LOS ANGELES, CA, September 15, 2005 – A preliminary report conducted by Dr. Grant Stevens studied the Endotine, a biodegradeable fixation device for endoscopic forehead lifts. Previously, cosmetic surgeons could not agree on best practices with regards to existing fixation devices and techniques. This study focused on the Endotine’s ease of use during surgery as well as the patient’s healing experience, elevation and palpability outcomes.

Technological advancements in cosmetic surgery techniques and methods continue to make elective surgery less traumatic, shorter healing periods and provide improved results. Instead of focusing on individual features, more surgeons examine how features work together to create a younger appearance. Whereas face lifts were traditionally seen as the primary way to rejuvenate the face, forehead lifts are becoming increasingly more popular.

Yet, as forehead lifts increased in popularity, the cosmetic surgery community still debated on best practices for this procedure. The study conducted by USC associate clinical professor Dr. W. Grant Stevens, sought to provide clinical data on the Endotine, a fixation device used in forehead lifts. The device was assessed in two ways under multiple criteria. First, it was evaluated during surgery by assessing the level of difficulty or ease in device placement and behavior. Secondly, it was evaluated after surgery for device palpability, patient pain assessments and healing results.

The Endotine is a biodegradeable device that consists of a post on one side for anchoring to the skull and five tines on the other end for engaging the deep scalp tissues. Nine patients were studied for a three-month duration. Dr. Stevens conducted all surgeries and device surgical assessments.

Two common complications from forehead lifts are hair loss and regression of elevation. Unlike many other fixation devices, no significant occurrence of hair loss was detected. The Endontine’s unique post-and-tines combination prevents a loosening and release of the scalp that is seen with single-suture devices.

“The Endotine proved to be easy to use with excellent healing properties.” While the device is biodegradeable, the studied version was still palpable to patients at 24 weeks after surgery. A new-generation device that biodegrades more quickly and uses the same post-and-tine feature has been developed.

Dr. Grant Stevens is a California board-certified plastic surgeon and the Medical Director of Plastic Surgery Associates in Marina del Rey and Palos Verdes. He specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery and has been named one of America's Best Physicians in The Guide to Top Doctors.

The report titled “The Endotine: A New Biodegradable Fixation Device for Endoscopic Forehead Lifts” was published in the March / April 2003 issue of Aesthetic Surgery Journal. It was written by W. Grant Stevens. For more information, go to http://www.marinaplasticsurgery.com.


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