Our Summary

This research paper is about a survey that was conducted to understand what factors are important to trainees in the field of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS) when choosing their training program. The survey was completed by 43% of the total 147 participants who were part of these programs between 2018 and 2020.

The results show that trainees regard the type of practice, whether it’s academic or private, as equally important. The two highest-ranking factors were learning about the business side of medicine and the location of the program. The two surgical skills they were most interested in learning were rhinoplasty (nose reshaping surgery) and aging face procedures.

Most of the trainees, about 65%, preferred working in private practice, specifically within a group focused on facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, rather than working alone, in a general ear, nose, and throat group, or in a skin care group.

Around 76% of the participants wanted a mix of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in their initial five years of practice. Interestingly, participants weren’t interested in keeping general ear, nose, and throat procedures as part of their practice.

In simple terms, this research found that trainees in facial surgery want to learn about the business side of medicine, be trained in rhinoplasty and aging face procedures, prefer a certain location, and mostly want to work in a group practice focusing on facial surgery.

FAQs

  1. What were the two highest-ranking factors for trainees when choosing their facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS) training program?
  2. What were the top surgical skills that trainees were most interested in learning?
  3. What type of practice did most trainees prefer to work in after their training program?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering reconstructive surgery to carefully research and choose a training program that offers a strong focus on the specific procedures they are interested in, such as rhinoplasty and aging face procedures. It is also important to consider the type of practice they envision working in, whether it be academic or private, as this can impact their training and future career opportunities. Additionally, understanding the business side of medicine and choosing a program in a desirable location are also important factors to consider when pursuing a career in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Suitable For

Reconstructive surgery is typically recommended for patients who have experienced trauma, injury, or congenital deformities that affect their appearance or function. This can include patients with facial trauma, burns, birth defects, or other conditions that require surgical intervention to improve their quality of life. Additionally, reconstructive surgery may be recommended for patients who have undergone cancer treatment and require reconstructive procedures to restore their appearance or function after tumor removal. Overall, reconstructive surgery is aimed at improving the physical and emotional well-being of patients who have experienced significant physical changes due to various medical conditions.

Timeline

Before reconstructive surgery, a patient typically undergoes a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and expectations. They may also undergo pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery. The surgeon will then create a personalized treatment plan for the patient.

After reconstructive surgery, the patient will experience a recovery period which may involve pain, swelling, bruising, and restricted activity. They will attend follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their progress and ensure proper healing. Depending on the type of surgery, the patient may also undergo physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation to aid in recovery and improve outcomes. Over time, the patient will see the results of their surgery and experience improvements in their appearance and function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about reconstructive surgery may include:

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with this specific reconstructive surgery procedure?
  2. How long is the recovery period expected to be, and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  3. Will there be any visible scarring after the surgery, and if so, how can it be minimized or treated?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and what are the potential side effects?
  5. How many similar reconstructive surgeries have you performed in the past, and what is your success rate?
  6. What are the realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery, and are there any limitations to what can be achieved?
  7. Will I need follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery, and what is the long-term care plan?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition, and how does reconstructive surgery compare in terms of effectiveness and safety?
  9. What is the cost of the reconstructive surgery, and will it be covered by insurance?
  10. Can you provide me with before-and-after photos of previous patients who have undergone similar reconstructive surgery procedures?

Reference

Authors: Lozada KN, Bloom JD. Journal: Facial Plast Surg. 2019 Oct;35(5):534-539. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1695723. Epub 2019 Sep 16. PMID: 31525779