Which instruments are commonly used to dissect the nasal cartilage during rhinoplasty?

In the context of rhinoplasty, dissection and manipulation of nasal cartilage require instruments that can provide both precision and control. The use of a mallet and chisel is particularly relevant for sculpting and shaping the cartilage during surgical procedures. The chisel, often used in conjunction with the mallet, is ideal for cutting and carving the cartilage, allowing the surgeon to achieve desired outlines and contours with a level of precision that is essential in aesthetic surgery.

Other instruments mentioned, such as scissors or forceps, are not typically the primary tools for this specific task in nasal cartilage dissection because they are generally more suited for soft tissue handling rather than carving or reshaping the firmer cartilage structure. Similarly, while scalpels may be used to incise skin or other soft tissue, they lack the specialized capability needed for detailed cartilage dissection, like what is performed with a chisel and mallet, which are designed specifically for those tasks. A rasp or elevator, while useful in rhinoplasty, is primarily for smoothing or elevating tissues rather than for the initial dissection of cartilage. Therefore, the combination of the mallet and chisel stands out as the most appropriate choice for dissecting nasal cartilage during rhinoplasty.