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Daily Report

Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis

02/09/2026
3 papers selected
32 analyzed

Analyzed 32 papers and selected 3 impactful papers.

Summary

Three complementary advances emerged today across cosmetic and reconstructive care: a multinational Delphi consensus standardizes thermal ablation indications and technique for benign thyroid nodules; a nationwide cohort clarifies mechanisms, diagnostic delays, and management drivers in post‑traumatic breast implant complications; and a prospective study validates a combined subcutaneous pedicle and labial mucosa flap that restores function with strong cosmetic outcomes after lower‑lip cancer excision.

Research Themes

  • Standardization of minimally invasive therapies for cosmetically impactful conditions
  • Data-driven triage and imaging protocols in aesthetic and reconstructive trauma
  • Reconstructive techniques that balance oral function and aesthetic outcomes

Selected Articles

1. Application of a subcutaneous tissue pedicle flap combined with a labial mucosa flap for reconstruction of full-thickness lower lip defects: a prospective observational study.

74Level IICohort
The Journal of dermatological treatment · 2026PMID: 41657060

In a prospective cohort of 36 patients with T1–T2 lower-lip basal or squamous cell carcinoma, moderate (one-third to two-thirds) full-thickness defects were reconstructed using a combined subcutaneous pedicle and labial mucosa flap. Over 6–24 months, the technique yielded reliable oral functional restoration and satisfactory cosmetic outcomes, with delayed healing occurring more often in patients older than 70 years.

Impact: This study proposes and prospectively evaluates a single-stage, vascularized combined flap that addresses both function and aesthetics in a challenging anatomic region, offering a practical alternative to multistage or more morbid reconstructions.

Clinical Implications: Surgeons managing moderate full-thickness lower-lip defects can consider this combined flap as a reliable single-stage option to restore oral competence and aesthetics; heightened vigilance for delayed healing in older patients is warranted.

Key Findings

  • A combined subcutaneous pedicle flap plus labial mucosa flap reconstructed one-third to two-thirds full-thickness lower-lip defects with reliable functional and cosmetic outcomes over 6–24 months.
  • Delayed wound healing occurred more often in patients older than 70 years.
  • Standardized scoring was used to assess function, scar quality, and aesthetics, supporting consistent outcome evaluation.

Methodological Strengths

  • Prospective observational design with 6–24 months of follow-up
  • Use of standardized functional and aesthetic scoring systems

Limitations

  • Single-arm, single-center study without a comparator
  • Limited statistical detail in abstract; durability beyond 24 months remains to be established

Future Directions: Conduct multicenter comparative studies versus established techniques (e.g., Karapandzic, Abbe-Estlander) with longer follow-up and patient-reported outcome measures.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of full-thickness lower-lip defects after skin cancer excision is challenging, as both oral function and appearance must be restored. Conventional methods may be insufficient for moderate-sized defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study included 36 patients with T1-T2N0M0 basal or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lower lip treated between January 2021 and April 2023. Defects involving roughly one-third to two-thirds of the lip were repaired using a combined subcutaneous pedicle flap and labial mucosa flap. Patients were followed for 6-24 months. Functional and aesthetic outcomes, wound healing, scar quality, and recurrence were assessed using standardized scoring systems. RESULTS: Delayed healing was more common in patients over 70 years (37.5% CONCLUSIONS: The combined flap technique is a safe, effective option for moderate-sized full-thickness lower-lip defects, providing reliable functional restoration and satisfactory cosmetic results.

2. International expert consensus on thermal ablation for benign thyroid nodules (2025 Edition).

71.5Level IIISystematic Review
International journal of surgery (London, England) · 2026PMID: 41661947

Using a systematic review and a modified Delphi process with 30 international experts, this consensus proposes 26 recommendations to standardize thermal ablation for benign thyroid nodules across indications, technique, and follow-up. It challenges surgery-derived criteria that prioritize large, symptomatic or cosmetically concerning nodules and introduces TA-specific indications and peri-ablation management.

Impact: By unifying practice standards for a rapidly expanding minimally invasive therapy, this consensus can harmonize outcomes, expand appropriate indications, and reduce unnecessary surgery for cosmetically and symptomatically burdensome nodules.

Clinical Implications: Clinicians can adopt TA-specific indications, structured training, and standardized pre- and post-ablation protocols to improve safety and outcomes, potentially offering earlier, less invasive care for patients with symptomatic or cosmetically concerning benign nodules.

Key Findings

  • A total of 26 recommendations were formulated covering indications/contraindications, training, preablation preparation, technical procedures, complications, efficacy assessment, follow-up, and postablation management.
  • A modified Delphi process engaged 30 multidisciplinary experts with specific TA expertise.
  • The consensus highlights limitations of surgery-derived criteria and proposes TA-specific indications to better capture its advantages.

