title: Wire scalpel for surgical correction of soft tissue contour defects by subcutaneous dissection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Increasing demand exists for cosmetic correction of soft tissue contour defects. Treatments include simple tissue augmentation techniques or more complex surgeries with consequent relevant recuperation time for the patient. The search for new simple techniques to correct scars and age-related wrinkles and folds is therefore one of the main goals of cosmetic dermatologic surgery.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To improve the cosmetic outcome of patients suffering from soft tissue contour defects by the use of a novel surgical instrument and technique, subcutaneous dissection by wire scalpel.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-four patients were treated with the wire scalpel technique with no skin incisions to correct a total of 132 depressed cosmetic defects of the face. Forehead lines, glabellar, nasolabial and oral commissure folds, upper lip wrinkles, and acne scars were treated. A 2-month to 4-year follow-up allowed subjective and photographic evaluation of results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Good or satisfactory results were obtained in 79.7% and 16.6% of the cases, respectively. Minor complications did not change the overall positive outcome of the surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Subcutaneous dissection by wire scalpel is a simple, safe, and effective method to improve the contour appearance of patients affected with scars or age-related contour defects.
authors.affiliation: Center for Aesthetic Dermatology and Surgery, Russian Academy of Sciences Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russia.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Sulamanidze
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Salti
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mascetti
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Sulamanidze
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000601:surgery; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000601:surgery; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004210:Dissection / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D015595:Skin Aging; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000295:instrumentation*