Piezo Rhinoplasty

What is Piezo Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)?

Piezo rhinoplasty is essentially the process of cutting and reshaping nasal bones with the help of a device that produces ultrasonic sound waves. This technology, which replaces tools such as hammers, chisels and rasps used in traditional rhinoplasty surgeries, is actually not new to the medical world.

Piezoelectric devices, which have been safely used for many years in areas requiring precision such as dental surgery and brain surgery, have created a revolution when adapted to rhinoplasty. The basic principle of this method is that the high-frequency sound waves produced by the device only affect bone, which is hard tissue. When the tip of the device touches the bone, it makes millimetric cuts, while it stops working when it comes to soft tissues such as capillaries, nerves or cartilage right next to it.

This selective effect minimizes bleeding during the operation and largely prevents unwanted conditions such as bruising and swelling seen after surgery. For this reason, the Piezo technique is accepted as a modern surgical approach that not only provides an aesthetic result, but also maximizes patient comfort. For the surgeon, this technology provides complete control over the bone, preventing the formation of unwanted fracture lines and allowing much smoother, predictable results to be achieved.

Piezo vs Traditional Rhinoplasty: What Are The Differences?

To fully understand the innovations brought by the Piezo technique, it is necessary to know the basic differences between it and traditional methods. In traditional rhinoplasty, surgical chisels and hammers called osteotomes are used to reshape the nasal bones. In this method, a controlled “breaking” process is applied to the bone.

However, no matter how controlled this process is performed, it is inevitable that the energy spreads beyond the bone and creates shock and damage to the surrounding tissues. This situation causes damage to capillaries, intense bleeding and consequently bruising and swelling that characterizes the post-operative period.

In the Piezo method, the situation is completely different. Here there is no “breaking” action; instead there is “cutting” and “shaping” with ultrasonic vibrations. The Piezo device cuts the bone as if drawing with a pencil and is extremely gentle to surrounding tissues while doing this. This precision creates the most fundamental and revolutionary difference between the two methods. As a result, it eliminates the trauma created by the traditional method and completely changes the nature of the healing process.

• Tissue Damage and Bleeding: While tissue damage and bleeding are more in the traditional method, these conditions are at minimum level in the Piezo method.
• Healing Process: Since bruising, swelling and pain are much less after Piezo, the healing process is significantly faster and more comfortable.
• Surgical Control: Piezo provides the surgeon with millimetric control over the bone, providing smoother and more predictable aesthetic results. In the traditional method, the risk of unwanted fracture lines is higher.
• Patient Comfort: Having a more comfortable post-operative period is one of the most important factors in patients’ preference for the Piezo method.

In Which Cases Is Piezo Rhinoplasty Applied?

Piezo rhinoplasty is a method that can be safely applied in a very wide range of indications. It provides effective results in solving both aesthetic and functional problems. This technology provides the best results especially in cases requiring intervention on the nasal bone.

Aesthetic applications include hump nose correction, wide nose narrowing, crooked nose correction and nose tip shaping. It is also preferred in cases of genetically defective nose structures, deformities resulting from trauma and revision of previous unsuccessful operations. It is an ideal alternative especially for patients who are afraid of breaking the nasal bone.

From a functional perspective, it is also used in the treatment of problems such as septum deviation and turbinate hypertrophy that cause difficulty in breathing. Anatomical disorders that cause snoring and nasal congestion can be corrected with this method. Conditions such as wide or narrow nostrils and congenital nasal curvature are also successfully treated with piezo technique.

Piezo Rhinoplasty Operation Process

Piezo rhinoplasty operation is a process that requires detailed planning and precise application. Comprehensive interviews are conducted with the patient in the pre-operative period and expectations are evaluated. The surgeon analyzes the patient’s nasal structure, determines the most appropriate approach and makes the necessary drawings.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia and takes an average of 2-3 hours. The surgery can be performed with open or closed technique, but open technique is usually preferred for effective use of the piezo device. During the surgery, the nasal bone is shaped with millimetric precision using special tips of the piezo device.

While the energy unit of the device is outside, the surgeon works with a pen-like apparatus held in hand. This apparatus works like an intelligent system that only affects bone tissue. The low amount of bleeding during surgery clarifies the surgeon’s field of vision and allows for more precise intervention. At the end of the procedure, a tampon is placed inside the nose and a protective cast is applied.

Piezo Rhinoplasty Pre-Operative Preparation Process

A successful Piezo rhinoplasty operation begins not only in the operating room, but with the right steps taken in the preparation process beforehand. This process is based on transparent communication and common understanding between the patient and the surgeon. The first step is a detailed examination and consultation. At this stage, the surgeon examines the patient’s nasal structure from both aesthetic and functional (such as breathing) aspects.

