Plastic Surgery Methods
Many methods are used for cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Some are described
below.
Endoscopic surgery
Endoscopic surgery uses an endoscope. This is a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera
and a bright light at the end. The endoscope helps the surgeon during surgery. The
surgeon puts the scope through a small cut (incision). Images from the camera are
sent to a screen. The surgeon watches the screen while moving the scope inside the
body. They can put other instruments through a different incision or incisions. Large
procedures can then be done with minimal scars.
Flap surgery
Flap surgery means moving healthy tissue or bone from one place in the body to another.
This is often done in areas that have lost skin, fat, muscle movement, or skeletal
support. The surgeon may use one of several types of flap surgery. Which one depends
on the location of the flap and the structures that need to be repaired.
Lasers
Lasers are high energy beams of light. They are used in plastic surgery because they
typically cause less bleeding, bruising, and scarring. Many types of lasers may be
used. Which type depends on the purpose and location of the surgery to be done. Talk
with your healthcare provider or surgeon to see if laser surgery is right for you.
Skin grafts
A skin graft may be used to cover skin that has been damaged or is missing. The surgeon
removes healthy skin from one part of the body to restore normal appearance or to
restore function to another part of the body. The place where the skin is removed
is called the donor site. Several types of skin grafts may be used. Which one depends
on the size and location of needed skin. These include:
Tissue expansion
A tissue expansion is surgery that puts a balloon-like device (expander) under the
skin. The expander is then slowly filled with liquid to stretch and expand the skin
over time. This acts to "grow" extra skin to repair nearby lost or damaged skin.