Laser rhinoplasty refers to a procedure that changes the appearance of the nose not by using a scalpel, but with a CO2 laser. During laser rhinoplasty, this surgical laser is used to make thick nose skin thinner or to remove nose deformities. Unlike traditional rhinoplasty, laser procedures do not require the surgeon to physically cut the nose open. Instead, it is performed right through the skin.
It is important to note that laser rhinoplasty can not dramatically reshape the nose like a traditional nose job can. However, surgical lasers are effective at removing acne scars, thinning the thick, red skin that can be caused by the skin condition rosacea, and other changes involving the skin of the nose. It is also effective in cases where the tip of the nose is too large due to thick skin. Whether you are a candidate for this technique depends on your skin type and the type of changes you wish to see in your nose.
During laser rhinoplasty, the surgeon carefully targets skin cells with the CO2 laser. As they are removed by the laser energy, an underlying layer of healthy skin is exposed. Laser techniques do not require local or general anesthetic like traditional nose jobs; a topical numbing cream will be used to ease the slight stinging or warm sensation resulting from the laser energy. One of the major benefits of this procedure is that the recovery period is much shorter. Many patients describe the side effects of laser procedure as being similar to the discomfort of a sunburn.
