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Novotny et al. Art Int Surg 2024;4:376-86 Artificial
DOI: 10.20517/ais.2024.52
Intelligence Surgery

Review Open Access

Transformative role of artificial intelligence in plastic
and reconstructive surgery: innovations,

applications and future directions

Matthias Johannes Novotny , Anna Fast , Christine Radtke
Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria.

Correspondence to: Dr. Christine Radtke, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of
Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, Vienna 1090, Austria. E-mail: christine.radtke@meduniwien.ac.at

How to cite this article: Novotny MJ, Fast A, Radtke C. Transformative role of artificial intelligence in plastic and reconstructive
surgery: innovations, applications and future directions. Art Int Surg 2024;4:376-86. https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/ais.2024.52

Received: 21 Jul 2024 First Decision: 19 Sep 2024 Revised: 17 Oct 2024 Accepted: 28 Oct 2024 Published: 6 Nov 2024

Academic Editor: Andrew Gumbs Copy Editor: Pei-Yun Wang Production Editor: Pei-Yun Wang

Abstract
This review explores the current applications, benefits, and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) in plastic,
reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery. In recent years, AI has found its way into everyday life, including the
healthcare sector. To deepen the understanding of the use and handling of AI in plastic and reconstructive surgery,
this review provides valuable insights into modern practices, illustrated with real examples and potential future
applications. While the advantages of AI are obvious, the disadvantages cannot be ignored. This review aims to
highlight possible risks, dangers, and sources of error inherent in AI itself and its applications. Therefore, this paper
seeks to address possible concerns and questions about AI in plastic surgery while offering a realistically neutral
insight. Additionally, fundamental ethical and legal principles will be discussed, as well as possible “rules of the
game” for the application and integration of AI in surgery. Innovations in this field are often hailed as miracles,
making it crucial to evaluate them critically and objectively. Although progress in AI cannot and should not be
halted, it is important to strengthen the trained approach and always look at the whole picture.

Keywords: Intelligent systems, smart technology, ethical concerns, optimization, prediction

INTRODUCTION
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the landscape of modern medicine, offering innovative tools that

© The Author(s) 2024. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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