Plastic surgeon Aris Damagas participated in the global conference Beauty Through Science, held from June 8-11, 2022, in Stockholm, Sweden. This year’s conference, themed “The Science of Aging,” provided a comprehensive presentation of the latest developments in plastic surgery, from popular surgical procedures to the most advanced non-invasive techniques—a wide range of topics unmatched by any other specialty dealing with beauty.

Significant attention was given to facial and neck lifts, blepharoplasty, and rhinoplasty, while breast surgery also held a prominent place. In addition to breast augmentation, breast lifts, and combined procedures, more specialized and complex surgeries were highlighted, such as secondary breast surgery, correction of tubular breasts, replacement of silicone implants, and the management of breast surgery complications (e.g., capsule removal). The use of ADM (accelerated dermal matrix), particularly in corrective breast surgeries, was emphasized. This biotechnological mesh, used as an internal bra, ensures long-lasting results.

The conference covered the latest advancements in botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid, dermapen applications for scar treatment, and innovations in skincare and anti-aging. Effective aesthetic solutions for busy individuals seeking facial rejuvenation with no downtime were also discussed. However, the revolution in combating aging lies in exosomes. These small extracellular vesicles, naturally secreted during cellular function, can transfer DNA, RNA, or proteins from cell to cell, influencing the recipient cell’s function. Exosomes are being studied as carriers for stem cell-based therapies, with plastic surgery hinting at the potential future capability to “store” skin samples for later use to combat skin aging.

The conference also featured live surgical demonstrations, including hybrid breast augmentation (a combination of implants and fat transfer), pony-tail facelifts, upper blepharoplasty with brow repositioning, periorbital rejuvenation with canthopexy, and silicone implant removal. These live procedures showcased advanced techniques designed to achieve the best aesthetic results while minimizing scarring.