Game Changers: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Innovations of the Last 100 Years

BACKGROUND: Innovation is an essential aspect of plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS), whether it involves improving current processes or implementing radical change that disrupts the status quo. Collaborating and sharing innovations help advance the field of PRS as a whole. METHODS: An anonymous survey was administered to members of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons on their opinions of the top five innovations in PRS of the last 100 years. RESULTS: A list of 69 unique innovations were compiled; the top five innovations overall were microsurgery, myocutaneous flaps, craniofacial surgery, negative pressure wound therapy, and organ transplantation. This list was reviewed by the American Association of Plastic Surgeons Technology Committee, and expanded to 100 unique innovations. CONCLUSIONS: We discuss why the above innovations were essential to the development of PRS, as well as the unique factors that can make a new product or procedure into something that remodels the field of PRS.