Flaps · Perforator propeller
Propeller and Perforator Flaps
This 2026 review summarizes how perforator and perforator-propeller flaps have evolved with the perforasome concept and refined dissection techniques, emphasizing their expanding role for lower-extremity defect coverage. It frames these flaps as a limb-salvage-adjacent workhorse option when local tissue is limited, aiming to broaden reconstructive decision-making.
Imaging · DIEP planning
Non-contrast Magnetic Resonance Angiography Versus Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography in Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Flap Planning: A 4-year Non-inferiority Cohort Study
This cohort study evaluates whether non-contrast MRA can match contrast-enhanced CTA for preoperative DIEP perforator mapping and flap planning over a multi-year institutional experience. The work highlights a pathway to reduce iodinated contrast exposure while preserving the imaging detail needed for perforator selection and operative efficiency.
Complex reconstruction · Keystone flap
Staged Flap Reconstruction of Massive Abdominal Loss of Domain and Sacral Pressure Injury to Restore Quality of Life: A Case Report
This case report describes a staged approach combining abdominal wall reconstruction and subsequent bilateral keystone perforator flaps to close a large sacral pressure injury. The authors report uncomplicated healing and major functional gains, underscoring the keystone flap’s utility for large pressure-injury defects when local options are constrained.
Robotics · Microsurgery platform
Preclinical Performance of the Combined Application of Two Robotic Systems in Microsurgery – a Two-Center Study
In a preclinical two-center evaluation, investigators combined a dedicated microsurgical robot (Symani) with a robotic microscope (RoboticScope) to perform microvascular anastomoses. The study supports technical feasibility of stacking robotic visualization and instrument control, pointing toward future workflow designs for tremor filtration and supermicrosurgical precision.
Consensus · Chronic wounds
Chronic wounds: Treatment consensus
A multidisciplinary expert panel convened by the Wound Healing Foundation synthesizes consensus recommendations across diagnosis, debridement, infection control, dressings, grafting, pain management, oxygen therapy, and outcomes tracking. The paper is useful as a practical checklist for aligning clinic protocols and identifying gaps where evidence is limited.
Electroceuticals · Chronic infected wound model
Development and use of a porcine model with clinically relevant chronic infected wounds
This methods-focused study develops a large, clinically scaled porcine model of chronic infected wounds to test adjunctive interventions, including wearable electroceutical therapy. The authors emphasize translational relevance (size, infection/biofilm features, monitoring variables), enabling more realistic preclinical evaluation before human trials.
Immunotherapy · Cellular therapeutics
Cellular therapeutics and immunotherapies in wound healing – on the pulse of time?
This review surveys cell-based and immunomodulatory approaches for chronic, non-healing wounds, focusing on mechanistic rationale and the challenge of limited, heterogeneous clinical evidence. It helps frame when advanced cellular products might be appropriate and what endpoints/design choices are needed to make studies clinically actionable.
Breast reconstruction · ADM processing
Prospective Observational Study of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide-Processed Acellular Dermal Matrix in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
In a prospective observational cohort (n=50) compared with a retrospective control cohort (n=50), supercritical CO2–processed ADM showed complication rates and BREAST-Q outcomes comparable to conventional detergent-processed human ADM. The work argues that faster, protein-preserving processing may be an “eco-friendly” manufacturing alternative without sacrificing short-term safety or patient-reported outcomes.
One-stage coverage · Stem-cell augmented ADM
Single-stage transplantation combined with epidermal stem cells promotes the survival of tissue-engineered skin by inducing early angiogenesis
This preclinical/early translational work addresses a core limitation of ADM-assisted full-thickness defect repair—delayed vascularization—by combining split-thickness grafting and ADM with epidermal stem cells. The authors report improved early angiogenesis and survival of engineered skin constructs, supporting single-stage strategies for durable coverage.
Practice guidance · ADM selection
The use of xenogenic dermal matrices in the context of open extremity wounds: where and when to consider?
This review offers a pragmatic framework for considering xenogenic dermal matrices for open extremity wounds, especially when multidisciplinary coverage options are limited by access or timing. It compares product characteristics and emphasizes scenario-based selection (temporary vs staged vs definitive) to facilitate earlier, more predictable soft-tissue management.
Exosomes · Bioengineered cargo
ADSC-Exo-bFGF promotes skin wound healing and correlates with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation
This 2026 study describes a bioengineered exosome strategy where adipose-derived stem cell exosomes are modified to present bFGF (via GPI anchoring) and tested in cutaneous wound models. Reported effects include faster closure, reduced inflammatory infiltration, and increased collagen deposition, with PI3K/AKT pathway activation implicated as a mechanistic link.
Drug delivery · Exosome hydrogel
Exosome-coated oxygen nanobubble-laden hydrogel augments intracellular delivery of exosomes for enhanced wound healing
This Nature Communications study introduces a multifunctional hydrogel pairing oxygen nanobubbles with an exosome coating to improve intracellular exosome delivery while mitigating hypoxia. In a rat full-thickness wound model, the platform is reported to enhance angiogenesis and reduce inflammation—an example of combining biologics with materials engineering to address delivery barriers.
