A Systematic Review of Resident Aesthetic Clinic Outcomes

Background Providing residents with comprehensive training in aesthetic surgery has proven challenging. Resident aesthetic clinics propose an educational value to trainees while providing successful patient outcomes. Objectives This study systematically reviewed the available literature regarding resident aesthetic clinic outcomes to determine the efficacy of the clinic in resident training, surgical results, and patient satisfaction. Methods An electronic database search was performed to identify literature reporting on resident aesthetic clinics. Studies were excluded if the resident clinic was not aesthetic in nature, if only nonsurgical aesthetic procedures were performed, and if clinic outcomes were not evaluated. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for nonrandomized studies. Results Ten of 148 identified studies met inclusion criteria; 2 utilized a survey, 3 were retrospective cohort studies, and 5 were retrospective cohort studies also utilizing a survey. Clinic schedules, surgical case volume, and surgical procedures performed all varied. One study received a Newcastle Ottawa Scale score of 7 of a possible 9 stars, 2 studies received 5 stars, 5 studies received 4 stars, and 2 could not be assessed using the scoring system. Six studies analyzed surgical results as a primary outcome, reporting acceptable complication and revision rates. Four studies evaluated patient opinions of the clinics and reported overall high satisfaction rates. Conclusions This systematic review suggests that resident aesthetic clinics enhance resident education while providing safe and successful surgical results to patients.