An ultrasonic (or Piezo/Piezoelectric) rhinoplasty is a newer way to perform a nose surgery with even more precision and gentleness. This technique allows a surgeon to reshape certain bones in the nose without the need to cut or break.

Houston rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Michel Siegel, who is known for a gentle touch and for natural-looking results, performs ultrasonic rhinoplasty (in addition to traditional rhinoplasty). The ultrasonic surgical technique can also be combined with the preservation rhinoplasty technique – a favorite of Dr. Siegel and his patients.

“I got an ultrasonic rhinoplasty done about 4 weeks ago, and my confidence has been through the roof. Even though it is still swollen my nose looks absolutely fantastic and I’ve gotten so many compliments on how natural it looks. I’m extremely happy with my choice to go to Dr. Siegel.” – Kinsley Johnson (see review on Google Maps)

“I came to Dr Siegal first about both cosmetic desires but also severe sinus issues. I saw that he was board certified in both ENT and plastics and could offer me guidance. I saw he had training both in US and overseas where rhinoplasties are the norm and that he went to get additional training in a method not yet widely used in the US. I also looked at healing times and methods used (ultrasonic method) and compared it to other surgeons in the country. As a physician myself, I was particular who I chose to complete such a crucial procedure in such a central part of my face. I also appreciate that he in particular focuses on the face and is not a “jack of all trades master of none”plastic surgeon. From a medical standpoint of course my goal was to breathe better but from a cosmetic standpoint I wanted to achieve symmetry. I can say he delivered what he said he was going to do. My deviated septum is corrected, my breathing is improved dramatically and he also corrected dorsal hump. The scarring so far is minimal. I am still getting used to my new appearance as these changes have made a noticeable difference. my advice to anyone considering the rhinoplasty procedure is have him play around with the computer simulations and give you a few different scenarios and not only one. That would be the only thing I wish I had asked for prior to choosing to move forward. Overall I am extremely pleased with my results. Remember less is more! Go check him out!” – Dr. Susan Vargas (see review on Google Maps)

Consider an ultrasonic rhinoplasty if you are especially interested in no breaking of bone, minimal pain, no bruising, a short recovery time, and a perfectly reshaped nose that doesn’t look like it ever had surgery.

Contact our office in Houston to book a consultation – in-office or over Zoom – or read on to find out more about ultrasonic (AKA Piezo) rhinoplasty.

What is ultrasonic rhinoplasty?

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty, also known as Piezo rhinoplasty, uses ultrasound vibrations to shape bones in the nose during rhinoplasty. By contrast, traditional rhinoplasty relies on chisels and files to cut away bone.  Ultrasonic rhinoplasty avoids cutting in that way, instead using gentle vibrations to re-contour the bones. This provides a more-precise result, and it avoids the bruising and swelling common in traditional rhinoplasty.

What are the benefits of an ultrasonic rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty has been around for over 100 years, but the instruments – like scalpels and surgical chisels and rasps – have not changed much, until recently.

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty involves the use of tiny instruments, each with a different shape and function, like attachments on a vacuum.  These instruments reshape the bones by creating vibrations, through ultrasound technology.

This allows for gentler, more precise shaping and the ability to polish bones more incrementally.  The greater precision also causes even less swelling and bruising than many traditional rhinoplasties do.

Is the recovery time shorter after an ultrasonic rhinoplasty?

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty only affects bones, and does not disrupt the soft tissues of the nose, where the blood vessels are located. Disruption of these structures during traditional rhinoplasty is what causes bruising and swelling. Because ultrasonic rhinoplasty does not cause injury to blood vessels, swelling and bruising is greatly reduced.

Do most nose surgeons perform ultrasonic rhinoplasty?

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty has become the new standard for rhinoplasty in Europe where it was developed, and in surgically advanced countries like Turkey. But surgeons in the US have been slow to adopt this new technique. Dr. Siegel was the first facial surgeon in Houston to offer ultrasonic rhinoplasty to his patients, and (as of this writing) is still one of very few surgeons in the area using the ultrasonic technique in every rhinoplasty.

When is ultrasonic rhinoplasty performed?

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty applies only to the bony part(s) of the nose. It is designed to correct a hump, a nose that is too wide or too strong, a deviated nasal septum, or a bony asymmetry.  The soft tissues of the nose will require traditional surgical shaping.

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty is currently used on five continents, and many of the best rhinoplasty surgeons have also adopted this newer bone-reshaping techniques, for both cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty. The ultrasonic technique was developed in France around 2016, and it has been practiced in the US and elsewhere more recently, though by relatively few facial surgeons.

Is ultrasonic rhinoplasty a good choice for every patient?

The nose is composed of bone and cartilage.  Because ultrasonic rhinoplasty only operates on the bony portion of the nose, every rhinoplasty patient who requires bone modification during surgery is a candidate for ultrasonic rhinoplasty.

“After visiting several well known local plastic surgeons, I chose Dr. Siegel to perform my Septorhinoplasty procedure in the fall of 2022. I had a deviated septum that caused breathing issues and asymmetry, along with a bulbous tip that always really bothered me. I was always too scared to have anything done to my face and decided that I would do more research and have some consults to gather more information. Unlike some other local doctors who make you wait 30 mins past your (paid) consult time, take you into their large corner offices and do some quick photoshop while making you feel like yet another person in the queue, Dr. Siegel’s office and staff was welcoming and warm from the first visit. He is not the least expensive surgeon in town, but I feel that the results and the attention that you receive is worth the premium. Dr. Siegel performs ultrasonic rhinoplasty, which I’m not sure that any other office in Houston does. It is essentially a technique that involves machine shaping as opposed to breaking bones with tools- the healing time is said to be much faster and the results more exact. The procedure is still a major surgery and requires a good week of down time, with the first month or so being very challenging in terms of breathing and sleeping, but I attended a wedding 2 weeks post op and no one could tell that I had been bruised and swollen only a week before. I also had some questions about the way my nostrils were setting and what I could do for swelling a couple of days after my cast came off; I emailed the office and asked for Dr. Siegel’s direct email address to send photos and ask my questions. His staff provided the email address immediately and he responded in less than an hour. I was invited to come to the office if I needed to be seen before the scheduled 6 week checkup. Again, the cost premium was worth the care and attention to me. I am now 2 months post op and seeing improvements in the refinement of my tip everyday. I can’t wait to see what it looks like at the end of the year! I would highly recommend Dr. Siegel if you are considering septorhinoplasty; I will be coming back if I ever consider additional facial procedures in the future..” – Leslie Baker (see review on Google Maps)