Nearly half of U.S. academic hospitals do not post required data on costs for hand surgery, reports a study in the August issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). “Our analysis shows that many hospitals do not meet the federal price transparency rule for common hand surgery procedures,” comments Ben S. Rhee, BA, a medical student at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Providence, R.I. “We also found evidence of an incongruous relationship between hospital pricing and the soc ..read more

Summary: The Aesthetic Society’s new AlliedPro membership program offers comprehensive training, community support, and resources for nonsurgical aesthetic professionals, including nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and aestheticians, to enhance expertise, grow businesses, and improve patient outcomes, with educational partnerships like MAP and 4S Summit. Key Takeaways: Comprehensive Education and Resources: AlliedPro offers extensive educational opportunities, certification programs, and access to a wide range of reference materials to enhance expertise in aesthetic medicine ..read more

Summary: Soft-tissue fillers, while popular for restoring volume, may complicate future facelifts due to issues like lumps and damaged tissue, with 52% of surgeons finding them challenging. Key Takeaways: Potential Complications with Fillers: Soft tissue filler injections, while popular for restoring facial volume, may complicate future facelifts, leading to issues such as lumps, damaged tissue, and reduced facelift longevity. Biostimulatory Fillers and Collagen: Fillers like Radiesse and Sculptra not only plump the skin but also stimulate collagen production, essential for skin ela ..read more

Summary: The Aesthetic Society’s 2023 report reveals a 2.9% increase in surgical procedures from 2022 to 2023 and a 10.2% growth since 2019, highlights the launch of AlliedPro for nonsurgical professionals, and lists top procedures, with liposuction and breast augmentation leading among women and men. Key Takeaways: Surgical Procedures Growth: There has been a 2.9% increase in surgical procedures from 2022 to 2023 and a 10.2% growth from 2019 to 2023, indicating a steady rise in demand for aesthetic plastic surgery. Top Procedures: The most performed surgical procedures include liposuction, b ..read more

Summary: American Indian/Alaska Native women with breast cancer are significantly less likely to undergo breast reconstruction after mastectomy compared to non-Hispanic White women, despite an overall increase in reconstruction rates. Key Takeaways: Ongoing Disparity in Reconstruction Rates: American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women still have significantly lower breast reconstruction rates after mastectomy compared to non-Hispanic White women, despite overall increases. Impact of Socioeconomic and Health Factors: Higher comorbidity, prevalent public insurance, and lower educational levels ..read more

Summary: A new study suggests that patients in sunnier climates may require higher doses of Botox for effective cosmetic treatment of facial lines due to increased muscle activity and environmental factors. Key Takeaways: Higher Botox Dosage Required in Sunnier Climates: The study indicates that individuals in “high-sun” environments, like Malta, may need more Botox to achieve similar levels of muscle paralysis compared to those in less sunny settings, such as London, due to increased muscle activation from squinting and possibly higher temperatures. Adjustments to Treatment Protocols: Plasti ..read more

Summary: The 2023 ASPS Procedural Statistics report shows a 5% increase in plastic surgeries and a 7% rise in minimally invasive procedures, with cosmetic surgeries like liposuction and minimally invasive treatments like Botox gaining popularity, reflecting robust demand and technological advancements in aesthetic procedures. Key Takeaways: Continued Growth in Cosmetic Procedures: Despite economic challenges, there was a notable increase in both plastic surgeries and minimally invasive procedures in 2023, with a 5% rise in surgical and a 7% rise in non-surgical treatments, underscoring a stro ..read more

Summary: Five plastic surgery startups have been selected to participate in the ASPS/MedTech Innovator 2024 Accelerator, where they will compete for part of $800,000 in funding and receive comprehensive support to advance their medical technologies. Key Takeaways: Selective Advancement: Only five out of 80 entrants advanced in the plastic surgery track, showcasing stringent selection criteria for innovations. Comprehensive Support and Exposure: Finalists receive extensive support, including mentorship and industry exposure, boosting their development and networking opportunities. Impact and G ..read more

Summary: Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center recently performed an unprecedented “Jaw in a Day” surgery at Methodist University Hospital, removing an advanced tumor and reconstructing the jaw of a teenage patient within a single day. This innovative procedure leverages 3D imaging and precise surgical techniques to address complex facial conditions. Key Takeaways: The “Jaw in a Day” procedure significantly shortens the treatment timeline and recovery period for patients. The collaboration between Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and UT Health Sc ..read more

Summary: AVITA Medical announced FDA approval for its RECELL GO System, an advanced device for harvesting autologous skin cells to treat burn wounds and skin defects. The system simplifies preparation, reduces training requirements, and enhances workflow efficiency. Key Takeaways: The RECELL GO System uses less donor skin, reducing pain and improving healing and aesthetic outcomes. The device decreases the need for multiple procedures and shortens hospital stays for burns covering less than 50% TBSA. It will be launched in top U.S. burn treatment centers in June, with broader distribution thr ..read more