Innovations in Plastic and Reconstructive Research

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery/Aesthetic Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 18 January 2026 | Viewed by 1057

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Plastic Surgery Unit, San Carlo di Nancy Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy
Interests: diastasis recti repair; plastic surgery techniques; post-bariatric skin changes; energy-assisted liposuction; lipoabdominoplasty advancements; fat grafting

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Guest Editor
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, DAME—Department of Medical Area, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
Interests: diastasis recti repair; breast reconstruction techniques; plastic surgery innovations; post-bariatric skin changes

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery has experienced remarkable advancements, driven by a confluence of innovative techniques and cutting-edge research, reshaping the landscape of surgical practice and patient care. As the demand for reconstructive procedures continues to rise—fueled by trauma, congenital anomalies, and oncological interventions—the integration of novel methodologies and technologies becomes imperative.

A significant focus of this Special Issue, titled "Innovations in Plastic and Reconstructive Research", is the pivotal role of microvascular surgery in the reconstruction of complex facial and limb defects. Microsurgery, with its ability to reconnect tiny blood vessels and nerves, has revolutionized the approach to facial reconstruction, allowing for enhanced esthetic outcomes and functional restoration. The contributions within this issue highlight advancements in microsurgery that are critical for optimizing outcomes in challenging cases, such as post-traumatic deformities and tumor resections. These innovative techniques not only improve the viability of tissue transfers but also facilitate the reconstruction of intricate anatomical structures.

In this context, the intersection between reconstructive surgery and aesthetic surgery is increasingly evident, as surgeons strive to achieve both functional and esthetic goals in patient care. The utilization of technologies such as 3D printing and bioprinting demonstrates how personalized implants can be created to meet the specific needs of individual patients, thereby enhancing surgical precision. The adoption of minimally invasive techniques and regenerative medicine is transforming patient care by reducing recovery times and improving the overall surgical outcomes, a trend which resonates significantly within the field of aesthetic surgery.

By promoting collaboration among surgeons, researchers, and industry leaders, this Special Issue aims to stimulate further innovations that will elevate the standards of care in both plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. We invite readers to explore these pioneering studies and consider their implications for the future of this dynamic discipline.

Dr. Damiano Tambasco
Dr. Roberta Albanese
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • microvascular surgery
  • 3D printing
  • regenerative medicine
  • aesthetic surgery
  • minimally invasive techniques

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 202 KiB  
Article
PROGRESS (Patient-Reported Outcomes in Genital Reconstructive Surgeries): A Validated Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Questionnaire to Assess Post-Operative Functional Improvement Following Feminising Genital Reconstructive Surgery
by Abi Kanthabalan, Feargus Hosking Jervis, Muhammad Hyder Junejo, Roland Morley, James Bellringer and Tina Rashid
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(8), 2687; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14082687 - 14 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Our aim was to validate a self-reported patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) questionnaire for use by patients undergoing feminising genital reconstructive surgery (fGRS). Methods: We used the Patient Reported Outcomes in Genital REconstructive SurgerieS (PROGRESS) questionnaire to examine key domains: urinary [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Our aim was to validate a self-reported patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) questionnaire for use by patients undergoing feminising genital reconstructive surgery (fGRS). Methods: We used the Patient Reported Outcomes in Genital REconstructive SurgerieS (PROGRESS) questionnaire to examine key domains: urinary function, sexual function, cosmetic appearance, bowel function, and general health and wellbeing, which were identified as key components by our experienced surgeons. A reduction in score post-operatively represented an improvement in symptoms. Internal consistency was performed to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. Results: Between 2014 and 2024, 117 patients had completed pre- and post-operative questionnaires by week 52. The overall median score for all domains was 0.37 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.32–0.44) at baseline. At week 52 post-surgery, it was 0.24 (IQR 0.16–0.32), with a median difference (% change in overall score) of −0.12 (−35.8%) (p < 0.001). In all domains apart from bowel function, there was a reduction in scores that achieved statistical significance. There were high Cronbach’s alpha scores at baseline and at week 52 for four out of the five domains: general health and wellbeing a = 0.71 at week 0 and a = 0.79 at week 52; sexual function a = 0.83 at week 0 and a = 0.88 at week 52; cosmetic function a = 0.64 at week 0 and a = 0.84 at week 52; urinary function a = 0.74 at week 0 and a = 0.83 at week 52. Bowel function scored poorly, with a = 0.44 at week 0 and a = 0.49 at week 52. Conclusions: The questionnaire is suitable for use in clinical practice as a standardised way to assess functional outcomes following fGRS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Plastic and Reconstructive Research)

Review

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17 pages, 915 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review of Medial Thighplasty: The Role of Liposuction in Reducing Complications and Optimizing Patient Outcomes
by Roberta Albanese, Claudio Gio Francesco Blessent, Federica Tomaselli, Giorgio De Santis, Valentina Pinto, Massimo Pinelli, Ernesto Maria Buccheri and Damiano Tambasco
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(7), 2426; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14072426 - 2 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Medial thighplasty is a widely performed body contouring procedure, particularly in patients with massive weight loss. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, complications remain a significant concern. The integration of liposuction into thigh lift procedures has shown promise in improving both aesthetic and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Medial thighplasty is a widely performed body contouring procedure, particularly in patients with massive weight loss. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, complications remain a significant concern. The integration of liposuction into thigh lift procedures has shown promise in improving both aesthetic and functional outcomes while reducing risks. This review aims to assess the role of liposuction in medial thighplasty by evaluating its impact on surgical outcomes and complications. Methods: This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed in the MEDLINE/PubMed database using predefined keywords. A total of 52 records were identified, of which 19 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 1113 patients who underwent liposuction-assisted medial thighplasty. Two independent reviewers screened and selected the studies, resolving discrepancies through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer. Data on surgical techniques, complications, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Statistical comparisons were performed using the Chi-square test, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The incorporation of liposuction significantly reduced the overall complication rate (36.75% vs. 70.68%, p < 0.001). Specific complications, including infections (1.77% vs. 9.02%), hematomas (1.30% vs. 6.77%), and seromas (8.95% vs. 24.81%), were markedly lower in the liposuction group. Conclusions: Liposuction appears to reduce complication rates and improve surgical outcomes in medial thighplasty. Further standardization of techniques and additional research on advanced liposuction technologies are necessary to refine this surgical approach and optimize patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Plastic and Reconstructive Research)
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