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What is an Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty?

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty, also known as piezoelectric rhinoplasty or diamond rhinoplasty, is the latest advance in cosmetic nasal surgery.

Tagged: Facial Treatments

Author: Mr. Bryan Mayou, MB ChB FRCS

Date: 13th August 2021

What is an Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty?

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty, also known as piezoelectric rhinoplasty or diamond rhinoplasty, is the latest advance in cosmetic nasal surgery.

Introduced in 2004, this new modern approach to the nose job involves a device which uses high-speed soundwaves to expertly and precisely sculpt the nasal bones. This means that the rasps, hammers and surgical chisels used to lower the dorsal hump and narrow the nasal bones in traditional rhinoplasty are not required.

Due to the precise nature of ultrasonic rhinoplasty, this means there is less downtime involved than in traditional rhinoplasty treatment. This makes it an attractive option for people looking to reshape or reduce the size of their nose but do not want a lengthy recovery period.

As ultrasonic rhinoplasty is still a relatively new treatment, the Cadogan Clinic is one of the few clinics which offer diamond rhinoplasty in London at this time.

How does it work?

Vibrating piezoelectric inserts (PEI) are used to work on bones or hard cartilage, without impacting on the surrounding soft tissues, including the skin, mucosa and flimsy cartilages such as the upper lateral cartilages and lower lateral cartilages. By avoiding these surrounding soft tissues, the procedure results in less bruising and swelling than traditional rhinoplasty procedures. There is also less risk of bleeding as the precise nature of this device means the surrounding blood vessels are less likely to be damaged.

The PEI’s work with such precision that they eliminate the risk of radiating fracture lines which can occur when traditional rhinoplasty instruments are used. 

However the device can only be used in open rhinoplasty, an invasive procedure which requires the nose to be cut open to expose the nasal structures inside. This is in order to fit the device and expose the nose to ultrasonic energy.

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty provides a highly accurate result and reduces the likelihood of revision rhinoplasty at a later date.

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty is performed under a general anesthetic. We use Total IntraVenous Anaesthesia (TIVA), meaning you will wake up quickly from the operation and will not feel sick. The procedure generally takes around two to three hours to complete. Once you have had your operation, you will recuperate in our recovery room and when you have eaten a few hours later and our team is happy that you are ready to be discharged, your surgeon will send you home with some post-operative advice. A friend or relative must be able to collect you and take you home after your ultrasonic rhinoplasty.

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Founded in 2004 by world renowned plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, we now work with over 100 leading consultants and successfully treat over 20,000 patients each year. We have been winning industry awards since inception.

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Am I a good candidate?

You are a good candidate for ultrasonic rhinoplasty if the following is true:

  • You are bothered by the size or shape of your nose and want to alter its appearance
  • You would like to correct damage or an injury that has occurred to your nose
  • You snore loudly, experience sleep apnoea or have breathing difficulties
  • You are in good health, both mentally and physically
  • You have realistic expectations about what can be achieved through diamond rhinoplasty
  • You are aged over 18

You should stop smoking in the weeks leading up to the procedure and during the recovery period as this can hamper the healing process.

If you suffer from serious health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, a bleeding disorder or heart disease, then you may not be a good candidate for surgery. If you are obese or if you drink a large amount of alcohol, you may also not be a good candidate for surgery. 

At your initial consultation, the surgeon will ask you questions about your medical history and any prescription or over-the-counter medications or homeopathic remedies you may be taking. It is important that you are open and honest about your medical history.

Under 18s cannot undergo a rhinoplasty procedure as the nose is still developing up to this point.

Words from our clients:


Recovery time and aftercare?

Compared to traditional rhinoplasty, ultrasonic rhinoplasty has a much faster recovery time. This is one reason why this particular form of nasal surgery is becoming so popular.

As mentioned above, the nature of this surgery means there is far less bruising and swelling involved. After undergoing a traditional rhinoplasty, you will need to take two weeks off work to recover. With ultrasonic rhinoplasty you are unlikely to need to take more than one week off work.

It is advisable to avoid strenuous physical activity, such as going to the gym and sexual activity, during the recovery period. You should also avoid anything which may result in physical contact with the nose.

In the unlikely event that there is any swelling following a diamond rhinoplasty procedure, it is advisable to sleep with your head raised on a number of pillows. This will help to reduce any swelling. Do not sleep on your front following surgery.

Any pain or discomfort can be controlled using standard over-the-counter painkillers.

You should avoid sun exposure in the months after your ultrasonic rhinoplasty. The nose will be especially prone to sunburn and the sun’s UV light can hamper the healing process and cause scarring. We ask that you quit smoking, as this also delays the healing process and leaves you more at risk of infection during the recovery period.

It is vital that you follow all the aftercare instructions issued by your surgeon following your ultrasonic rhinoplasty. Failure to do so could lead to delayed healing.

By following your aftercare instructions, you also lessen the chance of complications, such as infection or scarring. Other potential side effects from ultrasonic rhinoplasty include a change in skin sensation, possible numbness or pain, skin discoloration, breathing difficulties and the very rare nasal septal perforation (a hole in the nasal septum). 

It is worth bearing in mind that due to the precise nature of ultrasonic rhinoplasty, complications are incredibly rare, and so is the likelihood of an unsatisfactory result.

Book a consultation with one of our leading rhinoplasty experts here at the Cadogan Clinic to discover whether ultrasonic rhinoplasty can help you achieve the nose you desire.


Treatments mentioned in this article

Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, reduces the shape and size of the nose for health and aesthetic purposes.

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