Sophie Hasiba-Pappas, Elisa Opriessnig, Sebastian P Nischwitz, Raimund Winter, Patrick Mandal, Martina Carnieletto, Lars-Peter Kamolz, Hanna Luze
{"title":"Optimizing Autologous Fat Grafting: A Systematic Review of Enhancement Strategies and Graft Survival.","authors":"Sophie Hasiba-Pappas, Elisa Opriessnig, Sebastian P Nischwitz, Raimund Winter, Patrick Mandal, Martina Carnieletto, Lars-Peter Kamolz, Hanna Luze","doi":"10.1093/asj/sjaf242","DOIUrl":"10.1093/asj/sjaf242","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Autologous fat grafting has become an important tool in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, particularly for breast reconstruction and soft tissue augmentation. Despite its promise, long-term outcomes remain unpredictable. To address this, research has increasingly focused on optimizing graft survival by enriching the lipoaspirate with additional substances. A systematic search of PubMed (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD) and Web of Science (Clarivate, Philadelphia, PA) identified studies on enhancement methods of autologous fat grafting in both animal models and clinical settings, published up to February 2025. In vitro trials, case reports, and studies comparing techniques without specific enhancement of the lipoaspirate were excluded. Twenty-seven studies fulfilled the criteria, including 15 animal studies and 12 clinical studies, most of which investigated applications in breast reconstruction and augmentation. The included studies showed substantial heterogeneity in enhancement strategies, case numbers, follow-up duration, and outcome measures. The most frequently examined approaches involved enrichment with stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and/or adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). Both methods demonstrated favourable results in many trials, though statistical significance was not always achieved. Other strategies included the use of Vitamin D3, Botulinum toxin A, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and less frequently studied agents such as N-acetylcysteine and Salvia miltiorrhiza. Overall, enrichment of lipoaspirate appears to enhance graft survival, with SVF/ADSC-based methods and PRP emerging as the most promising approaches. Nevertheless, marked variability in protocols and outcome measures hampers comparability between studies. Larger randomized controlled trials employing standardized methodologies are essential to confirm clinical feasibility and provide a basis for evidence-based guidelines. Level of Evidence: 3 (Therapeutic) For image description, please refer to the figure legend and surrounding text.</p>","PeriodicalId":7728,"journal":{"name":"Aesthetic Surgery Journal","volume":" ","pages":"1246-1252"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13668368/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145556155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amir Moradi, Michael H Gold, David Hill, Hanna Dersch, Ross Radusky, Ute Schwab
{"title":"A Prospective, Multicenter, Evaluator-Blind, Randomized, Comparator-Controlled Study of Belotero Intense (+), a Hyaluronic Acid Filler With Lidocaine, for Lip Augmentation.","authors":"Amir Moradi, Michael H Gold, David Hill, Hanna Dersch, Ross Radusky, Ute Schwab","doi":"10.1093/asj/sjag200","DOIUrl":"10.1093/asj/sjag200","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid (HA)-based dermal fillers is commonly performed to enhance lip volume, shape, and symmetry.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this study was to establish the safety and effectiveness of Belotero Intense with lidocaine (BIL), a cohesive polydensified matrix HA filler, for lip augmentation, and demonstrate its noninferiority to Restylane Silk with lidocaine (RSL), a US FDA-approved HA filler.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients with a Merz Lip Fullness Assessment Scale (MLFAS) rating of very thin, thin, or medium on upper and lower lips (Fitzpatrick skin type [FST] I-IV) or at least one lip (FST V or VI) were randomized 3:1 to receive BIL or RSL at baseline. Touch-up treatment was allowed at Week 4; retreatment at Week 48 was offered to BIL patients only. Primary effectiveness was assessed by a blinded evaluator using the MLFAS, and adverse events (AEs) were recorded up to 60 weeks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Belotero Intense with lidocaine achieved a Week 8 MLFAS-responder rate of 91.1% (144/158; 95% CI, 85.6-95.1), with the lower limit of the CI exceeding the prespecified 50% success criterion. The least squares mean difference in change from baseline vs RSL was 0.1 (95% CI, 0.0-0.3), meeting the prespecified noninferiority criterion (ie, lower CI limit >-0.5). Among Week 8 responders, 70/137 (51.1%) maintained improvement through Week 48 (post hoc analysis). No severe or serious related treatment-emergent AEs or unexpected AEs were reported.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Belotero Intense with lidocaine is a safe and effective treatment for lip augmentation in patients with upper and/or lower lip volume deficits.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 1 (therapeutic): </strong></p>","PeriodicalId":7728,"journal":{"name":"Aesthetic Surgery Journal","volume":"46 11","pages":"1236-1245"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149178966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gabrielle Knauer, Alexander Chang, Aryan Gupta, Nicholas Brownstone, Natalia Mejia, Sarah Bauman, Adam Walchak, Sameer A Patel
