seventy-one (9%) discussions listed a female senior author. Male and female senior authors were equally as likely to collaborate with a female first co-author (25% and 26%, respectively). Only 17% of invited authors contributed to 55% of discussion articles. Women occupied 19% of journal editorial board positions, though none were editors-in-chief. American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, American Society of Maxiliofacial Surgeons, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and Plastic Surgery Foundation traveling fellowships were awarded to one (3%), four (7%), five (13%), and 141 (15%) female plastic surgeons, respectively. Women comprise 26% of directors of American Board of Plastic Surgery. Conclusions:. Female representation in plastic surgery is rising, but it is not mirrored across appointed positions in academia. We should strive to support advancements that allow selected prestigious positions to more accurately reflect the gender distribution within the plastic surgery community.

Background:. The present study assesses training characteristics, scholastic achievements, and traditional career accomplishments of ethnically underrepresented in medicine (UIM) plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) faculty relative to non-UIM PRS faculty. Method:. A cross-sectional analysis of core PRS faculty appointed to accredited United States residency training programs (n = 99) was performed. Results:. Of the 949 US PRS faculty, a total of 51 (5.4%) were identified as UIM. Compared with non-UIM faculty, there were few differences when evaluating medical education, residency training, pursuit of advanced degrees, and attainment of subspecialty fellowship training. UIM faculty were more likely than non-UIM faculty to have graduated from a medical school outside the United States (25% versus 13%, P = 0.014). In addition, UIM faculty did not differ from non-UIM counterparts in traditional career accomplishments, including promotion to full professor, obtaining NIH funding, serving as program director, receiving an endowed professorship, appointment to a peer-reviewed editorial board, scholarly contributions (H-index and number of publications), and appointment to chief/chair of their division/department. Conclusions:. The historical lack of ethnic diversity that comprise US academic PRS faculty persists. This study reveals that those UIM faculty who are able to obtain faculty appointments are equally successful in achieving scholastic success and traditional career accomplishments as their non-UIM counterparts. As we strive toward increasing representation of UIM physicians in academic plastic surgery, the field will benefit from efforts that promote a pipeline for underrepresented groups who traditionally face barriers to entry.

Background:. Successful strategies to improve the representation of female and ethnically underrepresented in medicine (UIM) physicians among US plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) faculty have not been adequately explored. Accordingly, we aimed to identify programs that have had success, and in parallel gather PRS program directors’ and chiefs/chairs’ perspectives on diversity recruitment intentionality and strategies. Methods:. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the demographic composition of female and UIM faculty of PRS residency training programs. Separate lists of programs in the top quartile for female and UIM faculty representation were collated. Additionally, a 14-question survey was administered to program directors and chiefs/chairs of all 99 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited PRS residency programs. The questions comprised three domains: (1) demographic information; (2) perceptions about diversity; and (3) recruitment strategies utilized to diversify faculty. Results:. Female and UIM faculty representation ranged from 0% to 63% and 0% to 50%, respectively. Survey responses were received from program directors and chiefs/chairs of 55 institutions (55% response rate). Twenty-five (43%) respondents felt their program was diverse. Fifty-one (80%) respondents felt diversity was important to the composition of PRS faculty. Active recruitment of diverse faculty and the implementation of a diversity, equity, and inclusion committee were among the most frequently cited strategies to establish a culturally sensitive and inclusive environment. Conclusions:. These findings reveal that female and UIM representation among US PRS faculty remains insufficient; however, some programs have had success through deliberate and intentional implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.

Background:. Lack of female and ethnically underrepresented in medicine (UIM) surgeons remains concerning in academic plastic surgery. One barrier to inclusion may be unequal opportunity to publish research. This study evaluates the extent of this challenge for plastic surgery trainees and identifies potential solutions. Methods:. Data were collected on academic plastic surgeons' research productivity during training. Bivariate analysis compared publication measures between genders and race/ethnicities at different training stages (pre-residency/residency/clinical fellowship). Multivariate analysis determined training experiences independently associated with increased research productivity. Results:. Overall, women had fewer total publications than men during training (8.89 versus 12.46, P = 0.0394). Total publications were similar between genders before and during residency (P > 0.05 for both) but lower for women during fellowship (1.32 versus 2.48, P = 0.0042). Women had a similar number of first-author publications during training (3.97 versus 5.24, P = 0.1030) but fewer middle-author publications (4.70 versus 6.81, P = 0.0405). UIM and non-UIM individuals had similar productivity at all training stages and authorship positions (P > 0.05 for all). Research fellowship completion was associated with increased total, first-, and middle-author training publications (P < 0.001 for all). Conclusions:. Less research productivity for female plastic surgery trainees may reflect a disparity in opportunity to publish. Fewer middle-author publications could indicate challenges with network-building in a predominately male field. Despite comparable research productivity during training relative to non- UIM individuals, UIM individuals remain underrepresented in academic plastic surgery. Creating research fellowships for targeting underrepresented groups could help overcome these challenges.

Introduction:. Reduction mammaplasty is a mainstay in the treatment of symptomatic macromastia, with a well-described positive impact on patient quality-of-life (QoL). Absorbable dermal staplers have the potential to improve the efficiency of skin closure in reduction mammoplasties, but a more comprehensive assessment of its impact on key outcomes has not been fully elucidated. Methods:. A retrospective review of patients undergoing reduction mammoplasty between November 2018 and December 2020 was conducted. Patients were included if they had undergone a wise-pattern reduction with a superomedial pedicle and completed 3 months of follow-up. Patient demographics, operative information, clinical and aesthetic outcomes, and QoL were compared between patients that had INSORB stapler-assisted and suture-only closures. Results:. Seventy-five patients met the inclusion criteria, with 34 patients (45%) in the stapler cohort. Total procedure time was significantly reduced with the use of the dermal stapler (stapler: 154 vs. suture: 170 minutes; p = 0.003). The incidence of major complications was similar between cohorts (stapler: 8.8% vs. suture: 12%; p = 0.64), as was the incidence of minor complications (stapler: 44% vs. suture: 41%; p = 0.82). Regardless of closure technique, patients demonstrated significant increases in all QoL domains (p 0.05). Conclusions:. The dermal stapler improves efficiency of closure during reduction mammoplasty without increasing the incidence of wound healing complications. Additionally, cosmetic outcomes are not affected, and patients demonstrate similar post-operative satisfaction with the result regardless of closure technique.