Laparoscopic Plastic Surgery Smaller Scars and Faster Recovery

Laparoscopic surgery has been used for many years to perform procedures such as gallbladder removal and tubal ligation, and has recently been gaining popularity in the field of plastic surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery, also known as endoscopic surgery or minimally invasive surgery, is a surgical technique that uses a viewing instrument called an endoscope to allow the surgeon to see images of internal organs through very small incisions. The surgical instrument is then inserted through a separate small incision. Benefits of laparoscopic plastic surgery include smaller scars and shorter recovery times.

The following plastic surgery procedures are currently being performed or assisted by endoscopy:

• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck): Endoscopy is used as an adjunct for selected patients who have lost abdominal muscle tone. It is generally not used in patients who have a significant amount of loose abdominal skin.
• Breast Augmentation: Endoscopy is used to help the surgeon position breast implants within the chest wall or to assist in the correction of capsular contracture.
• Facelift: For most patients, the traditional facelift operation is still the best choice, but some patients may benefit from a laparoscopic procedure. Instead of the usual incision along the hairline, small incisions are placed in areas where the most correction is needed.
• Forehead Lift: The forehead lift is one of the most common laparoscopic plastic surgery procedures. Instead of the usual ear-to-ear incision, three or more small incisions are made at the hairline.

Endoscopy is also used for reconstructive surgery, such as flap surgery and placement of tissue expanders.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons believes that laparoscopic techniques for other plastic surgery procedures hold great promise for the future, but further study is needed to establish their effectiveness, especially over the long-term. As research continues, endoscopy is being used on a limited basis for both cosmetic procedures and reconstructive procedures.