In the last decade, cosmetic surgery has been on the rise with 115% in the number of procedures being performed in the US since 2000. With technology advancement, there is diversity in the type of procedures that patients are opting for. Rhinoplasty, liposuction and breast augmentation are the commonly performed procedures and advancement in technology now offers far more options for patients than ever before.
This post will focus on some of the ways technology has advanced cosmetic surgery.
Computer-Assisted Imaging
The use of computer-assisted imaging has provided major benefits to plastic surgery. This technology gives a specific photo of the underlying craniofacial structure which then assists cosmetic surgeons when performing both reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries. The use of computer imaging is now frequently used to perform a range of craniofacial surgeries which help to correct facial or skull deformities.
Craniofacial surgeries performed on young children and infants are very sensitive and require skill for them to be successful. This surgery is performed to correct deformities at an early stage in life to prevent major issues as a child grows. If not performed correctly, craniofacial surgery can actually exacerbate the problem. The use of computer-assisted imaging helps surgeons to design their procedure which allows tissues to grow with the patient over time. This gives the patient a better chance of improving over time.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Technology has advanced cosmetic surgery by offering a wide range of minimally invasive procedures like endoscopy. Today, patients who require facial rejuvenation can simply get anti-wrinkle injections like Botox to improve their appearance without the need for surgery. Minimally-invasive procedures have gained popularity recently due to the new technology advancement.
Tissue Engineering
Tissue and skin grafts play an important role when it comes to reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. However, there is no guarantee that a new skin will take after the procedure and chances are high that the body can end up rejecting the new tissues. Technology advancements in cosmetic surgery have ensured that skin grafting is not always necessary. Cosmetic surgeons can now engineer implants and tissues out of silicon materials which makes it far easier for the body to take the new engineered tissues.
Micro-Surgeries Techniques
Recently micro-surgical techniques like endoscopy have been on the increase. When it comes to cosmetic surgery, scarring is one of the major issues and the use of micro-surgical techniques has allowed surgeons to perform procedures like face lifts, breast augmentation and others with minimal scarring. Using technology, surgeons are able to make tiny incisions during surgery and using tiny cameras, they are able to fully view and work on underlying tissues without making large incisions.
As you can see, technology as really helped to revolutionize the world of cosmetic surgery. The advancements have increased the number of surgeries being performed every year. The surgical results are now much better and the risk for complications has tremendously gone down. As technology continues to advance, it seems that cosmetic surgery will also continue to grow in popularity.
Before signing up for any cosmetic surgery, it is best to sit down with a trusted and experienced plastic surgeon and go over all the options available to see which procedure will work best for you.
This article was not written by Dr. Robert S. Fischer M.D and may not represent his views. To talk to Dr. Robert S. Fischer M.D. please contact the office directly.
