A rhinoplasty tray has more specialised patterns than almost any other plastic surgery set. Moreover, missing one instrument can stall a case, because there is rarely a substitute. This rhinoplasty instruments checklist groups the patterns by step, from exposure to closure. Use it to build a new tray or to audit the one you already have.
How to use this rhinoplasty instruments checklist
Every surgeon works differently, so treat the list as a starting point. First, mark the patterns you use in every case. Next, move occasional patterns into a small add-on pack. Finally, note the lengths and blade widths you prefer, so a supplier can match them exactly.
Exposure and retraction instruments for the rhinoplasty checklist
- Aufricht nasal retractor: lifts the skin envelope over the dorsum. Fiber optic and suction versions also improve the view.
- Cottle nasal specula: several blade lengths, typically 35 mm to 90 mm.
- Killian nasal speculum: longer blades for septal work.
- Joseph skin hooks: single and double prong, for alar rim and skin retraction.
- Columella retractor: a weighted retractor frees an assistant’s hand in open cases.
Incision and soft-tissue dissection
- Scalpel handle #3: with #11 and #15 blades for transcolumellar and marginal incisions.
- Joseph scissors: for undermining the skin over the dorsum.
- Converse scissors: angled blades for elevating soft tissue.
- Fomon dorsal scissors: angled for trimming the cartilaginous dorsum.
Tungsten carbide edges are worth the extra cost on rhinoplasty scissors, because they stay sharp longer. Our guide to surgical scissors explains why.
Cartilage work
- Fine forceps: Brown-Adson and Adson forceps with 1×2 teeth for holding cartilage.
- Cottle columella forceps: for shaping and holding the columella.
- Cottle cartilage crusher: for morselising grafts.
- Cartilage block and blades: in addition, for carving grafts on the back table.
Septum instruments to add to the rhinoplasty checklist
Septoplasty and septal cartilage harvest need their own patterns. For example, a typical septal pack holds:
- Elevators: a Cottle or Freer elevator, plus a Howarth septum elevator for raising mucoperichondrial flaps.
- Long-bladed specula: such as Killian or long Cottle blades.
- Septal forceps and a swivel knife: for resecting deviated cartilage and bone.
See all nasal septum and speculum instruments.
Bone work: rasps, osteotomes and a mallet
- Rasps: double-ended Fomon nasal rasps in several grits, for smoothing the bony dorsum. Our nasal saws and raspatories cover the main patterns.
- Straight osteotome: such as the Cottle nasal osteotome, for the hump and medial cuts.
- Lateral osteotome, curved and guarded: the guarded lateral osteotome keeps the cut controlled.
- Mallet: a light Hayden mallet with a nylon head for precise taps.
Keep osteotomes sharp. A dull blade needs more force, and as a result the fracture is harder to control. See our osteotomes and gouges.
Suction, measuring and closure
- Frazier suction tubes: two sizes, because a clear field matters in a narrow space.
- Caliper and ruler: for measuring grafts and tip projection.
- Needle holders: a fine Webster or Castroviejo needle holder for columella and alar closure. Our needle holder guide covers the options.
- Iris scissors and fine forceps: finally, for suture work.
Inspect and care for the tray
Rhinoplasty instruments are fine, so small faults show quickly in the result. For this reason, check the tray after every reprocessing cycle:
- Scissors: cut a test material at the tips. The blades should close smoothly and cut cleanly to the point.
- Rasps: clean the teeth with a brush, because bone dust packs into the grit and reduces cutting.
- Osteotomes: look for nicks or a rolled edge. Send blunt blades for sharpening rather than forcing them.
- Specula and retractors: check that the screws turn freely and the blades meet evenly.
In addition, keep the fine patterns in a rack or silicone mat, so their tips do not touch. Our instrument care guide explains cleaning, lubrication and autoclaving in more detail.
Buy a complete rhinoplasty set or build your own
A complete set saves time when you equip a new theatre. For instance, our 66-piece rhinoplasty and septoplasty instrument set covers every step on this rhinoplasty instruments checklist. On the other hand, you may already own part of a tray. In that case, order only the missing patterns.
We also build custom sets. Send us your rhinoplasty instruments checklist with the patterns, lengths and blade widths you need, and we will quote a set made to it. All instruments are made in medical-grade stainless steel in Sialkot, Pakistan, and they carry a 3-month warranty.
Order rhinoplasty instruments from Mosh Instruments
Browse our plastic surgery instruments and plastic surgery sets, or request a quote for a custom rhinoplasty tray. We ship worldwide and offer OEM manufacturing, private labeling and wholesale pricing.