High Tech Plastic Surgery Tools: Better Cosmetic Surgery

The role of high technology is expanding dramatically in Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery where biotech developments and new laser surgery techniques are blending with medical tools and surgical advances to improve results and reduce side effects of plastic surgery.

Younger patients are seeking subtle improvements to their skin, having fat literally melted away and older patients are seeking less invasive techniques such as a new "fractional" laser surgery to remove skin imperfections and firm up with new live stem cell therapies.

Here are a few of the high technology advances either coming, or newly in use by plastic surgeons.

• New light therapies and laser technology are being developed, including "Fractional Laser Surgery" which can reduce the appearance of fine lines, blemishes, age spots and acne scars.
• New "Fat Melting" chemical procedures are being developed which liquifies fat and allows it to be reabsorbed by the body naturally. Ultrasound techniques which target fat cells is foreseen by researchers.
• New implantable, biodegradable anchors have been developed to help surgically tightened areas in facelifts to more effectively attach in new positions by allowing muscle and skin tissue to attach and grow naturally to bone.
• A new biotech development called Hydroxylapatite Microspheres serve as injectable scaffolding for collagen to grow and attach naturally in facial areas in need of filling and sculpting.
• New live stem cells obtained from the amniotic fluid of cows appears to have promise as an effective skin therapy to hydrate and bring back elasticity to sagging skin.