"Nip and Tuck": Training the Next Generation of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons

The demand for aesthetic surgery continues to increase, and it is therefore essential to ensure that the next generation of plastic surgeons are adequately trained. We propose a safe method in aesthetic training in abdominoplasty and facelift, utilizing free deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap and parotidectomy for training aesthetic procedures. The trainees' focus differed between the 2 procedures. In the DIEP cases, the trainees' focus was the preoperative marking of the abdomen; elevation of the abdominoplasty flap; rectus plication; and quilting of the abdominoplasty flap to the rectus sheath and umbiloplasty. In the parotidectomy cases, the focus was skin flap elevation using the classic face lift incision; superficial musculoaponeurotic system flap elevation; superficial musculoaponeurotic system; and skin redraping. A questionnaire was given to all involved trainees for evaluation after the training exercises in aesthetic surgery, this included how they felt about performing aesthetic procedures afterwards, their level of knowledge, and their confidence in performing abdominoplasty and rhytidectomy. The results of the trainee questionnaires were positive; competence and level of confidence were high. There were minor complications including wound healing problems but no revisions. This training procedure can be safely applied during plastic surgery training under safe conditions.