Plastic Surgery

Transdermal PLLA augments fractional microneedle RF for atrophic acne scars in darker phototypes

In a split-face randomized trial of 24 Asian patients with moderate-to-severe atrophic acne scars, both sides received two monthly FMRF sessions. PLLA suspension applied to one side via RF-created microchannels yielded greater 6‑month improvement in skin texture and scar volume than sterile water control. Three-dimensional imaging and photography confirmed statistically significant superiority of the PLLA-treated side, mirrored by higher patient-reported ≥75% improvement rates. Adverse events were infrequent, transient, and self-limited, with no serious complications during 6‑month follow-up. These data support FMRF-assisted transdermal PLLA as a safe, incremental step-up from FMRF alone for atrophic acne scars in Fitzpatrick III–V. 1

Distinct tunnel versus nodular recurrence patterns after wide excision for hidradenitis suppurativa

This single-centre retrospective study analysed 206 wide excision procedures for hidradenitis suppurativa in 165 patients between 2018 and 2024. Overall recurrence within 1 cm of the scar was 18.5%, subdivided into tunnel recurrence (8.3%) and abscess/inflammatory nodule recurrence (10.2%). Tunnel recurrence correlated with Hurley III disease, larger and deeper excisions, and higher postoperative IHS4 scores, suggesting persistent subclinical tracts. Abscess/nodular recurrence was associated with BMI > 30 and preoperative ultrasound assessment, implicating systemic and diagnostic factors. In multivariate analysis, excised area was the only independent predictor of overall recurrence, emphasizing careful field selection and margin planning. Authors propose prioritizing tunnel recurrence as a truer marker of surgical failure and highlight preoperative ultrasound and inflammatory control as modifiable factors. 2

Jaw-in-a-day in head and neck cancer: high early implant success, radiation-linked late prosthesis loss

This systematic review pooled nine studies including 57 head and neck cancer patients undergoing jaw-in-a-day with fibular free flap reconstruction. Most tumors were mandibular and squamous cell carcinoma, and the majority received adjuvant therapy. Prosthesis survival, reported in six studies, was 78.1% over 5–52 months, with removals commonly due to osteoradionecrosis. All irradiated implants initially osseointegrated successfully, but delayed implant failure occurred in 11.1% of irradiated implants within the radiotherapy field. Findings suggest jaw-in-a-day is feasible and effective in selected oncologic patients but demands counseling about radiation-associated late prosthetic complications. 3

Motion-activated piezoelectric hydrogel nanofibers accelerate wound repair in a rat model

Researchers fabricated collagen-like gelatin methacryloyl nanofibers incorporating barium titanate nanoparticles to create a piezoelectric, self-powered wound dressing. Tannic acid modification added antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to the scaffold. In a rat dorsal skin injury model, these piezoelectric hydrogel nanofibers markedly accelerated epidermal regeneration and overall wound closure compared with controls. Transcriptomics indicated enhanced cell recruitment through cytokine–receptor pathways and immune modulation favoring repair over chronic inflammation. Piezoelectric stimulation also influenced lipid metabolism, estrogen signaling, and cytoskeletal remodeling, collectively reducing fibrosis and promoting regenerative healing phenotypes. 4