EFFECT OF PIEZO IN POST-OPERATIVE ECCHYMOSIS DURATION IN CLOSED RHINOPLASTY

Introduction: Rhinoplasty is one of the most performed surgeries all over the world and advances in surgical techniques have been happening progressively, although postoperative skin and soft tissue complications, such as edema and ecchymosis, can induce anxiety for patients. Piezo, an instrument that uses ultrasonic vibrations, can provide greater precision and less damage to adjacent soft tissues, causing less surgical trauma and better behavior of soft and hard tissues during healing. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Piezo in duration of postoperative ecchymosis in closed rhinoplasty and the degree of discomfort of patients with this complication. Material and methods: Prospective, longitudinal, analytical, and interventional study in patients undergoing primary closed rhinoplasty, which were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (control): patients undergoing closed rhinoplasty with conventional osteotomies and Group 2: patients undergoing closed rhinoplasty with osteotomies using Piezo. The evolution of ecchymosis was recorded through photographs sent to the research team until it was not present, the degree of discomfort with ecchymosis was graded from 0-10 at the end of the first week. Results: 13 patients were evaluated, 6 in Group 1 (control) and 7 in Group 2 (Piezo). Age ranged between 18 and 53 years (mean 33.1 years). We had a prevalence of females (69.2%) and the duration of ecchymosis ranged from 0-16 days. The mean duration of ecchymosis was longer in the control group (8 days) compared to the group that used Piezo (4 days). The discomfort in relation to ecchymosis was greater in patients in the control group (5) compared to patients in which Piezo was used (3). Discussion: Piezo has been shown to decrease postoperative morbidity in open and closed rhinoplasties or other surgical procedures. It provides a safe, reproducible and accurate way to perform lateral osteotomies, minor surgical trauma and better soft and hard tissue behavior during healing. In this way, it provides less swelling and ecchymosis compared to conventional osteotomy and can significantly increase overall patient satisfaction. Conclusion: Piezo helps reduce the duration of postoperative ecchymosis after closed rhinoplasty and can reduce the degree of discomfort with this type of complication.