Ultrasonic rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose. It is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in plastic surgery.

It mainly involves modifying the nasal bone and cartilage structures to achieve a new shape that enhances facial harmony. When the procedure also corrects a deviated nasal septum to improve breathing, it is called septorhinoplasty.

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of the nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the nostrils, or alter the angle between the nose and the upper lip.

It can also correct congenital issues, trauma, and certain breathing problems. Ultrasonic rhinoplasty is always performed in an operating room, within a clinic or hospital. Typically, patients stay overnight after surgery and are discharged the following day.

During the procedure, your surgeon separates the skin of the nose from its underlying support made of bone and cartilage, then cuts and sculpts these structures to achieve the desired nasal shape. This procedure can be done from inside the nose, through small incisions within the nostrils — known as closed ultrasonic rhinoplasty. Depending on the complexity of the case, it may also be performed as an open ultrasonic rhinoplasty, which involves a small incision in the columella.

Sometimes, to help shape or support the nasal pyramid, different tissues from the patient’s own body — such as cartilage or bone — are commonly used as grafts. In rare cases, synthetic materials may also be used.

The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia or, in selected cases, with local anesthesia and sedation. It typically lasts between one and two hours, although complex cases may take longer.

At the end of the surgery, nasal packing is placed to prevent bleeding and stabilize the nasal septum. This is usually removed the following day, except in septorhinoplasty cases, where it may remain for an additional two or three days. A thermosensitive splint is also applied over the nose, which is kept in place for about a week and can be adjusted as the swelling subsides.

The ultimate goal of Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty and Septorhinoplasty is for the “new” nose to look natural and harmoniously integrated with the rest of the face — without drawing attention or revealing that surgery was performed.

The incisions are made inside the nose or at its base, allowing the surgeon to reshape the nasal cartilage and bones.

Ideal candidates for ultrasonic rhinoplasty are those who seek improvement, not absolute perfection, in their appearance. If you are in good overall health, have psychological stability, and maintain realistic expectations, you are likely a good candidate.

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty can enhance your appearance and boost your self-confidence, but it won’t make you look like someone else or change how others treat you. Before deciding to undergo ultrasonic rhinoplasty, think carefully about what you want to achieve and discuss it thoroughly with your plastic surgeon.

At our Cànons Clinics centers, specialized in Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery, we offer the possibility of viewing a three-dimensional simulation of Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty or Septorhinoplasty using the innovative 3D E-Stetix program. With just a few preliminary photographs, we can provide a personalized analysis of all the aspects of your nose you wish to improve.

You will be able to see yourself in various simulations, based on your surgeon’s medical criteria and your personal needs. These different simulations will give you an approximate idea of what your nose may look like after surgery. However, it’s important to remember that many factors influence the final outcome of an Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty or Septorhinoplasty, so the simulation is for guidance only.

After surgery, especially during the first 24 hours, your face will be swollen, with bruising, discomfort around the nose, and likely a headache, which will ease with the prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication.

You should remain lying down with your head elevated during the first day, except when going to the bathroom. You will notice that the swelling and bruising around the eyes increase, reaching their peak at 2 or 3 days. Applying local cold compresses will reduce the swelling and help you feel better.

It is normal to experience slight nasal bleeding during the first few days. You should avoid blowing your nose forcefully for about a week until the tissues heal. If you have nasal packing, it will be removed within 1 or 2 days, after which you will feel much better. After one or two weeks at most, the splint and any skin stitches, if present, will be removed.

Bruising and swelling will disappear in about 2 weeks, although minimal swelling, barely noticeable except to your surgeon, may last for several months. Most people who undergo ultrasonic rhinoplasty feel well after 2 days and are able to return to their daily activities in about a week.

However, your plastic surgeon will give you specific instructions. Some recommendations will include avoiding strenuous activities such as jogging, swimming, or gym workouts for 2 or 3 weeks, avoiding blows to the nose, avoiding sun exposure for 8 weeks, washing your face, and applying makeup carefully. You may resume wearing contact lenses as soon as you wish, but if you wear glasses, you should take certain precautions.

It is important to keep in mind that your appearance will improve day by day. In one or two weeks, it will not seem like you have undergone ultrasonic rhinoplasty. The improvement will be progressive and gradual, although minimal swelling may persist, especially in the tip, for several months. Your plastic surgeon will see you during the months following surgery to monitor your progress.

A judgment about the result of ultrasonic rhinoplasty cannot be made until several months have passed, approximately up to a year. This is the time needed for the tissues to stabilize and the scars to complete their maturation process.

If you are considering undergoing ultrasonic rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty, you will receive the necessary information about the surgery: when it is indicated, how it is performed, and what results can be expected. However, it is impossible for all your questions to be answered, as many depend on personal factors and your plastic surgeon’s preferences. If you don’t understand something, be sure to ask your plastic surgeon.

When you decide to have the surgery, the doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare, including guidelines on taking or stopping medications, vitamins, iron supplements, food, liquids, and tobacco.

Also, make sure that a family member or companion can take you home when you are discharged and, if necessary, help you for a few days afterward.

To minimize the risk of bleeding and bruising, you must avoid taking platelet aggregation inhibitors such as Aspirin, Dipyridamole, Ticlopidine, etc., for 7 days prior to the procedure. Additionally, you should avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with anti-platelet effects, such as Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Piroxicam, Naproxen, etc., for 3 days before the surgery.