shutterstock 1379131412

In the thirty-something years since the first robot was used in a surgical procedure, technology has advanced at a meteoric pace. In some medical specialties, robotics are commonplace. One area that has largely lagged behind the trend? [Aesthetic medicine](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5694772/). Patients take great care to find and choose a provider who they trust to perform the procedure or surgery they are interested in, and, the overwhelming majority of the time, that same person is going to be the one providing the service – be it injecting in the office or operating in the OR. But will it be that way forever?

Behind the scenes, there's a slow but steady influx of robots that are changing the way procedures are carried out and how patients receive care. From robot-assisted surgery to [artificial intelligence (AI)](https://aedit.com/aedition/artificial-intelligence-in-healthcare-doctors-offices-operating-rooms)-directed skincare analysis, tech is making waves in doctors' offices. Whenever we talk about robotics – especially in a healthcare setting – questions are (rightly) raised about how safe these machines are and what the future might look like if they are adopted more widely. How independent can this technology really be? At what point can we step back and let a robot take the reins during a procedure? Are those even things that we should be striving for?

To explore the topic in more detail, we're looking at the state of robotics usage in aesthetic medicine and what the future could look like. Here’s what you need to know about the ever-evolving relationship between beauty and technology. 

## **The Role of Robots in Aesthetic Medicine**
The robots we have available to us at the moment are best at completing repetitive tasks with accuracy. So, while they may not be gifted with creative thinking or problem solving, there are tasks they can complete within a medical setting. Case in point:

### **Robotics in Hair Restoration**
One area of cosmetic procedures that has been the focus for engineers is [hair transplantation](https://aedit.com/procedure/surgical-hair-restoration-solutions). When carried out by humans, [follicular unit extraction (FUE)](https://aedit.com/procedure/follicular-unit-extraction-fue) – the act of explanting thousands of individual hair follicles from a donor site and implanting them elsewhere – is a very lengthy and repetitive process. The ARTAS® robotic hair transplant system is looking to change that. 

[ARTAS®](https://aedit.com/procedure/artas-robotic-hair-transplant) is an autonomous robotic procedure during which a robotic arm extracts and implants hair follicles. The procedure is a trailblazer in robotic medicine in the aesthetics space,  however, it does have its limitations. The system is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use on patients with dark, straight hair. Hair transplants carried out by humans, meanwhile, are approved for most demographics.

Additionally, the system is used to plan out the procedure and execute it, which means a surgeon's input remains vital to the consultation and planning process. But, if the procedure goes to plan, the machine takes care of the rest. 

### **Robotic Laser Therapy**
Laser-based procedures are also seeing robotic innovation. [EON® by Dominion Aesthetics](https://dominionaesthetic.com/) is seeking to provide next-generation body contouring. The touchless technology uses precision robotics to simultaneously deliver laser energy and cooling to ensure a comfortable and efficacious experience. The system uses a robotic arm to scan a patient’s body. The technology then devises a 'map' for the laser to follow. From there, the autonomous laser works to reduce fat in a targeted way. The procedure is FDA-cleared for abdominal fat reduction, but the manufacturer expects additional approvals in the future. 

Robotic lasers are also the focus of [SAHARRA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbL1nt7UY8Q) (a.k.a. semi-autonomous hair removal robot assistant), which is looking to improve the precision and speed of the [laser hair removal](https://aedit.com/procedure/laser-hair-removal) process. Like EON®, the robot scans the area that needs to be treated, decides what positions to adopt to treat each site, and figures out the different types or strengths of energy that should be used for the most efficient results. It then carries out the procedure with minimal input from human operators.

### **Robot-Assisted Injectables**
In theory, it’s not unthinkable that the technology used for hair transplants could be adapted to carry out minimally invasive procedures such as Botox® or filler injections. Current technology, however, is void of one crucial factor – artistry. One of the most essential skills of an injector (besides a deep knowledge of anatomy) is an understanding of [facial harmony](https://aedit.com/aedition/facial-harmony-in-aesthetic-medicine). So, while the physical technology may be making strides toward automating minimally invasive procedures, including injectables, the AI behind the machines (a.k.a. their brains) still has a ways to go. 

