Rhytidectomy Scissors Set of 3, Freeman Gorney, Black Titanium

What are rhytidectomy scissors?

Rhytidectomy scissors are long bladed dissecting scissors, 18 cm to 23 cm, used to separate a facial skin flap from the tissue beneath it during a facelift. This set is three Freeman Gorney rhytidectomy scissors in 18 cm, 20 cm and 23 cm with a black titanium coating, which is matt and does not throw headlight glare back at the surgeon working inside a narrow tunnel. Adas Instruments manufactures the set in Sialkot from German surgical stainless steel.

Why the black coating on rhytidectomy scissors

• No glare in the tunnel. Facelift dissection happens under a headlight in a space you cannot fully see into. A polished blade reflects the light straight back. A black titanium blade does not, so the tip stays visible.
• Harder than the steel underneath. The coating extends edge life on a pattern used for one long continuous cut rather than short snips.
• Instantly identifiable on the tray. The black set cannot be confused with the uncoated instruments beside it.
• Three lengths, one specification. Ground and finished together, so the feel does not change when you swap lengths mid case.
• Cheaper than three singles. The set price is below the sum of the individual instruments.

Clinical applications

Every pair in this rhytidectomy scissors set is curved. Curved rhytidectomy scissors follow the contour of the face and keep the tip travelling in the plane rather than turning up into the dermis, which is why black titanium rhytidectomy scissors are ordered curved far more often than straight.

Set contents and sizes

Technical specifications

Care and sterilisation

• Rinse in cool water immediately. Blood dried in the box joint stiffens the action.
• Clean ultrasonically with a neutral pH detergent, joints fully open.
• Do not use abrasive pads or acidic detergent on the coating. It is hard but thin, and once scratched through, the steel underneath corrodes at that point.
• Lubricate the joint with instrument milk before each autoclave cycle.
• Autoclave at 134 C for 3 minutes and dry fully before storage.
• Store the three flat in a tray. A 23 cm blade bends under a heavier instrument.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between rhytidectomy scissors and ordinary dissecting scissors?

Blade length and tip. Rhytidectomy scissors have long slim blades so a facial flap can be raised in one continuous plane, and a fine blunt tip that finds the plane without going through the dermis. General dissecting scissors are shorter and heavier.

Why three lengths?

The plane changes depth as it travels from the cheek into the neck. Using an 18 cm pair for neck work means restarting the cut repeatedly, and every restart is a chance to change level and tear the flap.

Does the black coating wear off?

Not in normal use. It wears at the cutting edge over years, which is expected, and it fails early only if it is cleaned with abrasives or acidic detergent.

How do these differ from the tungsten carbide set?

The tungsten carbide set is uncoated with serrated blades, chosen for edge life and grip. This set is coated for visibility under a headlight. Surgeons who work with a strong light usually prefer the black.

Can I order a different combination of lengths?

Yes. Tell us the three lengths and we will quote the set. We manufacture all five sizes from 14.5 cm to 23 cm.

Related instruments

Browse the full plastic surgery scissors range, or the wider plastic surgery instruments catalogue.

• Gorney Scissors, Titanium Coated, the single instrument in five lengths.
• Facelift Dissecting Scissors, the uncoated single instrument.
• Face Lift Scissors Set of 3, the tungsten carbide alternative to this set.