Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis
Three studies refine cosmetic and aesthetic surgical practice. A PROSPERO-registered systematic review supports the promise of P4HB (GalaFlex) mesh for challenging aesthetic breast procedures while underscoring evidence gaps. Observational data suggest endoscopic repair for sagittal craniosynostosis can remain effective beyond 5 months, and a multicenter time-series of 195,893 double-eyelid embedding cases maps demographic and seasonal demand patterns to guide service planning.
Summary
Three studies refine cosmetic and aesthetic surgical practice. A PROSPERO-registered systematic review supports the promise of P4HB (GalaFlex) mesh for challenging aesthetic breast procedures while underscoring evidence gaps. Observational data suggest endoscopic repair for sagittal craniosynostosis can remain effective beyond 5 months, and a multicenter time-series of 195,893 double-eyelid embedding cases maps demographic and seasonal demand patterns to guide service planning.
Research Themes
- Biodegradable mesh support in aesthetic breast surgery
- Timing of endoscopic repair for sagittal craniosynostosis
- Epidemiology and demand forecasting in cosmetic procedures
Selected Articles
1. Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate mesh (GalaFlex®) in aesthetic breast surgery: A comprehensive systematic review.
This PROSPERO-registered systematic review suggests P4HB (GalaFlex) mesh can improve lower pole stability and breast support with low reported complication rates in aesthetic breast surgery. However, heterogeneity, lack of controls, and bias risk precluded meta-analysis and limit definitive guidance on optimal indications.
Impact: Provides the most comprehensive synthesis to date on P4HB mesh in aesthetic breast surgery with protocol registration, informing practice while identifying critical evidence gaps.
Clinical Implications: P4HB mesh may be considered for internal support in challenging mastopexy/augmentation or revision cases, especially with poor tissue quality, while counseling patients about the limited comparative evidence and the need for standardized outcome tracking.
Key Findings
- Seven studies encompassing 183 patients (366 breasts) were included under a PROSPERO-registered, PRISMA-compliant protocol.
- Reported improvements in lower pole stability and breast support over time across mastopexy, augmentation, and revision procedures.
- Complications were generally minimal; however, high heterogeneity and absence of control groups prevented meta-analysis.
- Standardized outcome measures are lacking, limiting firm recommendations on indications and technique.
Methodological Strengths
- Protocol registered on PROSPERO with PRISMA adherence
- Broad inclusion across procedure types to reflect real-world practice
Limitations
- High heterogeneity and lack of control groups impeded meta-analysis
- Small cumulative sample size and risk of publication bias
Future Directions: Prospective multicenter comparative studies with standardized aesthetic and functional endpoints, cost-effectiveness analyses, and long-term durability data to define optimal indications and techniques.
2. Comparison of Outcomes between Infants above and below 5 Months of Age Undergoing Endoscopic Craniectomy for Sagittal Suture Synostosis.
In 81 infants undergoing endoscopic repair for sagittal craniosynostosis, surgery after 5 months (n=11) achieved cephalic index improvements and 2-year indices comparable to earlier surgery, with similar helmet therapy duration and low reoperation rates. One late case had a poor cosmetic result; one early case required secondary reconstruction.
Impact: Challenges a narrow timing window by suggesting selected infants older than 5 months may still benefit from endoscopic repair without compromising morphological outcomes.
Clinical Implications: Consider endoscopic strip craniectomy with molding helmet therapy beyond 5 months in carefully selected infants, with counseling on expectations and close follow-up of head shape metrics.
Key Findings
- Early (<5 months, n=70) and late (≥5 months, n=11) groups had similar preoperative CI (67.1 vs 69.4), ΔCI (6.7 vs 4.7), and 2-year CI (73.8 vs 74.1).
- Helmet therapy duration was similar between groups (6.6 vs 6.1 months).
- No reoperations occurred in the late group; one patient had a poor cosmetic outcome, and one early patient required secondary cranial vault reconstruction.
Methodological Strengths
- Prospectively maintained clinical database with objective cephalic index measurements
- Minimum 1-year follow-up and reporting of 2-year CI
Limitations
- Small late-intervention sample (n=11) limits statistical power
- Single-center retrospective comparison with potential selection confounding
Future Directions: Larger multicenter prospective or matched-cohort studies to define age-related thresholds, assess neurodevelopmental outcomes, and evaluate long-term cranial growth and cosmetic satisfaction.
3. Time-Series and Demographic Trends in Cosmetic Surgery: Multicenter Analysis of Double-eyelid Embedding in Japan.
A multicenter retrospective analysis of 195,893 double-eyelid embedding procedures (2020–2024) showed a demand peak in March 2023, strong seasonality, and dominance of women in their 20s, especially students and young office workers. ARIMA and interrupted time-series models indicated age, sex, and occupation as significant demand determinants, with a post-pandemic surge followed by stabilization and a downward trend.
Impact: Provides high-resolution, nationwide-scale demand analytics for a common cosmetic procedure, enabling data-driven staffing, scheduling, and outreach strategies.
Clinical Implications: Clinics can adjust staffing to seasonal peaks, target education to key demographics, and plan capacity around post-pandemic normalization, improving access and efficiency.
Key Findings
- Analyzed 195,893 double-eyelid embedding procedures across multiple centers from Oct 2020 to Dec 2024.
- Demand peaked in March 2023 with pronounced seasonality; primary patients were women in their 20s, notably students and young office workers.
- ARIMA and interrupted time-series analyses identified age, sex, and occupation as significant determinants; demand surged post-COVID and then stabilized with a downward trend.
Methodological Strengths
- Very large multicenter dataset with robust ARIMA and interrupted time-series modeling
- Multivariate regression to assess demographic impacts
Limitations
- Retrospective administrative dataset lacks clinical outcomes and complication rates
- Generalizability may be limited to participating centers in Japan; potential reporting biases
Future Directions: Link demand analytics with outcomes, complications, and cost data; assess social media and economic drivers; develop predictive models for capacity planning.