

PRS Journal Club
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
With every issue of the number-one medical journal in the field of plastic surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Editor-in-Chief and our annually-appointed Resident Ambassadors to the Editorial Board select three “Journal Club” articles. In the #PRSJournalClub podcast, the Resident Ambassadors and a special guest expert discuss the three Journal Club picks in the context of all relevant background material and with special emphasis on the new studies’ effects on current practice and understanding of the plastic surgery procedure or trend being discussed. They give a digest version of each paper and discuss its pearls and pitfalls, clinical relevance, and real-world implications.
Read the monthly PRS Journal Club picks, and related classic articles and videos, for free each month on PRSJournal.com. Join us monthly on Facebook.com/PRSJournal for a live Q&A with the authors.
Read the monthly PRS Journal Club picks, and related classic articles and videos, for free each month on PRSJournal.com. Join us monthly on Facebook.com/PRSJournal for a live Q&A with the authors.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 13, 2025 • 26min
“Improving Patient Transfer Quality” with James Higgins, MD - Aug. 2025 Journal Club
James Higgins, MD, Chief of The Curtis National Hand Center, joins the discussion on enhancing patient transfer quality in upper extremity surgery. He shares insights from a retrospective study that reveals how improved protocols and communication can significantly reduce avoidable transfers. The conversation delves into innovative techniques in replantation and the potential to expedite surgical care by bypassing emergency departments. Ethical considerations in patient assessment and the role of telemedicine in outcomes are also thoughtfully examined, making for a compelling listen.

Aug 6, 2025 • 26min
“Toe Transfers Outperform Replantation” with James Higgins, MD - Aug. 2025 Journal Club
In this engaging discussion, Dr. James Higgins, Chief of The Curtis National Hand Center, shares his pioneering insights in upper extremity microsurgery. He emphasizes the advantages of toe transfers over traditional digital replantation, revealing findings from a study that highlights better functional outcomes. The conversation also tackles patient counseling for reconstruction options, stressing the importance of informed consent and emotional support. With a wealth of experience, Dr. Higgins guides listeners through the complexities of surgical decision-making.

Jul 16, 2025 • 15min
“Model for Lip Lift Counseling” with Lara Devgan, MD, MPH - Jul. 2025 Journal Club
Dive into the transformative world of artificial intelligence in aesthetic surgery! Discover how AI enhances communication between patients and surgeons during lip-lift procedures. Explore the potential of AI to personalize patient outcomes while also addressing its limitations. Gain insights into the crucial balance of managing patient expectations, especially when using AI-generated images. Learn about innovative technologies that aid in creating realistic visual representations to foster clearer understanding in consultations.

Jul 9, 2025 • 18min
“PROs after Facial Laser Resurfacing” with Lara Devgan, MD, MPH - Jul. 2025 Journal Club
Lara Devgan, an internationally renowned aesthetic plastic surgeon based in New York City and CEO of Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty, joins in a discussion on patient-reported outcomes after facial laser resurfacing. The conversation reveals significant improvements in patient satisfaction and quality of life post-treatment. They delve into the benefits of combining laser resurfacing with surgical options to enhance recovery. Lara emphasizes the importance of tailoring treatments and utilizing patient feedback to continuously refine aesthetic practices, ensuring better outcomes for clients.

Jul 2, 2025 • 26min
VYC-20L to Correct Temple Hollowing” with Lara Devgan, MD, MPH - Jul. 2025 Journal Club
Join renowned aesthetic plastic surgeon Lara Devgan as she delves into the latest findings on using VYC-20L hyaluronic acid filler for correcting temple hollowing. With an impressive background from Yale and Johns Hopkins, Dr. Devgan shares her insights on the safety and effectiveness of this treatment based on a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Discover the nuances of facial aging, volumization techniques, and the inspiring integration of surgical and injectable methods for personalized patient care.

Jun 18, 2025 • 19min
“Young Stromal Cell Effect on Fat Graft” with Chris Campbell, MD - Jun. 2025 Journal Club
Chris Campbell, MD, a leading expert in microsurgery and plastic surgery at the University of Virginia, joins young resident ambassadors to delve into groundbreaking research. They discuss how young adipose-derived stromal cells significantly enhance fat graft retention. The conversation explores the implications of age on graft success, innovative techniques using hydrogels, and the future of fat grafting methods. Insights into improving patient outcomes and evolving technology in breast reconstruction offer listeners a glimpse into the forefront of plastic surgery advancements.

Jun 11, 2025 • 18min
“Long-Term Fat Graft Volume Retention” with Chris Campbell, MD - Jun. 2025 Journal Club
Join Dr. Chris Campbell, a leading microsurgery expert and director at the University of Virginia, as he dives into the fascinating world of fat grafting in breast augmentation. He discusses groundbreaking studies revealing how postoperative weight changes can significantly affect long-term volume retention. Listeners will learn about the intricacies of fat processing methods, the impact of meticulous technique, and insights into patient satisfaction over time. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in cosmetic surgery trends!

Jun 4, 2025 • 17min
“Augmented Reality for DIEP Flaps” with Chris Campbell, MD - Jun. 2025 Journal Club
Join Chris Campbell, MD, the Director of Microsurgery at the University of Virginia, as he discusses the cutting-edge use of augmented reality in DIEP flap surgeries. He highlights how the MediQuest 3 AR headset enhances real-time visualization of vascular anatomy. The conversation dives into the potential of AR for surgical education, benefiting both seasoned surgeons and residents. As they explore the future of surgery, the emphasis on improved precision and efficiency in complex procedures makes for an engaging and enlightening discussion.

May 21, 2025 • 18min
“CAD/CAM in Mandibular Reconstruction” with Evan Matros, MD - May 2025 Journal Club
In this episode of the Award-winning PRS Journal Club Podcast, 2025 Resident Ambassadors to the PRS Editorial Board – Christopher Kalmar, Ilana Margulies, and Amanda Sergesketter- and special guest, Evan Matros, MD, discuss the following articles from the May 2025 issue: “Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing in Free Fibula Reconstruction of the Mandible: Comparison of Long-Term Outcomes with the Conventional Technique” by Bengur, Humar, Saadoun, et al. Read the article for FREE: https://bit.ly/CADCAMRecon Special guest, Evan Matros, MD is an attending surgeon, Vice Chair of Health Information Technology in the Department of Surgery, and the program director of the microsurgery fellowship at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He completed his General Surgery and Plastic Surgery Residencies at Harvard Medical School followed by a microsurgery fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He also has received his MPH at Columbia University and Master of Medical Science degree from Harvard Medical School. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Matros is the current vice president of the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery Council, he currently serves on the editorial board of the PRS Journal, and he is widely published in reconstructive microsurgery. READ the articles discussed in this podcast as well as free related content: https://bit.ly/JCMay25Collection The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of ASPS

May 14, 2025 • 17min
“Legislative Impact on Reconstruction Rates” with Evan Matros, MD - May 2025 Journal Club
Evan Matros, MD, a leading surgeon and program director at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, explores the intricate relationship between legislation and breast reconstruction rates. He discusses significant disparities among racial and ethnic groups, despite improvements post-Affordable Care Act. Dr. Matros emphasizes the role of financial barriers and social determinants in accessing care, urging a deeper examination of healthcare inequities. He calls for research and targeted interventions to ensure all patients can benefit from reconstruction options.