Artificial Intelligence in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that is evolving rapidly and is changing the world and medicine as we know it. After reviewing the PROSPERO database of systematic reviews, there is no article related to this topic in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. The objective of this article was to review the literature regarding AI applications in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

A systematic review of the literature about AI in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery using the following keywords: Artificial Intelligence, robotics, plastic surgery procedures, and surgery plastic and the following databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, BVS, and LILACS. The inclusion criteria were articles about AI in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Articles written in a language other than English and Spanish were excluded. In total, 17 articles about AI in facial plastic met the inclusion criteria; after eliminating the duplicated papers and applying the exclusion criteria, these articles were reviewed thoroughly. The leading type of AI used in these articles was computer vision, explicitly using models of convolutional neural networks to objectively compare the preoperative with the postoperative state in multiple interventions such as facial lifting and facial transgender surgery.

In conclusion, AI is a rapidly evolving technology, and it could significantly impact the treatment of patients in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Legislation and regulations are developing slower than this technology. It is imperative to learn about this topic as soon as possible and that all stakeholders proactively promote discussions about ethical and regulatory dilemmas.

Keywords

surgery - plastic - plastic surgery procedure - artificial intelligence - face

Authors' Contributions

M.P.R. made a systematic search of the literature; the articles retrieved in this search were distributed between M.P.R., D.A.C.Z., and L.A.S.R., who selected the articles. If there was any doubt, J.A.E.R. decided if the article was or was not suitable for this article. After M.P.R. and J.A.E.R. wrote the article's first draft, R.C. and N.H. finally corrected and adjusted the text in multiple sessions to achieve this document.

Availability of Data and Materials

All the studies reviewed in this article are available online in the following search engines: PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, and BVS.

Publication History

Accepted Manuscript online:
22 November 2023

Article published online:
22 January 2024

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