Aesthetically Ideal Breasts Created With Artificial Intelligence: Validating the Literature, Racial Differences, and Deep Fakes.

Background: A female's breasts are integrally tied to her identity and sense of femininity. Despite extensive study of breast aesthetics, there is no discrete formula for the "ideal breast" to guide the aesthetic surgeon. Racial and cultural differences heavily influence preferences in breast morphology. Artificial intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous in modern culture and may aid in further understanding ideal breast aesthetics. Objectives: This study analyzed AI-generated images of aesthetically ideal breasts, evaluated for morphologic differences based on race, and compared findings to the literature. Methods: An openly accessible AI image-generator platform was used to generate images of aesthetically ideal Caucasian, African American, and Asian breasts in 3-quarter profile and frontal views using simple text prompts. Breast measurements were obtained and compared between each racial cohort and to that of previously described ideal breast parameters. Results: Twenty-five images were analyzed per racial cohort, per pose (150 total). Caucasian breasts were observed to fit nicely into previously described ideal breast templates. However, upper-to-lower pole ratios, nipple angles, upper pole slope contours, nipple-areolar complex positions, and areolar size were observed to have statistically significant differences between racial cohorts. Conclusions: Defining the aesthetically ideal breast remains a complex and multifaceted challenge, requiring consideration of racial and cultural differences. The AI-generated breasts in this study were found to have significant differences between racial groups, support several previously described breast ideals, and provide insight into current and future ethical issues related to AI in aesthetic surgery.

How to Approach Secondary Breast Reduction: International Trends and a Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Secondary breast reduction is complex and poses significant challenges to surgeons. Complication rates exceed those of primary reduction, commonly caused by impaired vascular supply of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC). Literature on the topic is scare and provides contradicting recommendations, especially with regard to pedicle choice in cases with unknown primary reduction technique. Aim of this study was to investigate international trends and to compare findings with literature. METHODS: A large-scale web-based questionnaire on international trends in mammaplasty (mastopexy and breast reduction) was designed and distributed to over five thousand surgeons in eight geographic regions. The presented manuscript evaluated information regarding pedicle choice in secondary breast reduction and compared data to literature identified in a systematic review. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 1431 participants. Overall, secondary procedures were performed in less than 5% or in 5 to 10% of cases. The preferred pedicle for secondary reductions differed significantly between geographic regions (p<0.001). The majority of respondents reported to use a superior or supero-medial pedicle (34.8% and 32.2%, respectively). Residual analysis revealed a strong association between the use of an inferior pedicle and procedures performed in North America. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary breast reduction is challenging and there remains international disparity with regard to pedicle choice for secondary procedures. Studies investigating outcome when the primary pedicle is unknown are scarce and provide incoherent recommendations. High-quality data is needed to provide evidence-based practice guidelines. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Evidence-Based Performance Measures for Rhinoplasty: A Multidisciplinary Performance Measure Set.

SUMMARY: The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery commissioned the multidisciplinary Rhinoplasty Performance Measure Development Work Group to identify and draft quality measures for the care of patients undergoing both functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty. One outcome measure and three process measures were identified. The outcome looked at patient satisfaction with rhinoplasty procedures. The process measures look at motivations and expectations of the procedure, airway assessment, and nonnarcotic shared decision-making strategies for pain management. All measures in this report were approved by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Quality and Performance Measures Work Group and Executive Committee, and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Rhinoplasty Society, and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. The Work Group recommends the use of these measures for quality initiatives, Continuing Medical Education, Maintenance of Certification, Qualified Clinical Data Registry reporting, and national quality reporting programs.

Rethinking Upper Blepharoplasty: The Impact of Pretarsal Show.

