Robotics and Plastic Surgery – Pros and Cons Examined

When you think of plastic surgery, you likely think of a doctor with a steady hand and an artistic eye to provide the desired changes through procedures as varied as rhinoplasty, Brazilian butt lift and breast augmentation. You likely do not think of robotics, but robotics is changing the way plastic surgery is performed for the industry as a whole. Let’s take a look at robotics to discover what it is and how it is being applied to the plastic surgery industry.

Robotics and Plastic Surgery – What is it All About?

In general, robotic surgery is a procedure that uses surgical robots to create tiny incisions in the targeted area of the body. Then, miniaturized instruments are inserted into the body as well as a camera that is both three-dimensional and high definition. This step allows the surgeon to easily view what is happening inside the body of the patient without needing to create a larger incision for better viewing.

Once the camera and instruments have been placed inside an incision, the surgeon will then control the instruments, at a nearby console, in a delicate manner that produces results that are fine in appearance. In addition, performing plastic surgery in this manner is less invasive than traditional surgery so there will be less of a scar.

In addition, robotics allows for a greater amount of accuracy since any incisions or changes to the body are made by the robot instead of by hand. This allows the doctor to provide a level of precision and accuracy that might not have been available by hand as recently as a decade ago as well as final results that might not have been achieved in the past. The improvement in precision and accuracy comes from a combination of improved resolution provided by the 3D vision lens and the steadier results that can be achieved because patients do not have to worry about tremors or a shaky hand on the part of the doctor.

Robotics and Plastic Surgery – Are There Any Cons to the Treatment?

It seems like most of the positive changes and evolution in plastic surgery often come with some drawbacks that need to be addressed.

For example, the procedure might take a little bit longer to perform because the doctor needs to make sure the robotics equipment is properly working and calibrated to provide the desired results. If there are parts, such as microneedles, that need to be replaced before the surgery begins, there can be an increase in the total overall time that it takes to perform the surgery of choice.

In addition, you need to make sure that your plastic surgeon is properly trained and experienced in using robotics equipment. Medical technology related to robotics and plastic surgery is always evolving and being updated on an ongoing basis. This means the plastic surgeon needs to take the time to undergo proper training to learn about the new steps involved in operating the equipment and using them to perform plastic surgery.

Robotics and Plastic Surgery – Pros of This Plastic Surgery Option

One of the benefits of using robotics in plastic surgery is a lower risk of infection. This lower risk is achieved by the fact that there is less skin and less of an area of the body being treated so there is less exposure to outside elements. Also, the performance of plastic surgery by robotics is generally cleaner in nature so this also lessens the chance of an infection occurring after the procedure.

There is also a chance of a greater aesthetic outcome because, as mentioned above, the use of robotics provides a more steady and fine performance on the part of the surgeon. The robot can help plastic surgeons to overcome any concerns or limitations that might have been an issue in the past. Robotics are much steadier and more precise than human hands so there is a better chance for little to no scarring after a surgical procedure.

Robotics and Plastic Surgery – What Should You Do Now?

The first step in using the power of robotics for your desired plastic surgery procedure is consulting with your doctor to see if the surgeon is experienced in the use of robotics and expertly trained on the equipment. A doctor who has the experience and skills necessary to utilize robotics will also be able to give you greater insights when it comes to your specific needs as well an overall view of the type of results you can expect to see after the surgery.

The doctor can also walk you through the entire process from how to prepare for the surgery, what will happen during the procedure and what you can expect to experience during the recovery process. All of this information will help you get a better understanding of robotics as it relates to the procedure you want to undergo and if the surgical treatment you have in mind is an ideal choice that can be performed using robotics.

- MA