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Page 12 of 16 Allam et al. Plast Aesthet Res 2024;11:19 https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2024.21

Figure 5. Educational advancements. (A) 3D-printed chest wall model combined with chicken thigh model [60] ; (B) Schematic of Touch
Surgery application (Minneapolis, MN) integrated with Microsoft HoloLens software (Redmond, WA) [69] .

autologous breast reconstruction has been well documented, suggesting significant potential for trainee
education with appropriately designed patient models and simulations .
[16]

Additionally, the integration of the HoloLens with Touch Surgery (Minneapolis, MN) [Figure 5B] - a free,
device-based application featuring a comprehensive library of surgical procedures for interactive learning-is
[69]
underway . This integration aims to create a mixed reality platform that enables learning surgical
procedures through programmed hand movements .
[69]
Despite the subjective endorsements by many plastic surgeons regarding the application of these
technologies in clinical practice and education, their practical feasibility and utility require more objective
assessment. A pilot study addressing this gap explored surgical trainee perspectives on AR's effectiveness in
learning anatomy and surgical skills . Remarkably, 78% of residents found holographic learning
[61]
comparable to traditional apprenticeship-based methods, with a unanimous preference for AR over
video-based learning. The feedback emphasized AR’s advantages over traditional methods, citing its
interactive nature, engagement, and usability .
[61]

Although the initial adoption of AR may pose a financial challenge, ongoing technological advancements
and expected market price reductions could render it a viable training modality in the near future.

CONCLUSION
Autologous breast reconstruction is undergoing a transformative phase marked by significant technological
advancements. These innovations span various aspects of the patient’s surgical experience, including
preoperative planning, surgical techniques, and postoperative care. The integration of 3D printing has not
only enhanced trainee education and preoperative planning but also paved the way for more precise and
personalized surgical approaches. The incorporation of AR and AI into surgical decision-making will only
revolutionize the field by providing more advanced and immediate analytical capabilities. Furthermore, the
emergence of robotic-assisted microsurgery and cutting-edge imaging modalities like hyperspectral imaging
is refining intraoperative techniques and capabilities, leading to greater surgical precision and hopefully
enhanced safety. In the postoperative realm, the development of remote patient monitoring and advanced
tissue oximetry technologies shows great promise in improving patient outcomes and elevating the quality
of care while decreasing provider burden.