A look behind closed doors at the future of endoscopic plastic surgery
Inside a high-end hotel ballroom in downtown Austin, a group of elite plastic surgeons gathers around a glowing projector screen, studying the anatomy of the upper forehead in picture-perfect detail. On the screen, a high-definition feed from an endoscopic camera shows the delicate maneuvering of instruments beneath the skin — subtle shifts in tissue made through incisions that, after a short healing window, leave virtually no trace.
This is Endoscopic and Minimally Invasive Techniques for Middle and Upper-Third Facial Rejuvenation, a hands-on session at The Aesthetic Meeting 2025. At the helm of this educational powerhouse is Dr. Renato Saltz — a global leader in aesthetic plastic surgery, longtime educator, and one of the earliest champions of endoscopic techniques for the face and body. Joined by fellow endoscopic surgeons, Dr. Grady Core, Dr. Greg Albert, Dr. Kiya Movassaghi, and Dr. Chia Chi Kao, Dr. Saltz walks attendees through each step of the procedure, offering insights from his decades of teaching and surgical experience.
Under the guidance of these masters, the audience watches as a dissolvable polymer device is deftly anchored beneath the skin to gently elevate the brow. The lift is subtle. The impact on plastic surgery — extraordinary.
Looking Within
What Is Endoscopic Plastic Surgery?
The term “endoscopy” comes from the Greek words for “inside” and “to look,” and in modern plastic surgery, it refers to a camera-guided surgical approach that requires smaller incisions. The method allows surgeons to perform complex tissue adjustments without creating long scars — a breakthrough that has dramatically changed facial and body contouring procedures.
Dr. Saltz has been a driving force behind this innovation since the early 1990s. As the former Director of the Endoscopic Plastic Surgery Laboratory at the University of Utah and a past president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), he has not only advanced the science behind endoscopic surgery but also shaped how it is taught and performed around the world. His leadership has made him one of the most sought-after instructors in the field.
The popularity of endoscopic procedures continues to grow, thanks to pioneers like Dr. Saltz, Dr. Core, Dr. Movassaghi, and Dr. Albert. Together, they’ve transformed this advanced technique from niche to necessary — proving that less invasive can still mean more effective.
From Brows to Body
Procedures That Benefit from Endoscopic Precision
Though facial surgery remains the cornerstone of endoscopic technique, expert surgeons like Dr. Saltz have expanded its use to the neck, breasts, and abdomen, delivering natural results with faster recovery and minimal scarring across a variety of procedures.
Endoscopic Facelift
This minimally invasive technique lifts and reshapes the midface through small incisions, allowing for deep tissue repositioning without traditional facelift scarring. Surgeons like Dr. Saltz rely on an endoscopic camera to navigate beneath the skin, preserving facial harmony while dramatically reducing downtime.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
Tiny incisions made along the hairline allow access for a camera and surgical tools, enabling the surgeon to lift sagging brows, smooth forehead wrinkles, and create a youthful upper-face contour. Dissolvable polymer anchors ensure secure, long-lasting results with minimal disruption.
Endoscopic Neck Lift
A transformative yet subtle procedure, the endoscopic neck lift tightens underlying muscles and redefines the jawline using precision incisions, often hidden behind the ears or even inside the mouth. Surgeons can sculpt the neck without the extensive recovery associated with traditional lifts.
Endoscopic Breast Augmentation
In this camera-assisted approach, implants are inserted through a small underarm incision (transaxillary access) to avoid scarring on the breast itself. This method allows for improved symmetry and less post-op discomfort.
Endoscopic Abdominoplasty
For patients with moderate abdominal laxity, endoscopic tummy tucks offer a flatter, firmer midsection without the long lower-abdomen scar. The surgeon uses the endoscope to tighten muscles and remove small amounts of fat internally: an ideal option for active patients seeking a less invasive contouring solution.
A Higher Standard
Why Endoscopic Surgery Isn’t More Common (Yet)
Despite its clear patient benefits, endoscopic plastic surgery demands a rare level of skill and training. Surgeons must have deep anatomical knowledge and the ability to perform complex maneuvers while watching a 2D screen — a challenge that often takes years to master.
That’s why surgeons like Dr. Saltz remain in such high demand as mentors. With over three decades of teaching under his belt, including directing cadaver labs, running endoscopic workshops, and chairing international symposia, Dr. Saltz has made it his mission to raise the bar for aesthetic surgery education. His work as the founder of the American-Brazilian Aesthetic Meeting has helped thousands of surgeons access hands-on instruction in cutting-edge techniques.
The Next Frontier
What’s Ahead for Endoscopic Aesthetics?
As innovation accelerates, the future of plastic surgery is looking increasingly high-tech, and endoscopic methods are set to benefit. Robotic tools, AI-assisted mapping, and surgical exosuits are already in development, promising even greater control, precision, and efficiency in the OR.
Surgeons like Dr. Saltz are leading the charge. Their commitment to advancing the specialty through mentoring keeps the “Endo Mafia” (as they affectionately call themselves) at the forefront of the movement. Alongside innovators like Drs. Core, Albert, and Movassaghi, Dr. Saltz is proof that the right combination of experience and vision can reshape not just faces, but the plastic surgery itself.