BACKGROUND: Conventional upper blepharoplasty relies on skin, muscle, and fat excision to restore ideal pretarsal space-to-upper lid fold ratios. The purpose of this study was to identify presenting topographic features of upper blepharoplasty patients and their effect on cosmetic outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent upper blepharoplasty at the authors' institution from 1997 to 2017. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were standardized using Adobe Illustrator to an iris diameter of 11.5 mm. Pretarsal and upper lid fold heights were measured at five locations. Patients were classified into three groups based on preoperative pretarsal show: none, partial, or complete. Photographs were randomized in PowerPoint and given a cosmetic score of 0 to 5 by four independent reviewers. RESULTS: Three hundred sixteen patients were included, 42 men (13 percent) and 274 women (87 percent). Group 1 included 101 eyes (16 percent), group 2 had 159 eyes (25 percent), and group 3 had 372 eyes (59 percent). Mean cosmetic score increased from 1.75 to 2.38 postoperatively (p < 0.001), with a significantly lower improvement in scores in group 3 compared to groups 2 and 1 for both sexes (p < 0.01). For group 3, those with midpupil pretarsal heights greater than 4 mm had a significantly lower postoperative aesthetic score (1.95) compared with those less than or equal to 4 mm (2.50) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Many patients presenting for upper blepharoplasty have complete pretarsal show and are at risk for worse cosmetic outcomes using conventional skin excision techniques. Adjunctive procedures such as fat grafting and ptosis repair should be considered in this group. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

Allogeneic and Alloplastic Augmentation Grafts in Nipple-Areola Complex Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Pooled Outcomes Analysis of Complications and Aesthetic Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: With advancements in materials engineering, many plastic surgeons have looked to allogeneic tissue and alloplastic materials as a possible source of structure for long-lasting nipple-areola complex reconstruction. Furthermore, in light of the recent mandate from the Food and Drug Administration restricting the marketing and direct indication of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) in breast reconstruction, we sought to highlight the overall safety and efficacy demonstrated in the existing literature surrounding all alloplastic materials in nipple-areola complex reconstruction. In this study, the authors conduct a systematic review and pooled outcomes analysis on allogenic and alloplastic implant materials utilized to achieve long-lasting nipple projection stratified by specific material used and respective outcomes. METHODS: A comprehensive systematic review on allogenic and synthetic materials data utilized in nipple reconstruction was conducted utilizing Medline/PubMed database. Articles were stratified by (1) alloplastic material, as well as (2) objective and patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 592 nipple-areola complexes on 482 patients were featured in 15 case series. In all studies, alloplastic or allograft material was utilized to achieve and maintain nipple projection. Subjective measurements revealed a patient satisfaction rate of 93.3% or higher with the majority of patients being very satisfied with their reconstruction. The alloplastic and allograft implants analyzed had an overall complication rate of 5.3% across all materials used. The most common complication reported was flap or graft necrosis with a pooled rate of 2.5%. Overall, the Ceratite implant presented with the highest complication rate (18%) including flap/graft necrosis (13%) and extrusion of the artificial bone (5%). Other rigid implants such as the biodesign nipple reconstruction cylinder reported complications of extrusion (3.6%), projection loss requiring revision (2.5%), wound dehiscence/drainage (1.5%), flap or graft necrosis (1.0%) and excessive bleeding (0.5%). ADM implants had reported complications of both insufficient projection (0.8%) and excessive projection (1.6%), which required surgical revision. Injectable materials had minimal reported complications of pain during injection (0.8%) with Radiesse and a false-positive PET scan result (0.8%) with DermaLive. CONCLUSIONS: Allogeneic and alloplastic grafts are a reliable means of achieving satisfactory nipple projection, with a relatively low overall complication profile. The use of Ceratite (artificial bone) led to the highest complication rates. Further clinical studies are necessary to better understand the feasibility and longer-term outcomes of the use of allogeneic and synthetic augmentation grafts to improve nipple projection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Simplified Lateral Brow Lift under Local Anesthesia for Correction of Lateral Hooding.

BACKGROUND: A limited incision lateral brow lift has been described as an alternative to the endoscopic or the bicoronal approaches. The senior author has developed a safe and effective lateral brow lift technique that can be performed in an office setting under local anesthesia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 150 consecutive patients who underwent a brow lift by the senior author (TAM). The technique begins with an upper blepharoplasty incision which is used to divide the corrugator under direct vision, followed by a release of the periorbital retaining ligaments. The lateral temporal incision is the access point for dissection above the deep temporal fascia then connecting to the subperiosteal plane, allowing full mobility of the brow. Galea is advanced with sutures and redundant skin is excised. RESULTS: All patients treated with this technique had resolution of lateral brow hooding. Two temporary neuropraxias of the frontal branch of the facial nerve were observed with full resolution and no permanent nerve injuries occurred. The revision rate was 7% and there was a 3% incidence of delayed wound healing at the temporal incision with no infections. One hundred forty-two patients (97%) underwent this procedure with sedation, 52 of which (35%) were in the office with light oral sedation. CONCLUSIONS: The limited incision lateral brow lift as described allows for safe elevation of the lateral brow. When complemented by upper blepharoplasty, this technique provides excellent and natural-appearing rejuvenation of the upper face.

