High-tech Beauty
Dr Marco Faria Correa discusses the latest innovations and what the future holds for cosmetic surgery 64
ith more than 30 years’ experience, Dr Marco Faria Correa is one of the world’s most renowned cosmetic plastic surgeons. He is widely regarded as a visionary who has advanced the field in great leaps. The leading expert and pioneer in robotic abdominoplasty surgery took some time out during his visit to Jakarta to talk to Indonesia Tatler about the future of cosmetic surgery. Could you tell us more about your latest procedures and techniques in abominoplasty? With the help of robots, we are now able to make very fine and precise incisions for our procedures. We are also then able to stitch the inner muscles and create the inner corset. There will be minimal scarring, and repairs around the area can be done efficiently. There is a misconception that entire procedures are performed by robots. I would like to dispel any doubts and clarify that it is still the surgeons that guide and make every single move of the procedure.
At the rapid rate that technology is advancing, do you think robots will be able to take over all parts of procedures in the future? Whether it is to organise all the tools needed or to guide the robots, a surgeon will still have to be present. It is clear that artificial intelligence will continue to develop and that robots will greatly change the art of surgery as a highly qualified tool. However, I cannot say for certain to what extent surgical procedures will be taken over by artificial intelligence. Take, for example, a tailor—another profession that does a lot of sewing and stitching. The difference in quality between a handmade suit and one that is machine tailored is quite significant.
What are the latest innovations and future trends for abdominoplasty? Nanotechnology has developed so fast that it has become rather difficult to predict its next application. That said, if a safe and helpful application of nanotechnology is developed in the near future, I am more than ready to take it in its stride.
In what ways do you imagine nanotechnology being applied in your field of cosmetic surgery? You got me there. This question really has me thinking. Perhaps there can be an even-lessinvasive alternative to endoscopic facelifts. We could perhaps have a microscopic robot underneath the skin, guided by surgeons from the outside. Thank you for pushing me to come up with something new. I will start working on it immediately.