An electrosurgical dissection instrument having a telescoping electrode and a telescoping aspiration tube is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrosurgical dissection instrument includes a housing, a vacuum cannula extending distally from the housing, and an electrode extending distally from the housing through the vacuum cannula. The vacuum cannula and electrode are configured for independent, selective positioning along a longitudinal axis of the housing. An aspiration tube may be coupled to the vacuum cannula. The vacuum cannula and/or aspiration tube many include one or more pre-aspiration ports and/or an elastomeric or rigid aspiration tip at a distal end thereof. A second independently-positionable vacuum cannula and/or aspiration tube may be disposed within the first vacuum cannula and/or aspiration tube. Once positioned, the vacuum cannula and electrode may be fixed in position to prevent undesired movement during use.
