A suture insertion device is provided for positioning a suture inside a layer of subcutaneous tissue from a remote access point. A tether insertion device is provided for positioning a tether within subcutaneous tissue for operating on the suture from a remote access point. The suture insertion device and the tether insertion device cooperate to form the suture into a tissue-supporting sling useful for performing various surgical procedures, including but not limited to plastic surgery such as mid face lifts, neck lifts, brow lifts, under eye lifts, breast lifts, and organ repositioning.