What were the AI studies in my latest Aesthetic Surgery Journal?

AI analysis is exploding in medicine

These are exciting times, and hopefully using machine learning and new technology will help us improve medicine.

What were the studies published in the latest Aesthetic Surgery Journal re: AI?

Deep Learning Based Ensemble Model for Automated Nasolabial Fold Severity Grading.

• What it looked at – It created a computer model to grade how deep the nasolabial fold was. It then had reviewers double check the AI findings
• Why it matters – If we can predictably analyze the anatomy and severity, we can standardize treatments. If you know it is “grade 4,” then we may be able to predict treatments and how to advise patients more accurately. A grade 4 may always need 2 syringes of filler, or may not be correctable by filler alone and may need a facelift.

Deep Learning Based Model for Breast Implant Classification in Ultrasonography: A Multi-Institutional Model Development and Validation Study.

• What it looked at – Can you do ultrasound and figure out WHAT implant someone has? Is it textured? Who was the manufacturer?
• Why it matters- So many of my patients with older implants do not know what they have. What is the size? Who made the implant? Is it textured (which has increased ALCL risk)? It would be great for preoperative planning and discussions about what to do if we could know more accurately than my estimation from exam.

Quality and Reliability – OpenEvidence is better

I had to make a paragraph about this, because I love Open Evidence. Open Evidence is a Language Learning Model that was created specifically for physicians to make well informed clinical decisions. It connects with peer reviewed literature in real time. I personally love it because often there are studies outside of plastic surgery which are applicable to my practice but I wouldn’t have seen, as they are published in peer review journals of dermatology, ENT, or other specialties.  I love that Open Evidence is in real time and truly up to date, so we don’t have to wait for the delay for the information to come out in print.

This study found OE was better than ChatGPT, which is designed for general public consumption and takes its information from the public internet.

This concluded, “OpenEvidence generated materials of significantly higher quality and reliability.”

What does Dr. Greenberg think of AI in plastic surgery?

AI is the future. I think the studies above using machine learning and large scale analysis are going to make us plastic surgeons and the instruments we use better. It is going to bring a bit more “science” and analysis into what we do, and a little less art and guesswork/experience.

For you, the patient, it could make surgery more consistent and precise. It may make who you go to less important, as tools may help diagnose and treat in a way that experience in the past guided us.

But AI models are not all equal (see my prior blog). AI can harvest bad information and data, which should not be used. AI also seems to have confirmation bias, where it tends to agree with the user.

Medical Citations

A Deep Learning–Based Ensemble Model for Automated Nasolabial-Fold Severity Grading, Aesthetic Surgery Journal Feb 2026

Deep Learning-Based Model for Breast Implant Classification in Ultrasonography: A Multi-Institutional Model Development and Validation Study , Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Feb 2026

Evaluating the Quality and Reliability of Large Language Models for Plastic Surgery Patient Education: A Comparative Analysis of ChatGPT and OpenEvidence, Aesthetic Surgery Journal Feb 2026

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding your health or medical condition.

This blog has been authored by Dr. Lauren Greenberg

Dr. Lauren Greenberg is a Stanford-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon who brings over two decades of experience and a strong commitment to natural-looking results. She is known for combining advanced techniques with an honest, thoughtful approach to help patients feel confident and empowered.

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