The narrative review from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center throws open the curtain on AI’s eager leap into plastic and reconstructive surgery imaging, showing us a future where algorithms sketch alongside surgeons. From 3D vascular maps to augmented reality-guided osteotomies and AI-powered postoperative wound assessments, the tech is impressively versatile and promises to enhance accuracy and patient outcomes.
But before we crown AI the new surgical MVP, it’s worth pondering the hurdles that come with marching into operating rooms armed with code and sensors. Firstly, the variability of data and patient anatomy presents challenges for AI models' generalization — surgical decisions are rarely one-size-fits-all. Then there’s the rather human bottleneck: surgeons' unfamiliarity and skepticism toward AI tools, coupled with a lack of clear regulatory frameworks, pose real barriers to adoption.
The ethical tangle is equally knotty. AI’s predictions can shape patient expectations, sometimes unrealistically, and algorithmic biases could exacerbate inequalities if unchecked. It reminds us that AI in surgery isn’t a magic scalpel but a powerful assistant that needs careful training, supervision, and validation.
On the flip side, the integration of smartphone-based imaging and AI-enabled remote monitoring suggests a more democratized and continuous post-op care model — blending tech with practicality in patient follow-up.
Where do we go from here? We need pragmatic, rigorous validation studies and clear standards to guide AI’s safe passage into surgical suites. Equally important is patient and clinician education to build trust and fluency in AI applications.
Ultimately, this review presents AI in plastic surgery imaging as a thrilling fusion of art and science—not a replacement but a refinement of human skill. The future looks promising but demands us to keep one foot firmly on the ground while reaching for these innovative tools. Because the surgeon’s hand, guided by but not surrendered to AI, remains the true instrument of healing. Source: Applications and challenges of artificial intelligence in plastic surgery imaging: A narrative review
