Nose jobs—more formally called rhinoplasty surgery—is a cosmetic and reconstructive surgery that can aesthetically and functionally improve the nose. The traditional surgical technique to perform an osteotomy—a controlled break of the nose to reshape and reposition the bone—involved the hammer and chisel method. While effective, it damaged surrounding soft tissues and came with the risk of splintering or unintentionally breaking bone. The piezo rhinoplasty is a more precise way to perform osteotomies and reshape the bone and cartilage of the nose. Seattle Plastic Surgery performs the best piezo rhinoplasty in Seattle and Tacoma.
What Is A Piezo Rhinoplasty?
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.
Benefits & Risks
A piezo nose job in Seattle comes with several possible benefits:
- Straighter nose bridge
- Correction of a deviated septum
- Increased preservation of nasal anatomy
- Improved nose aesthetics
- More proportionate nose size
- Address a crooked nose
- Enhanced facial profile
- Improved nose and face symmetry
- Less scarring
- Reduced risk of bone splintering or inadvertent bone breaking
- Minimized swelling, bleeding, and bruising
- Less trauma
- Reduced recovery time
- Results become visible quicker
- More natural looking results
A piezo rhinoplasty is a gentler surgical technique than traditional nose reshaping methods. As a surgical procedure, however, it does come with some inherent risks. Major risks or complications from a piezo rhinoplasty are rare. Possible risks include:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Asymmetry
- Poor healing
- Need for revisional surgery
The Ultrasonic Nose Job From Start To Finish
Consultation
At a consultation at Seattle Plastic Surgery, you will meet with Dr. Jonov where he will ask about your goals for surgery, medical history, lifestyle, and expectations. Dr. Jonov will perform a brief examination of your nose. After evaluating these factors, Dr. Jonov can make a determination on your candidacy. If you are a good candidate, Dr. Jonov will go on to describe the results you can expect.
Patients receive their customized price quote and financing information at their consultation appointment. In some cases, Dr. Jonov may request imaging of the nose which can be facilitated at one of our locations, if necessary.
Piezo Rhinoplasty Surgery
An ultrasonic rhinoplasty can look different based on the patient’s anatomy and needs. In most cases, a small external incisions is made along the columnella. Dr. Jonov will then use the piezotome to shave and reshape the bone. He may perform other surgical techniques with or without the piezotome such as a septoplasty to correct a deviated septum.
A piezo nose job in Seattle is frequently combined with other facial surgeries. Facial feminization may use a piezo rhinoplasty to feminize the nose along with several other surgeries performed during the same session. If performed singularly, an ultrasonic nose job takes around two to three hours, often less time than traditional techniques.
Recovery
In general, a piezo rhinoplasty recovery tends to be shorter and less painful than a regular rhinoplasty. But, many of the directions and protocols remain the same. Post-operative instructions may include:
- Wear a splint to stabilize the nose (and not removing them until Dr. Jonov does at a post-op appointment)
- Sleep and rest with the head propped up at approximately 45 degrees
- Take around one to two weeks off work
- Refrain from strenuous activity
- Avoid bending over
- Take prescribed medications
- Attend all post-operative appointments
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can A Piezo Nose Job Fix?
An ultrasonic rhinoplasty can address many of the same concerns a traditional rhinoplasty can:
- Crooked nose
- Deviated septum
- Unwanted hump or bump on the bridge of the nose
- Overly large nose
A piezo rhinoplasty may not be able to correct concerns with soft tissue; however, it may be used with some traditional techniques to still limit unnecessary trauma.
Can Men Get A Piezo Rhinoplasty?
Yes, men can and do get piezo rhinoplasty surgery.
When Is An Ultrasonic Nose Job Not Recommended?
A piezo nose job may not be recommended when only enhancing the soft tissues of the nose. It may also not be necessary during a closed rhinoplasty procedure. A piezotome cannot make changes to soft cartilage or the skin which means it cannot address concerns such as nose wrinkles or a bulbous tip. But, it may reduce the overall invasiveness of the procedure by eliminating the need for the hammer and chisel technique.
How Much Is An Ultrasonic Piezo Rhinoplasty?
The exact cost of a piezo rhinoplasty in Seattle varies based on a patient’s need, anatomy, and other factors. An accurate estimate is best given during a consultation appointment. You can view our base pricing on our price list or through Price Simulator.
Seattle Plastic Surgery does accept outside financing from Care Credit, Alphaeon, and United Medical Credit. You can find links to apply and more information on our financing page.
The Best Piezo Rhinoplasty In Seattle
Seattle Plastic Surgery is the leading destination for cosmetic surgery and aesthetics in Seattle. Dr. Craig Jonov has decades of experience and has worked with patients from all around the world. Seattle Plastic Surgery offers the best piezo rhinoplasty in Seattle and Tacoma.
To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-324-1120. Patients can also reach out online via chat, contact form, and Price Simulator.
Still Have Questions?
Give us a call at 206-324-1120. Chat by clicking the icon in the lower left hand corner of your screen. Or, Contact Us by filling out the form below.
