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Page 12 of 15 Ali et al. Plast Aesthet Res 2021;8:35 https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2021.29

DISCUSSION
This review article references and discusses many of the commonly implemented and upcoming
technologies that has been utilized in the field of FTT today. While there are proponents to each of these
advances - be it more detailed preoperative imaging modalities, improved microsurgical optics, or more
sensitive postoperative adjuncts - they must be weighed against the burgeoning costs of healthcare delivery.
Adoption of new technology can be exciting, however a responsible practice needs to inform their decision
with objective improvement in patient outcomes and/or decrease in operative timing as it pertains to their
specific institution. Furthermore, cost saving via reducing operative time needs to be carefully assessed on
an individual institutional level, as a minor decrease may not necessarily translate to an appreciable
reduction in operative costs.

CONCLUSION
There is a significant amount of technology that can be applied in the preoperative, intraoperative, and
postoperative setting to further optimize FTT outcomes and efficiency. These technologies continue to
evolve and is an exciting area of research. It is imperative for head and neck surgeons to be aware of these
technological advances and apply them to clinical practice as seen fit and as local resources and practices
allow.

DECLARATIONS
Authors’ contributions
Made substantial contributions to conception and design of the study and performed data analysis and
interpretation: Ali SA, Tamaki A, Thuener JE, Li S
Made substantial contributions to conception and design of the study, as well as provided administrative
and technical support: Fowler N, Lavertu P, Teknos TN, Rezaee RP

Availability of data and materials
Not applicable.

Financial support and sponsorship
None.

Conflicts of interest
Dr. Rod P. Rezaee is a consultant for Zimer Biomet (Warsaw, IN). All other authors declared that there are
no conflicts of interest.

Ethical approval and consent to participate
Not applicable.

Consent for publication
Not applicable.

Copyright
© The Author(s) 2021.

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