The year 2025 was a productive year for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, marked by significant innovations. The Journal thanks all the authors, both basic scientists and physician-scientists, for submitting their outstanding experimental studies, which contribute to shaping the scientific future of plastic surgery. This editorial review evaluates 10 experimental studies that were published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery during the previous year. Based on my experimental and surgical experience, every experimental study has the potential to influence future surgical management, whether by refining operative techniques or optimizing perioperative care. Accordingly, I have personally evaluated these 10 studies with respect to their innovative concepts, potential for clinical translation, and capacity to shape the future of plastic surgery. Nevertheless, the other articles published in the 2025 Experimental section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery are equally valuable and deserving of recognition. These 10 articles address a broad range of topics, including pain management, technology-based devices, 3-dimensional bioinks for septal reconstruction, chronic wound healing, radiation-induced skin injury, the pathophysiology of capsular contracture, size-mismatched nerve repair, diced cartilage particle size, fat graft resorption, and biofilm management in breast implants. SELECTED ARTICLES “A Ropivacaine-Eluting Poly(Lactide-Co-Caprolactone) Wound Dressing Provided Enhanced Analgesia in Partial-Thickness Porcine Injuries”1 Serum analgesic levels may fall below the threshold required to adequately control the background pain of burn injuries. The use of long-acting local anesthetics incorporated into wound dressings represents a promising strategy to address all pain modalities in burn patients. Niederauer et al.1 describe a wound dressing that incorporates sustained-release ropivacaine to provide long-term analgesia. This study demonstrated a robust experimental design, including detailed evaluation of ropivacaine dosing profiles. In addition to pharmacokinetic control, this delivery system achieved effective pain management without impairing wound healing or showing differences compared with the control group. “Histopathological Evaluation of Bipolar and Microneedle Radiofrequency Energy on the Skin and Fat of the Abdominal Region of the Rat”2 Technological devices have increasingly become an integral component of surgical procedures to achieve improved aesthetic outcomes. The key challenge lies in determining the most appropriate technology, along with the optimal energy settings and pulse frequencies, to obtain optimal surgical results. Gelbal et al.2 evaluated the histopathological effects of 2 commonly used radiofrequency-based devices. Bipolar radiofrequency devices exert effects on deeper tissue layers, including the underlying fibroepithelial network; therefore, they may present a suitable option for managing contour deformities in body contouring procedures, particularly in brachioplasty. In contrast, fractional radiofrequency devices primarily affect the superficial skin structures, as they are delivered via microneedling through the skin surface. Accordingly, these devices are preferred for improving skin laxity in patients who are not candidates for face-lift surgery.2 “Evaluating the Mechanical Strength of 3-Dimensionally Printed Implants in Septorhinoplasty through Finite Element Analysis”3 Bioinks consist of biologically active components that support cellular development. Syamal et al.3 conducted a comparative analysis of silk fibroin–gelatin, polycaprolactone, and polylactide based on their structural integrity, 3-dimensional printability, and suitability for septal reconstruction. Silk fibroin can be combined with gelatin to create a robust bioactive scaffold capable of reconstructing tissue with low-intrinsic healing capacity, such as cartilage, tendon, and ligaments, by enhancing vascular endothelial growth factor secretion. It can also be loaded with drug nanoparticles to increase cell differentiation. The mechanical strength analysis in this study demonstrated that silk fibroin–gelatin exhibits promising results as a potential alternative to septal cartilage.3 “Topical Application of TT-10 Ameliorates Impaired Wound Healing”4 Yes-associated protein (YAP) is an effector molecule involved in cell proliferation. In the literature, YAP inhibition has been explored as a strategy to modulate pathological scar formation. Liu et al.4 investigated the regenerative potential of YAP and aimed to promote healing in both in vitro models and ischemic and diabetic wounds by activating YAP through subcutaneous administration of TT-10, a pharmacological agent. TT-10 was shown to enhance re-epithelialization by increasing keratinocyte migration and proliferation in ischemic and diabetic wound models.4 Future studies may investigate TT-10 dosing strategies and application via local wound dressings. “The Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Cutaneous Radiation Injury in a Mouse Model”5 Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) can modulate immune responses by reducing inflammation, enhancing anti-inflammatory mediators, and improving cutaneous microcirculation in inflammatory skin diseases and scar formation. ESWT decreases transforming growth factor-β by inhibiting Smad2/3 activation, thereby reducing collagen production by dermal fibroblasts. At an energy flux density of 0.11 mJ/mm2, ESWT regulates immune responses and angiogenesis, with underlying regulatory mechanisms varying in a dose- and pulse-dependent manner. Park et al.5 evaluated the effects of ESWT on cutaneous radiation injury and demonstrated that ESWT attenuates