A Guide to Types of Nasal Implants and Cartilage!

Hello.

This is VIBE Plastic Surgery.

Among various cosmetic procedures,

eye surgery and rhinoplasty

are the most popular choices.

In the case of rhinoplasty, it is very important

to choose which implant to use

before undergoing surgery.

[What types of nasal implants are available?]

Commonly used implants for the bridge of the nose include

silicone, Gore-Tex, and Silitex.

Currently, the most widely used implant in rhinoplasty

is the silicone implant.

For the tip of the nose,

it is better for the results and patient satisfaction

to avoid placing artificial implants if possible.

Therefore, autologous cartilage is typically used for the nasal tip.

The three most common types of autologous cartilage are

ear cartilage, septal cartilage, and rib cartilage.

At one time, Gore-Tex implants were widely used,

but as their disadvantages compared to silicone became more apparent,

they are not used as frequently today.

Silitex was an implant born from the idea of

combining the advantages of silicone and Gore-Tex,

but this implant is also used much less frequently

nowadays compared to silicone implants.

[Silicone Implant Types by Nose Shape]

Implant type for a low nasal bridge

This type of implant is advantageous

for creating the popular ‘straight-semi-basal’ line

that many people prefer these days.

Implant type for a humped nose (aquiline nose)

This implant is thinner in the middle section,

making it more advantageous for cases

where there is a slight hump.

When a hump is present, we do not simply

shave it all down before inserting an implant.

This is because the surgical method varies

depending on the size and protrusion of the hump.

Since bone thickness has its limits,

attempting to solve everything by excessive shaving

can lead to internal perforation or regrowth issues.

Therefore, the hump is moderately refined and

often covered using an implant.

Implant type for a bridge that is not low

This implant might be unfamiliar to some;

it is thin at the top and gets thicker toward the bottom.

In cases where the bridge is not low but the tip is well-developed and high,

a high implant is not needed at the top.

Therefore, a type that starts thin at the bridge

and thickens toward the bottom should be used.

Because nasal implants are so diverse,

the most suitable one is selected during surgery,

sculpted to fit your specific nose, and then used.

In the past, implants were placed

from the starting point of the bridge

all the way to the tip of the nose.

However, this caused strong pressure

on the thin skin of the nasal tip,

leading to side effects like skin thinning

or, in severe cases, the implant protruding through the skin.

Through experience, it has been learned that

results are significantly better when using autologous cartilage.

Now, we strive to shape the nasal tip

using only cartilage whenever possible.

[Types of Cartilage Used for the Nasal Tip]

Septal Cartilage

The cartilage known as the septum

is the wall located right in the center of the nose,

separating the left and right nostrils.

Its characteristics are that it is usually straight, thin,

and has good structural strength.

If the septal size is sufficient and the shape is not deviated,

it is the first-choice type of cartilage.

Ear Cartilage

Ear cartilage is not taken from the outer frame

but from the concave inner part of the ear.

Therefore, it is harvested and used within a range

that causes no functional, structural, or aesthetic issues.

Its characteristics are that it is soft and has many curves,

so it may have limits in providing strong structural support.

On the other hand, it is an excellent material

for achieving natural-looking results.

The fact that it is curved is not always a disadvantage.

By utilizing these curves and folding the material properly,

a high and strong cartilage pillar can be created,

so ear cartilage is recommended as much as septal cartilage.

Rib Cartilage (Costal Cartilage)

In cases of revision surgery where septal or ear cartilage

has already been used, or when both are too weak

but a sharp and high nose is desired,

rib cartilage is chosen.

If your own cartilage is used, it is called autologous rib cartilage;

if it is purchased from a processed tissue bank,

it is called donated (cadaveric) rib cartilage.

‘No-implant’ surgery refers to performing the procedure

using only your own cartilage without artificial materials.

At VIBE Plastic Surgery, the head surgeon personally performs the procedures

to ensure proper results and provides customized aftercare

to assist in a stable recovery. Additionally, all spaces within the clinic

are private rooms, allowing you to rest comfortably after surgery.