Getting Better Results in Facelifting.

The facelift has significantly evolved over the past several decades. What was once considered a skin only operation is now a sophisticated, elegant procedure that requires meticulous preoperative analysis, understanding of underlying anatomically based aging changes, and extreme attention to detail. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 125,697 facelifts were performed in 2017. It is not surprising that given these advances that facial rejuvenation surgery is still a very common procedure with a high degree of patient satisfaction despite the increase in nonsurgical facial aging treatments. With an improved understanding of facial anatomy including the facial retaining ligaments and intervening superficial and deep fat compartments, the modern facelift requires an anatomically targeted approach. Furthermore, the modern facelift surgeon must achieve consistently excellent results with reasonably little downtime while being aware of methods to improve the safety of this popular elective procedure. Hematoma is the most common complication after rhytidectomy with an incidence between 0.9% and 9%, with a higher incidence in males. Other potential complications include seroma, nerve injury, skin flap necrosis, siaolocele as a consequence of submandibular gland debulking, and skin flap rhytid and hairline distortion. This review aims to discuss safe, consistent, and reproducible methods to achieve success with facelift.

Platelet rich plasma for photodamaged skin: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Despite increasing popularity of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating aging facial skin, the quality of evidence supporting its use is poor due to the lack of consistent methods of its preparation and application. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess treatment efficacy and patient satisfaction with a single PRP treatment prepared with a simplified preparation and application technique. METHODS: Four millilitre of PRP were injected into 6 standardized points on each side of the face. Outcomes were assessed by independent physician evaluation of pretreatment and posttreatment photographs using the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). In addition, patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the FACE-Q. RESULTS: Thirty-one participants ranging from 27 to 71 years of age (median, 38; IQR 32-58) were recruited for this study. Posttreatment WSRS scores improved in only 1 patient; the GAIS scores of 14 patients indicated aesthetic improvement. Analysis of FACE-Q scores revealed statistically significant increases in participant satisfaction with overall facial appearance and cheeks. The most frequently reported adverse effects were tenderness (23.4%; 7 of 31), facial tightness (20.0%; 6 of 31), and swelling (20.0%; 6 of 31). CONCLUSIONS: A simple method of PRP preparation offers modest benefit in treating the effects of skin aging and photodamage. Future research studies should alter our methods using a stepwise approach to optimize the treatment of aging facial skin with PRP.

Cervical Branch of Facial Nerve: An Explanation for Recurrent Platysma Bands Following Necklift and Platysmaplasty.

Background: Recurrent platysma bands remain a common problem in neck rejuvenation. Objectives: The goals of this cadaver study were to document the course of the cervical branches of the facial nerve and investigate the pattern of platysma muscle innervation before and after various platysmaplasty maneuvers. Methods: A total of 8 fresh cadaver specimens were dissected for a total of 16 hemifaces/necks. After subcutaneous undermining and identification of the main trunk of the facial nerve, the cervical branch was dissected as distally/anteriorly as possible under loupe magnification. The following 4 platysmaplasty maneuvers were each performed on 4 hemifaces/necks: platysma window, extended SMAS with platysma flap, full width platysma transection, and lateral skin-platysma displacement (LSD). Upon completion of the techniques, the integrity of the cervical branches was evaluated. Results: Contrary to some reports, all specimens in this study had only 1 main cervical branch. There were no branches detectable under 3.2× magnification until branches were given off to the platysma muscle at approximately the location of the facial vessels. The main cervical branch continued distally/anteriorly to the medial edge of the muscle below the thyroid cartilage. After performing the various platysma techniques, all cervical branches were in continuity in all specimens. Specifically, the main cervical branch was in continuity to the medial border of the muscle caudal to all platysmaplasty maneuvers. Conclusions: Undermining the platysma muscle results in no injury to platysmal innervation unless continued beyond the facial vessels. Recurrent bands are likely related to persistent innervation of the medial platysma, which remains intact cranial and caudal to any described platysmal transection maneuvers.

Matching into Integrated Plastic Surgery: The Value of Research Fellowships.

