The Evolution of Plastic Surgery Techniques Over the Years

Transformation has always been at the core of any plastic surgery procedure. Many patients undergo cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance and enhance their natural beauty. It only makes sense that the plastic surgery field has always been dedicated to relying on innovative techniques to continually improve patient experiences and outcomes.

At Schaffer Plastic Surgery, we pride ourselves on investing in the latest technology and undergoing training in the most advanced techniques to provide our patients with an exceptional experience from start to finish.

The Most Monumental Milestones in Plastic Surgery

While there is evidence that facial surgeries and skin graft procedures were performed over 4,000 years ago, the modern field of plastic surgery began to grow and develop around the turn of the 18th century.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, these are the key milestones in the history of plastic surgery:

• 1827 — Dr. John Peter Mettaur performs the cleft palate procedure, which is considered to be the first modern plastic surgery.
• 1910-1920 — The onset of World War I and the catastrophic injuries that put the field of plastic surgery on the map.
• Early 20th Century — Demand for aesthetic procedures increases, driving the rapid advancement of surgical techniques designed to improve appearance.
• Late 20th Century — Advanced technology aids plastic surgeons in completing a wide range of procedures using minimally invasive techniques.

Technological Innovations in Plastic Surgery

Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it became clear that technology held the key to improving plastic surgery techniques and enhancing patient outcomes. Innovations such as laser technology, 3D imaging and minimally-invasive surgical instruments allowed plastic surgeons to improve their precision, reduce the severity of recovery and enhance patient safety. Perhaps most importantly, technology empowered plastic surgeons to refine their craft and provide patients with improved results tailored to meet their unique needs.

Using Technology to Improve Safety and Outcomes

Patient safety and personalized care are the highest priorities at Schaffer Plastic Surgery. Dr. Schaffer relies heavily on the latest surgical techniques to perform safer procedures and achieve more personalized outcomes. He actively works to understand the unique needs and goals of each patient while developing a personalized surgical plan to provide each patient with enhanced, natural-looking results.

Schaffer Plastic Surgery is proud to be an accredited ASF Surgery Facility.

How Technology Helps Aid Scar Minimization

Given the fact that most patients opt to undergo plastic surgery procedures to improve their appearance, it’s not surprising that scarring has long been a concern. Fortunately, evolving surgical techniques and advanced technology have helped minimize scarring in modern plastic surgery, ultimately enhancing the aesthetic and functional outcomes of each procedure.

Dr. Schaffer utilizes an intentional approach to plan each operation based on the individual patient’s anatomy to camouflage visible scars as much as possible. He also relies on precise techniques and technologically advanced surgical tools to reduce scarring overall, and as a result, he has a low revision rate.

The Evolution of Facelift and Neck Lift Techniques

Among the plastic surgery procedures that technology has helped enhance, the facelift and neck lift techniques have made the most progress. Dr. Schaffer’s expertise in performing facelift and neck lift procedures leads him to personalize the process for each patient based on their specific needs, which is not the norm in many other plastic surgery practices.

The Increased Prevalence of Non-Surgical Techniques

At the same time that plastic surgery procedures evolved, non-surgical techniques emerged as viable alternatives to some of the more invasive plastic surgery procedures. Some of the non-surgical techniques that have gained popularity in recent years include:

• BroadBand Light (BBL) Therapy
• Kybella

Dr. Schaffer now offers a wide range of non-surgical procedures through Schaffer Plastic Surgery MedSpa Services, as he recognizes the demand for these procedures and welcomes the broadened scope of the plastic surgery field.

Going Above and Beyond: Understanding Dr. Schaffer’s Philosophy and Expertise

For Dr. Schaffer, plastic surgery is more than just a career—it’s a calling. He is dedicated to serving his patients and providing them with personalized, supportive care every step of the way. Every patient receives his cellphone number, and he encourages patients to contact him directly with any concerns or questions that they may have. As a committed professional, Dr. Schaffer stays at the forefront of all surgical advancements in the field, ensuring that his patients receive exceptional care and unparalleled results.

Look Toward a Bright and Beautiful Future at Schaffer Plastic Surgery

Technology is expected to continue to revolutionize the plastic surgery field, allowing patients to enjoy safe and effective procedures consistent with Dr. Schaffer’s commitment to offering the best in patient care.

Schedule your consultation today to learn more about the cutting-edge techniques that we rely on at Schaffer Plastic Surgery.