Overview of the role of ultrasound imaging applications in plastic and reconstructive surgery: is ultrasound imaging the stethoscope of a plastic surgeon? A narrative review of the literature

Ultrasound (US) technology produces noninvasive high-resolution imaging and is considered a valuable energy source in shaping and sculpting tissues. The plastic and reconstructive surgery specialty has the unique ability to customize and apply ultrasound in a range of clinical applications, including replacing the use of chemoprophylaxis for deep venous thromboses, in addition to monitoring ruptures of breast implants, masses, and cystic lesions. Ultrasound is even an excellent tool to identify and assess vessels and perform postoperative free-flap monitoring following microsurgical anastomosis. Since abdominal penetration is a disastrous complication of liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposculpting has been linked with low surgical effort and high patient satisfaction and comfort. Moreover, ultrasound-guided transverse abdominal plane (TAP) blocks have helped reduce postoperative pain and the need for narcotic medication usage in abdominoplasty surgeries. Hand and wrist tendon ruptures, neoplasia, and cystic or solid lesions are diagnosed by ultrasound. In addition, ultrasound may help distinguish between pathological and structural abnormalities in the median nerve of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients. In burns, the role of ultrasound is limited; however, laser Doppler imaging (LDI) can help assess different aspects of the wound healing process and support objective decision-making regarding either grafting or excising the burned areas. Other critical clinical roles of ultrasound include minimizing the risk of postoperative edema and bruising and detecting the location of the affected nerves and arteries in patients with migraine headaches. In this review, the use of ultrasound in plastic and reconstructive surgery is elaborated and discussed.