One of our most prominent facial features is our nose. If its size largely differs from our other features, it can distract and create an imbalanced look that many people don’t feel confident about. If you’re considering rhinoplasty, it’s important to know which options are available to you. There are a few different techniques to choose from, depending on your facial profile, aesthetic goals, and budget. Below, we’ll break down each of these surgical approaches so that you can make the best choice for your needs.
What Is Traditional Rhinoplasty?
A traditional rhinoplasty is a surgery that can reshape or enhance the nose for cosmetic reasons or help correct breathing or other structural issues, like a deviated septum. Cosmetic rhinoplasty has been performed for over 100 years and has become increasingly popular starting in the 20th Century. Since the nose is a major focal point of the face, many people choose this procedure as a way to bring balance to their overall facial structure.
The traditional method of rhinoplasty is considered the gold standard because it can provide more drastic visual changes and correct more complicated structural issues in the nose. It is performed using traditional instruments like chisels and rasps, which are used to cut into the bone. This method is considered more invasive due to it causing more bruising, swelling, and trauma around the nasal cavity and eyes.
What Does Traditional Rhinoplasty Recovery Look Like?
Traditional rhinoplasty tends to have a longer recovery time, and visually, patients will typically notice more bruising and swelling of the nose immediately after. There may also be some fluid drainage and bleeding from the nose, but this usually subsides within a week after surgery.
The first stage of recovery can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months, in which patients will notice the majority of their swelling going down. Surgeons generally allow their patients to return to work within 2 weeks of their rhinoplasty as long as their job isn’t physically taxing. Nasal breathing will also start to improve during this period. Full results for this surgical method can take 12 months or more to see, but each patient’s recovery process and timeline are unique. Rigorous activities, like exercise, will need to be paused for about the first 6 weeks to prevent any injury to the nose and promote faster healing.
How Long Do Traditional Rhinoplasty Results Last?
Results from a traditional rhinoplasty can last a lifetime, depending on the age of surgery. The nose is permanently reshaped during this procedure, so it’s important that the patient is old enough and has fully grown into their nose before proceeding.
What Is Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty?
If you’re curious about a less invasive rhinoplasty option, look no further than the Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty. This surgical method came on the scene in 2004, and it uses an electrical device called a Piezotome that uses ultrasonic technology to cut through and shape the bones of the nose, bypassing the soft tissues, cartilage, and blood vessels.
This technique allows Dr. Yegiyants to straighten a crooked nose, reduce a dorsal hump, and create a narrower nasal bridge. It also results in faster recovery along with less bruising and swelling, so patients can get back to their work and normal activities much faster.
Is Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty Better Than Its Traditional Counterpart?
One rhinoplasty technique isn’t necessarily better than the other. They simply differ based on patient goals and how much refinement is needed. One important thing to note about Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty is that it is more controlled and precise, allowing the surgeon to perform finer detailed work. If a patient has a more prominent issue like a large nasal deformity or nasal injury that requires correction, a plastic surgeon may recommend a traditional rhinoplasty instead.
Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty also requires specialized tools and equipment, plus a surgeon that is trained in this specific technique. This may present a challenge, depending on where you live or if you have the ability to travel for surgery.
Another important consideration to keep in mind is cost. Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty can run a bit higher than a traditional rhinoplasty depending on the location and surgical fees, plus anesthesia and facilities cost.
Dr. Yegiyants’ Approach to Rhinoplasty in Santa Barbara
Dr. Sara Yegiyants is highly skilled in both traditional rhinoplasty and Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty surgery, providing natural-looking changes that match each patient’s goals and natural beauty. She enhances facial harmony while preserving patients’ unique aesthetics. Dr. Yegiyants is triple board-certified and has an artistic background that allows her to achieve beautifully balanced results for her patients. If you’re interested in a rhinoplasty consultation or a consultation for any of our other facial rejuvenation procedures, complete our patient contact form or call our office at 805-682-1731.