Artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to reshape the landscape of hand surgery, but most clinical evidence still originates from radiology and other surgical specialties. This literature survey provides a comprehensive overview of current and near-term AI applications in the field. Presently, AI enhances diagnostic accuracy by identifying subtle fractures, nerve compressions, and vascular anomalies on imaging that may elude human detection. Presently, AI contributes mainly to diagnosis/imaging (fracture detection; adjuncts for nerve/perfusion studies) and planning (AI-assisted 3D reconstructions), with intraoperative platforms such as augmented reality (AR) microscopes and robotics largely adapted from neurosurgery/spine and only emerging in hand surgery. While many of these visualization platforms themselves are not AI, they increasingly integrate AI-based modules for image processing and real-time data overlay. Early postoperative risk-stratification models (e.g., stiffness, infection, complex regional pain syndrome) and digital rehabilitation are promising but require prospective, multi-center validation. Additionally, AI-driven tools streamline operative documentation and empower patient education through conversational agents. Looking ahead, developments such as implantable micro-sensors for real-time anastomosis monitoring, AI-guided perforator mapping, and miniaturized AR-assisted visualization promise to further transform practice. However, challenges persist - from limited datasets and the need for external validation, to high costs, regulatory hurdles, and ethical concerns surrounding data privacy and algorithm transparency. Achieving the sub-millimeter precision required for safe surgical implementation remains one of the most critical technical challenges. Emphasizing explainable AI and maintaining the surgeon’s central role in decision-making will be crucial to safe implementation. Ultimately, the convergence of AI, advanced imaging, robotics, and microsurgical techniques holds significant promise to elevate precision, outcomes, and patient-centered care in hand surgery.

Aim: Gender-affirming rhinoplasty is a key component of facial gender-affirming surgery, aiming to align nasal aesthetics and function with a patient’s gender identity. While there has been a strong emphasis on the cosmetic outcomes of this procedure, rhinoplasty is also intended to improve nasal function. Few studies have assessed functional outcomes in this population using validated, patient-reported measures. This study aims to evaluate changes in nasal function and cosmetic satisfaction using the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS) in patients undergoing gender-affirming rhinoplasty.

Methods: A retrospective cohort of 20 patients (all facial feminization) who underwent gender-affirming rhinoplasty at a tertiary academic center was analyzed. SCHNOS-Obstruction (SCHNOS-O) and SCHNOS-Cosmesis (SCHNOS-C) scores were collected preoperatively and at approximately 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare pre- and postoperative scores, with subgroup analyses performed using analysis of variance. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: Statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in SCHNOS-C scores were observed at 3, 6, and 12 months post-operatively, compared to pre-operatively (P < 0.05). Among the subgroup of patients with baseline nasal obstruction, a statistically and clinically significant reduction in score was seen at 6 months post-operatively compared to baseline (P < 0.05). Patients without nasal obstruction at presentation did not show a worsening SCHNOS-O score at any post-operative timepoint.

Conclusion: Gender-affirming rhinoplasty is associated with significant improvements in aesthetic satisfaction as measured by SCHNOS-C scores, with significant improvements in nasal function seen among those patients with nasal obstruction on presentation. These findings support the use of validated, patient-centered tools in outcome assessment and highlight the need for further research to optimize both functional and cosmetic results in gender-affirming rhinoplasty.

Regenerative aesthetic medicine has rapidly evolved from a primarily corrective discipline into a biologically oriented field focused on restoring tissue function, quality, and homeostasis. This narrative review examines the conceptual foundations of “regeneration” in aesthetic practice and critically discusses the biological rationale and clinical evidence supporting the main injectable modalities currently described as regenerative, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), polynucleotides, exosomes, stromal vascular fraction (SVF)-based approaches, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). These interventions act through distinct yet partially overlapping mechanisms, involving modulation of inflammation, fibroblast activation, extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, and immunobiological signaling. PRP provides concentrated growth factors with context-dependent effects on tissue repair; polynucleotides enhance fibroblast activity and dermal hydration through nucleotide-mediated pathways; exosomes function as intercellular signaling mediators influencing inflammatory cascades and tissue remodeling; SVF-based therapies combine volumetric support with paracrine and cellular effects; while PLLA and CaHA act as long-term biostimulatory fillers, promoting sustained neocollagenesis and dermal reorganization through controlled inflammatory and macrophage-mediated responses. Although clinical studies report improvements in skin quality parameters, dermal architecture, elasticity, and hair density, the available evidence is heterogeneous and often limited by variability in preparation methods, product characteristics, injection protocols, and outcome measures. Issues related to standardization, reproducibility, and regulatory classification remain particularly relevant for biologically derived products such as PRP, exosomes, and SVF. Overall, regenerative aesthetics represents a paradigm shift from transient correction toward biologically driven tissue renewal; however, consolidation within evidence-based aesthetic medicine will require higher-quality comparative trials, standardized methodologies, and clearer regulatory frameworks.

Reconstructive rhinoplasty, beyond its aesthetic role, is vital for the restoration of form and function in low-resource settings. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially in sub-Saharan Africa, remain critically under-resourced, with fewer than one plastic surgeon per 100,000 population and pronounced rural-urban disparities. Traditional outreach vertical models provide short-term relief but often lack continuity. Diagonal models, with integrated training and outcome monitoring, have demonstrated greater sustainability. Additional consideration is required for rhinoplasty procedures that account for cultural aesthetic norms and regional anatomical variations, as these are associated with higher patient satisfaction and better community uptake, highlighting the importance of culturally appropriate care in global surgical outreach. This narrative review aims to (1) highlight LMIC-specific challenges, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa; (2) compare surgical outreach models; (3) propose sustainable capacity building strategies, and (4) review culturally specific rhinoplasty techniques. As culturally specific rhinoplasty grows on a global scale, the result of locally empowered rhinoplasty surgeons in LMICs through diagonal partnership models and long-term skills transfer will result in improved patient care access. Investment in training, tele-mentorship, and metric-driven follow-up is essential to improving surgical equity and outcomes.