Introduction Surgical training is undergoing a seismic shift in response to new technologies and training platforms. These changes have gathered pace since the COVID-19 pandemic, where decreased training opportunity, and increased ward-based work have cultivated a need for alternative teaching. This systematic review aims to evaluate use of digital simulation tools which use augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and 3-Dimensional Digital Simulation (3D-DS) in the training of plastic surgeons.

Methods A systematic search using keywords related to plastic surgery training and digital simulation was conducted. Three independent reviewers evaluated all articles.

Results Twenty-one studies were included, utilising either AR (n=10), VR (n=5), or 3D-DS (n=6). Digital simulation was consistently preferred to traditional methods, yielding superior results on cognitive and practical assessment. The assessment and replication of results was limited by heterogeneity, absence of control groups, sample size, and evidence supporting transferability to clinical practice.

Conclusion Contemporary technology is underutilised in plastic surgery training. Digital simulation offers a pathway to improved proficiency, remediating lost training opportunities, and providing a valuable aide for trainees. Formal implementation requires a robust evidence base. Future research can validate this through the development of a standardised assessment tool and elucidating the transferability of skills acquired virtually to reality.