Rhinoplasty, a surgical procedure designed to alter the aesthetic appearance of the nose, is currently one of the most popular procedures in the field of otolaryngology.
In addition to assessing the aesthetics of the nose, the surgeon also evaluates and addresses functional changes in the nose, which means addressing nasal breathing problems with procedures such as septoplasty (correction of the nasal septum), turbinate surgery (correction of the nasal septum), etc. during the same surgical procedure. turbinate) or even endoscopic sinus surgery (to correct chronic sinusitis).
The main nasal defects that lead patients to undergo rhinoplasty surgery are a droopy or bulbous nose tip, a high nasal dorsum (hump), and a crooked nose.
An important component of cosmetic nasal surgery is the removal and reshaping of the nasal bones. In traditional techniques, rasps, hammers and chisels are used for this purpose. This allows the bone structure to be altered to achieve the desired result. However, this technique is associated with increased postoperative swelling, hematoma, pain, and intraoperative control.
In order to seek improvements in these aspects, ultrasonic rhinoplasty was developed.
Ultrasonic rhinoplasty (piezoelectric) involves the use of sophisticated electronic devices based on the generation of ultrasound waves, which allow precise cutting and shaping of dense structures such as bone. The technology enables millimeter-scale cutting and shaping of nasal bones while reducing overheating and damage to adjacent structures.
As a result, effective and predictable surgical results can be achieved, with improved healing and reduced swelling, hematoma, pain, and postoperative complications. Notably, this technique provides a virtually painless recovery period.
However, a common residual complaint is some nasal obstruction in patients requiring septal surgery, since in this case a silicone plate is placed intranasally to keep the septum aligned. Of note, no nasal prongs were used.
In terms of medical treatment, the patient will receive a seven-day cycle of oral antibiotics and, if applicable, a therapeutic ointment may be prescribed in the area of the nasal incision.
In the early postoperative period, only minimal care is required: avoid physical exertion and sleeping with the headrest elevated during the first week, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun for the first three months (in general, the use factor is equal to or recommended during rhinoplasty greater than 50 within the first year).
At the end of the first week, schedule a postoperative consultation, during which the molded splint placed on the nasal dorsum is removed, any sutures (if any) are removed, and the nasal silicone plate is removed (for patients who underwent septum surgery).
After this week, patients can resume normal activities.
Currently, all of our rhinoplasty surgeries are performed using ultrasound technology. We believe that piezoelectric technology is not only the future of rhinoplasty, but also the present, as it has become an integral part of our daily practice with dozens of cases using this technology.
During the preoperative consultation, various cases of patients who have undergone this technique are presented and, through computer simulations, the desired final result can be discussed and decided upon.
Dr. Luis Almeida Dores
Dr. Luis Dores is Otolaryngologist Specially done in hospital Algarve, Alvor