Explained: World Plastic Surgery Day 2023: The Rise of Non-Surgical Plastic Surgery Procedures

Plastic Surgery is a broad sub-speciality of Surgery which encompasses many cosmetic as well as reconstructive procedures. But not all Cosmetic Surgery procedures are major surgeries.

There are many non-surgical or minimally invasive outpatient procedures which can make significant changes in your looks without any surgery, major recovery or admission to the hospital. Thus, they have become quite popular in recent times.

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Types of plastic surgeries

Cosmetic surgery

This type of surgery is used to enhance or improve the look of the face, body, or breast.

Reconstructive surgery

This type of surgery is used to repair or restore the damage of wounds and scars caused by accidents, diseases, cancer, or burns.

Common non-surgical procedures

Dermal fillers

Injectable substances, such as hyaluronic acid (which is a synthetic injectable form of our normal body cartilage), are used to add volume and smooth out folds, lines, and wrinkles on the face. They can also be used to equalize asymmetry in the face and body or enhance normal structures such as the lips, nose, cheeks, under-eye area, and buttocks.

Botulinum toxin injections

(like Botox) are injected to temporarily relax muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and aging signs in the face, such as in the forehead, around the eyes, chin, and jawline.

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Chemical peels

A medicinal solution is applied to the skin to exfoliate and improve its texture. This can reduce the appearance of acne scars, age spots, sun damage, uneven pigmentation, and brighten the face.

Laser skin resurfacing

Laser technology is used to remove damaged skin cells and stimulate collagen production. This can address issues such as wrinkles, scars, and uneven skin tone. It is also useful in removing tattoos, treating vascular lesions, and varicose veins.

Microdermabrasion

This procedure involves gentle exfoliation using a special device to improve skin texture. It can be used to treat acne scarring, vitiligo, and other skin conditions.

Non-surgical fat reduction

Technologies such as cryolipolysis, focused ultrasound, and radiofrequency use controlled energy to target fat cells. This can provide a small amount of fat reduction, but not as much as surgical fat reduction procedures such as liposuction.

Laser hair removal

Highly focused laser beams are used to target the roots of hair follicles, thus reducing hair growth.

PRP/GFC treatment

This growth factors-based treatment made from the patient's own blood is used for hair loss to stimulate hair growth, skin rejuvenation, and joint disorders.

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Threads

PDO threads as well as silicone threads are used for non-surgical facelifts and to reduce the appearance of jowls and for neck and brow lifts.

Nanofat grafts

This highly refined fat cells injection prepared from the patient's own body has rejuvenating properties in acne scars. It can also be used as a filler and for skin rejuvenation.

All these have been in clinical use since many years, is time tested, effective and can be done as an office procedure. Each person has a different problem, different skin type and different requirements. The best treatment for you can be decided by discussion with your Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon. All cosmetic and plastic surgeries are very safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Non-surgical treatments are a great way to enhance your looks and boost your confidence and self-image without undergoing surgery.

About the Author: Dr Suhas S, Consultant Plastic, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bangalore. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author.