What is Piezotome Rhinoplasty?
Offered at our convenient location in Scottsdale, Arizona
Piezoelectric technology is the next stage in rhinoplasty. With these devices, surgeons can perform these surgeries with less damage to surrounding tissues. Piezotome rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that utilizes piezoelectric ultrasonic micro vibrations to reshape nasal bones during “nose jobs.” Rhinoplasty is a complicated procedure that usually requires painful osteotomies that can cause soft-tissue damage. The piezoelectric device allows for precise, less-invasive nasal bone reshaping, something that is usually done with other tools. (1)
Dr. Andrew Wolin is a double board-certified plastic surgeon at the Wolin Plastic Surgery Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. With extensive experience in facial plastic surgery, he is one of the very few surgeons performing this state-of-the-art procedure.
If you are interested in scheduling a personal consultation with him, please call our office directly at (480) 945-8440, or fill out this convenient contact form.
Contents
All About Piezotome Rhinoplasty
Preservation Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure in which Dr. Wolin uses state-of-the-art techniques to achieve remarkable results. Unlike traditional methods that involve manual tools, the Piezotome allows for controlled and precise bone sculpting, minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues and reducing post-operative discomfort. With preservation rhinoplasty, Dr. Wolin makes a concerted effort to achieve the results you want without losing the structural support needed within the nose for proper function and long-lasting results.
Piezotome Technology
Piezoelectric-powered instruments use ultrasonic vibration to cut bone without excessive pressure or force. These micro vibrations are created when an electric current passes through the ceramic of the instrument, creating an increase in ultrasonic frequency that is transferred to the targeted area. The device is set to a low frequency so bone and cartilage emulsify when contacted, but soft tissues like blood vessels and nerves are not affected. (2)
When performed with precision, the use of piezoelectric techniques can create smoother results without the use of traditional instruments that may cause complications or post-surgical pain for the patient. Since it is a new technique, not many surgeons are offering it. Dr. Wolin is a perfect choice if you have been thinking about undergoing rhinoplasty, but are looking for faster healing times.
Piezoelectric devices have multiple types of attachments that help sculpt the nasal cartilage and bone. Surgeons can attach saws, rasps, burrs, and scalpels to the instrument in order to take full advantage of the energy. The vibrations occur in small windows of frequency that allow Dr. Wolin absolute precision and control over exactly what is removed or affected during rhinoplasty. These instruments also allow for water irrigation and the foot pedal keeps constant control of the parameters. This is particularly useful for rhinoplasty because of the small window of view and the delicacy of the area itself. (2)
Benefits of Piezotome Rhinoplasty
Piezotome vs. Conventional Rhinoplasty
The main advantage of Piezotome rhinoplasty over traditional methods is decreased discomfort for the patient. Piezoelectric vibration allows the surgeon to perform the same quality of procedure in the same amount of time, but this advanced technique allows for precise structuring and alteration of the nose without causing the same amount of trauma to the soft tissues. (1)
Other benefits of Piezotome rhinoplasty include:
- Minimizes bleeding and swelling
- Reduces risks of fracture
- Creation of more natural-looking results
- Preservation of structural integrity
- Reduced recovery time
- Less invasive than traditional rhinoplasty
- Less chance of revision surgery
Am I the Ideal Candidate for Piezotome Rhinoplasty?
One of the most common reasons patients undergo rhinoplasty is to remove a dorsal hump. This is a collection of cartilage and bone that resides on the bridge of the nose, often causing a bump that interrupts its straight contour. If you have this, your nose may look crooked, broken, or you may find the profile of your nose unappealing or distracting. Rhinoplasty is often performed to correct this irregularity, deviated septums, and many other aesthetic features.
To undergo this procedure, you must also be in good physical health with no underlying conditions that may affect your ability to heal from surgery. It is also very important to understand the complexities of rhinoplasty and what it can achieve for patients before undergoing the procedure. If you have any questions about whether you fit the criteria, Dr. Wolin can answer them at your first consultation.
