LAUSR

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 (NCOS) for nonrandomized studies. Results Ten of 148 identified studies met inclusion criteria; two utilized a survey, three were retrospective cohort studies, and five were retrospective cohort studies also utilizing a survey. Variations were seen regarding clinic schedules, surgical case volume and surgical procedures performed. One study received an NCOS score of 7 out of a possible 9 stars, two studies received 5 stars, five studies received 4 stars, and two studies 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, with overall high satisfaction rates reported. Conclusion This systematic review suggests that resident aesthetic clinics enhance resident education while providing safe and successful surgical results to patients.