It’s not uncommon to dislike something about your appearance. Most people could probably list a few things they’d change about themselves. They might be self-conscious about the shape of their nose. Or they wish they were taller to even out a larger bone structure. Others suddenly notice the signs of aging in the mirror, prompting them to find ways to turn back time.
Cosmetic surgery can fix many imperfections, giving you the look you desire. But thoughts of going under the knife might make you hesitate since it often comes with risks. Getting some work done can be invasive, meaning it’ll take you weeks or months to recover. There’s also the anesthesia to think about as some people experience harsher side effects than others.
Luckily, technology is moving cosmetic surgery in a more patient-friendly direction. Typical procedures like facelifts and hair transplants are less invasive. And tech is making its way into the consultation room with virtual reality, providing a realistic preview of the outcome. If you’re weighing cosmetic surgery’s risks against its benefits, you should know technology is reshaping the industry. Here are a few ways.
Procedures Are Minimally Invasive
Cosmetic surgery no longer has to mean lots of downtime. Even scarring is minimized thanks to technology that allows surgeons to be less invasive. Patients no longer have to go under general anesthesia for procedures like hair transplants and laser treatments. Instead, pain-numbing medications are usually localized so you remain conscious while the surgeon performs their magic.
Besides eliminating the need for general anesthesia, tech makes micro-surgeries possible. With micro-surgeries, cosmetic surgeons make tiny incisions in the skin. Smaller cuts mean less scarring and recovery time. Take hair transplants as an example. A FUE hair transplant involves taking hair from one part of your body to another.
In this case, a surgeon extracts the follicles from the areas of your head where hair is still growing. Those follicles then get transplanted to thinning or bald spots. Because the incisions are smaller, there’s no need for stitches and recovery is faster.
Hair transplants can be a lifesaver if you’re experiencing hair loss or thinning. So can non-invasive laser treatments if you have acne scars and signs of sun damage you’d rather get rid of. And thanks to technology, you don’t have to worry about taking weeks off from work and missing your favorite activities.
Virtual Reality Gives Patients a Preview
Not everyone may not talk about it, but more people are getting plastic surgery. Current projections say the cosmetic surgery market’s value will grow to $71.93 billion by 2030. In 2022, the market’s value was $55.65 billion. It’s becoming more acceptable to turn to cosmetic procedures to improve your appearance. One reason for this is a growing desire to live up to beauty standards promoted by the media.
It’s not a secret that most cosmetic surgery patients are women. While procedures are becoming more popular with men, women still account for more than 80% of cosmetic surgery worldwide. Some of these procedures are repeat surgeries because of how long results typically last. However other repetitive surgeries happen because the patient isn’t satisfied with the results at all.
This is where virtual reality can give patients more realistic expectations. The technology lets you see what results you can expect from different procedures. An upside is you don’t have to spend thousands to find out a nose job won’t change everything. You can see what the outcome is likely to be and determine whether it’s the procedure for you.
Imaging Helps Identify Potential Complications
Complications from plastic surgery may be rare. At the same time, it’s hard to get horror stories from reality TV out of your mind. Complete botch jobs might be exceptions, but unwanted side effects are still possible. Some common complications include nerve damage, infection, and abnormal scarring.
While it’s impossible to predict with 100% accuracy whether a patient will experience unwanted side effects, advanced imaging techniques help. MRIs and CT scans are nothing new. Yet, cosmetic surgeons use this tech to discover potential issues before and after surgery. They can better determine an individual’s risk factors by looking at what’s underneath a patient’s skin.
Surgeons can also keep a closer eye on a patient’s recovery. If you develop a blood clot, your doctor can identify it sooner. Imaging performed after surgery can prevent further complications and potentially save lives. You and your surgeon will be more informed about whether your body is healing as it should.
3D Printing Increases Accuracy
Some cosmetic procedures require more precision than others. Examples include facelifts and nose jobs. Before 3D printing, surgeons relied on experience and more manual visualization techniques. But with 3D imaging technology, doctors can create digital replicas of patients’ bodies. As a result, they can calculate more accurate measurements.
Increased accuracy helps avoid complications like nerve damage from a facelift. Moreover, precision during the planning process can increase a patient’s satisfaction. They’ll be less likely to be disappointed when they go home.
An additional upside is customization. Bodies are as unique as the personalities behind them. When implants and prosthetics are part of the equation, achieving the perfect fit isn’t always easy. 3D printing lets surgeons customize implants and prosthetics so patients are more comfortable with the results.
Tech’s Influence on Cosmetic Surgery
Technology is revolutionizing the way people work and live. It’s also transforming entire industries, including cosmetic surgery. Tech is making it possible for surgeons to reduce the risks, provide better patient education, and improve results. With advances like non-invasive procedures, you can feel more confident about your decision to change the way you look.
