title: A simple device for incision retraction and protection in endoscopic-assisted brow and forehead lifting.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Endoscopic-assisted cosmetic surgery has revolutionized various procedures. Forehead and brow lifting performed with endoscopic technique has been shown to be predictable and has fewer complications than open techniques. Providing surgical access and protecting the hair follicles is paramount in endoscopically assisted brow and forehead lifting.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe a simple retraction device to assist in incision retraction and protect hair follicles.
  
  
  METHODS
  A simple, inexpensive retraction device is described that has been used in 60 endoscopic brow incisions to effectively protect the hair follicles and retract incisions for operative techniques. In addition, other methods of follicular protection are discussed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Decreased incisional alopecia and improved surgical access are provided by the use of a simple retraction device and attention to follicular preservation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Endoscopic-assisted brow and forehead lifting is becoming the preferred method of upper facial rejuvenation. There is a steep learning curve and often the lack of attention to hair follicle protection results in localized incisional alopecia. In addition, improper surgical access complicates the procedure. A simple device is described to assist in retraction and follicular preservation.
authors.affiliation: Oral/Maxillofacial & Cosmetic Facial Surgery, Richmond, Virginia 23226, USA. niamtu@niamtu.com.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Niamtu
mesh_terms: D004724:Endoscopy; D005546:Forehead / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013525:Surgical Instruments