Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided, principally for use with endoscopic plastic surgery, and adapted for insertion into an incision for engaging subcutaneous tissue, fat, fascia or muscle (STFFM) through a remote access incision, grasping the STFFM, and enabling it to be moved to another location. The STFFM is grasped preferably by engaging it with a needle and passing a suture through it, with the suture being locked by engagement via a hook, all at a location inside the skin that is remote from the opening. This enables the sutured STFFM to be moved, in any direction, but most often toward the incision as the inserted portion of the instrument is removed. A vacuum and an external clamp are provided, for facilitating engagement of the portion of the STFFM that is to be sutured.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided, principally for use with endoscopic plastic surgery, and adapted for insertion into an incision for engaging subcutaneous tissue, fat, fascia or muscle (STFFM) through a remote access incision, grasping the STFFM, and enabling it to be moved to another location. The STFFM is grasped preferably by engaging it with a needle and passing a suture through it, with the suture being locked by engagement via a hook, all at a location inside the skin that is remote from the opening. This enables the sutured STFFM to be moved, in any direction, but most often toward the incision as the inserted portion of the instrument is removed. A vacuum and an external clamp are provided, for facilitating engagement of the portion of the STFFM that is to be sutured.

Abstract: A surgical method and apparatus is provided for reducing the effects of aging skin. SSTFM under the skin is engaged through an incision by a suture needle that carries a suture. The sutured SSTFM is lifted, and sutured to a fixed facial structure such as a ligament, bone, periosteum or deep facia (hereby reattaching the tissue under the skin to the fixed facial structure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided, principally for use with endoscopic plastic surgery, and adapted for insertion into an incision for engaging subcutaneous tissue, fat, fascia or muscle (STFFM) through a remote access incision, grasping the STFFM, and enabling it to be moved to another location. The STFFM is grasped preferably by engaging it with a needle and passing a suture through it, with the suture being locked by engagement via a hook, all at a location inside the skin that is remote from the opening. This enables the sutured STFFM to be moved, in any direction, but most often toward the incision as the inserted portion of the instrument is removed. A vacuum and an external clamp are provided, for facilitating engagement of the portion of the STFFM that is to be sutured.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided, principally for use with endoscopic plastic surgery, and adapted for insertion into an incision for engaging subcutaneous tissue, fat, fascia or muscle (STFFM) through a remote access incision, grasping the STFFM, and enabling it to be moved to another location. The STFFM is grasped preferably by engaging it with a needle and passing a suture through it, with the suture being locked by engagement via a hook, all at a location inside the skin that is remote from the opening. This enables the sutured STFFM to be moved, in any direction, but most often toward the incision as the inserted portion of the instrument is removed. A vacuum and an external clamp are provided, for facilitating engagement of the portion of the STFFM that is to be sutured.

Abstract: A surgical clip for maintaining tension on a suture of a patient which comprises a spring member, a pair of opposing holding means at each end of the spring means for holding tied ends of the suture whereby the suture is continuously maintained under tension.