Paris-based aesthetic provider Emmanuel Elard, MD, has created a robot capable of injecting Botox® and filler. The machine – created by Dr. Elard's tech firm [NextMotion](https://www.nextmotion.net/) – is named LENA (a.k.a. light enabled neuro-robotic arm), and it can inject patients with neuromodulators and dermal filler using a robotic arm powered by AI. Even so, the tech still relies on a doctor's know-how. The provider programs the tool to specify how much product to inject and where to inject it. Basically, it’s robot-assisted injections.

When a cosmetic procedure is carried out by a board certified provider, a number of factors come into play. When it comes to injectables, for example, your practitioner may ask you to move your face or make certain expressions during treatment so they can look for possible [asymmetries](https://aedit.com/aedition/cosmetic-procedures-for-body-asymmetries) and assess where to inject. The degree of nuance involved is so high that it would take an incredibly powerful computer to take in all of that information, process it, and then make a judgment as to where and how to inject.

## **The Role of AI in Beauty & Aesthetics**
Perhaps more than robotics, AI has found a purpose in the beauty and aesthetics industry that is seemingly here to stay. [Haut.AI](https://haut.ai/) is behind many of the skin analysis tools you’ve no doubt tried online or in apps. L'Oréal [unveiled](https://www.loreal.com/en/news/science-and-technology/research-innovation/2020/01/09/00/00/unveil-perso-the-worlds-first-aipowered-device-for-skincare-and-cosmetics/) what it bills as the world's first AI-powered device for skincare and cosmetics at the 2020 CES convention. And AEDIT’s patented facial morphing technology, [The AEDITOR](https://aedit.com/white-label-the-aeditor), allows users to ‘try on’ popular aesthetic procedures and instantly visualize medically accurate results. In the future, it's conceivable that engineers may look to create robotic devices that process the information established by the [AI tech](https://aedit.com/aedition/study-shows-how-artificial-intelligence-is-bringing-objectivity-to-aesthetics) already available to offer in-office or at-home treatments. 

[Amy Spizuoco, DO](https://aedit.com/provider/amy-spizuoco-19341), a board certified dermatologist in New York City, believes these analysis tools could have value “in a big practice to allow each patient to have access to great skincare,” but she doesn’t see them replacing human expertise. “Humans will always be better,” she emphasizes. “I believe it's best to see patients live and create a customized skincare routine together.” In her experience, that personal touch yields quality, long-term results. “It's best to know and understand your patients,” she shares. “This allows for the best skincare routine."

## **The Takeaway**
Many say that robots have the ability to perform more predictably than humans in an array of settings, but healthcare is an area where people are yet to be fully convinced. The idea of a machine operating on someone completely independently of a surgeon probably won’t be commonplace in the near future, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t value (especially when it comes to caring for people in remote areas where expert medical staff isn’t available) to exploring it. Will we see robots replace plastic surgeons and dermatologists in our lifetime? Probably not, but they just might start lending a helping hand sooner than we expect!

Aesthetics

From autonomous hair transplants to robot-assisted laser therapy, here's where the use of robotics for cosmetic procedures stands.

The Future Of Robotics In Aesthetic Medicine

cdc-IFpQtennlj8-unsplash

If the ‘[clean](https://aedit.com/aedition/clean-injectable-filler-neurotoxin-trend)’ beauty revolution of the last few years has taught us anything, it’s that consumer demand goes a long way towards inspiring change. As people demanded more insight into the products they were using on their skin, beauty brands responded with greater transparency. Perhaps this was no more evident than in the skincare space where efficacious, science-backed ingredients have become the standard.

In an effort to create even better products, cosmetic chemists have gotten creative with the way they are thinking about sourcing ingredients. In the past, the use of natural ingredients in skincare products tended to require (unsurprisingly) farming and harvesting, but there’s a new type of ingredient development cutting-edge skincare brands are adopting that bridges the gap between cosmetics, bioscience, and [sustainability](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-sustainability-and-recycling-beauty-products). 

