Updating plastic surgeons to keep up with trends and techniques.
From augmented reality to virtual reality and artificial intelligence, it’s hard to keep up with the latest technology trends. The same is true in the medical community. There are endless changes in the pharmaceutical and injectable industry, new cutting-edge medical devices and numerous revolutionary surgical techniques.

 

“…continuing education is vital to their work, and is a part that many surgeons take very seriously…”

For many plastic surgeons, continuing education is vital to their work, and it is something many surgeons take very seriously. However, if a surgeon is not in medical school, where do they go to stay up to date on the latest innovations?

The Evolution of Medical Technology

In medicine, technology is changing rapidly. There is always new research on innovative medications, medical devices, and revolutionary surgical techniques.

The first silicone breast implant was introduced to the market in 1963. Since then, numerous changes have been made to adjust the gel’s viscosity and the implants’ structure, and to improve the shell, thereby reducing the risk of ruptures and other problems. Over the decades, surgical techniques have also evolved to minimize the appearance of external scars, reduce the development of internal scar tissue, and deliver better, more natural-looking results.

Rhinoplasty is another example of advances in technology and surgical technique. While closed rhinoplasty was the technique of choice in the past, open rhinoplasty is now predominant. Similarly, preservation techniques are now used alongside structural rhinoplasty techniques. Furthermore, the use of ultrasound in rhinoplasty represents another major advance.

 

“…Continuing education is essential for plastic surgeons and for all physicians, It is important to keep innovating and improving…”

 

Botulinum toxin was first discovered in 1895. In the late 1980s, doctors began exploring how botulism could be used therapeutically to treat movement disorders, such as strabismus and spasms. In 2002, Botox became the first FDA-approved cosmetic procedure designed to treat moderate to severe expression lines. The drug remains synonymous with wrinkle-reducing injectables, but new treatments like Daxxify are competing for market share by offering longer-lasting results.

This crash course in medical history highlights just how fast the industry is changing.

Continuing education is essential for plastic surgeons and for all physicians. It is important to continue innovating and improving.

So, how do plastic surgeons manage to keep up with the latest trends and technologies in an ever-changing environment?

Keeping up with the latest trends and techniques

Scientific Publications

Scientific journals remain one of the main sources of knowledge for medical professionals.

Below is a list of some of the world’s most prominent scientific journals in the field of plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery:

Here are five leading scientific journals in the field of plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery, along with links to their websites:

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS)

This is the official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). It is one of the most important publications in the field of plastic surgery, including both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Ibero-Latinamerican Journal of Plastic Surgery ( RILCPL)

It is the official publication of the Ibero-Latin American Federation of Plastic Surgery (FILACP). This journal is dedicated to the dissemination of scientific research, original articles, reviews, clinical cases, and updates in the field of plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery in the Ibero-Latin American region. Its goal is to promote the exchange of knowledge among Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking plastic surgeons, fostering advancement and excellence in this specialty.

Aesthetic Surgery Journal (ASJ)

The official journal of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). It focuses on aesthetic surgery and is peer-reviewed.

Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (JPRAS)

Formerly known as the British Journal of Plastic Surgery, this journal is a leading reference for plastic surgeons around the world.

Annals of Plastic Surgery

It publishes articles on plastic and reconstructive surgery, hand surgery, microsurgery, and much more. It covers both clinical and scientific aspects.

Journal of Craniofacial Surgery

A journal covering advances in craniofacial and head and neck surgery, which is closely related to reconstructive plastic surgery.

These publications are among the most influential and frequently cited in the field of plastic surgery worldwide.

Scientific societies

Fortunately, there are numerous resources outside of medical school that provide practicing plastic surgeons with the information they need to stay abreast of innovations in the field of plastic surgery. Professional organizations such as SECPRE and SBCPRE help professionals stay abreast of industry trends, new technologies, and pharmaceutical advances.

The annual meeting of these societies is an excellent opportunity for plastic surgeons to hear about and learn more about new technologies and procedures. In addition, scientific journals on plastic surgery are a great resource for reviewing data from basic science and clinical research.

 

“… Professional organizations, scientific journals, networking with colleagues and the internet are constant sources of inspiration…”

 

Professional societies are truly at the heart of continuing medical education in the field of plastic surgery, as they offer a wide range of opportunities for their members to learn new techniques and technologies, from meetings to publications and webinars.

Conferences and Meetings

Simply networking with colleagues is another way for plastic surgeons to stay abreast of the latest trends in the field. There are several plastic surgery conferences, both national and international, where the brightest minds in the field gather to share their expertise.

We also draw ideas and inspiration from colleagues outside the field of plastic surgery.

Social Media

Social media can also be a great source of inspiration and information—if you know what to look for and how to filter out viral posts and “promoted content.”

There is no shortage of opportunities for plastic surgeons to stay up to date with the latest trends in the field. Plastic surgeons remain committed to perfecting their craft long after graduating from medical school and completing their residency, continuing to grow and improve.

At MMG, under the guidance of Dr. García Ceballos, a plastic surgeon in Palma de Mallorca, we stay up to date on all the latest developments and advances in the field of plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine.

You can schedule your appointment here.