Chopra, Karan

Background/Objectives: Immortality and anti-aging research is accelerating, with implications across medicine. This narrative review explores the biological principles, translational innovations, and ethical considerations at the intersection of aging and plastic surgery, reframed for a broad clinical audience. Methods: A narrative review of the literature from PubMed, clinical trials, and translational studies was conducted, with emphasis on regenerative medicine, stem cells, tissue engineering, gene editing, and longevity pharmacologics within the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Results: Key themes include (1) the biology of aging and epigenetic reprogramming, (2) esthetic and regenerative innovations with broader clinical significance, (3) emerging genetic and pharmacologic longevity strategies, (4) ethical and regulatory challenges, and (5) future directions such as nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and digital immortality. Conclusions: Immortality remains an aspirational frontier, but innovations in regenerative science and longevity research offer opportunities for improving healthspans. Medicine as a whole must balance innovation with ethics, equity, and safety in translating these discoveries to patient care.

Abstract The principles of achieving an aesthetically pleasing and harmonious facial appearance are influenced by our evolving understanding of the three-dimensional topography of the face coupled with novel approaches to midface volumization and contouring. In parallel with the evolving landscape of facial aesthetic surgery, an increasing number of publications have emerged focusing on the role of intraoral buccal fat pad removal (BFPR) for the purposes of aesthetic midface contouring. The authors sought to emphasize an underreported and potentially preventable and untoward complication involving iatrogenic parotid duct injury following BFPR. The purpose of this publication is 3-fold: (1) to review the relevant anatomy and literature on intraoral BFPR, (2) to present a case example of this complication, and (3) to discuss treatment options as part of a proposed management algorithm. The authors detail the surgical indications for performing BFPR and review the relevant anatomic considerations. Complication prevention strategies are outlined, and details regarding avoidance of parotid duct injury are reviewed. The diagnostic criteria and clinical presentation of parotid duct injuries following BFPR are comprehensively outlined. The authors present a clinically actionable algorithm for managing a suspected or diagnosed parotid duct injury following BFPR. A clinical case example is discussed to highlight this complication, the diagnostic criteria, and the systematic and algorithmic approach to management. Intraoral BFPR is an incredibly valuable and powerful procedure that can improve facial contour in patients with buccal lipodystrophy or buccal fat pad pseudoherniation. The authors propose a proper diagnostic approach and treatment algorithm to manage this untoward complication. Level of Evidence: 5

Abstract This is a single-surgeon experience detailing the senior author’s (J.G.) minimal-touch technique for placement of breast implants. Adams et al. 14-point plan has been incorporated into the technique, and the implant box paper cover sheet is used as a barrier between the patient and the implant near the incision during placement. Over a period of ten years, the senior author reports a less than 1% development in capsular contracture using this technique and no implant fractures. These findings elucidate the importance of describing this alternative technique to other barriers currently on the market. Level of Evidence: 4