Reframing Hyaluronidase in Aesthetic Medicine: From “Dissolving Filler” to “Modifying Filler”

The use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for inducing weight loss has increased in recent years, resulting in a parallel reduction in demand for bariatric surgery. Consequently, the need for patients to undergo aesthetic procedures, including aesthetic breast surgery, following successful GLP-1 RA–induced weight loss is expected to increase while the demand created by postsurgical weight loss is expected to decrease. The objective of this narrative review is to examine the literature on the use of GLP-1 RAs and other mechanisms used for medical weight loss to assist plastic surgeons in achieving optimal aesthetic outcomes with breast surgery after weight loss occurs.

Resident-run clinics (RRCs) have become an important component of plastic surgery training. This study evaluates outcomes from a longitudinal RRC focused on neuromodulator and soft tissue filler injections over a 5-year period. The aim of this study was to assess clinical outcomes, patient retention, resident experience by postgraduate year (PGY) level, and the safety of RRCs as a training model.

Energy-based devices are widely used for facial rejuvenation; as a result, an increasing proportion of patients presenting for facelift or necklift surgery have a history of prior treatment with ultrasound- or radiofrequency-based technologies. While the efficacy and safety of these devices are well established, their cumulative effects on facial soft tissues critical to deep-layer facelift surgery remain under-recognized.

Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) is widely used clinically; yet, its temporary effects require repeated injections that increase cost and inconvenience. There is limited rigorous evidence to support claims that repeated BoNT-A use alters efficacy. Unlike peripheral nerve transection, which causes irreversible denervation after 12 to 24 months, the long-term physiological effects of BoNT-A chemodenervation remain unclear.

Ptosis, the drooping of the upper eyelid caused by levator palpebrae superioris dysfunction, can impair vision and quality of life.