Special Interview to Dr. Charles E. Butler

On April 25th, 2024, the Editorial Office of Plastic and Aesthetic Research (PAR) had the honor of interviewing Dr. Charles E. Butler, one of our distinguished Associate Editors.

Charles E. Butler, MD, FACS is an international expert in complex reconstruction, microsurgery, flaps, clinical outcomes research, surgery leadership and mentorship and regenerative medicine. Dr. Butler achieved the rank of Tenured Professor of Plastic Surgery, the Charles B. Barker Endowed Chair in Surgery and the former Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He is board-certified and recertified in both general and plastic surgery. He is renowned for his expertise in reconstructive surgery, particularly with hernia and abdominal wall reconstructions and breast reconstruction. Dr. Butler has over 500 publications and 900 invited national and international presentations, visiting professorships, keynote speakerships, instructional courses, and lectures.

After receiving his Medical Doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Butler completed his General Surgery Residency at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a National Institute of Health-sponsored basic science research fellowship at Harvard Medical School, and a Plastic Surgery residency at Harvard. In 2016, he was President of the Plastic Surgery Foundation (PSF) and President of the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM) in 2017. He has received numerous prestigious honors and awards for his outstanding clinical work, cutting edge research, innovation and leadership/mentorship in surgery and plastic surgery and including the Georgetown Medstar Lifetime Achievement Award in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction. He is heavily involved in industry including product development and improvement, FDA approvals and interactions, surgical education, acquisition, marketing, corporate strategy and clinical trials.

In addition, Dr. Butler is an active clinical and basic science researcher and mentor with an interest in post-oncologic and torso reconstruction, including the abdominal wall, breast, chest wall, pelvis, perineum, and spine. He frequently lectures all around the world on these and many other topics.

The recording of this interview can be found below:

1. In 2023, you published an article titled “Surgical and Patient-Reported Outcomes of 694 Two-Stage Prepectoral versus Subpectoral Breast Reconstructions” in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The article discusses various techniques and outcomes of breast reconstruction surgery, including prepectoral and subpectoral implant placement, direct-to-implant reconstruction, and the use of acellular dermal matrix. It covers topics such as postoperative complications, radiation therapy, and postmastectomy radiotherapy. What are the key differences in outcomes between prepectoral and subpectoral implant-based breast reconstruction techniques as highlighted in the study? And in terms of postoperative care, what advantages does prepectoral breast reconstruction offer over subpectoral reconstruction, as suggested by the study results?

2. What to do after an implant-based reconstruction (IBR) requires removal of the implant due to infection. Autologous vs. implant-based reconstruction IBR? Outcomes/timing when a second or even third implant-based reconstruction IBR is performed? Effect of radiation?

3. Could you elaborate on the postoperative management of mastectomy skin flap necrosis following implant-based reconstruction (IBR)?

4. What are the key principles and techniques of oncoplastic reconstruction following breast-conserving surgery?

5. We noticed that you have also published an excellent article recently in 2024 titled “Component Separation Decreases Hernia Recurrence Rates in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction with Biologic Mesh” in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The article discusses various studies comparing different techniques for complex abdominal wall reconstruction, focusing on mesh-reinforced anterior component separation (CS) repairs versus reinforced primary facial closure (PFC) repairs. What were the main differences in complication rates between mesh-reinforced anterior component separation (CS) repairs and mesh-reinforced primary fascial closure (PFC) repairs in abdominal wall reconstruction according to the study with 461 patients over a 10-year period?

6. Could you please provide insights into the current best practices for selecting between bridging mesh and complete facial closure in abdominal wall reconstruction?

7. What strategies can be employed to minimize recurrence rates in abdominal wall reconstruction over the long term?

8. Could you outline the essential steps and factors to consider when performing minimally invasive component separation techniques effectively?

9. On the long journey of research, there are both challenges and pleasures. Could you please share some thoughts, experiences, or a fun story from your research process?

10. As the Associate Editor of the Plastic and Aesthetic Research (PAR) journal, what are your expectations for the future of PAR? What is your vision for further advancing the development in the relevant field through this journal?

To learn more about Dr. Charles E. Butler, please visit:
https://www.doximity.com/pub/charles-butler-md-60ec6e86

Editor: Xin Yuan
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Yan Zhang
Respectfully Submitted by the Editorial Office of Plastic and Aesthetic Research