The present work presents a description of various cutting devices with an emphasis on skin surgery for the optimal choice of instruments in plastic surgery. Physical principles of work with a description of the biological role of an ultrasonic scalpel, various laser cutting devices, electrosurgical instruments, including radiofrequency electrosurgery, are described. Studies of recent years, including systematic reviews and meta-analyzes, are devoted to comparative analysis of various cutting and coagulating devices among themselves and in comparison with the mechanical metal scalpel.