What is Piezo Rhinoplasty?
Piezo rhinoplasty or ultrasonic rhinoplasty is the surgery of reshaping the nose in a holistic sense and regulating its physiology. In fact, Piezo is the name of an instrument we use in rhinoplasty. The piezo device enables incision in hard tissues such as bone by vibrating ultrasonically with computer-aided sound waves. This pen-shaped device, which was previously used in dentistry to clean dental calculus, was developed for use in nasal surgeries over time.
After planning the nose surgery use the piezo only to shape the bones. The most important feature is that it only cuts the bones and never damages the soft tissue. The device tip has a very thin thickness of 0.5 millimetres, so Dr.Ümit Küçüktepe make regular incisions with millimetric calculations. It marks the part we need to cut and slowly cuts the bone with ultrasonic micro vibrations.
Piezo rhinoplasty vs rhinoplasty
In traditional rhinoplasty, the bone was broken with a surgical hammer and chisel. Therefore, the bone could crack, splinter or have sharp edges. Unlike ordinary osteotomes, the piezo device emits ultrasonic micro vibrations to help mould the nose, giving the surgeon excellent control. In addition, since there is less soft tissue trauma in piezo rhinoplasty and no force is applied during the procedure, bruising and swelling are minimal and a more comfortable healing process is experienced.
Piezo rhinoplasty before and after
Piezo rhinoplasty pros and cons in Antalya, Turkey
9 pros of piezo rhinoplasty
Piezo rhinoplasty is a technique for cutting bone and cartilage tissues using high frequency ultrasonic vibrations. This method offers a number of advantages compared to surgical procedures using traditional surgical instruments:
- In recent years, the use of piezo technology has made it possible to perform interventions on the nasal bone in a more precise, less invasive and more controlled manner.
- The operation time and healing process is shorter.
- Since it does not damage the soft tissue, less swelling and less bruising occurs.
- It is less painful.
- It provides a more comfortable healing process.
- It is more effective to achieve the desired shape thanks to regular and precise bone incisions.
- In piezo technique, re-incision is possible when minor incision errors are made.
- Smooth and millimetric incisions can be made.
- It is difficult and risky to use the osteotome when working in areas close to the eye. However, piezo can easily be used in these areas.
Piezo rhinoplasty cons
The disadvantages of piezo rhinoplasty are limited and rarely seen. These may include the cost of surgery as well as the potential risks that apply to any surgery.
Suitable candidates for piezo rhinoplasty
Piezo rhinoplasty Turkeyis an excellent option for patients with cosmetic or functional irregularities. It is suitable for all candidates who are suitable for traditional rhinoplasty. In piezo rhinoplasty, instead of using a surgical hammer and osteotome to cut and shape the bone, a piezo device is used. Therefore, even patients who cannot use osteotome are suitable for this technique. In addition, piezo method can also be used in revision rhinoplasty.
Unsuitable patients for piezo rhinoplasty
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes and chronic conditions and similar conditions are contraindications for surgery. It is not suitable for nasal tip and cartilage corrections, which are usually performed using suture and graft techniques.
Piezo rhinoplasty procedures
Firstly, some tests and examinations are performed. If the patient is suitable for the operation, the patient is taken into surgery on the day of hospitalisation. General anaesthesia is applied. After an average 3-hour operation, the patient is kept under observation for 1 night. Swelling and bruising increase in the first 3 days.
In the following period, it starts to decrease with an increasing acceleration. Although it varies according to personal factors, tampons are removed between 2 and 7 days. In addition, the thermoplastic splints placed on the back of the nose, which change shape with heat, are removed on the 7th or 8th day depending on the patient and replaced with a flesh-coloured bandage. On the 12th or 13th day, the bandage is removed.
Return to work and social life
Although personal factors are effective, those who work from home can return to their work and social life after an average of 3-4 days, and 7-10 days of rest for those who physically go to work.
