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Advancements in Individualized Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Second Edition

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Centre of Plastic, Aesthetic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
Interests: plastic and reconstructive surgery; microvascular surgery; breast surgery; aesthetic surgery
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Guest Editor
Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Hand and Burn Surgery, Bogenhausen Academic Teaching Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
Interests: plastic and reconstructive surgery; microvascular surgery; breast surgery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department for Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Burn Center for Severe Burn Injuries, Nuremberg Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Breslauer Str. 201, 90471 Nuremberg/Prof.-Ernst-Nathan Straße 1, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany
Interests: plastic and reconstructive surgery; microvascular surgery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Journal of Clinical Medicine’s Editorial Team, we are pleased to present the Second Edition of the Special Issue, Advancements in Individualized Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

This Special Issue continues to explore the evolving clinical landscape of individualized plastic and reconstructive surgery, with a focus on translating personalized approaches into practical, evidence-based care. In recent years, patient-specific surgical planning and execution have gained momentum, driven by innovations in imaging, microsurgical precision, and biological customization.

This edition aims to highlight clinical research that addresses current challenges, unmet needs, and potential solutions in tailoring reconstructive and esthetic procedures to individual patient profiles. The goal is to improve outcomes, safety, and patient satisfaction through precision-based surgical interventions.

We invite contributions that reflect real-world clinical advancements across a broad spectrum of topics, including but not limited to individualized soft tissue reconstruction, flap surgery innovations, autologous tissue transplantation, digital surgical planning, and clinical applications of regenerative medicine and biomaterials.

This Special Issue seeks to encourage the sharing of clinical experiences, case series, and outcome-driven research that contribute to the growing evidence base for personalized approaches in plastic and reconstructive surgery. We also welcome interdisciplinary perspectives that integrate surgical technique with imaging, bioengineering, and patient-reported outcomes.

Through this second volume, we aim to advance the clinical understanding of how individualized strategies can transform patient care and outcomes in plastic and reconstructive surgery. We warmly invite clinicians, surgeons, and clinical researchers to contribute their expertise to this important and evolving field.

Prof. Dr. Paul Immanuel Heidekrueger
Prof. Dr. Peter Niclas Broer
Prof. Dr. Denis C. Ehrl
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • patient-specific reconstructive procedures
  • microsurgical precision techniques
  • autologous tissue transplantation
  • digital imaging and customization
  • biomaterials in reconstructive surgery
  • tissue engineering for plastic reconstruction
  • flap surgery innovations
  • personalized cleft surgery
  • personalized aesthetic surgery

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (3 papers)