Biotechnology is allowing scientists to grow ingredients for your favorite skincare right in the laboratory (and, long term, the methods can extend far beyond the beauty aisle). It’s mind-blowing stuff, but there is a lot to unpack. Below, a primer on the ins and out of creating skincare with lab-grown ingredients with commentary from some of the leading thinkers in the space. 

## **What Is a Lab-Grown Ingredient?**
There is no one, industry-wide definition of ‘[clean beauty](https://aedit.com/aedition/what-clean-green-natural-mean-for-beauty-makeup-skincare-products)’ — but the term tends to encompass everything from toxicity to environmentalism. As consumers sought more transparency and accountability, the concept of ‘clean’ migrated from a smaller, niche market to an industry-wide trend. In the process, product formulations stopped including certain ingredients and reassed how it sourced others. 

This increased awareness, coupled with a rapid progress in biochemistry and biotech, has created the perfect storm for new green technologies to make their way into our skincare cabinet. Lab-grown ingredients come in several forms. Among the brands we’re speaking to, they run the gamut from cloned orchid stem cells to molecular technology that targets [inflammaging](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-inflammaging) (a.k.a. the relationship between how chronic low-grade inflammation accelerates the aging process).

These human-made ingredients are usually derived from natural products at the outset. Still, because they can be reproduced artificially, they don’t require the same quantity of natural resources as traditional ingredients. This means formulators aren’t beholden to how changes in climate or environment impact the quality of ingredients, manufacturers don’t have to burden natural resources, and brands are able to develop more sustainable products in the long term.

## **How Is Science Moving From Labs to Skincare?**
While the environmental component of biotechnology and biochemistry has the potential to be, for lack of a better term, earth shattering in and of itself, the efficacy angle is similarly compelling. So, how did this lab-based research make it into the world of beauty and skincare?

Take the story of skincare brand [Heraux](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fherauxskin.com%2F). “While I was at UCLA, I got interested in the question of how stem cells regulate their age,” recalls co-founder Ben Van Handel, PhD. “How do they know when it’s time for us to be young, vibrant, happy and then, as we age, things start to slow down?” These questions helped Dr. Van Handel and his colleague, Amir Nobakht, MD, discover HX-1 — the lab-grown molecule that has the starring role in the [Heraux Molecular Anti-Inflammaging Serum](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fherauxskin.com%2Fproducts%2Fheraux-serum). 

Initially, HX-1 was not intended for skincare. “At UCLA, we had weekly scientific meetings and someone from the building would get up on the whiteboard, start talking about their science, and other scientists would generally criticize their science, politely or perhaps not so politely,” Dr. Van Handel shares. After presenting data around the molecule, a researcher approached him and suggested he explore topical uses because, as he explains, “the skin is in this unfortunate position of being exposed to pro-inflammaging factors, like [sun exposure](https://aedit.com/aedition/cosmetic-procedures-treatments-to-correct-sun-damage), wind, and air pollution, but also factors from the inside, like [what we eat](https://aedit.com/aedition/best-diet-for-healthy-beautiful-skin), what we drink, and [psychological stress](https://aedit.com/aedition/impact-of-stress-on-skin-acne-wrinkles-dryness).” 

Needless to say, he took the advice. “We eventually ran a clinical study,” he says. “Then, when we got positive results, we thought, ‘right, it’s time to put a brand together, put a product together, and get going.’”

## **Are Lab-Grown Ingredients More Sustainable?**
While some lab-grown ingredients offer groundbreaking benefits, others provide necessary alternatives to naturally derived actives.“Biotechnology is a beautiful intertwine of nature and science — taking the best of nature and advancing it using science to create superior ingredients that not only transform your skin but also give back to nature,” explains Sheila Chaiban, CEO of [One Ocean Beauty](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Foneoceanbeauty.com%2F).