Tampons
First of all, there is nothing to worry about. With the developing technology, we now use silicone tampons with a hole in the middle that allows air passage. Made of soft material, these tampons are easy to insert and remove and can be done in seconds. No significant pain or soreness is felt.
Controls after piezo rhinoplasty
After the tampons are removed for our patients from abroad after nose surgery, follow-up is done with online controls. After the operation, the nose starts to stabilise after 1 year and it takes 2 years to take its final shape. In this process, the controls of Dr. Umit KUCUKTEPE patient continue at certain intervals. 1,3 and 6 months and 1 year controls should not be disrupted.
Piezo rhinoplasty recovery process Turkey
The healing process after piezo rhinoplasty surgery is divided into two main periods: early period and late period. In the first two weeks after the surgery, according to the procedure we apply in our clinic, the silicones placed in the nose are usually removed within 3 to 7 days. Around the 7th to 8th day after surgery, the thermoplastic splints placed on the back of the nose, which change shape with heat, are removed and replaced with a flesh-coloured bandage.
After this stage, we can do all follow-ups through online counselling, so our patients do not need to come to our clinic again for controls except in special cases. Generally, within two weeks after surgery, the oedema and bruises on the face completely disappear and most people cannot notice that you have had surgery. However, it may take several months for the micro-edema in the nose to completely disappear.
The second period after the surgery is the process that continues from two weeks to 6 months. In patients who will undergo piezo rhinoplasty for the first time, the final results become clear within 4 to 6 months. However, after the surgery, the nose starts to stabilise after 1 year and takes 2 years to take its final shape.
Points to consider after piezo rhinoplasty
During piezo rhinoplasty Turkey, bone, cartilage and soft tissues are separated from each other and brought back together. In a 1-year healing process, it becomes solid by fusing with an increasing acceleration. For this reason, there are issues to be considered during the healing process.
Protect your nose from traumas: Protect your nose from possible blows in daily life and be careful not to lie on your face.
Lying position: Lying on your back using 2 pillows reduces the blood pressure in the nasal area, reduces the formation of oedema and contributes to its rapid removal.
Do not use sleeping pills: Many patients request sleeping pills for a comfortable recovery. However, when these drugs are used, you uncontrollably turn left and right while sleeping because your subconscious mind destroys the reflexes that protect you. This damages your nose.
Use your prescriptions regularly: Use the prescribed antibiotics regularly. If you have stomach sensitivity, you will be prescribed painkillers and stomach protector medicines. You will also be prescribed some creams to moisturise the inside of the nose.
Do not blow your nose while washing the inside of the nose: Do not blow your nose after spraying the sprays you use to wash the inside of the nose, especially in the early days. Let it drain naturally at the sink.
Follow the instructions given: You will be given comprehensive instructions for a quality recovery, from medication and wound care to massage and positioning.
Stop smoking and drinking alcohol or cut down as much as possible: Smoking impairs blood circulation and affect the nourishment of soft tissue and cartilage cells during repair. Alcohol increases oedema formation and, like smoking, alcohol has a negative effect on wound healing.
FAQs
Can I wear glasses after piezo rhinoplasty?
Glasses create pressure in the surgery area. For this reason, we recommend that Dr.Ümit Küçüktepe's patients wear lenses instead of glasses for 2-3 months.
When can I swim in the pool or sea after piezo rhinoplasty?
You enter the sea/pool after about 1 month. However, you should not jump in to protect your nose from impacts.
When can I start sports after piezo rhinoplasty?
Doing sports cause bleeding as it will increase your blood pressure. For this reason, we do not recommend doing sports in the 1st month. In the first year, you do brisk walks in the 2nd month, taking care to protect it from traumas, you start cardio in the 3rd month and heavier sports in the following months.
When can I travel by plane after piezo rhinoplasty?
You travel by plane approximately 1 week after the procedure.
Showering after piezo technique
You take a shower 48 hours after the operation, making sure that the water is not too hot, lukewarm or cooler than warm. However, you should keep your face dry for up to 1 week after the procedure.