Piezotome Rhinoplasty – Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty
Pizeotome or ultrasonic rhinoplasty is a less extensive type of nose surgery that reduces and reshapes the nose.
During traditional rhinoplasty, excess nasal bone and cartilage are manipulated using cartilage-cutting instruments. However, these instruments can result in damage to the nasal structure and surrounding tissue which increases bruising and swelling postoperatively and this can affect the final cosmetic result of a rhinoplasty.
Using piezoelectric-powered inserts that vibrate with ultrasonic waves, plastic surgeons can precisely cut into the bone and hard cartilage of the nose. Therefore, accurately resizing and reshaping the nose with no trauma to the surrounding soft tissue.
Dr Scott Turner is a specialist plastic surgeon who uses ultrasonic rhinoplasty to reshape the nose.
What is Piezotome Rhinoplasty?
Piezoelectric rhinoplasty, also known as ultrasonic rhinoplasty, is a new type of nose reshaping surgery that uses high-speed ultrasonic sound waves to precisely cut and shave bone and dense cartilage in the nose without damaging surrounding soft nose tissue.
Piezotome rhinoplasty is performed to:
- Change the contour of the nose
- Narrow the nasal bridge with precision
- Remove or reduce a dorsal hump
- Straighten the nose
- Reduce a large nose
Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty vs Traditional Rhinoplasty
During traditional hump reduction rhinoplasty, cartilage-cutting instruments are usually used to remove bone and cartilage and reshape the nose. The use of these surgical instruments can:
- Lead to the splintering of the nasal bones and causes accidental fractures in the nose bones.
- Create additional trauma to surrounding nasal tissue which can contribute to swelling, bruising, and additional scarring following rhinoplasty surgery.
In contrast, ultrasonic rhinoplasty allows Dr Turner to cut or remove nasal bones with high precision with the use of piezoelectric instruments instead of traditional cartilage-cutting instruments.
The advantages of using piezoelectric inserts (PI) during the procedure include:
- They selectively work on hard cartilage and bone inside the nose.
- They help avoid injury to the surrounding soft tissue: skin, mucosa, and fragile nose cartilage.
- They can prevent accidentally fracturing or splintering the nose bones.
Who is a Candidate for Piezoelectric Rhinoplasty?
You may consider undergoing piezoelectric rhinoplasty if you want to:
- Sculpt the nose bone
- Remove a dorsal hump
- Address bony irregularities on the nasal bridge
- Reshape the nose pyramid
In contrast, ultrasonic rhinoplasty allows Dr Turner to cut or remove nasal bones with high precision with the use of piezoelectric instruments instead of traditional cartilage-cutting instruments.
The advantages of using piezoelectric inserts (PI) during the procedure include:
- They selectively work on hard cartilage and bone inside the nose.
- They help avoid injury to the surrounding soft tissue: skin, mucosa, and fragile nose cartilage.
- They can prevent accidentally fracturing or splintering the nose bones.
Same as traditional rhinoplasty, piezoelectric nose surgery can also fix breathing problems that are usually associated with a deviated septum.
How is Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty done?
Nose surgery using piezoelectric inserts is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in a private hospital under general anaesthesia – you’ll be able to go home the same day depending on your health condition. During this procedure:
- Dr Turner will carefully make an incision within the nostrils that extends across the collumela (open rhinoplasty technique).
- Then, he will delicately lift the skin on your nose off the underlying nasal skeleton.
- Your nasal bones and structures will be clearly exposed.
- Afterward, he will strategically place the piezo inserts on different parts of your nose that need reducing or reshaping.
- Piezoelectric-powered ultrasonic waves will then be applied.
- After that, Dr Turner will be able to create precise and symmetric bone cuts to remove a nasal hump, change the nasal bridge, and polish rough surfaces on your nose.
- He might also manipulate the tip and nostrils if they need adjustment.
- Finally, Dr Turner will use sutures to close your wounds.
