title: An Alternative to the Wire Scalpel for Nasolabial Fold Subcision: A Preliminary Study Using a Tuohy Epidural Needle and Vicryl Sutures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Subcision techniques involving wire scalpels are used to correct prominent nasolabial folds, depressed scars, and wrinkles. However, these instruments are not universally available.
  
  
  METHODS
  We devised a substitute device, consisting of a Tuohy epidural needle and Vicryl sutures, which are easily accessible and inexpensive. We used these novel devices to perform nasolabial fold subcisions in six female patients (mean age 43 years, range 28-65 years) The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 11 months (mean 7 months).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Favorable results were obtained for five of six patients, with minimal complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our subcision technique, employing Tuohy epidural needles and vicryl sutures, was an easy and useful substitute for the use of wire scalpels for improving prominent nasolabial folds.
  
  
  METHODS
  This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon-Si, Gangwon-Do, Republic of Korea. serafin5@unitel.co.kr.
authors.forename: Sang-Yeul
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon-Si, Gangwon-Do, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Kun-Yong
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Sung
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000517:prevention & control; D004867:Equipment Design; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D060052:Nasolabial Fold / Q000601:surgery*; D009339:Needles / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011098:Polyglactin 910; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012494:Sampling Studies; D013537:Sutures; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011098:Polyglactin 910
keywords: Nasolabial fold; Subcision; Tuohy needle; Wire scalpel