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12 pages, 1248 KB  
Article
Microbial Contamination–Mediated Inflammation Is a Major Contributor of Breast Implant Complications: Prospective Analysis of 631 Samples
by Celina Kerschbaumer, Konstantin D. Bergmeister, Giovanni Bartellas, Michael Weber, Barbara Ströbele, Melitta Kitzwögerer, Klaus F. Schrögendorfer and Tonatiuh Flores
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(6), 2115; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15062115 - 10 Mar 2026
Viewed by 343
Abstract
Introduction: Breast reconstruction and breast augmentation via silicone breast implants are among the most commonly performed implant surgeries worldwide. However, these surgeries entail notable risks for postoperative implant complications, including implant rupture or capsular contracture. This study investigates the significance of microbial contamination [...] Read more.
Introduction: Breast reconstruction and breast augmentation via silicone breast implants are among the most commonly performed implant surgeries worldwide. However, these surgeries entail notable risks for postoperative implant complications, including implant rupture or capsular contracture. This study investigates the significance of microbial contamination regarding the development of peri-implant inflammation and its impact on implant-related complications. Methods: A total of 125 breast implant revisions in 97 patients with a history of breast cancer or prior cosmetic breast augmentation were analyzed at the Clinical Department of Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Clinic of St. Poelten, between February 2021 and August 2023. Microbial contamination and subclinical inflammation were assessed using histological and microbiological analysis of implant surfaces and capsules. The implants were grouped by their initial indication for surgery, along with presence of contamination, inflammation, and complications, and then compared using a Chi2 test, Fisher’s exact test and two-sided t-tests. Results: Microbial contamination was found in 27 implants (21.6%), and 58 implants (48.74%) showed histological evidence of inflammation. Peri-implant inflammation was significantly more often observed in contaminated implants (p = 0.049). Implants displaying histological signs of peri-implant inflammation showed significantly higher rates of complications, particularly implant rupture (p < 0.001 each). In a subgroup analysis, cosmetic patients presented a significantly higher rate of peri-implant inflammation compared to breast cancer patients (p < 0.001). Cosmetic patients also showed significantly longer implant inlay times compared to breast cancer patients (14.32 vs. 3.76 years, p < 0.001), suggesting that prolonged implant inlay duration may contribute to the occurrence of peri-implant inflammation. Conclusion: Subclinical microbial contamination appears to accelerate the inflammatory reactions to silicone implants that subsequently increase the risk for complications and thus surgical removal. Additionally, prolonged implant inlay time seems to be a major independent contributor to chronic, low-grade inflammation, even in the absence of microbial contamination. Full article
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16 pages, 1362 KB  
Article
Bariatric Surgery Before Abdominoplasty Is Associated with Increased Perioperative Anemia, Hemoglobin Loss and Drainage Fluid Volume: Analysis of 505 Body Contouring Procedures
by Tonatiuh Flores, Jana Schön, Christina Glisic, Kristina Pfoser, Celina Kerschbaumer, Martin S. Mayrl, Klaus F. Schrögendorfer and Konstantin D. Bergmeister
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(11), 3783; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14113783 - 28 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1981
Abstract
Background: The global rise in obesity rates has led to an increase in bariatric procedures, resulting in more patients needing relief from excess skin through body contouring surgeries (BCS), such as abdominoplasty. Although these procedures are generally considered safe, they can be [...] Read more.
Background: The global rise in obesity rates has led to an increase in bariatric procedures, resulting in more patients needing relief from excess skin through body contouring surgeries (BCS), such as abdominoplasty. Although these procedures are generally considered safe, they can be associated with notable perioperative complications, including increased Hb-loss (hemoglobin loss) and drainage fluid volumes. Thus, this study analyzed risk factors for prolonged fluid secretion after abdominoplasty. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 505 body contouring procedures performed between January 2018 and December 2023 at the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University Clinic of St. Poelten. The investigation focused on postoperative Hb-loss, drainage fluid volumes and hemoglobin levels in patients, comparing those with and without prior bariatric surgery. Statistical analyses utilized the t-test for Equality of Means, while correlation analyses were conducted using Spearman Rho and the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: Bariatric patients demonstrated markedly reduced hemoglobin levels both preoperatively (13.24 g/dL) and postoperatively (10.68 g/dL) compared to their non-bariatric counterparts (14.02 g/dL preoperatively and 11.71 g/dL postoperatively; p < 0.001). The prevalence of anemia was likewise substantially higher in the bariatric cohort, rising from 14.52% preoperatively to 82.48% postoperatively, versus 6.25% and 61.25%, respectively, in the non-bariatric group (p = 0.001). Moreover, prior bariatric surgery was significantly associated with increased postoperative drainage volume (p = 0.009) and prolonged operative time (p = 0.002). Notably, extended hospital stays exhibited a strong correlation with postoperative anemia (p = 0.005). Conclusions: Collectively, our findings underscore the potential risk of increased hemoglobin loss at BCS after bariatric weight loss. Tailored hemoglobin management and nutritional strategies are essential to improve the outcomes and safety of post-bariatric BCS. Meticulous preoperative identification of hematological discrepancies and adequate patient preparation are imperative for positive postoperative patient safety. Full article
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9 pages, 2061 KB  
Case Report
The Usefulness of DEPAP Flaps for Reconstructing Perineal Defects Caused by Fournier’s Gangrene: A Case Report
by Dong Gyu Kim and Kyung Ah Lee
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(24), 8732; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14248732 - 10 Dec 2025
Viewed by 549
Abstract
Background: Fournier’s gangrene is a rare and aggressive form of necrotizing fasciitis involving the perineal, genital, and perianal regions. Despite advances in critical care, early diagnosis and rapid surgical intervention remain crucial to reduce mortality and morbidity. Extensive debridement often leads to [...] Read more.
Background: Fournier’s gangrene is a rare and aggressive form of necrotizing fasciitis involving the perineal, genital, and perianal regions. Despite advances in critical care, early diagnosis and rapid surgical intervention remain crucial to reduce mortality and morbidity. Extensive debridement often leads to complex perineal defects that require reliable reconstructive options. This study presents a case highlighting the usefulness of the deep external pudendal artery perforator (DEPAP) flap in perineal reconstruction following Fournier’s gangrene. Methods: A 43-year-old male patient developed Fournier’s gangrene secondary to underlying colon cancer scheduled for chemotherapy. Following wide excision and serial debridement to remove necrotic tissue, reconstruction was performed using a DEPAP flap designed from the upper medial thigh region. The flap was elevated based on perforators identified by a handheld Doppler and rotated to cover the perineal defect. Results: The flap survived completely without any vascular compromise or wound complications. The patient achieved satisfactory functional recovery with stable wound healing and an acceptable cosmetic outcome. No recurrence or contracture was observed during the 9-month follow-up. Conclusions: Fournier’s gangrene associated with underlying colon cancer and subsequent chemotherapy presents additional challenges due to impaired wound healing and increased infection risk. In such complex cases, the deep external pudendal artery perforator (DEPAP) flap offers a reliable single-stage reconstructive option that ensures durable coverage, rapid recovery, and minimal donorsite morbidity. Our case demonstrates that even in immunocompromised or oncologic patients, the DEPAP flap provides stable wound healing and satisfactory functional and esthetic outcomes, supporting its usefulness in managing perineal defects after oncologic Fournier’s gangrene. Full article
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