Plastic surgery is constantly evolving. Now, modern, precise techniques minimize bruising and lead to faster recovery times so you can get back to living life as quickly as possible. Traditional processes that once required you to hibernate for weeks at a time now require a few days of downtime. One particular face-changing, pun intended, plastic surgery procedure is rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job.
Nasal bone and cartilage augmentation has never been more popular — the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports a 6 percent increase in rhinoplasty procedures in 2023. One rhinoplasty technique in particular is growing in popularity – Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty. Below, learn more about this innovative technique that reduces recovery time and leaves patients with precisely sculpted noses.
Experts featured in this article
Sam RizkMD, FACS, a dual board certified facial plastic surgeon in New York City specializing in piezo.
What is Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty?
Before we delve into the nuances of Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty, or “baby rhinoplasty” as some call it, it is important to understand the intent of rhinoplasty. Regardless of the technique, its purpose is to reshape cartilage and bone to make the nose smaller and/or more symmetrical with facial features Traditionally, rhinoplasty uses surgical chisels, rasps, and hammers to reshape the nasal bones, which causes significant trauma to the nose and then the face — which is why you tend to you see a significant amount of bruising in the surrounding area The Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty technique approaches rhinoplasty in a much more precise and less traumatic way.
It was introduced in 2004 by Massimo Robiony, who is a maxillofacial surgeonthe technique uses a device called a piezo. “While traditional rhinoplasty relies on hand tools such as rasps and knives, piezotechnics uses ultrasonic vibrations controlled by the surgeon via a touch screen and foot pedal for smoother and more controlled bone remodeling.” Sam RizkMD, FACS, a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York who specializes in piezo technology, tells PS. It is particularly beneficial when the patient requires remodeling of “hard structures like bone, rather than dealing with soft tissue change,” he adds.
The tool itself, called a piezotome, uses high-speed sound waves to reshape the nose. “It works by delivering ultrasound energy to the nasal bones through tiny cutting and shaving inserts that precisely shave, smooth and reduce the bones,” says Dr. Rizk. The ultrasonic vibrations emitted by the device are so gentle, compared to the tools used in traditional rhinoplasty, that “trauma is minimal, the risk of bone damage and resorption is almost nonexistent, and the recovery time is unparalleled,” he says. .
Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty vs. Traditional Rhinoplasty
Although we have already touched on the differences between the Piezo Ultrasonic Nose Job and traditional rhinoplasty – the biggest difference being the instruments used – they generally fall into two different types: open and closed rhinoplasty. Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty can only be used during open rhinoplasty and traditional rhinoplasty can be either open or closed.
Closed rhinoplasty, says Dr. Rizk, involves incisions inside the nostrils, with no external incisions or visible scars. “It provides direct access to the nasal framework while minimizing scarring and maintaining the natural shape of the nose, but offers limited visibility and control during the procedure.” In other words, closed rhinoplasty is used for a minimal or less complex change in the structure of the nose.
“Open rhinoplasty involves a small incision between the nostrils, called the columella, and additional incisions inside the nose. The skin on the nose is folded back to allow the surgeon to see the nasal structures directly and reshape the inside of the nose. This approach is often used for extensive reshaping or revision rhinoplasty,” says Dr. Rizk. Because the nasal structures must be visible to reshape the nose, the piezo technique can only be used during an open rhinoplasty duration of Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty is not long enough to be used while closed because “direct visualization of bone is required for piezo bone sculpting.” Despite the fact that we end up with a small scar that is virtually undetectable, the advantages of piezo technique compensate the presence of a scar.
Who is a good candidate for the Piezo Ultrasonic None Job?
Dr. Rizk says a good candidate for Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty is someone who requires reduction or adjustment of the nasal bones, “including bone reduction, adjustment of bony deviations or bony abnormalities, and narrowing of the bony medial dome.” Patients seeking nasal tip or cartilage adjustments will not benefit from piezo, where suture and grafting techniques are used.
How much does Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty cost?
The cost of Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty depends on the geographical location, the complexity of the rhinoplasty and the level of experience of the plastic surgeon. Although the cost can range from $5,000 to $15,000, for Dr. Rizk with the technique, expect to pay between $40,000 and $50,000.
Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty After Care
After surgery, patients can expect to see closed incisions and wear a splint for a week after surgery to support the nose. Patients will also likely experience some swelling, bruising and mild discomfort, which Dr. Rizk says usually subsides within a week. “[I]It’s important for patients to remember that it can take about a year to see the final result,” says Dr. Rizk.
Ultimately, making an informed decision about whether an ultrasound nose job is for you should be done with the help of a trained physician. “Patients should be careful to choose a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is proficient in piezo and fully understands not only its benefits but also its limitations,” says Dr. Rizk.
Taryn Brooke is a New York born and bred beauty writer and editor who has been involved in digital media for over 10 years. She is a beauty writer for PS, Allure, Byrdie and Well+Good.
