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Body Contouring
 Endoscopic Plastic surgery
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Endoscopic surgeries - sophisticated plastic surgeryWhat Is Endoscopic Surgery?
Endoscopic surgery is a technique that involves the use of an endoscope, a special viewing instrument that allows a surgeon to see images of the body's internal structures through very small incisions. Endoscopic surgeries are the vehicles for minimally invasive surgery.
Endoscopic surgeries have been in use for decades in a number of procedures including gallbladder removal, tubal ligation, and knee surgery. Endoscopy has recently been included into the world of plastic surgery/cosmetic surgery. Endoscopic surgeries hold great prospects in the future though endoscopic instruments have already been in use for both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
It should be noted that not all plastic surgery can be done endoscopically, nor is it limited to plastic surgery. Gallbladder removal can be done endoscopically, for example.
It is helpful to describe the endoscope itself. An endoscope is made up of two parts: one is a probe within a tube that is outfitted with a small camera and a bright light, and the second is a viewing screen that shows the images that are being taken by the tiny camera to the surgeon. The tube is placed in tiny incisions in the area to be operated on, and then the surgeon looks at the screen to see where he/she needs to be. The endoscope does not perform the surgery, rather it helps to guide a surgeon to proper placement of the tools that he/she will be using. Other tools, such as a scalpel, will need to be manipulated through another incision in the surgical site.
Endoscopic Surgeries - Technology & Benefits
Though endoscopic surgery has many benefits, the major one is less postoperative pain due to the smaller incisions. Endoscopic surgery minimizes the chances of scarring. Many scars following endoscopic plastic surgery look like small shaving cuts, rather than large surgical scars-most scars after endoscopic surgery are usually hidden. The incisions are less than an inch in length and only a few are needed. This helps a patient to recover more quickly following an endoscopic plastic surgery procedure.
The risk of nerve damage is lessened with endoscopic plastic surgery, as well as the risk of extensive bleeding. Bleeding, bruising, and swelling may still occur following endoscopic plastic surgery, but the minimization of the incisions helps to speed the healing process. Patients can usually return to work quicker than if they had a full incision procedure and many can return home the same day, rather than having to stay in a hospital overnight. And another advantage of endoscopic plastic surgery is that general anesthetic may not be needed. In many cases, a local anesthetic is used with conscious sedation. This eliminates the possibility of reaction to general anesthesia.
Endoscopic Cosmetic Plastic Surgeries
There are many plastic surgery procedures that can be done endoscopically. A tummy tuck can be helped by endoscopic plastic surgery in those patients who have lost muscle tone in their abdomen. Endoscopic plastic surgery can help to tighten the muscles. For breast implants, endoscopic plastic surgery techniques can be used. A small incision can be placed in the underarm and guide the implant to the proper position. A facelift can also be helped by endoscopic plastic surgery. Although not all facelift cases can be helped endoscopically, some patients can reap the benefits of this procedure. Incisions are better hidden in the hairline or behind the ears. Forehead lifts can be helped with endoscopic plastic surgery as well.
In terms of helping with reconstructive procedures, endoscopic plastic surgery can also benefit patients. For patients who have undergone surgery to repair particular body parts, endoscopic surgeries can help to gather healthy tissues without further body damage. Endoscopic plastic surgery techniques can also help to place expanders in the skin in order to stretch the skin to be used for grafts in burn patients. Endoscopic plastic surgery is also used in repairing the sinuses, as well as helping to release carpal tunnel pressure in some patients.
Endoscopic Surgeries - Risks & Precautions
Endoscopic surgery is a relatively new surgical procedure in cosmetic plastic surgery and is not devoid of risks. But the risks can be minimized by proper endoscopic procedures by a trained and fully qualified surgeon. Infection, bleeding, blood vessel damage, nerve damage, and skin injury are all possible outcomes of endoscopic plastic surgery. By working with the surgeon to avoid these problems before they start, one should follow pre- and post-operative instructions.