BACKGROUND: Integrated plastic surgery residency applicants sometimes complete research fellowships before residency. The average productivity and the impact of these fellowships on subsequent application to residency are unknown. The purpose of this study was to provide objective data to better understand the utility and productivity of a research fellowship. METHODS: A national survey was conducted in which integrated plastic surgery residency applicants from 2013 to 2016 were surveyed regarding their experiences with research fellowships. American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons members were also surveyed to elicit their perspectives on the value of these fellowships. RESULTS: Six hundred twenty-one integrated plastic surgery applicants from 2013 to 2016 were included in the study. Twenty-five percent of applicants participated in a research fellowship. Applicants who completed research fellowships were more likely to match into plastic surgery compared to those who did not (97 percent versus 81 percent, respectively; p < 0.05). Fellows were highly satisfied with their fellowship experience and produced an average of five publications and presentations per fellowship year. Sixty-three percent of research fellowships were performed to strengthen applications to categorical integrated plastic surgery residency. American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons members considered three or four publications/presentations productive. Most do not recommend research fellowships to all medical students. CONCLUSIONS: Research fellowships can effectively prepare for categorical plastic surgery by improving publication and presentation experience. This is the first study to show that applicants who completed research fellowships were highly satisfied with their experience, accomplished higher than expected levels of productivity, and statistically significantly matched into an integrated plastic surgery residency more often than applicants without research fellowships.

Assessing the Value of a Multimedia-Based Aesthetic Curriculum in Plastic Surgery Residency: A Single-Center Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Although global demand for cosmetic surgery continues to rise, plastic surgery residents feel that current models of aesthetic training are inadequate in preparing them for future practice. Digital learning resources offer promising educational possibilities, yet there are no formal studies investigating the integration of these technologies into the aesthetic curriculum. OBJECTIVES: Here, we review the current state of aesthetic training for plastic surgery residents and present a pilot study investigating the value of a dedicated multimedia-based aesthetic curriculum at a single, large academic program. METHODS: Twenty plastic surgery residents participated in an 8-week curriculum consisting of weekly multimedia-based modules covering a specific aesthetic topic. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention surveys at 0 and 10 weeks, respectively. Surveys evaluated resident perspectives of the current state of aesthetic training, confidence in performing surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures, perceived efficacy of multimedia interventions for learning, and preferences for inclusion of such approaches in future curricula. RESULTS: 16.7% of participants planned on entering an aesthetic fellowship following residency. The mean number of months of dedicated cosmetic surgery rotations was 1.65 months. Resident confidence level in performing a particular aesthetic procedure significantly increased in 6/14 modules. More than 90% of residents were interested in incorporating the modules into residency. CONCLUSIONS: Technology-based aesthetic training is critical for producing the finest future practitioners and leaders of this specialty. Here, we show that plastic surgery residents can benefit from a multimedia-based aesthetic curriculum, even if they do not plan on pursuing a career devoted to cosmetic surgery.

Management of High-energy Avulsive Ballistic Facial Injury: A Review of the Literature and Algorithmic Approach.

BACKGROUND: High-energy avulsive ballistic facial injuries pose one of the most significant reconstructive challenges. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to evaluate management trends and outcomes for the treatment of devastating ballistic facial trauma. Furthermore, we describe the senior author's early and definitive staged reconstructive approach to these challenging patients. METHODS: A Medline search was conducted to include studies that described timing of treatment, interventions, complications, and/or aesthetic outcomes. RESULTS: Initial query revealed 41 articles, of which 17 articles met inclusion criteria. A single comparative study revealed that early versus delayed management resulted in a decreased incidence of soft-tissue contracture, required fewer total procedures, and resulted in shorter hospitalizations (level 3 evidence). Seven of the 9 studies (78%) that advocated delayed reconstruction were from the Middle East, whereas 5 of the 6 studies (83%) advocating immediate or early definitive reconstruction were from the United States. No study compared debridement timing directly in a head-to-head fashion, nor described flap selection based on defect characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Existing literature suggests that early and aggressive intervention improves outcomes following avulsive ballistic injuries. Further comparative studies are needed; however, although evidence is limited, the senior author presents a 3-stage reconstructive algorithm advocating early and definitive reconstruction with aesthetic free tissue transfer in an attempt to optimize reconstructive outcomes of these complex injuries.