Clinical plastic surgery · Exosome case series
Exosome-mediated Advancements in Plastic Surgery: Navigating Therapeutic Potential in Skin Rejuvenation and Wound Healing
This PRS Global Open article presents case-based clinical experience with exosome products used for wound healing and scar reduction, positioning exosomes as a plausible “cell-free” regenerative adjunct. While the evidence level is limited, it provides practical context on early real-world applications and underscores the need for controlled trials to define indications and dosing.
Radiofrequency · Monopolar wrinkle reduction
Evaluating the Efficacy of Continuous Water-Cooling 115-Watt 6.78-MHz Monopolar RF Therapy for Fine Wrinkle Reduction
In a clinical cohort of 50 patients, continuous water-cooling monopolar RF (6.78 MHz) is evaluated for skin texture/firmness and fine-wrinkle improvement. The study adds practical details on parameters and tolerability for higher-power RF delivery while emphasizing noninvasive rejuvenation with minimal downtime.
Radiofrequency microneedling · Periorbital
Radiofrequency microneedling for skin rejuvenation of the periorbital region—a prospective, clinical study
A prospective, evaluator-blinded study of periorbital radiofrequency microneedling (1–3 sessions, 6–8 weeks apart; 6-month follow-up) reports modest clinical improvement with transient erythema/edema and no severe adverse events. Automated imaging suggested infraorbital and crow’s-feet wrinkle reductions, supporting RFMN as a low-downtime option pending larger comparative trials.
Home devices · RF facial rejuvenation
Effectiveness of a Radiofrequency Device for Rejuvenation of Aged Skin at Home: A Randomized Split-Face Clinical Trial
This randomized split-face trial evaluates a home-based RF beauty device for anti-aging outcomes versus control, reporting measurable improvements in wrinkles/elasticity metrics. It is a useful reference for counseling device-curious patients and for setting expectations around effect sizes versus in-office systems.
Fat grafting · Biomaterial augmentation
Recombinant Humanized Type III Collagen Enhances Fat Graft Retention by Promoting Angiogenesis and Adipocyte Viability in a Nude Mouse Model
In a nude-mouse xenograft model, mixing lipoaspirate with recombinant humanized type III collagen improved fat-graft volume retention and histologic integrity, with an apparent dose-response and an optimal concentration around 4 mg/mL. The authors link improved outcomes to angiogenesis markers (e.g., CD31) and adipogenic gene expression, suggesting a biomaterial “support matrix” strategy to stabilize early graft survival.
Fat grafting · SVF + PRP + 3D imaging
Uniform Treatment Protocol With Hybrid-SVF and Platelet-Rich Plasma on Micro-Fat Grafting With Face Lifting: A Preliminary Retrospective 3D Vectra Observational Study
This small retrospective observational series uses Vectra 3D analysis to track facial micro-fat volume over 12 months when grafts are combined with hybrid micro-SVF and PRP during facelift/necklift procedures. The authors report a mid-course dip and late rebound in measured retention, and emphasize that the uncontrolled design limits causal claims—useful for hypothesis generation and for designing RCT endpoints.
Technique optimization · Fat processing
Improving the Retention of Low-Volume Autologous Fat Grafting: A Comparative Analysis of Lipoaspirate Processing Techniques for Facial Feminization
This comparative study evaluates a proprietary poloxamer wash/absorption/mesh filtration system versus traditional processing for low-volume facial fat grafting. Reported findings suggest improved retention with the alternative processing workflow, reinforcing how handling and refinement steps may matter as much as injection technique in small-volume applications.
AI · Clinical integration
The Transformative Role of Artificial Intelligence in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Challenges and Opportunities
This 2025 review maps near-term use cases for AI in plastic and reconstructive surgery, including surgical planning, outcome prediction, and workflow efficiency, while highlighting bias, privacy, and regulatory hurdles. It also points to future directions such as multimodal models, federated learning, and convergence with extended reality and regenerative medicine.
Regulation · FDA-cleared AI devices
Growth in FDA-Approved Artificial Intelligence Devices in Plastic Surgery: A Key Look Into the Future
This Aesthetic Surgery Journal article inventories FDA-approved AI/ML devices relevant to plastic surgery (approvals spanning 2016–2024) and discusses where current clearances cluster (notably intraoperative support). The piece is useful for guiding “buy vs build” conversations and for aligning innovation roadmaps with regulatory reality.
Training · Robotics + AI curricula
Time to Evolve Plastic Surgery Education? Integrating Robotic Techniques and Artificial Intelligence into Training Curricula
This PRS Global Open piece argues that plastic surgery training should proactively incorporate robotics and AI literacy as indications expand beyond traditional magnification-based microsurgery. Using survey-based insights, it highlights resident interest, current gaps, and the need for structured curricula that balance innovation with safety and appropriate supervision.