Plastic surgery is now a standard procedure for both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes. It is also a fast-growing industry with plenty of exciting technological innovations. For example, surgeons now use lasers to resurface the skin instead of scalpels. These techniques have led to a better patient experience and superior results.
Advanced imaging techniques
Plastic surgery continues to evolve right alongside other medical procedures. Newer techniques are helping surgeons, for example, Dr. Joel Aronowitz, achieve better results with less invasive procedures and shorter recovery periods. Advanced imaging modalities, such as fluorescence-guided surgery, provide real-time guidance for your doctor during surgery. This innovative technique identifies cancerous tissue and other anatomical structures using glowing molecules that help surgeons operate with GPS-like precision. These advancements allow for minimally invasive procedures that reduce blood loss and lessen hospital stays and recovery time. In addition, surgical instruments are being developed that allow for fewer incisions with more precise results and less scarring. For example, a patient may receive a tummy tuck and breast implants during one surgery with this advanced technology. Furthermore, patients can now see the results of their desired procedure before undergoing the actual surgery with a virtual 3D simulation. This game-changing development allows the patient and surgeon to expect the outcome.
Virtual reality (VR) technology
VR technology has significantly advanced plastic surgery, allowing patients to see what they will look like post-op. This has helped help them decide if the procedure is right for them. It has also been helpful in training surgeons, in this case, Joel Aronowitz, MD, to perform the procedures. One study found that VR and AR provided unique views of the anatomy to optimize surgical planning, resulting in shorter operative times and decreased complications. Another study used virtual reality (VR) to train orthopedic surgeons on a Kirschner wire simulator for fracture reduction. The device uses haptic and 3D bone mesh models to simulate surgery. Surgeons need to have a detailed and accurate knowledge of the anatomical structure of the surgical site. However, it can be challenging to visualize 3-dimensional structures in 2D images. VR and AR provide new methods for analyzing 3-dimensional anatomical complexity and projecting digital data on the patient pre- and perioperatively.
Regenerative medicine
For patients looking to enhance their appearance but who want to avoid surgical procedures, several new noninvasive techniques can achieve the same results as traditional surgery. For example, lasers can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, replacing scalpels for many facial procedures. They also produce less stress on the skin, resulting in shorter recovery periods. There are ongoing efforts to develop more natural-looking implants and tissue substitutes for reconstructive plastic surgery. These technologies are part of regenerative medicine, which uses growth factors, stem cells, biocompatible material scaffolding, and dermal matrices to repair damaged tissues or organs. Plastic surgeons have developed new therapies that use patient-specific mesenchymal stem cells for patients who have lost tissue due to cancer, burns, or trauma. They have also pioneered flap prefabrication, which involves the gradual expansion of implanted balloon devices to generate new skin tissue to cover deformities.
Noninvasive procedures
When it comes to plastic surgery and cosmetic treatment options, there are many opportunities. There are both invasive and noninvasive procedures that can give you the refreshed look and turned-back signs of aging you want. For example, a noninvasive facelift is an option that can minimize lines and wrinkles without breaking the skin. Another popular noninvasive procedure is liposuction. Several new techniques have improved the results of this surgical procedure. Noninvasive describes any cosmetic treatment that does not require a doctor to break the patient’s skin or enter their body through an incision. These treatments usually involve little or no downtime, and the recovery period is short. There are even some new stem cell-based techniques that may one day make implants obsolete. These treatments involve growing a patient’s fat in a lab to be transferred to areas like the breasts or buttocks where they have lost volume.
