9 Important Surgical Instruments Used During Plastic Surgery

According to plastic surgery statistics, more than 15 million plastic surgery treatments are performed each year in the United States, of which 13 million are minimally invasive surgeries.

These surgeries are carried out for various reasons, including improving the appearance of tissues and skin as well as reconstructing facial body tissue defects caused by disorders, injuries, or illnesses. During surgeries, plastic surgeons use a variety of surgical instruments.

Let's take a look at some of the important tools used in plastic surgery.

Important Plastic Surgical Tools

Plastic surgical procedures require specifically designed surgical tools for accurate treatments. There are various types of tools, such as surgical awls, chisels, dissectors, clamps, etc. Let’s dive deeper and see how these tools assist surgeons during plastic surgeries.

1. Surgical Awls

Awls are specially designed surgical tools for suturing wires during various plastic surgical procedures, such as maxillofacial and mandibular surgeries. These tools consist of a thin metal shaft attached to a thick handle that surgeons can hold comfortably during surgical procedures.

The shaft can be straight or slightly curved, which surgeons interchangeably use for suturing during surgical procedures. The curve pattern is usually required at the contour bone areas for accurate twisting manipulation. Another use of the tool is to enlarge holes in the bone during surgeries.

2. Plastic Surgery Chisels

Plastic surgery chisels are useful for bone cutting and reshaping during plastic surgical procedures. These are essential surgical tools and are responsible for the success of surgical procedures. In addition, the accurate cutting or reshaping of bone provides excellent post-operative results, which have high value in plastic surgeries.   

Surgeons mainly use them during nasal procedures to reduce the nasal hump. The tool consists of sharp edges with a slender handle that is perfect for contouring the bony nasal ridges. Surgeons mainly use plastic surgery chisels in rhinoplasty and reconstructive procedures.

3. Plastic Surgery Scissors

Plastic surgical scissors are essential tools for cutting the skin or deeper fascial layers. Surgeons use blunt scissors for cutting sutures and deep tissue layers. 

Facelift scissors are ideal for the rapid dissection of facial tissues during plastic surgeries. Besides, there are specially designed scissors for removing wound dressings and bandages used in plastic surgical procedures.

4. Needle holders

The main purpose of the needle holders is to hold the suturing needles during plastic surgical procedures. These tools have a ratchet system that locks the instrument in place and ensures safe operations during surgical procedures. In addition, needle holders allow surgeons to manipulate needles through various tissues during surgical procedures.

5. Surgical Curettes

Surgical curettes are ideal surgical tools for removing cutaneous lesions during surgical procedures. They consist of sharp spoon ends helpful in scrapping all the dead cells. Surgeons use it to debride the bone and remove the remaining soft tissues from the surgical site. Curettes are small handy tools similar to the stylus and have serrations on the handle for a secure hold.

6. Dissectors

Plastic surgery dissectors are useful tools for blunt dissection between tissue planes. Surgeons use them to hold and pull peritoneal tissue of organs in various surgical procedures.

They consist of knurled handles that perfectly fit in the surgeon’s hand and avoid any danger of slippage during surgical procedures. Surgeons use them to remove bone fragments or manipulate delicate tissues during various surgical procedures.

7. Plastic Surgery Gouges

Plastic surgery gouges are useful surgical tools for cutting and removing portions of bone. For example, surgeons use them in notchplasty for removing and demarcating bone fragments. The tool has a bayonet-shaped shaft and trough-like blade for easy bone cutting.

8. Mallets

Surgical mallets are useful tools for giving a controlled tap on chisels during plastic surgical procedures. These mallets feature two flat surfaces that evenly exert pressure on the instruments for fine bone cutting.

The head of the mallet has different diameter surfaces to give a precise hammering impact in various surgical procedures. Modern mallets are made of German stainless steel that has a sturdy, rustproof surface.  

9. Clamps

Surgical clamps are locking forceps useful for holding materials such as needles, tissues, and vessels during surgical procedures. These instruments have a ratchet lock system that provides hemostasis. Plastic surgeons use them to tie ligaments or to place implants.

Where To Get All Plastic Surgical Instruments?

The tools mentioned above, are important surgical tools a surgeon should have to perform plastic surgical procedures.

Check out GerMedUSA if you are looking for high-quality plastic surgical instruments. They provide a wide range of plastic surgical tools manufactured with German stainless steel. Their tools are precise and finely finished, resistant to rust. In addition, they provide multiple variations of each surgical tool so you can select the best according to your ease.

Frequently asked questions

How can German stainless steel benefit your surgical practices?

German stainless surgical tools have high tensile strength and require very low maintenance. Their surface resists the interaction of corrosive materials; that’s why they are rustproof and sterilizable. As a result, you can utilize these tools for a longer duration.

What kind of variations are available in plastic surgery tools?

Plastic surgical tools are available in straight or curved patterns with varying handle styles. Surgeons have the option to select a suitable variation from these according to their needs for the surgical procedures.

Is there any tungsten carbide insertion in plastic surgery tools?

Many plastic surgery instruments are manufactured with German stainless steel and tungsten carbide inserts, which enhance the longevity of surgical procedures and prevent them from corroding.