Cosmetic surgery is fast becoming technologically driven. The days when implements, such as saws and knives were the standard tools of the trade are coming to an end. While it has proved valuable in helping the surgeon with their work, old dental equipment is also gruesome and limited in what it can achieve.

One new technique that could have profound implications for surgery, particularly rhinoplasty, is the ultrasound machine.

Generally used to check for things like a baby’s development, it is now becoming part of the armoury of the plastic surgeon.

The new device, which was recently showcased, is called the Ultrasound Bone Aspirator, (UBA). It uses the power of sound waves to remove excess bone, without damaging the surrounding soft tissue or the mucous membranes.

While the UBA can’t perform surgery, it is a welcome addition to helping provide a pain free operation, particularly since floating bone left behind can also cause infection and other problems.

A form of the UBA has been around since the 1970s for neurological and ophthalmological procedures, but new developments have improved the technology to allow its use in cosmetic surgeries.

The UBA is not the only development taking place in plastic surgery. One of the commonest therapies asked for is Botox treatment. Currently this involves injecting a bacterial extract into the wrinkles of the skin in order to smooth them out. However, it isn’t a totally safe procedure and using needles to inject the liquid, is in itself dangerous.

So, is there an alternative? Possibly.

Recent research has developed a Botox based gel, which can be applied without the use of injections. What’s more, the effects last just as long as the original injections – about 4 months.

While not available commercially yet, the tests currently being carried out are hopeful in this regard. However, it is likely to be some time before the American FDA will give approval for commercial development.

Speaking with reporters, one researcher, Dr. Kane said: “No one is going to be running to the doctor and getting this until phase III studies are done and the FDA rules.”

Watch out for a rapid decline in the use of Botox treatment once the gel is finally given the go ahead. Current treatments using needles are not cheap and the production of a gel that does the same job (and may be safer to use) will be within the financial realms of most people.

In short, it will be the real and ultimate anti-wrinkle cream.