Choosing Between Silicone and Cartilage Implants: A Comprehensive Guide to Augmentation Rhinoplasty Options
Augmentation rhinoplasty is a very popular form of nose surgery to improve the cosmetic appearance of the nose. Augmentation rhinoplasty is done with the help of implants to either correct the projection of the nasal bridge or correct the downturned tip, giving a nose a more balanced and even appearance.
The demand for beauty is increasing forever, and the need for rhinoplasty is also increasing. The use of prosthetics or implants has also increased, especially in Asian rhinoplasty.
Augmentation rhinoplasty is a safe procedure, does not take much time, and has a faster recovery with immediate results. The two popular types of implants used in augmentation nose jobs are silicone and rib cartilage.
Both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. In modern rhinoplasty, many surgeons have started using a combination of both for perfect results.
Common reasons for seeking augmentation rhinoplasty
Augmentation rhinoplasty is not needed in every case; it is most desired by patients who
- have a hump on the nose. In such cases, the cartilage needs to be smoothed out and the bridge needs to appear straight at the side profile.
- Have a crooked nose or a deviated septum. Implants can help strengthen the septum and prevent nasal collapse.
- Have an under- or over-projected nose that gives the face an aged appearance. A wide nose bridge and an overly projected nose make the face look large, and an under-projected nasal tip makes the nose look smaller as compared to the face.
- Have a misshapen nose tip that makes the nose appear lopsided and hence throws the facial balance off key.
Since the bridge and the nose tip can greatly affect the appearance of the face, it is the toughest thing to address for the plastic surgeon. Top rhinoplasty surgeons take into consideration the skin thickness of the nose tip, the fatty layer, and the cartilage in the nose tip.
Hence, augmentation rhinoplasty is a delicate procedure that requires a highly experienced and well-trained rhinoplasty surgeon. To select the right material for the implant, the surgeon also takes into account the facial features, shape, and size of the nose to ensure the best possible outcomes and satisfaction for the patient. Let us take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each type of implant.
Silicone Implants
These are the oldest types of implants and have been used for many years.
- Predictable Results: Silicone nose implants offer a more predictable outcome as the size and shape of the implant are pre-determined, allowing for specific adjustments. They can be shaped precisely as per the individual nose, and this allows room for customization and particular needs.
- Faster Procedure: The surgery involving silicone implants tends to be quicker compared to cartilage grafting, which can reduce the overall time in the operating room.
- Minimal Donor Site Morbidity: Unlike cartilage grafting, silicone implants do not require harvesting tissue from other parts of the body, resulting in reduced donor site morbidity.
- Possibility of Complications: However, the use of silicone implants poses a risk of infection, implant displacement, or extrusion. These complications might require additional surgery. Soft silicone implants are much more flexible than hard implants and thus have a more natural appearance and feel.
There are two types of silicone implants: L-shaped and I-shaped. L-shaped is commonly used to create a better tip projection and definition and has less complexity. They are also popular because they can be easily removed or replaced in cases of infections or protrusions.
Cons of silicone implants
- Because it is an artificial implant, there are chances of migration because of a lack of integration with the underlying structures of the nose.
- They might feel hard and uneven under the nose if hard silicone is used or low-quality implant material is employed.
- There are some chances of infection that can damage the nasal appearance.
- Sometimes it is difficult to remove because extensive tissue integration causes poor outcomes.
Cartilage grafts
Also known as autologous grafts, these grafts used for augmentation rhinoplasty are taken from the patient’s own body and are considered one of the top choices for nose surgery. The most popular site of cartilage harvesting is the rib and ear cartilage.
- Natural Feel and Appearance: Cartilage grafts, usually harvested from the patient’s own nasal septum, ear, or rib, provide a more natural feel and softer appearance as they integrate well with the patient’s existing tissue.
- Reduced Risk of Complications: Cartilage grafts tend to have fewer risks of complications, such as infection or rejection, compared to synthetic implants.
- They can be used to treat multiple issues, such as improving the length of the nose, correcting droopy nose tips, and modifying the under-projected nasal tip. Cartilage grafts are also used for rebuilding damaged or removed nasal tips.
Cons of cartilage grafts
- Potential for Resorption: There is a possibility of partial resorption of cartilage grafts over time, leading to changes in shape or size, though this risk is relatively low.
- Longer Surgical Time: The process of harvesting and shaping cartilage grafts can make the surgery longer and more complex.
- The grafts might become visible under the skin over time.
- Scaring on the donor site of grafts
- There is a risk of warping, but it can be avoided with expert hands.
Infection is a common risk in both types of implants, but it is not usually caused by the implant itself but by operation time, postoperative care negligence, and other factors.
The choice between silicone and cartilage grafts for augmentation rhinoplasty depends on the patient’s specific needs and preferences and the surgeon’s expertise.
Silicone implants may offer a more predictable outcome and shorter surgery time, but they come with a higher risk of certain complications. On the other hand, cartilage grafts offer a more natural result but might require longer surgery and carry a risk of resorption.
Discussing with the top rhinoplasty surgeons will get you personalized recommendations based on individual anatomy.
When it comes to selecting the right implants for augmentation rhinoplasty, recent studies have shown that the use of cartilage grafts for correcting tip deformities and silicone implants for nasal dorsum augmentation is a popular combination to get the best aesthetically pleasing results in augmentation rhinoplasty.
Most of the cons of silicone and cartilage implants can be easily avoided if the best rhinoplasty surgeon in Mumbai is well-experienced and knows the limitations and benefits of both.
The nose is a prominent part of our identity, so it is important that you choose an augmentation rhinoplasty surgeon who knows the types of noses and the effects of ethnicity on the shapes and sizes of the nose.