Facelift Retractor with Fiberoptic Light Carrier and Threaded Connector

What this facelift retractor is

This facelift retractor holds the skin and fat flap away from the deeper layers while a facelift dissection goes on underneath. The blade is smooth, so it supports the flap from below instead of gripping it, and the rounded end slides under tissue without catching the edge.

The version with fiberoptic adds a light carrier. A slim tube runs along the shaft from a threaded connector on the handle, follows the bend and stops where the blade starts. Connect a light cable and the light points down the blade into the pocket it is holding open. That is the part of a face lift retractor that usually sits in shadow, because a headlight cannot see round the flap.

Key design features

A smooth blade with a rounded end. No prongs and no teeth. The blade lifts the flap on a flat face, which spreads the pull over a wider area of tissue than a rake would.

An L shaped profile. The blade turns at a right angle from the shaft. The surgeon or assistant pulls along the shaft and the blade stays flat under the flap, with the hand well out of the line of sight.

A built in light path. A retractor with fiber optic light carrier keeps the light where the work is. On the fiberoptic version the light carrier is fixed to the instrument, not clipped on. It travels with the blade every time the retractor is moved, so there is nothing to realign.

A threaded light cable connector. The connector at the handle end is anodized blue and threaded, so the light cable screws on rather than pushing on. A hook formed at the same end gives a second grip point for a steady pull.

With fiberoptic or without fiberoptic

Both versions share the same blade and handle. The only difference is the light carrier.

Where this retractor for facelift work is used

The retractor goes wherever a flap has to be held back without piercing it.

On a deep plane facelift retractor, light at the blade matters most. The further the dissection goes, the harder it is to light the end of the pocket from outside.

Size

We have not listed blade width or total length on this page yet, because they have not been measured for the listing. If you need exact dimensions before ordering, ask and we will measure the instrument and send them.

Care and reprocessing

Rinse the instrument straight after the case, before blood and tissue dry on it. On the fiberoptic version, flush the light carrier tube and wipe the threads of the connector. Clean with an enzymatic detergent and a soft brush, rinse, dry fully and steam autoclave. Inspect the connector threads and the end of the light carrier before every case; a damaged end gives a weaker beam. Keep the light cable off the instrument during autoclaving unless the cable maker says it can go through the same cycle.

Technical specification

Made by Adas Instruments

Adas Instruments makes this facelift retractor in its own workshop, along with the rest of our facelift and neck lift instruments. Hospitals and distributors can order single pieces or tray quantities, plain or laser marked. Every instrument carries a 3 year replacement against manufacturing defects.

For more lighted instruments, see our fiberoptic instruments, and for every hand held pattern our hooks and retractors range.

Frequently asked questions

What is a facelift retractor used for?

A facelift retractor lifts and holds the skin and fat flap during facelift surgery so the surgeon can see and work on the deeper layers underneath. A smooth blade like this one supports the flap without piercing it.

What does the fiberoptic option add?

It adds a light carrier fixed along the shaft. Connect a light cable to the threaded connector on the handle and the light comes out where the blade begins, pointing into the pocket the blade is holding open.

Can I order this face lift retractor without fiberoptic?

Yes. The page offers two versions, with fiberoptic and without fiberoptic. Both have the same smooth L shaped blade and handle.

Does this facelift retractor have prongs?

No. The blade is smooth with a rounded end, so it lifts tissue on a flat face instead of holding it with points.

How do I clean the fiberoptic version?

Rinse it after the case, flush the light carrier tube, clean with an enzymatic detergent, dry it fully and steam autoclave. Check the connector threads and the end of the light carrier before each use.

Related instruments

The Ferreira face lift retractor is the narrow smooth blade pattern in the same family. The Biggs face lift retractor has a broad fenestrated blade for wide deep flaps. The Freeman flap retractor uses prongs for flaps that are about to be trimmed, and Kaye facelift scissors do the undermining that this retractor holds open.