What are the Risks and Potential Complications of Piezoelectric Rhinoplasty?
Ultrasonic rhinoplasty also has risks and complications, such as:
- Bleeding
- Haematoma (blood collection under the skin)
- Seroma (fluid collection under the skin)
- Infection
- Nasal dryness
- Scarring
- Bones might not heal correctly
- Rarely, tissue necrosis (tissue death)
Recovery after Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty
The recovery period after a piezotome nose surgery will last for around one to two weeks, during which you can expect the following:
- Some pain or discomfort that can be managed with oral painkillers
- Some bruising and swelling will decrease after 14 days then gradually subside and almost disappear 3 months after the surgery.
- Nosebleeds
- Itching
After Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty
After nose surgery, Dr Turner will place a nasal splint to support the nose bones. The splint will be removed between 10-14 days after the procedure.
Dr Turner might recommend the following after piezoelectric rhinoplasty:
- During your initial healing period, sleep with your head elevated.
- Regularly ice the area around your nose without applying too much pressure.
- Avoid strenuous activity for 6 weeks to reduce the risk of swelling.
- Avoid blowing your nose.
- Avoid making extreme facial expressions.
- Don’t wear glasses for the first few weeks.
- Don’t expose your nose to the sun.
- Don’t take any medication containing aspirin or ibuprofen.
Should I get Piezoelectric Rhinoplasty?
With the piezoelectric inserts, Dr Turner can avoid unwanted bone fractures and contour abnormalities in the nose. During your consultation, Dr Turner will assess your suitability for ultrasonic rhinoplasty by considering your overall health and expectations.
FAQs about Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty
When can I see the final results of piezoelectric rhinoplasty?
After your splint is removed, you’ll have minimal swelling and bruising which will subside over time. You’ll start seeing results in less than 6 months following the procedure. However, your final results will become noticeable within one year when all residual swelling has subsided.
Does an ultrasonic rhinoplasty work?
An ultrasonic rhinoplasty involves cutting the nose skin open, exposing the bone and cartilage, then reshaping them using ultrasonic waves. This contours your nasal bones and reshapes your entire nose. Dr Turner will assess your suitability for the procedure.
Is piezo rhinoplasty more expensive than regular rhinoplasty?
The cost of any nose surgery will vary depending on how much work your nose needs, the instruments used, and the facility where the nose surgery is performed. Your surgeon will be able to give you an estimate of how much the procedure will cost you after your consultation.
Can ultrasonic rhinoplasty fix a deviated septum?
The piezoelectric inserts can cut and shave nasal bones and cartilage in response to ultrasonic waves. Similar to a regular rhinoplasty, an ultrasonic nose job can fix nose asymmetry, reduce the size of the nose, and correct a deviated septum.
Next Steps
Always Do Your Research
- Enquire to find out more about your surgery.
- Please read our website to learn more about your intended procedure.
Do you need a Medical Referral to see Dr Turner?
- A GP Referral is required to Consult with Dr Turner (under new AHPRA Regulations).
- Please obtain a referral from your GP or Specialist if you want a consultation for an MBS item number surgery.
- Please note that your Medicare Rebates will NOT be claimable without a valid recent Medical Referral.
Making the Most of Your Consultation
- Please arrive early for your in-person consultation.
- You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to help consider the information and discuss your options.
- Ensure you also take a lot of notes during the consultation and thoroughly examine all the documents provided.
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
- Find out more about pricing and payment plans
- Request more information about the procedure – call or contact us
How to Book Your Consultation
- You can book your initial consultation by paying the $350 cosmetic consultation fee in advance – when you make your appointment.
Book a Phone Call For More Info
- To find out more information about surgery you can book a FREE 15-minute phone conversation with our Friendly Patient Care team via Calendly – Book Consultant 1 or Book Consultant 2.
Contact us or call on 1300 437 758 to arrange your surgeon consultation in Sydney.
Email us for more information: enquiries@drturner.com.au
