Many patients choose to have a rhinoplasty performed to improve the appearance of their nose. Rhinoplasty involves the surgical reshaping of the underlying nasal cartilage and bones to achieve the desired esthetic outcome that will show up on the outside of the nose. It is very important that the cosmetic surgeon utilize instruments that will precisely sculpt these underlying structures. Although there are many instruments that have been used to sculpt bone and cartilage, at the Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Surgical Center, none have proven more useful than the carbon.
laser theory
The CO2 laser is an artificial beam of light created in a tube. CO2 gas is in the tube. It becomes excited by the addition of an electrical charge and exits from the tube as a narrow intense beam of light. It is used for many applications in surgery because of its ability to apply a precise, controlled beam that will vaporize biologic tissues.
While lasers have been used in many aspects of cosmetic surgery, it is still relatively uncommon to see them applied to rhinoplasty. However, Dr. Tobin has found that the accuracy offered by this instrument has resulted in not only less bruising and selling, but also better results because of the ability to control cuts and excisions with such precision. In many cases, patients are able to return to near normal activity within a week or so, in contrast to the two to three weeks required with older techniques.
open rhinoplasty technique
Another important advance that has made rhinoplasty easier to undergo is the “open technique. By making a tiny inconspicuous incision at the base of the nose, the operation can be carried out under much improved visualization. This not only allows more accurate surgery, but also permits the surgeon to carefully close all of the internal incisions with suture. By doing this, the need for packing in the nose is avoided. This not only makes the post operative period far less uncomfortable, but also minimizes risk of bleeding and infection
laser advantages
Dr. Tobin has been using the CO2 laser to facilitate breast surgery, brow lifts, face lifts, blepharoplasties, as well as rhinoplasties for several years. It enables precise, bloodless and predictable surgery. These characteristics of the CO2 laser translate into decreased swelling, pain and faster recovery for patients undergoing these procedures.
The use of the CO2 laser in conjunction with rhinoplasty is just another example of how technology can be used with modern treatment philosophies to achieve excellent, predictable results in our patients.