Wire scalpel for surgical correction of soft tissue contour defects by subcutaneous dissection.

[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.

[CONCLUSION] 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.