BACKGROUND Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated where their use in plastic surgery is emerging. AI algorithms have been developed and used in novel applications in a variety of plastic surgery conditions. We conducted a review of the literature of the current applications of AI tools in plastic surgery. METHODS A literature search was conducted on the MEDLINE database using terms “artificial intelligence” and “plastic and reconstructive surgery”. Studies on the applications of artificial intelligence tools in plastic surgery, were included. RESULTS Several artificial intelligence tools with clinical application in plastic surgery, exist. The use of AI algorithms in non-clinical and clinical settings in plastic surgery, have been reported in the literature. AI tools have been studied in areas including monitoring postoperative free flap viability, determining burn depth and healing time, identifying melanoma in biopsied lesions, determining pre- and postop states in facial surgery, and providing answers to frequently asked preoperative questions. Some AI algorithms were reported to have high sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION Artificial intelligence tools have useful clinical applications in non-clinical and clinical settings in plastic surgery, where some algorithms have been shown to have high sensitivity and specificity. Their applications could be extended to provide improved patient care, particularly in rural and remote regions. AI tools should be combined with experienced clinical judgement for best patient care.