Self-anchoring Tissue Lifting Device for Facial Reconstructive Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional facial cosmetic surgery methods fail to effectively treat abnormalities in the cervical region due to the region's motility and thick, unsupported soft tissue, leading to inadequate rejuvenation and prolonged rehabilitation.
Innovation Solution
A self-anchoring tissue lifting device with a mesh implant and removable foil cover, featuring a tissue fixation tip and laser-cut 'prickles' for secure anchoring, is used to lift and reposition facial tissues minimally invasively, avoiding scar formation and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional facial cosmetic surgery methods are used, then excess skin can be addressed, but the cervical region cannot be effectively treated due to tissue motility and lack of bony support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different anchoring mechanisms to different regions: the distal end uses a fleece material for anchoring in the submental area, while the proximal end uses laser-cut prickles for anchoring in the mastoid region. This localized differentiation allows the device to adapt to the specific anatomical challenges of the cervical region while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device is divided into distinct functional segments: a distal end with fleece anchoring material for submental fixation, a midsection with laser-cut prickles for tissue engagement, and a proximal end for mastoid anchoring. This segmentation enables region-specific anchoring strategies that overcome the limitations of conventional unified approaches.
2Loss of time
If minimally invasive procedures are used, then recovery time is reduced, but anchoring reliability in mobile tissue is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the anchoring interface by using laser-cut prickles that create mechanical interlocking with tissue, and a fleece material at the distal end that provides friction-based anchoring. These parameter changes enable reliable fixation without requiring extensive incisions or dissection, thus maintaining minimal invasiveness while improving anchoring stability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a mesh implant is used for tissue lifting, then durable support is provided, but scar plate formation and device visibility may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous mesh implant material that allows tissue ingrowth through its interconnected pores. This porous structure provides durable mechanical support for tissue lifting while simultaneously preventing scar plate formation by enabling tissue integration and eliminating the dense, non-integrated interface that causes scarring and visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-anchoring tissue lifting device for use with facial cosmetic reconstructive surgery includes an implant and a removable foil cover disposed on the implant. The implant includes an elongated mesh strip having a distal end on which is situated a tissue anchoring fleece material. Opposite lateral edges of the mesh material are preferably laser cut during the manufacturing process of the implant to provide a plurality of tissue engaging prickles along the longitudinal length of the implant. For treating the mid face and jowl, a stab incision is made within the hairline of the temple region of the patient and the device is applied from the temporal area to the peak of the ipsilateral cheek to capture the malar fat pad to correct midface abnormalities or the ptotic tissue causing the jowl.