Plastic Surgery: A scope into the future

-Written by Karthikeyan G, Final year MBBS, Madras Medical College

Since the beginning of time, humans have been actively pursuing self-improvement of oneself. The development of newer techniques in the field of Plastic surgery in the past two decades makes it simpler and easier for them. For example, computer-assisted imaging is one of the most prominent advancements. It helps the surgeon identify the exact specifications and the results can perfectly line up with what the patient wants, providing extremely high-quality results.

Newer developments:

The development of micro-devices in the plastic surgery industry enables surgeons to conduct microsurgery that allows for tiny incisions and barely any scarring – making it a popular option for many patients. This technology is helping create better, safer, and more realistic results.

  1. Nano fat and improved fat grafting
  2. Cryolipolysis
  3. Non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation
  4. TXA bleeding and swelling prevention
  5. Preservation Rhinoplasty techniques
  6. Hybrid fractional laser technology

Spider silk: a sticky solution to traditional sutures. In a flash of arachnid inspiration, researchers have copied the structure of spider silk to develop a double-sided tape that can tightly bind flesh tissues in mere seconds. The tape could eventually be used in the place of surgical sutures or to implant medical devices.

3D-printed living skin: the future of skin grafts? Researchers from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a way to 3D-print living skin with blood vessels. This advancement is a step towards creating artificial grafts that appear and behave like natural skin.

AI in Plastic Surgery:

AI in healthcare delivery has become vital due to its rapid progression, it also lends to plastic surgery in a variety of settings. AI is useful in identifying risks such as scarring and intensive intervention for patients suffering from burns. The laser is essentially a form of AI, once you enter the skin type of the patient and the area to be treated and the laser will suggest the best setting to be used.

AR in the OR:

Augmented reality and facial recognition technology are expanding into healthcare, as plastic surgery develops rapidly. Augmented reality can support the surgery plan by letting the surgeon take precise measurements using augmented reality, and bring them to the OR if the patient needs to have their cheekbones done.

ILLUSIO, an augmented reality app with a real-time simulation feature helps plastic surgery patients choose breast implants of the right shape and size. Women are invited to wear a special bra compatible with this AR technology that helps the app create a highly-realistic impression of how their new body will look after the surgery.

Conclusion:

The look of oversized eyes, translucent skin, or heart-shaped faces has become a newfound obsession for some devoted fans. Unfortunately, many of these aesthetic goals are not physically possible. This leaves plastic surgeons with the grueling task of understanding expectations and helping patients understand what is achievable. With the growing technology and new surgical innovations by its side, the field of plastic surgery should evolve much faster making it simpler and easier for patients.

References:

1. https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/cosmetic-medicine/top-6-cosmetic-advancements-of-the-last-decade

2. https://www.medicaldevice-network.com/analysis/the-new-face-of-plastic-surgery-in-the-latest-medical-technology/

3. https://insights.omnia-health.com/technology/digital-transformation-supports-advancements-plastic-surgery

4. https://drsuzman.com/blog/new-for-2022-the-most-important-advances-in-plastic-surgery

5. https://www.ghp-news.com/how-advances-in-technology-have-improved-the-cosmetic-and-plastic-surgery-industry/

6. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/whats-new-in-plastic-surgery-a-move-toward-individuality-not-celebrity

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