the radiation-induced fibrosis by down-regulating transforming growth factor-β expression. Future studies are required to determine the optimal energy settings and pulse parameters for safe and effective application in human subjects. “Transcriptome of Capsular Contracture around Breast Implants Mimics Allograft Rejection: A Matched Case–Control Study”6 The pathophysiology of capsular contracture remains poorly understood, as it may arise through multiple mechanisms. During the implant replacement surgery, capsule biopsy specimens provide valuable insight into the underlying pathophysiology of capsule contracture. Immunological studies of capsular tissue have demonstrated an inverse correlation between the number of regulatory T cells and the severity of capsular fibrosis. In addition, mast cells have been shown to act as proinflammatory cells. Larsen et al.6 analyzed the gene expression profiles of capsule biopsy specimens from patients with capsular contracture using transcriptome-based RNA sequencing. They found that B cells may play a role, particularly if the mechanism of capsular contracture resembles that of allograft rejection.6 Future studies are expected to classify the distinct mechanisms of capsular contracture and to delineate the primary roles of the immunoregulatory cells involved in each pathway. “Autologous Fascia Nerve Wrap in a Rodent Primary Epineurial Repair Model and Preliminary Case Series”7 Wrapping materials can be used to enhance regenerative outcomes in nerve neurolysis and repair. Autografts are commonly used as a supportive scaffold for Schwann cell migration and axonal regeneration. However, size and axonal mismatches between the injured and donor nerve stumps may occur, potentially compromising the regenerative process. Rowley et al.7 evaluated the effects of fascial wrapping on both size-matched and size-mismatched nerve repairs. Their results demonstrated that fascial wrapping increased the percentage of regenerated neurons. Fascial wrapping can be used as a surgical step for nerve repair with autografts. “Histologic Comparison of Ultrafine Diced Cartilage and Conventionally Diced Cartilage Wrapped in Fascia in a Rabbit Model”8 The ultrafine diced cartilage technique (particles smaller than 0.2 mm) was originally described as a surgeon-based approach for dorsal augmentation. Ultrafine diced cartilage allows for the filling of smaller defects that may otherwise result in surface irregularities. Although the nutritional support and viability of the ultrafine diced cartilage are generally considered superior to those of conventionally diced cartilage, no comparative experimental studies had been conducted before this investigation. Lee et al.8 demonstrated that the ultrafine diced cartilage group exhibited higher cartilage density, a denser type 2 collagen composition, and less dead space. Future studies should aim to standardize diced cartilage particle size to achieve improved long-term surgical outcomes. “Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Inflammation Resolution and Angiogenesis in Fat Grafts in a Controlled Mouse Model”9 Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids exert anti-inflammatory effects by reducing leukocyte chemotaxis, downregulating adhesion molecule expression, decreasing eicosanoids and inflammatory cytokine production, and modulating T-cell reactivity. Final adipose tissue retention following fat grafting is closely associated with the severity of postgrafting inflammation. Accordingly, Li and Li9 demonstrated that omega-3 enhances inflammation resolution and promotes angiogenesis within fat grafts, thereby improving graft survival in an experimental mouse model. Future studies may explore combined protocols that incorporate anti-inflammatory pharmacological agents to further reduce inflammation during fat grafting procedures. “A Novel Approach for Preventing Biofilm Formation on Various Breast Implant Surfaces: Bacteriophage Therapy10 Bacteriophage therapy represents one of the most promising current and future treatment strategies for managing drug-resistant bacterial infections and disrupting biofilms. Bacteriophage therapy can be administered either locally or systemically in solution form or embedded within hydrogels. Karasu et al.10 developed a breast implant infection model using the most frequently implicated pathogen, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and applied either rifampicin/cefazolin or a bacteriophage solution locally before the implantation in separate experimental groups. Both antibiotic treatment and bacteriophage therapy resulted in comparable reductions in bacterial load.10 Future studies should investigate combination strategies that incorporate antibiotics, bacteriophage therapy, and additional pharmacological agents; moreover, implants coated with these therapies may help shape the future of breast implant design. CONCLUSIONS Methods and products that were investigated experimentally in academic settings are now being implemented in clinical practice. These 10 articles will help shape the future practice of plastic surgery, as we witness the parallel advancement of science and plastic surgery. The authors integrated their creativity, an essential component of plastic surgery, with basic science while thoughtfully considering advancements across the broader field of medicine. Every plastic surgeon–scientist, through their work, catalyzes progress within our profession. In doing so, they illuminate not only their own perspective but also that of those around them, fueling the unstoppable advancement of our specialty. DISCLOSURE The author has no financial interest in any of the products, devices, or drugs mentioned in this article.
Fethiye Damla Menkü Özdemir (Wed,) studied this question.