When an individual is planning to choose surgical instruments for a plastic surgery procedure. There are multiple factors to consider. When one goes through published medical research papers, it generally includes the freer instruments used in performing similar surgical procedures. There is a plethora of surgical instruments used for performing a plastic surgery procedure. Choosing the relevant instrument or surgical tool is essential.

The Right Surgical Tool

The use of correct surgical instruments for a specific procedure brings all the difference in the outcome. Furthermore, the size of the area to be surgically treated is also an essential factor. Finally, the frequency of instruments used also plays a vital role in the selection process. This is where the materials used in the manufacturing of surgical tools are essential.

Different Types Of Surgical Tools

The surgical instruments used in plastic surgery procedures are classified based on their functions.

•   Cutting tools include instruments like surgical blades, scalpels, scissors, knives, and so.
•   Holding or grasping instruments consists of tissue forceps and hemostatic forceps. Forceps are essential instruments for executing different plastic surgery procedures.
•   Retractors are equally crucial for plastic surgeons to hold delicate tissues and incisions open.

Apart from the essential surgical instruments, several additional supplies are required. For instance, drills, vessel clips, clamps, towel clamps, binocular loupes, biopsy punches, and so on.

Scissors

These are considered the most important cutting instrument used in surgical procedures. Tips to follow while choosing the right pair of freer scissors are mentioned below:

•   Curve-tipped scissors are excellent when the surgeon wants to avoid cutting any unlying tissue.
•   Fine-tipped scissors are considered perfect for use in limited areas. For instance, the scissors are designed to conduct opthalmological techniques that demand delicate tissue incisions. Surgeons can make precise and quick cuts with no or minimal tissue damage using sharp blades of fine-tipped scissors.
•   Heavier constructed scissors are used to cut thick tissues, muscles, and even bones, as and when required.
•   There is a special scissor that is designed with one ultra-sharp blade and another with a micro-toothed blade. Thanks to the sharp edges that provide a clean cut with minimal damage to the tissue. Additionally, the rough edge helps to hold the tissue and prevent slippage while making any incision.

Grasping Or Holding Instruments

Forceps used for the plastic surgery processes are classified into two parts:

•   Ring forceps, also referred to as locking forceps, hemostatic forceps, hemostats
•   Thumb forceps, also called pinning forceps, and tweezers.

Ring Forceps,

Also known as hemostats or locking forceps, is a surgical tool or instrument used for firm holding and exercising traction on targets for carrying out delicate and intricate surgeries. The forceps are attached and appear like a ring scissor. They also have a locking strategy known as a ratchet, primarily designed for clamping. The parts are designed in a way that the locking forceps come together. It helps to hold the tissue and execute the relevant procedure tightly.

Thumb Forceps

These are used by exerting compression between the forefinger and thumb for holding or grasping. Like ring forceps, thumb forceps don’t have any ratchet in the handle. Tissue and dressing forceps are two categories of thumb forceps used in the medical field. There is a better grip on tissues which helps to minimize any damage to tissues.

Some tips to follow while choosing the right freer forceps are as mentioned below:

•   Ceramic tipped forceps are popular among plastic surgeons as they are heat-resistant, insulated, corrosion-free, and non-porous.
•   Reverse forceps offer uniform tension necessary for carrying out delicate and intricate plastic surgery procedures involving tissues, muscles, and bones.
•   The straight-tipped forceps are usually designed slightly curved. The complete or slight curve provides more visibility and also provides precision in carrying out surgeries.
•   Tungsten carbide forceps are durable and can hold the edges longer when compared with stainless steel forceps and other instruments.
•   The right grasping or holding instrument must be chosen to conduct dissection, microsurgery, and other related application.

Retractors

These are critical plastic surgery instruments used to grasp an incision, tissue, organ, or open wound to explore underneath. An assistant or a robot is responsible for holding the retractors during a surgical procedure. Wire retractors and self-retaining retractors are two standard retractor instruments executed during plastic surgeries. The mechanical devices in the retractors enable the surgeon to perform the operation hands-free.

Conclusion