{"title":"Clinical Evidence and Commercial Landscape of Topical Exosomes for Skin Rejuvenation: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Gabrielle Knauer, Alexander Chang, Aryan Gupta, Nicholas Brownstone, Natalia Mejia, Sarah Bauman, Adam Walchak, Sameer A Patel","doi":"10.1093/asj/sjag141","DOIUrl":"10.1093/asj/sjag141","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Exosomes have emerged as a novel therapeutic frontier in regenerative and aesthetic medicine. Preclinical studies suggest that exosomes may promote collagen synthesis, modulate inflammatory signaling, and enhance wound healing, supporting their potential role in skin rejuvenation. However, clinical evidence in humans remains limited. In this study, the authors conducted a scoping review to evaluate the clinical evidence and characterized the current market landscape of exosome-based products. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were searched for studies evaluating topical exosomes for skin rejuvenation. Search strategies were peer reviewed with a medical librarian following PRISMA-S and PRESS guidelines. Two independent reviewers screened articles. Additionally, an incognito Google Shopping search for \"exosomes\" identified the first 20 commercially available cosmetic products. Product claims and ingredient sources were analyzed. Of 2394 articles screened, 18 evaluated topical exosomes for skin rejuvenation, with sources including both human and plant-derived exosomes. Ten studies used delivery modalities alongside exosomes, and 8 used topical application alone. Reported benefits included increased collagen and elastin as well as improved wrinkles, skin elasticity, hydration, and pigmentation. Commercial cosmetic products reflected the heterogeneity in exosome sources and contained minimal information on exosome isolation, processing, or shelf life. The ambiguity in the marketplace highlights the need for standardization and stronger clinical evidence. Overall, human studies on topical exosomes remain scarce, with much of the current evidence on exosomes extrapolated from preclinical models. Further trials directly comparing sources and delivery methods are needed. Level of Evidence: 3 (Therapeutic) For image description, please refer to the figure legend and surrounding text.</p>","PeriodicalId":7728,"journal":{"name":"Aesthetic Surgery Journal","volume":" ","pages":"NP148-NP157"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148395516","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Research Requirements for Residency Applicants Need to Be Reconsidered.","authors":"Paul G Pin","doi":"10.1093/asj/sjaf270","DOIUrl":"10.1093/asj/sjaf270","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7728,"journal":{"name":"Aesthetic Surgery Journal","volume":" ","pages":"NP142-NP144"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13668350/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145802965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparative Efficacy of Stromal Vascular Fraction and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Ultraviolet B-Induced Skin Damage in Nude Mice.","authors":"Hui-Yi Hsiao, Chao-Yi Lai, Yung-Chun Chang, Shih-Han Huang, Jung-Ju Huang","doi":"10.1093/asj/sjaf179","DOIUrl":"10.1093/asj/sjaf179","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure accelerates skin aging by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to dehydration, reduced collagen density, and impaired epidermal and dermal integrity. Stem cell-based therapies, including the use of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), have emerged as promising approaches for skin regeneration.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The authors of this study evaluated the therapeutic effects of SVF and ASCs on UVB-induced skin damage.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The mice were exposed to UVB irradiation (290-310 nm) for 8 weeks to establish a photoaging model. Following UVB exposure, the SVF or ASCs were injected into the dorsal skin, and the skin samples were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>UVB exposure significantly reduced skin hydration (-26%), decreased collagen density, and led to a decrease in the thickness of the epidermal and dermal layers. The SVF and ASC treatments improved skin hydration, enhanced extracellular matrix remodeling, and increased collagen density. Both treatments reduced oxidative stress by decreasing reactive oxygen species levels, with SVF-treated samples exhibiting increased BMAL1 expression. SVF and ASCs also promoted angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. A reduction in macrophage infiltration and a shift in polarization from the proinflammatory M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype were also observed in the SVF and ASC groups, with ASCs exhibiting stronger immunomodulatory effects. The SVF and ASCs each displayed distinct therapeutic advantages in skin tissue restoration.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings highlight the potential of the SVF and ASCs as therapeutic strategies for UVB-induced skin aging, warranting further clinical investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":7728,"journal":{"name":"Aesthetic Surgery Journal","volume":" ","pages":"1168-1176"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145090747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Angela Alnemri, Neha Garg, Dana Michlin, Wesley Wride, Vivian Xu, William Jack Palmer, Khashayar Arianpour, Shayan Fakurnejad, Patrick Hunt, Aarti Agarwal, Howard Krein, Ryan Heffelfinger
