Sonic rhinoplasty: Sculpting with the ultrasonic bone aspirator

Abstract

Sonic rhinoplasty involves the application of ultrasonic waves to sculpt the nasal bones in a manner unmatched by osteotomes, rasps, and other powered instruments. The Sonopet ultrasonic bone aspirator (Stryker, Inc., Kalamazoo, MI) utilizes ultrasonic waves to emulsify bone under concurrent irrigation and suction enabling precise, graded bone removal without damage to the surrounding nasal soft tissue and mucosa. The authors have applied this technology for bony dorsal hump and nasal spine removal, septoplasty, turbinate reduction, deepening of the glabellar angle, rounding of flat nasal contours, and correction of bony asymmetries. Sonic rhinoplasty improves upon current techniques that may be associated with decreased visualization, heat generation, mechanical chatter, and a lack of surgical precision with resultant soft tissue injury.