Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty
Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, GA
Rhinoplasty has traditionally been one of the most advanced procedures performed by Facial Plastic Surgeons. Although it remains an incredibly complex and specialized surgery, there are more tools available than ever to enhance your experience and allow your board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon to craft transformative results. Dr. Thomas Walker in Atlanta, GA, has been utilizing the Piezo-osteotome in many of his rhinoplasties when appropriate to perform what’s known as ultrasonic rhinoplasty, the next generation in cosmetic and functional nose surgery technologies.
What is an Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty?
Ultrasonic rhinoplasty is an advanced type of rhinoplasty that uses a specialized tool called an osteotome to make precise changes to the underlying bones of the nose. This osteotome uses ultrasonic energy to more precisely cut bone without affecting the surrounding tissues, reducing downtime/swelling and allowing Dr. Walker to make extremely precise changes that more traditional techniques were unable to do. Dr. Walker can perform ultrasonic rhinoplasty for both functional and cosmetic reasons, allowing him to produce results not achievable by other techniques. Please note, though, that ultrasonic rhinoplasty is not for everyone, as not every nose requires bony changes, nor are all bony changes best treated with the ultrasonic technique. Dr. Walker, during your operation, decides which technique is best for you. Although ultrasonic rhinoplasty sounds like the name of an entire operation, it merely reflects a small but important step in the operation that encompasses less than 10% of the total surgical duration. Dr. Walker can help you determine whether the ultrasonic rhinoplasty fits your needs during a consultation.
What Are the Benefits of an Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty?
Ultrasonic rhinoplasty offers several unique benefits, especially for patients whose goals require precision shaping of the nasal bones. By using ultrasonic energy, Dr. Walker is able to cut and reshape bone with exceptional control while leaving the surrounding soft tissue, cartilage, and blood vessels largely undisturbed. This results in:
- More precise contouring and smoother bone transitions
- Less trauma to the surrounding tissues
- Reduced bruising and swelling post-surgery
- A slightly shorter recovery window compared to more traditional techniques
- Improved surgical accuracy, which can enhance both cosmetic and functional outcomes
It’s important to understand that ultrasonic rhinoplasty is not a one-size-fits-all technique; it’s a tool that Dr. Walker uses selectively to deliver the best possible result based on your anatomy and goals.
Who Are the Best Candidates For an Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty?
Ultrasonic rhinoplasty is only used in specific cases. First, the Piezotome (ultrasonic instrument) is only used to change the shape of bone, not cartilage. Second, not every rhinoplasty requires bony changes. And third, the Piezotome is actually not always the best instrument used for making bony modifications. It’s just one of the many tools available. The most important indicator of whether an ultrasonic rhinoplasty can fit your goals is whether it’s the bone or cartilage underlying a nasal hump. Whether an ultrasonic instrument is used or not should not be a decision-making factor. Dr. Walker in Atlanta wants to achieve the best possible result with the least downtime for you, just like you do, and will decide, during surgery, if ultrasonic rhinoplasty is the best option for you. The ultrasonic Piezotome is not a magic wand. It is a sophisticated instrument that may or may not benefit you. Dr. Walker always has this instrument available during all of his rhinoplasty surgeries.
What’s the First Step?
The first step in exploring ultrasonic rhinoplasty is to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Walker at his Atlanta office, where he will take the time to understand your concerns, evaluate your nasal structure through physical exam and imaging, and discuss your aesthetic goals in detail. If bone refinement is part of your surgical plan, Dr. Walker will determine whether ultrasonic technology is the right approach to help you achieve the most refined, natural-looking outcome. You’ll also be given a complete overview of what to expect from surgery, recovery, and results.
What to Expect on the Day of Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty Surgery
Ultrasonic rhinoplasty is performed identically to traditional rhinoplasty with the same incisions. Dr. Walker will carefully and precisely sculpt any bone to create a more balanced and harmonious look to the nose while ensuring your nose’s function is not impacted.
Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty Recovery
Recovery from ultrasonic rhinoplasty from a bruising and swelling perspective is slightly shorter (in the magnitude of days, not weeks) than traditional rhinoplasty because of the reduced impact on the soft tissues of the nose. This has no bearing on the discomfort level, which is the same. What is most important, though, are the long-term results, not the downtime. Sometimes, an extra few days of downtime are well worth it. Once you return home from your procedure with the help of a responsible adult, you can expect to take 1-2 weeks away from normal activities while you rest. During this time, there will be bruising, swelling, and soreness, but Dr. Walker will prescribe medications and give instructions on how to manage them. Adhering to your aftercare instructions as closely as possible is the best way to ensure a good result. This includes avoiding elevating your heart rate as well as straining, coughing, or blowing your nose. Although you will begin to see your results within a few weeks, some residual swelling may take several months to subside fully.
How Much Does an Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty Cost in Atlanta, GA?
The cost of an Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty in Atlanta has a broad range, depending on the complexity of your case and whether functional correction is also being addressed. This pricing includes surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, facility fees, follow-up appointments, and any additional materials needed during your recovery. During your consultation, you’ll receive a personalized, all-inclusive quote so you know exactly what to expect. Financing options are also available for those who qualify.
Why Choose Dr. Walker?
Expertise in rhinoplasty requires training, experience, anatomical knowledge, patience, meticulousness, and excellent technical skills. Having trained under one of the most renowned nose experts in the world, Dr. Dean Toriumi in Chicago, Dr. Walker is widely recognized as one of the finest rhinoplasty surgeons in the Southeastern United States and the entire nation. Many of Dr. Walker’s patients travel across state lines and internationally from overseas to seek Dr. Walker’s rhinoplasty expertise. He has exceptional qualifications and has based his career upon delivering consistently excellent results in primary and very complex tertiary rhinoplasty surgeries. He is known for individualizing his surgical plans for every patient and for his artistry in the operating room. He will spend as much time as needed to deliver the best possible result to every patient. From the initial consultation to the surgical procedure, Dr. Walker is devoted to giving as much time as is necessary to meet and hopefully exceed all of his patients’ expectations. He follows his patients long-term (months to years) to ensure they achieve the best possible long-term outcome. Although rarely necessary, an early in-office intervention such as steroid injections, needle shave, or other small interventions can prevent the need for revision surgery down the line.
Schedule Your
Consultation
The best way to discover the latest and most advanced rhinoplasty techniques is by meeting with Dr. Walker in person. We invite you to schedule a consultation at our Atlanta office by giving us a call or filling out our easy online form. Conveniently located just 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta, we’re ready to welcome you and help you take the first step toward achieving your aesthetic goals.
WalkerMD Facial Plastic Surgery is conveniently located 10 minutes from Buckhead, 12 minutes from Brookhaven, 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta, and 30 minutes from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport – the world’s busiest airport by passenger count.
Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty FAQ’S
Schedule a Consultation
To discuss your facial plastic surgery options with Dr. Walker, please schedule a consultation. For your comfort and safety, if you are unable to meet in out Atlanta office, we are currently offering secure telehealth appointments.