While the conversations around [ecofriendliness](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-blue-beauty) usually revolve around excess packaging and single-use plastics, the topic goes much deeper than that. “[L.E.N.I.](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makebeauty.com%2Fpages%2Fl-e-n-i) — or lab engineered natural ingredients — is our approach to being a more sustainable brand,” says Carrie Barber, founder of [MAKE](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makebeauty.com%2F). “We leaned into biotech because we felt we could go one step further beyond packaging and focus on sustainability in ingredients and raw materials.”

The reality is that a single sample of an ingredient can be enough to make high-quality product for a long time. “Growing and harvesting natural ingredients is very taxing on the earth, takes a lot of energy, and also disrupts the biodiversity of our soil,” Barber explains. “By Utilizing L.E.N.I, we can harvest less natural material and use methods such as upcycling and cold-pressing.” Consider, for example, the botanicals needed to create one of MAKE’s skincare products. “Rather than harvesting an entire field of orchids, we take the stem cells from one stem and clone them in the lab, ultimately preserving more of our natural resources,” she shares.

## **Can Lab-Grown Formulas Be More Efficacious?**
It’s not hard to see that lab-grown ingredients tend to be gentler on the environment and also allow brands to harness the power of elements that would otherwise be difficult to include in product formulations. “It is not just a better choice from a sustainability perspective, but it enables us to produce ingredients with better performance, better quality control, at higher reliability,” Chaiban says. “The process demands more rigorous testing, making these ingredients more effective and controlled than ever.”

Quality control is essential to the manufacturing process. “Subtle changes in growing conditions in harvested ingredients can cause issues since we only take one sample,” Chaiban notes. “We can produce a consistent product year after year with much less opportunity for variation and more consistent levels of active material.” As she sees it, biosynthetic ingredients allow for “the safest, most controlled supply chain” because “quality is guaranteed when ingredients are grown in a controlled environment.”

Take, for instance, one of the star marine ingredients in the [One Ocean Beauty line](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Foneoceanbeauty.com%2F). “It is sourced from a radiation-resistant microorganism discovered in a waterfall in the Pyrenees Mountains in Northern Spain,” she shares. “This organism has adapted to protect itself from extreme radiation.” When applied topically, it “actively stimulates the skin’s natural photosensors to prepare it for light exposure,” Chaiban says. Through bio-fermentation, the brand is able to reproduce these natural molecules in a lab setting.

## **The Takeaway**
Lab-grown ingredients might sound kind of like they’ve come straight from a sci-fi script, but consumers are curious. “I have found through my conversations with editors or with customers that it still requires some education,” Barber says. The question she gets most often: Is a lab-engineered ingredient natural? “The answer to that is yes, the ingredients are biologically identical when made in a lab,” she says. But there is an important distinction. “You can make what you need, and the material stays consistent from batch to batch,” she adds. Long term, it’s not hard to imagine that this technology can not only revolutionize [sustainability](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-make-your-beauty-routine-more-sustainable) in the beauty industry but also overhaul the future of farming.

*All products featured are independently selected by our editors, however, AEDIT may receive a commission on items purchased through our links.*

Beauty

It may sound like some kind of sci-fi script, but lab-grown ingredients have the potential to revolutionize product formulation as we know it.

Biotech Beauty Trend: The Benefits Of Lab-Grown Skincare Ingredients

Biotech Beauty: Everything You Need To Know About Lab-Grown Skincare

shutterstock 1152709370

We may not be at the point where you overhear your surgeon saying, “Hey, Google, pass the scalpel,” but artificial intelligence (AI) is gradually making its way into the healthcare industry and, by extension, dermatology and plastic surgery practices, too. Even in its limited use, AI is already helping providers offer their patients better care — whether it’s pre-op, in the OR, or during the recovery process. Here are three ways artificial intelligence is shaking up medicine.

## __1. AI Patient Care__
Your experience with a medical practice starts as soon as you look for information online. You might have questions for the practitioner or want to book an appointment. In the past, you would have emailed or called the practice, but you may now find yourself speaking to an AI assistant on the practice’s website. Going forward, the carefully programmed software could even help patients with aftercare following surgery.

