Residency selection is a relatively subjective, unstandardized process. Because medical school performance is not always indicative of ultimate resident quality, it is imperative that integrated/coordinated plastic surgery training programs improve selection protocols to discern who will most likely become a successful resident. A number of program directors are dissatisfied with the process, and better systems for selection would be beneficial.

Low-molecular-weight heparin may affect the incidence of postoperative thrombotic complications in some surgical populations. In this study, patients who scored greater than four risk factors were at significant risk for venous thromboembolism. Enoxaparin significantly decreased deep venous thrombosis risk in patients undergoing circumferential abdominoplasty. This demonstrates the need for a multicenter, prospective, randomized study to examine various thromboembolic therapies and associated possible complications in these patients.

There are six compression points along the greater occipital nerve. These can be located using the data from this study, serving as a guide for surgeons interested in treating patients with migraine headaches originating in these areas. Long-term relief from migraine headaches has been demonstrated clinically by using both noninvasive and surgical decompression of these points.

In this review of modern management of the pediatric facial trauma patient, several issues germane to pediatric facial fractures are discussed. Thorough ophthalmologic and dental/occlusive examinations must be undertaken. Conservative management is optimal for many injuries, as the pediatric fracture is typically not as severe as those seen in the adult facial skeleton. When wiring the jaw to allow for noninvasive fixation, treatment time must be short in order to avoid TMJ ankylosis. Rigid fixation is indicated in the rare comminuted, displaced fracture; when employed, the surgeon must use small plates and screws, and avoid injury to developing teeth. These are challenging cases, but with appropriate knowledge and understanding, they can be appropriately managed.

There are variations in the relationship between the auriculotemporal nerve and the superficial temporal artery. These variations may serve as an anatomical explanation for this point as a source of migraine headaches in some patients. A topographical map of the relationship between these two structures may serve as a guide for surgeons interested in decompressing the nerve from the artery when indicated.

The subcutaneous tissue of the dorsal hand is divided into three fatty laminae separated by fascia layers with multiple vessel-containing septal perforations. An injection technique that addresses the fatty laminae and the perforating septa may yield improved and consistent rejuvenation results.

A systematic literature review confirms that it is inadvisable to primarily thin large ALT flaps in the Western population. When large ALT flaps are required, primary thinning must be avoided to keep linking vessels intact.

The zygomaticotemporal branch of the trigeminal nerve is a site for migraine genesis; surgical decompression or chemodenervation of the surrounding temporalis can aid in alleviating migraine headache symptoms. Advances in the understanding of the anatomy of this branch of the trigeminal nerve will aid in more effective surgical decompression.