Rhinoplasty is a common type of cosmetic surgery that is performed to enhance the appearance of a person’s nose. It is generally performed by either a cosmetic surgeon, or an appropriately qualified ENT surgeon. All surgeons who wish to perform rhinoplasty need to undergo specific training, during which they learn the various surgical techniques necessary to perform aesthetic nose surgery.
Below is a description of some of the surgical tools that are commonly used to perform rhinoplasty:
- Scalpel: This is a small and sharp bladed instrument used for making incisions. The blades of a scalpel are generally made from hardened and tempered steel, titanium, or high carbon steel.
- Surgical rasp: This instrument is a small surgical file, which is generally used to trim and smooth, bone or cartilage.
- Surgical forceps: Typically made of high-grade carbon steel, this tool is used to grasp and hold small objects. Some of the common types of forceps used in nose surgery are bayonet forceps and takahashi forceps.
- Retractor: This surgical instrument is generally used by ENT surgeons to separate the edges of a surgical incision, or hold back underlying tissue, so that other areas of the nose can be accessed. Two common retractors used in rhinoplasty are the seigal retractor and the converse retractor.
- Skin hooks: These are needle pointed instruments which are ideally used to lift up edges of wounds, with greater ease and less trauma, than forceps.
- Powered rasp: These rasps reproduce the action of a manual rasp, but in a more precise manner. Today, powered rasps with speeds of up to 15,000 reciprocations per minute are available, which allow for greater control and precision.
- Surgical sutures: This is a medical device used to hold tissues or cartilage in place during nose surgery. It is generally manufactured from synthetic polymer fibres, and can be absorbable or non-absorbable.
- Needles: Rhinoplasty may involve the use of needles of different lengths, shapes, thicknesses and points, depending on the particular technique being used.
Alongside these tools, nose surgery also typically involves the use of different types of surgical scissors, mallets and elevators.
Located in central London, ENT London is a premier ENT clinic that specialises in rhinoplasty. Led by Professor RS Dhillon, ENT London offers both cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty using the most advanced surgical techniques. The team of specialists at ENT London are all registered with the UK General Medical Council, and are committed to ensuring maximum patient comfort.
ENT London is one of UK’s leading rhinoplasty clinics, and can be contacted on 0207 580 6970.