Often when we think of robotics, plastic surgery is not the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, if surgery even enters the picture, plastic surgery isn’t likely to be at the top of the list. However, robotics has changed how plastic surgery is performed.
We needed to understand better about how robotics is used in plastic surgery, so we consulted with a few plastic surgeons, such as plastic surgeon Dr. Asif Pirani. This is what we found out.
What are Robotics?
It is important to look at what robotic surgery is to begin with. To put it simply, robotic surgery uses surgical robots to make tiny incisions, insert miniaturized instruments, and a high-definition, three-dimensional camera.
This allows the surgeon to see what is going on inside without having to make a larger incision to do so. Traditional surgery, also known as open surgery, requires a larger incision to complete the same operation.
Once the instruments have been safely placed in an incision, the surgeon will manipulate the instruments using a nearby console, performing the operation in a very fine, delicate manner. It is very non-invasive when compared to traditional, open surgery, and will result in a cleaner, smaller scar, making it a great choice for plastic surgeons.
The Accuracy
Of course, the best thing about using robotics in plastic surgery is the accuracy of the surgery itself. With a robotic cut rather than one made by a hand, the work can be done on such a fine level that the precision and results are something that couldn’t have been possible in the past.
Plastic surgery is a delicate type of surgery and requires the doctors to use the most precise movements possible. With the implementation of robotics, incisions can be smaller and more accurate than ever before.
It is also essential to remember that plastic surgery is not limited to aesthetic transformation. It can help to correct many other issues and the use of robotic equipment will make the process easier to have done and much easier to recover from.
Part of that improved accuracy comes from the improved resolution that you get looking through the three-dimensional vision lens, but the other part has to do with tremor reduction. You cannot get a steadier hand than a robotic hand.
The Cons
As is the case with all things, there are some cons to using robotics in plastic surgery. The first is that when you use a machine for these kinds of things, you will need to wait for the machine to be set up. There is also the time taken to make sure it is running well and the need to replace any microneedles that may break along the way.
Additionally, surgeons will likely need additional training to operate the equipment effectively. As new technology comes out, there are not trained doctors with years of experience who know how to use it, resulting in a learning curve. Yet, once a doctor has been trained with the equipment, the pros begin to pile in.
The Benefits
The pros for using robotics in plastic surgery far outweigh the cons. Ultimately, the role of robotics in plastic surgery benefits cosmetic procedures the greatest. When someone needs to have a surgical correction, it is often done on a fine degree, with the intent of the evidence of the procedure to be as non-existent as possible.
Since the incisions are so much smaller with robotic surgery, the risk of infection is substantially lower. There is a much less skin involved, being operated on, which means there is less exposure to the world. The process is also cleaner by nature, so the chances of infection are very low.
The functional outcomes of robotics surgery are also better and there is a lot more surgeon comfort, eliminating stressors and outside factors that could affect the results of the surgery. And, as we mentioned above, a robotic surgical device will not have a hand tremor as a human might. Surgeons naturally have steady hands, but a robot would be even steadier.
As a result, plastic surgeons are able to overcome previous limitations and apply this innovated technology to a lot broader uses. As it becomes used more and more, the sky seems to be the limit with robotic plastic surgery.
Bottom Line
If you are in the market for plastic surgery, it would be a good idea to consult with a surgeon that has the ability to use robotics during surgery, the results will be better, you will have an easier recovery, and it is far more accurate than traditional surgery is.
The benefits of robotic plastic surgery really make it the best choice for any procedure that you might be considering. You really can’t go wrong using a plastic surgeon that specializes in robotics.