Evaluating Platelet-Rich Therapy for Facial Aesthetics and Alopecia: A Critical Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Despite the growing popularity of platelet-rich plasma, existing evidence supporting its efficacy remains controversial due to the lack of large-scale studies and standardized protocols for preparation and application. This article reviews its use in facial rejuvenation, fat grafting, acne scarring, and androgenic alopecia. Emphasis is placed on comparing methods of platelet-rich plasma preparation and application across studies. METHODS: A systematic review was performed for articles published between 2006 and 2015. All clinical studies and case reports that addressed platelet-rich plasma alone and/or in combination with fat grafting for facial rejuvenation, acne scarring, or androgenic alopecia were included. RESULTS: Of the 22 articles included in the analysis, seven studies used platelet-rich plasma alone for facial rejuvenation, seven in combination with fat grafting, two for treatment of acne scarring, and six for treatment of androgenic alopecia. Individual study procedures, means of evaluation, and significant results are summarized. Although the majority of studies in this review report positive results, significant variation exists in preparation protocols and in the number and frequency of clinical treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of studies report positive results for all indications evaluated in this review, but the procedure is limited by the lack of a standardized method for preparation and application of platelet-rich plasma. The extent to which significant variability in platelet-rich plasma preparation and/or application methods may affect clinical outcomes is not completely clear. In the interim, we present a consolidation of platelet-rich plasma treatment techniques and outcomes currently in use to help guide physicians in their clinical practice.

The ideal ear position in Caucasian females.

PURPOSE: Ear position contributes significantly to facial appearance. However, while objective measurements remain the foundation for esthetic evaluations, little is known about how an ear should ideally be positioned regarding its rotational axis. This study aimed to further evaluate whether there exists a universally applicable ideal ear axis, and how sociodemographic factors impact such preferences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An interactive online survey was designed, enabling participants to change the axis of a female model's ear in terms of its forward and backward rotation. The questionnaire was sent out internationally to plastic surgeons and the general public. Demographic data were collected and analysis of variance was used to investigate respective preferences. RESULTS: A total of 1016 responses from 35 different countries (response rate: 18.5%) were gathered. Overall, 60% of survey takers chose the minus 10 or 5° angles to be most attractive. Significant differences were found regarding sex, ethnicity, country of residence, profession and respective ear axis preferences. CONCLUSION: Across multiple countries and ethnicities, an ear position in slight reclination of minus 5-10° is considered most pleasing in Caucasian females. However, sociodemographic factors significantly impact individual ear axis preferences and should be taken into consideration when performing reconstructive ear surgery.

Public Interest in Breast Augmentation: Analysis and Implications of Google Trends Data.