He carefully listens to the patient’s expectations, wishes and aesthetic goals. At this point, it is extremely important for the patient to have realistic expectations. The surgeon can visually present possible surgical results suitable for the patient’s facial structure using digital simulation programs.

This both helps the patient understand what to expect and creates a common aesthetic language between the surgeon and the patient. After the surgery decision is made, some standard health screenings (blood tests, anesthesia evaluation, etc.) are performed so that the operation can be performed safely. In addition, the patient is asked to quit smoking at least 2-3 weeks before surgery, stay away from blood thinning drugs (such as aspirin) and some herbal supplements. These preparation steps ensure that the operation goes smoothly and the healing process is optimized.

Who Is Piezo Rhinoplasty Suitable For?

Piezo rhinoplasty is a suitable method for almost every patient requiring rhinoplasty. It appeals to a wide candidate profile, especially due to the advantages it offers in cases where nasal bones need to be intervened. It is an ideal solution for patients who have a humped nose structure and want this hump to be removed in a controlled manner.

Similarly, the precision provided by Piezo in operations such as correction and narrowing of wide or asymmetric nasal bones produces much more successful results aesthetically. it can also be used safely in people who have had nasal deformity due to trauma or accident. One of the most important advantages of this technique appears in revision (secondary) rhinoplasty surgeries.

In patients who have had previous surgery and need correction in bone structure, a safer and more controlled intervention can be performed thanks to the Piezo device. However, the Piezo method is tailor-made for patients who are worried about the post-operative healing process, especially those who want to return to their work and social life quickly. The fact that bruising and swelling are at a minimum level makes it easier for these patients to make the decision to have surgery.

Golden Rules to Be Observed After Piezo Rhinoplasty Operation

In order to fully benefit from the rapid healing advantage offered by the Piezo method, paying attention to the post-operative care process is of critical importance. Although the post-operative process is much more comfortable compared to traditional methods, some rules must be followed to preserve the new shape of the nose and heal it in a healthy way.

First, keeping the head elevated helps edema to be expelled faster. For this reason, it is recommended to sleep in a supine position supported by several pillows for the first few days. Performing nasal cleaning and care as recommended by your surgeon prevents the risk of infection and makes breathing easier.

For the first few weeks, blows to the nose should definitely be avoided, and the use of glasses (especially heavy frames that sit on the bone bridge) should be postponed for a while. Intense sports and activities requiring effort should be avoided for at least one month. In addition, avoiding direct sunlight exposure and using high factor sunscreen during the healing process is important to prevent staining, as it will sensitize the skin. Adhering to these simple but effective rules guarantees the permanence of the excellent result obtained after Piezo rhinoplasty.

Piezo Rhinoplasty Prices

The question “How much does piezo rhinoplasty cost?” is one of the most curious topics for patients considering this modern technique. However, it is not possible to give a clear and standard answer to this question, because pricing depends on many variable factors. Every patient and every nasal structure is different; therefore, each operation requires its own unique planning and effort. The surgeon’s experience, expertise and recognition are among the most important factors affecting prices.

The fee of a surgeon who is a pioneer in his field and known for his successful results will naturally be different. The quality, services and location of the hospital where the operation will be performed is another factor that directly affects the cost. In addition, the complexity of the procedure to be performed is also an important criterion.

The cost of just a small hump correction and a complicated revision surgery where both aesthetic and serious breathing problems are corrected will not be the same. Since the Piezo device itself requires a technology investment, this situation can be reflected in the costs. For this reason, the most accurate information can be given by the surgeon after the examination, together with the personalized operation plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Piezo Rhinoplasty

Can the Piezo method be used in every rhinoplasty surgery?

Yes, Piezo technique can be used in almost all primary and revision rhinoplasty cases that require intervention on the nasal bone (hump removal, narrowing, asymmetry correction, etc.). Your surgeon will decide which technique is most suitable for your nasal structure.

Is there pain after Piezo surgery?

Since tissue trauma is minimal in the Piezo method, post-operative pain is usually minimal or can be easily controlled with simple painkillers. This is one of the biggest advantages of the method.

When can I return to normal life after surgery?

Although recovery varies from person to person, most patients can return to their work and social life approximately 1 week later thanks to minimal bruising and swelling. This period can be even shorter for desk jobs.

Are piezo rhinoplasty prices more expensive than the traditional method?

Since the Piezo device requires advanced technology investment, operation costs may be somewhat higher compared to traditional methods. However, the net price will vary depending on the scope of the operation, the hospital and the surgeon’s experience.

Is the result obtained with Piezo technique permanent?

Yes, just like in traditional rhinoplasty, the new shape given to the bones with the Piezo method is permanent. Protecting the nose from trauma for the first year after surgery is important for the result to settle smoothly.