{"title":"Predictors of Unplanned Admission After Outpatient Rhytidectomy.","authors":"Angela Alnemri, Neha Garg, Dana Michlin, Wesley Wride, Vivian Xu, William Jack Palmer, Khashayar Arianpour, Shayan Fakurnejad, Patrick Hunt, Aarti Agarwal, Howard Krein, Ryan Heffelfinger","doi":"10.1093/asj/sjag118","DOIUrl":"10.1093/asj/sjag118","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rhytidectomy is increasingly performed in ambulatory settings with the goal of a same-day discharge. A subset of patients requires unplanned admission in the immediate postoperative period, resulting in increased costs and workflow disruption. Identifying predictors of unplanned admission may improve perioperative planning.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for unplanned admission following rhytidectomy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Retrospective review of patients undergoing rhytidectomy at a tertiary care center between June 2022 and July 2025. Demographics, comorbidities, surgical characteristics, and anesthetic details were compared between patients with same-day discharge and unplanned admission.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 129 patients scheduled for outpatient rhytidectomy, 108 (83.7%) were discharged the same day and 21 (16.3%) required unplanned admission. Admission was associated with longer anesthesia duration (574.6 ± 102.4 vs 485.7 ± 80.1 min, P = .001), a greater number of concurrent procedures (mean 4.3 vs 3.3 concurrent procedures, P = .002), obesity (BMI ≥ 30, P = .024), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System (P = .048), and hypertension (P = .016). Dexmedetomidine (P = .016) and hydromorphone (P = .034) were associated with unplanned admission, whereas remifentanil was associated with same-day discharge (P = .010).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Unplanned admission was associated with longer anesthesia duration, greater number of concurrent procedures, select anesthetic agents, and comorbidities. Incorporating these factors into perioperative planning may improve discharge predictability and resource allocation.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: 4 (therapeutic): </strong>For image description, please refer to the figure legend and surrounding text.</p>","PeriodicalId":7728,"journal":{"name":"Aesthetic Surgery Journal","volume":" ","pages":"1221-1227"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148283002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Artificial Intelligence: Medical and Legal Implications and Risk Mitigation Strategies for Plastic Surgeons.","authors":"Libby R Copeland-Halperin","doi":"10.1093/asj/sjag083","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjag083","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>As artificial intelligence (AI) has become widely accessible, physicians and patients increasingly turn to AI for personal and professional uses. Whether or not you use AI in your practice, other physicians use it in ways that affect you and your patients, and so do cybercriminals. It is incumbent upon plastic surgeons and their staff to educate themselves about the potential advantages of AI, as well as potential medical and legal liabilities related to it. This article highlights the ways AI is increasingly employed in plastic surgical practice, discusses potential liabilities plastic surgeons (even those not actively using AI) should be aware of, and proposes risk-reduction strategies to safeguard patients, plastic surgeons, and practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":7728,"journal":{"name":"Aesthetic Surgery Journal","volume":"46 11","pages":"1159-1163"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149179013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Z Paul Lorenc, Lawrence S Bass, Brigid Betz-Stablein, Lisa Cramer, Doug Canfield, Derek Jones, Uyen Koh, Anthony Melione, Amir Moradi, Jennifer L Vickers, Julie A Woodward, Stacy Smith
{"title":"Development and Validation of Two skin Quality Photonumeric Scales Assessing Skin Smoothness and Cheek Lines.","authors":"Z Paul Lorenc, Lawrence S Bass, Brigid Betz-Stablein, Lisa Cramer, Doug Canfield, Derek Jones, Uyen Koh, Anthony Melione, Amir Moradi, Jennifer L Vickers, Julie A Woodward, Stacy Smith","doi":"10.1093/asj/sjag217","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjag217","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Skin smoothness and cheek lines are key indicators of skin quality targeted by aesthetic treatments and surgery to improve perceived youthfulness and confidence. Validated photonumeric scales provide a standardized, reliable, and reproducible grading of skin quality.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To develop and validate two Canfield skin quality photonumeric scales assessing skin smoothness and cheek lines.