Video 3.1: Power-Assisted Osteotomy with Ultrasonic Device and Micromotor, Part 1

What this video shows

Video 3.1 belongs to the pair of videos (3.1–3.2) that open the dorsum chapter with the osteotomy, the surgery used to cut the nasal bones. The book traces the evolution of the osteotomy from hand saws to 4 mm and 2 mm guarded osteotomes and explains why power tools now make this stage safer: two devices are discussed, the ultrasonic (piezoelectric) device and the micromotor.

Success with classical osteotomes depends on the sharpness of the instrument, the hand sensitivity of the surgeon and coordination with the nurse; with power instruments these risks are largely eliminated, and additional fractures, rocker deformities and nasolacrimal duct injury become much less likely.

Key points

• Osteotomy performed with power instruments rather than a chisel.

• Ultrasonic (piezo) device and micromotor are the two tools discussed in the book.

• Aim: a smooth osteotomy without additional fractures or rocker deformity.

For patients: power-assisted bone work is one of the reasons bruising and swelling after rhinoplasty are much less than they used to be.

In the book: Chapter 3 – Dorsum Surgery, section 3.1 Osteotomy, p. 25 of Rhinoplasty in Practice: An Algorithmic Approach to Modern Surgical Techniques (CRC Press, 2021). About the book and all companion videos.

Surgeon: Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas, plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon, Istanbul. This video is part of the surgeon-training material of the book; patients considering rhinoplasty in Istanbul can use it to understand the techniques used at Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas Clinic.