Methodological Strengths

  • Systematic literature review underpinning recommendations
  • Structured, multi-round modified Delphi consensus among 30 international experts

Limitations

  • Consensus guidance without new patient-level comparative data
  • Implementation may vary across regions and resource settings

Future Directions: Establish prospective registries and randomized or pragmatic comparative trials of TA versus surgery for defined benign thyroid nodule subgroups; perform health-economic and patient-reported outcome assessments.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, thermal ablation (TA) has gained acceptance as an effective and safe treatment for benign thyroid nodules (BTNs). However, despite its increasing popularity, the indications and techniques of TA for BTNs lack a unified standard, resulting in differences in treatment outcomes. In particular, the current guidelines and consensus statements adopt indications based on surgical criteria, which focus on larger BTNs with symptoms or cosmetic concerns. However, these indications may not adequately demonstrate the advantages of TA, as it is a fundamentally distinct therapeutic approach. To establish novel and specific indications for TA in BTNs and to standardize the use of this technique, a panel of experts issued the current expert consensus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on a systematic review of the literature and clinical experience, the drafting group developed preliminary recommendations on TA for BTNs. A multidisciplinary panel of 30 experts with specific competence and expertise in TA for thyroid nodules reviewed, rated, and revised these recommendations through multiple rounds of the modified Delphi method. RESULTS: Twenty-six recommendations on TA for BTNs were proposed in the present consensus, covering indications and contraindications, physician training suggestions, preablation preparation, technical procedures, complications, efficacy assessment, follow-up strategies, and postablation management. CONCLUSION: The present consensus emphasizes the indication of TA for BTNs and outlined the technique details and periablation management. The implementation of this consensus is expected to standardize treatment practices, enhance patient outcomes, and shape future research and policy developments in the management of BTNs.

3. Nationwide Analysis of Post-traumatic Breast Implant Complications: Predictors of Immediate vs Delayed Diagnosis and Management.

53.5Level IIICohort
Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2026PMID: 41661259

In a nationwide cohort of 573 trauma patients with breast implants or tissue expanders, falls and transport injuries predominated, and many cases lacked breast-specific symptoms, contributing to delayed recognition. Rib/clavicle fractures and breast symptoms predicted earlier diagnosis, and plastic surgery consultation reduced time to surgery; TE devices were uniquely associated with burn injuries.

Impact: This first large-scale analysis provides actionable predictors of diagnostic timing and surgical intervention, informing trauma imaging protocols and specialist triage for patients with cosmetic and reconstructive breast devices.

Clinical Implications: Incorporate routine breast imaging into trauma pathways for patients with implants, especially after transport, burn, or blunt-force injuries; prioritize early plastic surgery consultation and provide targeted counseling for TE patients on thermal risks.

Key Findings

  • Among 573 cases, falls (53.2%) and transport accidents (25.0%) were the leading mechanisms; 78.2% had implant rupture diagnosis or surgical correction at presentation.
  • Rib/clavicle fractures and breast symptoms predicted earlier diagnosis, though not the likelihood of surgery.
  • Plastic surgery consultation significantly shortened time to surgery; TE devices were disproportionately associated with burn injuries.

Methodological Strengths

  • Large, nationwide administrative dataset with multivariable Cox regression
  • Systematic characterization of mechanisms of injury and presentations using ICD-10 coding

Limitations

  • Retrospective design with potential for coding misclassification and unmeasured confounding
  • Limited clinical granularity (e.g., imaging details, device specifications) restricts causal inference

Future Directions: Prospective validation of trauma imaging protocols for implant patients; assess outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and development of risk stratification tools integrating mechanism of injury and co-injuries.

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic breast implant and tissue expander (TE) complications are increasingly relevant as more patients undergo reconstructive or cosmetic breast surgery. Prior studies are limited to case reports, with little known about the mechanisms of injury or timing of clinical recognition. METHODS: Using the Nationwide Readmission Database (2017-2020), we identified adults with trauma admissions followed by breast implant-related diagnoses or procedures. Mechanisms of injury (MOI) and clinical presentations were characterized using ICD-10 codes. Patients were classified as having received "immediate" management (diagnosis or procedure during index admission) or "delayed" (on readmission). Cox regression identified predictors of earlier diagnosis or intervention. RESULTS: A total of 573 patients with post-traumatic implant complications were included (488 breast implants, 85 TEs). Falls were the most common MOI (53.2%), followed by transport accidents (25.0%). TEs were disproportionately associated with burn injuries (20.5% vs. 4.9% in non-TEs). At presentation, 78.2% of patients were diagnosed with implant rupture or underwent surgical correction. Rib or clavicle fractures (21.1%) and breast symptoms (12.6%) were associated with earlier diagnosis, but not with likelihood of surgery. Plastic surgery consultation significantly decreased time to surgery. Age, sex, and ZIP code did not have notable effects on diagnostic and surgical timing. CONCLUSIONS: Post-traumatic breast implant complications often present without breast-specific symptoms, resulting in diagnostic delays. Trauma protocols should include routine breast imaging in patients with implants, especially after transport, burn, or blunt-force injuries. TE patients may be uniquely susceptible to thermal injury and warrant focused preventive counseling. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .