When is endoscopic scarless Tracheal shave recommended?
If you have a history of keloids or hypertrophic scarring, this guarantees that you will not have a visible scar from a Tracheal shave. African Americans, Asians, and Middle Eastern patients have the highest incidence of keloids. This is also indicated for any patient who is concerned about having a visible incision or scar after surgery. We can also perform platysmal corset sutures to tighten the neck line during the procedure and perform submental lipectomy to remove stubborn neck fat. Incisions are hidden inside the mouth.
Our practice has been performing scarless Tracheal Shave since 2018 and one of the first to describe our scarless endoscopic technique.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this technique?
Advantages include
1. No visible incision and no possibility of a visible scar. Procedure is performed inside the lower lip using the same initial approach as chin or jaw reduction.
2. Midline necklift and platysmal corset sutures can be performed along with direct submental fat removal at the same time. This will improve the cervical mental angle to create a more youthful neckline
Disadvantages include
1. Prolonged swelling in the chin. If performing chin or jaw reduction at the same time, swelling was going to present already. If performing scarless Tracheal shave only, swelling in the chin will be present for several months even though chin or jaw reduction were not performed.
2. Scarless Tracheal Shave is technically more difficult and requires endoscopic instruments with very few surgeons in the world with significant experience. Surgery requires more dissection and longer operative time