New York city-based board certified plastic surgeon, [Philip Miller, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/philip-miller-md-71), who is an expert in [rhinoplasty](https://aedit.com/procedure/closed-rhinoplasty), is at the forefront of the integration of AI in aesthetic practices. Dr. Miller developed an AI Chatbot called [Aestheti.Bot](https://www.aestheti.bot/) that can instantly answer common patient questions. While his interface works by having patients text it directly, other chatbots are available via Facebook Messenger and can be integrated with Amazon smart speakers. While the chatbot does not replace medical advice, it does offer patients instant answers to frequently asked questions — any time, anywhere. 

There are already apps driven by artificial intelligence that help patients recover from orthopedic surgery, and the technology could be adapted for cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery. Apps like [myrecovery.ai](https://www.myrecovery.ai/) allow surgeons to tailor recovery programs for their patients and track their progress as they recover, while patients glean a better understanding of how best to take care of themselves.

But AI isn’t just tackling medical questions and care — it is also looking after patients and practitioners’ schedules. You may find that the next time you make an appointment for a procedure, an AI interface will remind you what aftercare protocol to follow when you get home and help you to schedule your follow-up appointments accordingly.

## __2. A New Kind of Surgical Assistant__ 
While artificial intelligence robots may not be ready to replace nurses and physician assistants, they are responsible for some basic tasks in the operating room. Dr. Miller, for one, uses a smart speaker to control the lighting and some machinery in his OR.

[Surgeons are using smart speakers](https://www.theweek.in/news/sci-tech/2019/03/25/Smart-speakers-bring-about-a-revolution-in-surgery.html) to set timers and keep track of information while operating. During treatment, doctors can ask the smart speaker to access medical information about a patient, which may allow them to make decisions without having to ‘break’ their sterile scrub. AI technology has also been developed to allow providers to ask for recommendations about things like implant usage based on patient data, and, while the software has not been created specifically for cosmetic procedures, it’s likely only a matter of time.

AI is also helping doctors provide more personalized care. Cleveland Clinic and IBM implemented a program that analyzes data from thousands of medical papers and other sources to create more efficient treatment plans for patients. There are also virtual nursing services that allow providers to digitally answer questions about minor concerns — without a phone call or in-office visits. 

And let us not forget that as voice-to-text technology has improved, so too have the workflows in many doctors’ offices, with dictation simplifying everything from note-taking to prescriptions. 

## __3. Computer-Assisted Diagnosis__  
On the more mindblowing end of the AI revolution, [Google is developing a technology that it claims](https://venturebeat.com/2019/09/13/googles-ai-detects-26-skin-conditions-as-accurately-as-dermatologists/) is able to diagnose skin concerns as accurately as a dermatologist. 

Developers created a so-called “deep learning system” and taught it to recognize 26 common skin conditions that often lead to patients consulting a dermatologist. The system analyzes photos and basic data about the user, before suggesting a list of possible diagnoses — from most to least likely. In a similar vein, Stanford University [tested an AI algorithm](https://cs.stanford.edu/people/esteva/nature/) designed to detect skin cancers. When tested against practicing dermatologists, the tech performed as well as its human counterparts.

Additionally, there has been early testing to see if a deep learning system could [help identify breast cancer metastasis](https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2018/07/27/how-is-ai-used-in-healthcare-5-powerful-real-world-examples-that-show-the-latest-advances/#62da7adf5dfb). MIT, meanwhile, is leading research into AI-assisted medical imaging analysis, in which algorithms could help doctors in remote areas to analyze test results without telemedicine, and there is hope that the technology will reach the point that a simple smartphone photo of a rash or cut is enough to determine the type of care a patient needs.

## __The Takeaway__
While we’re still a ways away from having robots greeting us at the doctor’s office and trusting computers with clinical decisions, AI is steadily making inroads in the healthcare industry. For now, look out for automated booking systems and AI-generated aftercare, but don’t be surprised in a few years' time if there’s an AI application waiting to diagnose and prescribe treatment — without a trip to the doctor’s office. 

Now Trending

From smart speakers in the operating room to virtual diagnosis and treatment plans, The AEDITION looks at a few of the ways artificial intelligence is shaking up the medical industry.

Technology