INTRODUCTION: Breast augmentation is the most common aesthetic surgery performed in the United States (US) annually. Analysis of Google Trends (GT) data may give plastic surgeons useful information regarding worldwide, national, and regional interest for breast augmentation and other commonly performed aesthetic surgeries. METHODS: Data were collected using GT for breast augmentation and associated search terms from January 2004 to May 2017. Case volume was obtained from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) annual reports for the calendar year 2005-2016. RESULTS: Trend analysis showed that total search term volume for breast augmentation and breast implants gradually decreased worldwide and in the US over the study period while the search term boob job slowly increased. Univariate linear regression demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation between average annual Google search volume of "breast augmentation" and the annual volume of breast augmentations performed in the US according to ASPS data (R 2 = 0.44, p = 0.018). There was no significant correlation between national volume of breast augmentations performed and search volume using the terms "breast implants" or "boob job" over time (p = 0.84 and p = 0.07, respectively). In addition, there appears to be country specific variation in interest based on time of year and peaks in interest following specific policies. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first and only analysis of GT data in the plastic surgery literature to date. To that end, this study highlights this large and potentially powerful data set for plastic surgeons both in the US and around the world. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Is There a Limit? A Risk Assessment Model of Liposuction and Lipoaspirate Volume on Complications in Abdominoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Combining liposuction and abdominoplasty is controversial because of concerns for increased complications and potential for vascular compromise of the abdominoplasty flap. Also, the lipoaspirate volume in abdominoplasty is regulated in some areas to as little as 500 ml when performed with abdominoplasty. This study measures abdominoplasty complication rates when performed with and without trunk liposuction, and evaluates the effect of lipoaspirate volume on complications. METHODS: Abdominoplasty and liposuction of the trunk procedures were identified in the Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons database. Multivariate regression models determined the effect of liposuction with abdominoplasty on complications compared with abdominoplasty alone and determined the effect of liposuction volume on complications. RESULTS: Eleven thousand one hundred ninety-one patients were identified: 9638 (86.1 percent) having abdominoplasty with truncal liposuction and 1553 (13.9 percent) having abdominoplasty alone. Overall complication rates were 10.5 percent and 13.0 percent, respectively. Combined liposuction and abdominoplasty was independently associated with a reduced risk of both overall complications (p = 0.046) and seroma (p = 0.030). Given existing laws limiting liposuction volume to 500 or 1000 ml in combination with abdominoplasty, each of these thresholds was evaluated, with no effect on complications. Surprisingly, increasing liposuction volume was not independently associated with an increased risk of any complication. CONCLUSIONS: When done by board-certified plastic surgeons, abdominoplasty with truncal liposuction is safe, with fewer complications than abdominoplasty alone. Regulations governing liposuction volumes in abdominoplasty are arbitrary and do not reflect valid thresholds for increased complications. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Current Trends in Breast Augmentation: An International Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Breast augmentation surgery remains the most frequently performed aesthetic surgical procedure worldwide. However, many variations exist regarding preoperative planning, surgical management, and postoperative care. OBJECTIVES: The goal was to evaluate current trends and practices in breast augmentation, with a focus on international variability. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to over 5000 active breast surgeons in 44 countries worldwide. The survey inquired about current controversies, new technologies, common practices, secondary procedures, and surgeon demographics. The findings and variations were evaluated and correlated to evidence-based literature. RESULTS: There were a total 628 respondents equaling a response rate of approximately 18%. While certain approaches and common practices prevail also on an international basis, there exist several geographic controversies. For example, while almost fifty percent of surgeons in the United States and Latin America never use anatomically shaped implants, in Europe and Oceania most surgeons use them. Similarly, in Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, over 80% of surgeons use silicone implants only, whereas in the United States only 20% use them - meanwhile US surgeons use the largest implants (78% > 300 cc). Internationally dominant practice preferences include preoperative sizing with silicone implants, as well as the use of inframammary incisions and partial submuscular pockets. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences exist when comparing most common surgical breast augmentation approaches on an international basis. While certain techniques seem to be universal standards, there still remain several controversies. Further standardizing this most common aesthetic surgical procedure according to evidence-based guidelines will help to improve outcomes.

The Ideal Buttock Size: A Sociodemographic Morphometric Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Perception of beauty is influenced by geographic, ethnic, cultural, and demographic factors. However, objective measurements remain the foundation for aesthetic evaluations. In the quest to better define the "ideal" female buttock, this study assumes interdependence among variables such as country of residence, sex, age, occupation, and aesthetic perception, yielding a waist-to-hip ratio that appears most pleasing across most cultures and geographic locations. METHODS: An online survey was designed. Modifiable ranges of buttock sizes were achieved by means of digital alteration, enabling participants to interactively change the size and waist-to-hip ratio of a single model's buttocks. The questionnaire was translated into multiple languages and sent to more than 9000 plastic surgeons and to the general public worldwide. Demographic data were collected, and analysis of variance was used to elucidate buttock shape preferences. RESULTS: A total of 1032 responses were gathered from over 40 different countries. Significant differences regarding preferences for buttock size were identified across the respondents. Overall, 404 of 1032 of survey takers (39 percent) chose the 0.7 waist-to-hip ratio to be their ideal. Significant relationships were distilled between sex, age, self-reported ethnicity, plastic surgeons' country of residence, and ethnic background. For example, surgeons in Latin America preferred the largest buttocks, followed by surgeons in Asia, North America, and Europe, with non-Caucasians preferring larger buttocks than Caucasians. CONCLUSION: There seems to exist a global consensus regarding the ideal waist-to-hip ratio; however, multiple other factors impact the aesthetic perception of the buttocks significantly.

Chin Ups and Downs: Avoiding Bad Results in Chin Reoperation.

The senior author (B.M.Z.) has performed 512 chin reoperations over the last 30 years. This paper will describe the usual errors in surgical planning regarding what seems to be a relatively straightforward operation. We will focus on: (1) assessment of the chin; (2) pitfalls with surgical approaches; and (3) problem cases. This paper will not focus on the large chin, but rather on the chin that needs augmentation. Some chins will do well with an implant, others will need an osteotomy or ostectomy, and even others need both. The surgeon is responsible for selecting the correct operation. Thus, it remains incumbent on the surgeon to become diligent in diagnosis and delivery.