ENDOSCOPIC-ASSISTED RECONTOURING OF THE FACIAL SKELETON - THE FOREHEAD

Endoscopic techniques have revolutionized current surgical techniques and have now been introduced to plastic surgery. Advantages of endosco pic assistance include direct visualization, hidden scars, and decreas ed morbidity. We sought to implement endoscopic techniques to recontou r the facial skeleton and avoid the disadvantages of open procedures. A standard video system and endoscopic instrumentation including a 4-m m 30-degree endoscope and a power bur were used. Cadaveric dissections were performed before clinical use. Using endoscopic assistance, the frontal bone of a 42-year-old Korean woman with bony deformities was v isualized and sculpted using a power bur. An uneventful postoperative course ensued. This case illustrates the feasibility of using endoscop ic techniques in forehead recontouring and sets the stage for further work in malar and mandible recontouring.