An ultrasonic rhinoplasty uses a specialized tool called a piezotome. This surgical tool uses high speed sound energy to vibrate bone and tough cartilage enough to strategically reshape the nose and perform less traumatic osteotomies. Additionally, because the vibrations do not damage soft tissues and flexible cartilage, this reduces the overall trauma of the surgery.
Each piezo rhinoplasty may also employ more traditional surgical techniques when addressing certain concerns such as a deviated septum or a bulbous tip. Depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals, a piezotome may help shape the bone while other surgical tools may help shape the softer tissues.
Candidates
Patients who qualify for a nose job with an osteotomy will likely benefit from a piezo rhinoplasty. Even those who may not require a full osteotomy, may still enjoy the bone shaping that a piezotome can achieve when thinning the nose bridge or correcting asymmetry. Not all rhinoplasty patients will qualify for an ultrasonic nose job, your surgeon can help determine whether a piezo rhinoplasty is the ideal technique for you.
Otherwise, patients need to be in generally good health and have realistic expectations. Patients are screened at their consultation to ensure that they are low risk or that any medical contraindications are handled before surgery.