What is Alternative to Silicone Implant? Rib Cartilage Safe?

There are many alternatives to augmenting the nasal bridge.  Septal cartilage is always the first and best alternative in augmentation rhinoplasty.  If the nose has been cartilage depleted then attention is directed to ear cartilage for use of auricular cartilage to build up the bridge.  Rib cartilage is an acceptable alternative as well, but is very stiff and tends to warp over time.  The best synthetic implants are silastic implants.  

Using your own rib cartilage is a very good alternative to using a silicone implant. Since it's your own tissue there isn't the same issue of rejection that can occur with silicone.

Issues to consider with rib cartilage is that of carving the implant properly to prevent warping. In experienced hands this risk is quite low. A great thing about rib cartilage is the abundant supply of very strong cartilage it provides for any number of nasal problems, including rebuilding the bridge.

Solid Silicone, called Silastic, has been used for many decades to build up the bridge of the nose. Unfortunately, it has a tendency to become infected from months to years later. There are a number of alternatives. Another synthetic is Goretex. Using your own cartilage, such as nasal septum or ear cartilage is also useful.

In my opinion, for a very scooped nose, rib cartilage is the best alternative. It can be used as a solid block or diced and wrapped in a layer of fascia, which is the covering of a muscle from your temple. To get a millimeter or two augmentation, you can dice the cartilage from one ear and wrap it in the fascia for a subtle enhancement of your profile.