As time passes and technology evolves, so do medical procedures. Ultrasonic rhinoplasty is a new name given to a nose job. Back in 2004, this nasal cosmetic surgery was introduced, which could use sound waves to shape nasal bones. A machine that produces high-speed sound waves is what they use in this process rather than the usual chisel and hammers. 

Also called diamond rhinoplasty, this facial procedure also has a quicker recovery time. This is why it is catching the attention of all those who are seeking to get a nose job but without a long recovery time. It is still new in the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery but is gradually making its place in the market. 

Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty Cost

Considering that ultrasonic rhinoplasty is a relatively new procedure that requires the latest technology and device, the average cost of this surgery can be high. Since the procedure requires precision, few places have this facility. Overall, the average cost varies between $3000 and $15000, depending on the requirements. Factors such as location, surgeon, duration, and involvement of the surgery also cause the prices to vary.

Despite being on the pricey side, this method of changing the shape of your nose is relatively less painful and abrasive.  

Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty Procedure

An open ultrasonic rhinoplasty technique is the best way to expose the nasal bone fully to sound waves, and an instrument is used to shave or chip the excess bone. These vibrating piezoelectric inserts (PEI) produce sound waves that only affect the nasal bone and do not damage the cartilage, tissue, or skin. Since the device is very precise, there is a smaller risk of damaging the blood vessels. [2]

The PEI can only be used for what is called an open rhinoplasty surgery where the nose is cut open to expose the nasal bone. The device is then fitted inside, and the nose is then bare to the sound waves. Regular rhinoplasty can be quite traumatic since it requires proper chiseling and sculpting of the bone, damaging tissue and blood vessels.  

This procedure is under general anesthesia, which wears off quickly; hence patients wake up sooner without feeling sick. Ultrasonic rhinoplasty surgery can take about 2 to 3 hours to complete.

Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty Recovery

ultrasonic rhinoplasty

The healing phase after an ultrasonic rhinoplasty surgery can take 2 to 3 weeks. Due to this quick recovery period, this form of rhinoplasty has gained popularity amongst people. The healing period includes swelling and bruising, but these reduce quickly. Compared to traditional rhinoplasty, there is less bruising around the eyes, and your face returns to its natural shape in fewer days. 

While people take 2 to 3 weeks off from work after a conventional rhinoplasty, they can go back to work after one week after the ultrasonic surgery. However, there are some precautions that are important to look at after the procedure. Any hard physical activity, such as going to the gym, is not safe while a person is recovering. Moreover, nothing should make physical contact with the nose, which could harm the healing process. Sleeping on the front is not okay after the surgery, and one should sleep on raised pillows to avoid any swelling on the face.

Over-the-counter painkillers can be safe for treating any pain. Reduce exposure to the sun since the nose becomes sensitive to UV rays from the sun, which hamper the curing and even lead to scarring on the nose. Smoking can also lead to a delay in healing; hence people are advised to quit smoking during the recovery period. Surgeons suggest aftercare instructions that should be followed to quicken the healing and lower the risk of getting an infection. 

Side Effects of Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty 

There are temporary side effects that show up after the surgery, such as bruising and swelling, but they go away after some time. Scarring is also a possibility, especially at the base of the nose and sometimes in the area between nostrils. Other rare side effects include numbness of the skin, nerve damage, nose bleeds, and tissue damage. [4]

The precision involved in this process reduces the chances of complications occurring at a later stage or a need to repeat the procedure. Nonetheless, there are possibilities that such circumstances do arise. 

Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty Pros and Cons

Like any other procedure, there are advantages and disadvantages to getting an ultrasonic rhinoplasty. Here are the advantages of ultrasonic rhinoplasty:

Better Precision

With the use of the PEI, there is greater precision in sculpting the nose without creating any fractures in the fragile bones. 

Little Trauma of Tissues

Conventional rhinoplasty comes along with facial bruising and swelling due to edema caused by the procedure. This, however, does not occur in ultrasonic rhinoplasty since it doesn’t cause any damage to the tissues in the nose. 

Stability

Since rhinoplasty includes changing the structure of the nose, this procedure can do that without causing any irregularities in the face. This ensures a permanent change over time. 

Quicker Recovery

Since there is less trauma in this kind of surgery, the healing time is also less. This means that people can go back to their routine much quicker after the procedure. [5]

While there are advantages, there are also some disadvantages with ultrasonic rhinoplasty:

Scars 

Since the open technique that takes place in this procedure requires cutting up the nose, there might be some visible scars.

Infection 

If the healing process and aftercare instructions are not proper, there is a high risk of an infection developing. 

Bone Healing 

There might be some rare cases where the bone cannot heal properly and does not adopt the shape it was shaped to. 

Bottomline: Ultrasonic rhinoplasty Benefits and Risks

Since the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to ultrasonic rhinoplasty, it is a better option as compared to the conventional method. There are fewer complications and less pain involved in diamond rhinoplasty. Moreover, it is a state-of-the-art technology, which ensures precision.

Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.

Editorial References And Fact-Checking

  • Singh, P., Dhar, S., Singh, E., Vijayan, R., & Mosahebi, A. (2020). Piezoelectric Ultrasound Rhinoplasty. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 40(2), NP63–NP64. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjz279
  • Ilhan, A. E., Cengiz, B., & Caypinar Eser, B. (2016). Double-Blind Comparison of Ultrasonic and Conventional Osteotomy in Terms of Early Postoperative Edema and Ecchymosis. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 36(4), 390–401. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjv260
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Farah Jassawalla

Farah is a veteran writer, season journalist, and copywriting expert with over six years of professional experience in the content creation field. Her forte lies in translating medical jargon and complicated health terms into easy-to-understand language for readers who may not have a medical background. LinkedIn

Author

  • Farah is a veteran writer, season journalist, and copywriting expert with over six years of professional experience in the content creation field. Her forte lies in translating medical jargon and complicated health terms into easy-to-understand language for readers who may not have a medical background. LinkedIn

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Farah is a veteran writer, season journalist, and copywriting expert with over six years of professional experience in the content creation field. Her forte lies in translating medical jargon and complicated health terms into easy-to-understand language for readers who may not have a medical background. LinkedIn