Issue 03 · Volume 39 · June 2023

Evidence-Based Medicine in Facial Plastic Surgery

Guest Editor: Emily A. Spataro, MD

Evidence-Based Medicine for Mandible Fracture Repair: Current Controversies and Future Opportunities

Thomas Barrett, John Chi

Mandibular fractures are among the most common facial fractures resulting from trauma. The nature of the injury, involved facial structures, presence of associated injuries, the dental status of the patient, comorbid conditions, and psychosocial context all must be considered by the surgeon when planning the optimal treatment for these patients. While consensus exists for many aspects of the management of mandibular trauma, some elements remain controversial. Three such topics—antibiotic therapy, treatment of subcondylar fractures, and management of the third molar—remain particularly controversial, with significant heterogeneity in practice patterns and without widely accepted evidence-based guidelines to standardize care. The goals of this work are to (1) review the historical perspective underlying these controversies, (2) summarize recent evidence shaping the current debate, and (3) highlight opportunities for continued efforts to identify best practices.

Upper Blepharoplasty: An Evidence-Based Assessment of Preoperative Considerations and Surgical Techniques

Robi Nicolas Maamari 

Upper blepharoplasty is one of the most common facial plastic surgical procedures performed. Due to its growing popularity, an abundance of articles is available describing variations in the surgical technique and outcomes. As a result, it has become increasingly difficult to identify appropriate surgical literature validated by a high level of evidence. The purpose of this review is to identify and describe specific evidence-based components of the preoperative evaluation and surgical approach in upper blepharoplasty surgery.

Evidence-Based Medicine: Rhinoplasty Surgical Outcomes

Kyle S. Kimura, Sam P. Most

Evidence-based medicine has become increasingly important in healthcare today by providing a process to examine the highest levels of research and apply them to clinical practice. Integrating the best available evidence to clinical decision making ensures that patients receive the highest level of care based on thoroughly reviewed and validated research. These concepts can also be applied to rhinoplasty, both aesthetic and functional, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decisions to improve clinical care.