Ultrasonic rhinoplasty in Porto: what it is, advantages and who it is for

For decades, the bony part of the nose was worked with a chisel and hammer, almost without direct vision. It works, but it is an imprecise technique: the bone breaks where it has to break, and that translates into more swelling, more bruising and less predictable results. Ultrasonic rhinoplasty changed that.

In this article we explain what ultrasonic rhinoplasty is, how it differs from traditional rhinoplasty, what its advantages are, who it is for and how it is performed at Clínica do Nariz e Face, for rhinoplasty in Porto.

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty, also called piezoelectric rhinoplasty, is a technique developed in France that replaces the chisel and hammer with a small ultrasound-powered instrument. The tip vibrates with very fast, controlled micro-movements, which sculpt the nasal bone like a precision file.

The essential point is this: the ultrasound acts on the bone but spares the soft tissues. Cartilage, mucosa, blood vessels and nerves suffer much less than with traditional instruments.

• Precision: in the traditional technique, the bone is fractured in a poorly controlled way. With ultrasound, the surgeon sculpts and shapes the bone millimetre by millimetre, under direct vision.
• Surrounding tissues: the chisel and hammer also damage nearby tissues. Ultrasound works only on the bone, which preserves cartilage, mucosa and vessels.
• Bruising and swelling: by sparing the blood vessels, the technique clearly reduces bruising around the eyes and swelling in the first few days.
• Predictability: bone worked with precision consolidates more evenly, which gives smoother bridge lines and more predictable results.

• A more comfortable recovery, with less swelling and less bruising.
• A faster return to social life. In many cases, bruising is minimal or does not appear at all.
• A more natural result, with a regular bridge and no visible irregularities.
• Less risk of small bony asymmetries, one of the causes of revision rhinoplasty.

It is worth being clear: the technique does not work miracles on its own. The result always depends on the planning and experience of the surgeon. Ultrasound is a tool that, in the right hands, makes the surgery more precise and the recovery easier.

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty is useful whenever the bony part of the nose needs to be worked on. This is the case with:

• a hump on the bridge of the nose;
• a nose that is wide at the top;
• a crooked or deviated nose;
• bony asymmetries;
• revision rhinoplasty, where the bone has already been operated on and requires even more precision.

When the concern is only the tip of the nose, which is made of cartilage, ultrasound may not be needed. It is at the consultation that it is decided whether the technique makes sense in your case.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes between one and a half and two and a half hours. In most cases you go home the same day, one to one and a half hours later. Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira combines ultrasound with the principles of preservation rhinoplasty: change the minimum necessary and keep as much as possible of the original structures of the nose.

As a specialist in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, he also assesses breathing. When there is a deviated septum or another cause of obstruction, the correction is done in the same surgery, in a septorhinoplasty.

After surgery, you breathe through your nose from the end of the operation, without the traditional packing. To see the evolution stage by stage, read how long does rhinoplasty take and the week-by-week recovery.

Does ultrasonic rhinoplasty hurt less?

Rhinoplasty is no longer, as a rule, a painful surgery. With ultrasound there is less swelling, which makes the first few days more comfortable. Read more in is rhinoplasty recovery painful?

Will I have no bruising?

In most cases it is minimal or non-existent. It is more likely over the age of 40 or in a revision rhinoplasty.

Is the result different?

The goal is the same, a natural nose in harmony with the face. The difference lies in the precision with which it is achieved and in the way the bone heals.

Is ultrasonic rhinoplasty more expensive?

The price always depends on the surgical plan defined at the consultation. We explain what affects the price in how much does rhinoplasty cost.

Does it work for all noses?

It works for cases where the bone needs to be worked on. If the change is only at the tip, the surgeon may choose not to use it.

At Clínica do Nariz e Face, rhinoplasty is performed by Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira, a specialist in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, with rhinoplasty as his main area of practice. The consultation, with Crisalix 3D simulation, can take place at our rhinoplasty in Porto or rhinoplasty in Bragapractice. See real results in rhinoplasty before and after and in our clinical cases.

Book your consultation or call +351 915 808 584.

This article is for information purposes only and does not replace a medical consultation.