Personal Consultation
Your personal consultation with Dr. Wolin will assess your nose, what you may want to change about it, and if Piezotome rhinoplasty is the best technique to use. He will inquire about your medical history and whether or not you have undergone rhinoplasty before. This will give him a better idea of how to go about your surgery to achieve your desired results.
The private consultation is also the best time for you to ask questions about the procedure and the recovery period. Dr. Wolin will walk you through the process to make sure you are completely prepared before your surgery date.
Preparation
To assure you are ready for your Piezotome rhinoplasty, you will be given detailed instructions to follow. This will include the following requirements:
- Undergo necessary medical examinations and tests
- Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen)
- No consumption of tobacco and nicotine products
- Limit alcohol intake
- Arrange a ride home from surgery
- Take time off from work (usually 2 weeks, but varies between patients)
Piezotome Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty procedures require the use of general anesthesia, so once you are comfortable and Dr. Wolin has made his preoperative markings around your nose, the surgery begins. He administers long-lasting local anesthetic in the treatment area, then makes an incision around and inside of the nostrils. This incision pattern allows him to lift the skin enough to see the dorsum and cartilage. Having good visibility is extremely important when resecting the bridge of the nose.
Depending on your specific procedure plan, Dr. Wolin alters the bridge cartilage to achieve the optimal outline and structure of the nose with the Piezotome device. With extreme care, he slowly removes portions of bony tissue until the bridge is thinned.
The procedure could also involve altering the septum, possibly the addition of septal grafts, or certain internal sutures to help shape the tip of the nose. This is determined by Dr. Wolin during your initial consultation.
After the dorsum has been addressed, Dr. Wolin will finish up any other alterations, then carefully suture and wrap your nose in a temporary cast. Rhinoplasty surgery can take anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours to complete depending on the extent of the alterations.
Recovery & Results
The minimum downtime associated with Piezotome rhinoplasty is 10 to 14 days. During the first two weeks, you will experience swelling and bruising around your eyes. This should dissipate around the third postoperative week, but some residual swelling may be noticeable for up to 6 months after your surgery. After about a week, Dr. Wolin will remove your sutures, and casts are typically removed after ten days of recovery.
It may take up to a year or more to see the final results of your nose job, but you will be able to notice the new contour after the cast is taken off. Rhinoplasty results are considered permanent, so you will be able to enjoy your new nose for a lifetime.
Cost of Piezotome Rhinoplasty in Scottsdale, AZ
The comprehensive cost of your procedure will be influenced by the following factors:
- Operating room fees
- Required anesthesia
- Hospital fees
- Any other underlying expenses
Each individual patient requires a customized treatment plan to properly fit their potential needs. There is a variation in price for every rhinoplasty that we perform, and you will receive your cost estimate after your personal consultation with Dr. Wolin. Schedule yours today by calling our Scottsdale office at (480) 945-8440, or contact us by filling out this form.
FAQ
What is the best age to get rhinoplasty?
Most patients who receive a nose job are between the ages of 20 and 40, but there is no “perfect time” to get one.
Will I have visible scars after a Piezotome rhinoplasty?
Surgeons make very careful incisions that can be easily hidden by the shadow of the nose once you are fully healed. Since they are made under the tip of the nose, they naturally follow your nose’s contouring. To ensure proper healing of your incision, make sure not to touch the area too much while in recovery. You may also apply scar cream once the tissue is fully healed.
Can rhinoplasty improve my breathing?
When a nose job is performed for functionality and cosmetic purposes, the surgeon can reshape the nose or correct a blockage that has been interfering with your breathing. This procedure often improves a patient’s ability to breathe, especially if it involves correcting a deviated septum.
References
- Khajuria A, Krzak AM, Reddy RK, Lai K, Wignakumar T, Rohrich RJ. Piezoelectric Osteotomy versus Conventional Osteotomy in Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2022;10(11):e4673. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000004673
- Gerbault O, Daniel RK, Kosins AM. The Role of Piezoelectric Instrumentation in Rhinoplasty Surgery. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2015;36(1):21-34. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjv167