Permacol for Nasal Implant?

asked 2 years ago by gaz in uk
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 741 times
Tags: nose, broken nose, cartilage

I broke my nose as a child. As a result had to have cartilage taken from my ears at the age of 17, and the graft re-absorbed after about a year after Rhinoplasty. I've been back to the surgeon, and he recommends a implant called Permacol. Anyone got any thoughts on this? Thanks.

8 answers to Permacol for Nasal Implant?

Cartilage is first option for nasal implants

Nasal implants are not a great idea unless all the cartilage in the nose and the ears has been exhausted. If those have been exhausted, a rib cartilage graft is an option. Silastic implants can also be used, these are inert plastic wafers inserted into the nose to give an augmentation. All cartilage needs to be used prior to embarking on a synthetic implant.

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

See a revision rhinoplasty specialist.

You will have a permanent solution if you use grafts from yourself than with fillers which are temporary. See a revision rhinoplasty surgeon who has a great deal of experience dealing with noses like yours and let him guide you to the best solution.

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

You may consider a Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty with Injectable Fillers.

You would be surprised how much you can improve a low nasal bridge with Injectable Fillers. If you'd like to email your photos, I'll be happy to share my thoughts with you. I've attached a link to my Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty photos for your perusal. I hope this helps, and best regards.

Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.ericmjoseph.com

Permacol for nasal implant

Depending on your ethnicity, your nose MAY tolerate some grafts longer than others BUT it is a fact that grafts taken from your body will vastly outlast any and all others. Permacol is usually used for hernia repairs and is derived from pig skin. There is NO guarantee that it will not absorb. Other similar solutions such as Alloderm (human skin) also may or may not persist in a scarred bed. The only plus with using such implants is that your own body is not used as a graft source (IE no... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Permacol is porcine collagen and will also eventually absorb

That wouldn't be my top choice for a revision rhinoplasty (nose job / nose plastic surgery / nose cosmetic surgery / rino plasty / rhynoplasty). This product will get absorbed and might have a potential for an allergic reaction. The manufacturers state that the implant is eventually replaced with your collagen. I think that this needs to be further proven. My position on new products is that I let others make the mistakes with it first and then I'll use it if it has proven itself over 5-10... more

Philip Young, MD
Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon

Permacol for nasal reconstruction

Permacol is made from the middle layer (dermis) of skin from a pig. The manufacturers claim it is permanent (resistant to resorption) but that has not been my experience. I have not had extensive experience using it, but the few times I have, I felt it either resorbed or partially resorbed. Grafts from your own body are more reliable in resisting resorbtion although you said the ear cartilage did resorb. Either septal cartilage from inside your nose or cartilage from one of your ribs... more

Jack P. Gunter, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

www.rhinoplasty-usa.com

Permacol for Nasal Augmentation

Permacol is a pig collagen and can get absorbed over time. This means after a certain time you might lose the improvement in the shape of your nose. The most important thing for you to answer is if the shape of your nose bothers you and how much. If it is only minor deformity then you are better off not doing any surgery. The risk of revision surgery is high. If you still want to proceed then the best bet is your own tissues. If the nasal septum cartilage and ear cartilage is not available... more

Tanveer Janjua, MD
Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon

Nasal implants

Dear Gaz. If you have already had several operations on your nose you do have a significant amount of scarring inside. My first recommendation is to see a plastic surgeon with a good deal of experience in dealing with secondary (or redo) rhinoplasty. Personally, I try to use your own tissue whenever possible including cranial bone grafts from the skull or rib cartilage grafts if needed. Go on several consultation before making a final decision. Steven Schuster MD FACS