How plastic surgeons stay informed about trends and techniques

From augmented reality to virtual reality and artificial intelligence, it is hard to keep up with the latest technology trends. The same can be said for the medical community. There are never-ending changes in the pharmaceutical and injectable industry, new and cutting-edge medical devices and numerous revolutionary surgical techniques.

If you think graduating medical school is the end of education, think again. For many plastic surgeons, continuing education is vital to the job – a part of work that many surgeons take particularly seriously. However, if a surgeon isn't in the classroom, where do they go to stay up to date on the latest innovations in the industry?

The evolution of medical technology

In the medical industry, technology changes quickly. New research always surrounds groundbreaking drugs, innovative medical devices and breakthrough surgical techniques.

The first silicone breast implant hit the market in 1963. Since then, numerous changes have been made to adjust the gel viscosity and structure of implants and improve the shell, reducing the risk of ruptures and other issues. Over the decades, surgical techniques have also evolved to minimize the appearance of scars externally, minimize the development of scar tissue internally and offer better, more natural-looking results.

Botulism toxin was first discovered in 1895. By the late 1980s, physicians explored how the botulinum toxic could be therapeutically used to treat movement disorders like crossed eyes and twitches. By 2002, Botox became the first FDA-approved cosmetic procedure designed to treat moderate to severe frown lines. The drug remains synonymous with wrinkle-reducing injectables, but new treatments like Daxxify are hot on the heels of Botox.

This crash course in medical history just highlights how quickly things move in the industry.

"Continuing education is essential for plastic surgeons and all doctors," said ASPS Member Surgeon Kristy Hamilton, MD. "It is important to keep innovating and improving. It is the 'practice' of medicine, after all, for a reason!"

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

Keeping up with the latest trends and techniques

Thankfully, numerous outlets outside medical school provide practicing plastic surgeons with the information they need to stay up to date on innovations in the plastic surgery world. Professional organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) help practitioners by keeping a pulse on industry movements, new technologies and pharmaceutical breakthroughs.

"The annual meeting of ASPS is a great way for plastic surgeons to hear and learn more about new technology and procedures," said ASPS Member Surgeon Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS. "Additionally, the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal is a great resource for seeing the data from basic science and clinical research."

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

"I am an active member of ASPS and ASAPS (American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)," said Dr. Hamilton. "I always read the emails and publications. The meetings themselves help me learn the latest as soon as possible because it takes a while to complete the studies – but those are important too, in terms of assessing these new techniques, technologies and modalities."

Simply networking with colleagues is another way plastic surgeons keep their finger on the pulse of the specialty's latest trends. There are several plastic surgery conferences, both domestically and abroad, every year where the brightest minds in the specialty gather to share their expertise.

"I also follow my plastic surgeon friends and colleagues in other countries on social media and keep up with them at these meetings," said Dr. Hamilton. "Not only do I enjoy their company, but the international community usually gets access to new implants, injectables and devices faster than we do. This gives us a clue about what is to come in the future."

Therefore, some American plastic surgeons travel abroad to network with their global counterparts.

"I go to both plastic surgery meetings every year since South Korea opened up after the pandemic, and this has really helped me regarding skincare and some plastic surgery procedures," said ASPS Member Surgeon Roy Kim, MD.

He also gets ideas and inspiration from colleagues outside of the plastic surgery specialty.

"Talking to others who are not plastic surgeons leads to interesting thoughts," said Dr. Kim. "Our colleagues who are in pain management have multiple papers that show that long-term variations of lidocaine mixed with steroid results in 72-hour numbing relief and costs about $40 to $75 max."

Social media can also provide a wealth of inspiration and information if you know what to look for and how to wade through viral posts and "promoted products."

"I keep track of Instagram, TikTok and X/Twitter to keep up with the latest," said Dr. Kim. "Millennials, Gen Z and younger people, in general, seem to know a lot about skincare and less invasive procedures."

There is another group of people you can look to for new trends and innovations. Who is more in tune with the beauty and cosmetic surgery industry than celebrities? They are constantly helping to move the needle in plastic surgery in interesting and exciting ways.

"Sometimes it is celebrities who have undergone a procedure that sparks public interest," said Dr. Hadeed.

There is no shortage of options for plastic surgeons to stay up to date on the latest trends in the specialty. Plastic surgeons remain dedicated to honing their craft long after medical school and residency by continuing to grow and improve.

Perhaps, Dr. Kim sums things up best: "I think the biggest thing is that I remain curious."

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.