Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty is quickly becoming a popular technique for nose surgery around the world, and with good reason. First introduced in 2004, Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty is named after the tool that it utilizes – the Piezotome. In the past, rhinoplasty was typically performed using instruments such as hammers and chisels. In doing so, there was a higher chance for bruising and post-surgery complications.  Piezo’s innovative technology, however, allows for a smoother surgical process, faster recovery, and often more stable and natural-looking long-term treatment results.

How is Piezo Rhinoplasty different from traditional rhinoplasty?
Traditional rhinoplasty employs tools such as hammers and chisels. The technical term for tools that cut through bone are called osteotomes and they have been used since the early 1900s.  While new techniques for rhinoplasty have evolved, the type of osteotomes used stayed essentially unchanged. Meanwhile, the piezotome uses innovative ultrasound wave technology to cut and gently sculpt bone with much less trauma to both the bone and the surrounding tissues.  This allows for more controlled, precise, and natural results as well as a post-treatment recovery with much less of the bruising and swelling involved with traditional rhinoplasty.

What is the Procedure for Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty consists of multiple steps to ensure the optimal shape and functionality of the nose. During an open rhinoplasty, a small incision is placed at the columella – the skin that lies between the nostrils. More incisions are placed within the nose in order for the Surgeon to have visibility over the structure of your entire nose. Piezorhinoplasty comes in at the bone reshaping part of the surgery; the Piezo tool can act as a tiny saw to make precise cuts in the bone, as well as a polishing instrument to ensure smooth contours.  Electrical frequencies create vibrations that allow the Piezo tool to glide through the bone and smooth out excess bone or uneven bumps. The regular vibrations of the piezotome differs from the inconsistent movement of chisels and hammers; manually using chisels to chip away bone will understandably not be as natural looking or smooth as using a steady vibration. After the nose has been reshaped, sutures are placed to close all incisions. Recent studies indicate that Piezo Rhinoplasties have a shorter healing time than traditional methods as well as less discomfort from swelling and bruising–all the more reason to opt for Piezo nose surgery!

Where Can I Get This Procedure?
Our facial plastic surgeon at Aviva Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, Dr. Inessa Fishman, is one of the very few doctors who performs the piezo rhinoplasty procedure in Atlanta.  Dr. Fishman is a top facial plastic surgeon who specializes in facial plastic aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, including rhinoplasty. Well-versed in traditional rhinoplasty and preservation rhinoplasty techniques, Dr. Fishman enjoys treating her patients with both time-tested techniques as well as cutting-edge technology for the most natural and beautiful results.

Want to learn more about piezo rhinoplasty?  Contact our practice today to book your consultation.