Suture and method for using same

Abstract

Provided herein is a braided suture that includes at least three strands. At least one of the strands is comprised of a fiberoptic material. In a preferred embodiment, more than one of the strands is comprised of a fiberoptic material. Also provided is a method of suturing. The method includes the steps of providing a braided suture comprising at least three strands, wherein at least one of the strands is comprised of a fiberoptic material, connecting the suture to a threading device, placing the suture at a predetermined location on a patient's body, and using a light source to illuminate the fiberoptic strand.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to methods and devices for plastic surgery and, more particularly, to a necklift procedure that is minimally invasive and to instruments for performing the procedure.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Conventional neck rejuvenation surgeons advocate procedures that alter the anatomy of the neck to restore a more youthful neck contour. These involve platysmal manipulation such as muscle advancement and / or division, and frequently sub-platysmal fat excision. Partial resection of submandibular gland tissue may be performed as well. These techniques vary in complexity and may result in significant complications, including post-operative bleeding, nerve injury, permanent visible skin deformities caused by muscle division, or over-resection of fat.[0003]Plastic and reconstructive surgeons have long sought to develop methods and devices to aid in the support of physical structures that have lost their natural tension and sup...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a braided suture that includes at least three strands. At least one of the strands is comprised of a fiberoptic material. In a preferred embodiment, more than one of the strands is comprised of a fiberoptic material.

Problems solved by technology

These techniques vary in complexity and may result in significant complications, including post-operative bleeding, nerve injury, permanent visible skin deformities caused by muscle division, or over-resection of fat.

Current devices are not always adequate in providing a natural-looking structure to prevent such loss of tension in these structures.

Loss of elasticity and fragmentation of collagen results in rhytid formation and skin redundancy.

Stretching of the fascia and musculature results in a loss of the supporting ‘sling’ of the submentum, often resulting in submandibular gland ptosis.

Further loss of tone and muscular atrophy results in banding of the medial platysmal borders, blunting of the cervicomental angle and loss of lateral mandibular definition.

However, these modifications have their limitations.

Problems with scar contractures and hypertrophic scarring have resulted in the near abandonment of midline skin excision with subsequent Z, W or T-plasty.

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