Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in plastic, hand, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Plastic surgery encompasses reconstructive, hand, aesthetic, and burn surgery.
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has shown potential in various medical applications.
• Research has explored ESWT's efficacy in plastic surgery disciplines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the experimental and clinical applications of ESWT in plastic surgery.
• To summarize the benefits of ESWT in reconstructive, hand, aesthetic, and burn surgery.
• To highlight ESWT's role in improving outcomes and reducing complications.

Main Methods:

• Review of experimental and clinical studies on ESWT in plastic surgery.
• Analysis of data from reconstructive surgery, hand surgery, aesthetic surgery, and burn surgery.
• Synthesis of findings regarding flap survival, bone and soft tissue healing, cellulite treatment, and implant-related complications.

Main Results:

• ESWT improves flap survival and reduces complications in reconstructive surgery.
• ESWT is effective for bone, tendon, nerve, and soft tissue indications in hand surgery.
• Clinical studies show ESWT improves cellulite by 25-35% and facial skin tone, reduces pore size.
• ESWT reduces capsular fibrosis in breast reconstruction and aids in managing filler complications.

Conclusions:

• ESWT is a versatile therapeutic modality with successful applications throughout plastic surgery.
• The therapy demonstrates significant benefits in improving surgical outcomes and minimizing complications.
• ESWT holds promise for advancing treatment options in various plastic surgery subspecialties.