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Two 5-level photonumeric scales for skin smoothness and cheek lines were developed. Validation consisted of three exercises: live validation, clinical relevance, and photographic validation. Five certified clinicians completing the grading in two sessions, two weeks apart and agreement was measured using Cicchetti-Allison kappa. Sixty-eight and 72 participants, respectively, attended validation for skin smoothness and cheek lines. Clinical relevance was evaluated by comparing ratings of 90 image pairs evaluated as clinically different and not clinically different. Photographic validation was completed as per live validation on the standardized images used for clinical relevance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>For both scales, the live and photographic validation demonstrated almost perfect levels of intra-rater reliability (combined Kappas > 0.801) and substantial to almost-perfect inter-rater reliability (median pairwise Kappas > 0.728), across a diverse population. Clinical relevance showed a meaningful 1-point difference in pairs that are not clinically different and images with 1-point difference (p<0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The Canfield Skin Quality Scale - Skin Smoothness and the Canfield Skin Quality Scale - Cheek Lines are robust and reproducible outcome measures for use live and on images, supporting their use in clinical studies and practice across diverse populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":7728,"journal":{"name":"Aesthetic Surgery Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149178862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Endoscopic Facelift with Isolation of the Fronto-Temporal Facial Nerve Branches: A Clinical Study of 300 Cases.","authors":"Gad Renert, Edgar Kaminskyi, Artur Diaz-Carandell","doi":"10.1093/asj/sjag231","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjag231","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Preserving the fronto-temporal branches of the facial nerve (CN VII) is the principal technical challenge in endoscopic facelift, and complete mid- and lower-face mobilization requires release of McGregor's patch.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate endoscopic facelift when the fronto-temporal branches are systematically identified and completely isolated, allowing release of McGregor's patch.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Retrospective study of 300 consecutive patients operated by a single surgeon between May 2021 and August 2024, all with complete circumferential endoscopic isolation of the fronto-temporal branches. Recovery was dated from when the patient noticed the return of voluntary movement of the affected frontalis. Patients not recovered by day 14 received contralateral botulinum toxin for symmetry.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No permanent nerve injury occurred. Transient frontalis weakness occurred in all 300 patients (100%) and resolved completely: an expected consequence of deliberate nerve isolation, not a marker of technical success. Median time to recovery was 14 days (62.3% by day 14; 95% CI 56.9-67.8), unchanged when patients were censored at toxin exposure. Cumulative recovery was 75.3% at 1 month, 87.0% at 3 months and 94.3% at 6 months; recorded dates are upper bounds. Of the 300 patients, 282 (94%) attended the 12-month visit and 265 (94%) rated their outcome good or excellent. Haematoma occurred in 2 (0.7%) and asymmetry requiring revision in 4 (1.3%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Complete circumferential isolation of the fronto-temporal branches was reproducible and caused no permanent injury, at the cost of universal transient frontalis weakness. An uncontrolled series cannot establish that this trade-off is justified; prospective controlled comparison is required.</p>","PeriodicalId":7728,"journal":{"name":"Aesthetic Surgery Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149178881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation of Costal Cartilage Calcification Using Plain Radiographic Images.","authors":"Shin Hyuk Yoo, Yong Ju Jang","doi":"10.1093/asj/sjag222","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjag222","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Costal cartilage is a vital autologous graft for structural rhinoplasty, but calcification complicates surgical planning and graft manipulation. Chest computed tomography is the conventional evaluation method but is not routinely used owing to radiation exposure and cost.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate, using plain rib series radiography, the prevalence, morphological patterns, and predictors of costal cartilage calcification in patients undergoing rhinoplasty.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Two reviewers jointly assessed bilateral 6th-8th costal cartilages from 183 rhinoplasty patients (1,098 rib segments) on preoperative chest radiographs, grading calcification (0-4) and classifying morphological pattern (marginal, granular, or central). Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of calcification presence and severity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Costal cartilage calcification (grade ≥1) was present in 54.1% of segments, with significantly higher prevalence (62.9% vs 46.6%, P < 0.001) and severity in females than males. Calcification was predominantly marginal in males (95.4%), whereas 15.1% and 17.6% of females showed granular and central patterns, respectively. Severe calcification (grade ≥3) peaked unexpectedly in the 40-49-year group (25.8%) rather than in older patients. On multivariable analysis, female sex (OR 3.01; 95% CI, 1.11-8.12) and age 40-49 years (OR 6.28; 95% CI, 1.69-23.36) were independent predictors of severe calcification.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Routine rib series imaging should be considered even in younger candidates to optimize donor site selection and avoid unexpected intraoperative findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":7728,"journal":{"name":"Aesthetic Surgery Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149178958","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}