Facial tissue strengthening and tightening device and methods

Abstract

A device is described that can be used quickly and accurately by surgeons to provide uniform facial tissue planes that are tunnel-free and wall-free thus optimizing face lifting, tightening, and implant delivery. The device is comprised of a shaft with a substantially planar tip further comprised of relative protrusions and energized relative recession lysing segments. Forward motion of the device precisely divides and energizes various tissue planes causing contraction, especially via the fibrous tissues. Other forms of energy and matter can be delivered down the shaft to further enhance desirable tissue modification and contraction.

1 . An apparatus for performing a medical procedure, comprising:
 a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and   at least one recession positioned at the distal end,   wherein the at least one recession separates tissue into first and second tissue planes, and wherein the apparatus maintains the tissue planes in a configuration such that the first tissue plane is substantially parallel to the second tissue plane as the apparatus is pushed through the tissue at the distal end.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one recession comprises a means for delivering energy. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the means for delivering energy comprises at least one of laser energy, radiofrequency electrosurgical current, and electromagnetic energy. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said shaft comprises a first substantially planar surface and a second substantially planar surface, wherein the first substantially planar surface is substantially parallel to the second substantially planar surface. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of protruding members, wherein the at least one recession is positioned in between at least two protruding members. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an energy delivery area positioned on said shaft for delivering energy to a surface of tissue created by separating the tissue into the tissue planes. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the energy delivery area delivers at least one of electrical energy, thermal energy, electromagnetic energy, and chemical energy. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the energy delivery area comprises an array of individual energy delivery elements. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the array of energy delivery elements alters tissue at each of a plurality of tissue locations with less relative tissue alteration between each said tissue location.