Surgical procedures can be intimidating, especially because of the incisions associated with them. This aspect alone can discourage patients from getting surgical treatment. The recovery period is also an issue, more so for those whose surgeries cause large wounds which take longer to heal.
Fortunately, minimally invasive surgery has been on a steady rise in its implementation since its emergence. Let’s talk about how this revolutionary treatment approach is changing the way healthcare is experienced by both doctors and patients, and where you can go in Little Rock for minimally invasive orthopedic surgery that can get you back on your feet more quickly than you may expect.
Minimally Invasive Surgery Involves Smaller Incisions
One of the most significant differences between traditional open surgery and minimally invasive surgery is the incision size. Minimally invasive surgery requires much smaller cuts in the skin, only about a quarter-inch to a half-inch long.
The incisions are so much smaller because the instruments used are smaller. Plus, new technology enables the orthopedic surgeon to have a view of inside the surgical area via fiber-optic camera capability, and the surgeon can repair the area carefully via these small cuts – without requiring long incisions.
The Procedure Poses Fewer Complications During and After Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery poses fewer risks particularly because it only requires small incisions. Surgeons also don’t have to cut through large sections of muscle and other structures when performing it, thereby lessening the chances of excessive bleeding or of developing an infection from the wound.
Minimally invasive surgery usually causes less pain during recovery, simply because your body experiences less trauma. Of course, you’ll also have less need for pain medication.
Minimally Invasive Means Minimal Scarring
Scarring is minimized when it comes to minimally invasive surgery thanks to the small incisions. For some patients, the scars can even disappear completely within a few months.
It Usually Involves a Shorter Recovery Time and Less Downtime
One of the biggest advantages of undergoing minimally invasive surgery, as opposed to traditional open surgery, is the shorter recovery period. You don’t have to stay too long in the hospital, and the surgery may even be outpatient – which means you can go home later the same day.
You will still need to take some time off work or school, and to avoid heavy exercise for a short while. However, you can go back to work or to playing sports within a few weeks. Of course, recovery varies per person, and your condition may take longer to heal depending on your injury or your specific procedure.
Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery in Little Rock, AR
If you’re looking for a clinic that performs minimally invasive surgery in Little Rock, look no further than Bowen Hefley Orthopedics. Dr. William Hefley is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who can give you the comprehensive care you deserve. He’s also an athlete and a coach who can empathize with his patients, and he knows that you want to get back to your active lifestyle as quickly as possible.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hefley, call us today at (800) 336-2412 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you at one of our two convenient locations in the Little Rock area!
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