What Do You Think About Gortex Nasal Implants?

We were asked recently what we think about using Goretex in the nose. This is a great question and an issue of debate at Facial Plastic Conferences. Some surgeons are very dogmatic about such topics but, often, one may find that they have an agenda to push. We have a nuanced view of foreign implant materials. In almost every case, we believe that you are better off with an implant using your own tissue, if at all possible. Cartilage is an ideal implant, whether from the septum, ear, or... more

While the majority of patients who have had alloplastic (foreign) materials used in the nose as implants - silicone, Gortex, Medpore, etc. - do not experience any problems, for those few patients that have had problems, the complications can be disaterous. I have seen many patients with Gortex implants that have become infected and several patients who have had their Gortex erode through the skin. Other patients have complained of "lumpiness" of the implant. I prefer to use the... more

In general alloplastic nasal implants are not a good idea - especially in someone with thin skin where a minor trauma can introduce bacteria onto the graft.  Once these grafts get infected, they usually have to be removed. The resulting inflammation and scar tissue can, at the very least, be a real setback or at the very worst, result in long term problems.  This is a classic risk/benefit discussion that needs to be had between the surgeon and patient about the potential... more

As you have read, your own cartilage is the best source of material for augmenting a nose. Usually we get cartilage from the septum. Having said that, many people who need revision rhinoplasty do not have available septum to use and require something else. The other cartilage options are ear or rib and ear tends to not be very good. Many people do not want their rib used ( to avoid the cost and the length of surgery and recovery time associated with using rib). In this case implants... more

  I prefer to use a patients own tissue but I definitely like Gortex as an implant. I have used Gortex implants in the nose for many years and have had few problems. The most important aspect of using Gortex is to discuss the potential results and complications using it. Good luck

An artificial implant like Goretex is a last resort. I have useed it succesfully to augment (add) height to a traumatized nose with very good success. However, I always prefer to use the patients own tissue, septal or ear cartilage are the easiest materials to find and use. Ariticial implants in the nose can get infected. This is rare, but why chance it if you do not have to.

Hi. Implants in the nose tend to have a lot of complications.  If something needs to be added as part of a rhinoplasty, it is much safer to use your own cartilage, usually from your own nose.

Hi Maxine, Foreign body implants can be problematic. Although they are more popular in Asia where the complication rate seems to be less. Of all the available implants (Silastic, Medpor, titanium) I find Gortex to be the least likely to cause a major problem. And there are 1000's of people with implants who do very well and are happy. The benefits to an implant is that the surgery is much quicker, less traumatic and should result in a smooth bridge (dorsum). However if the implant gets... more

Maxine, Using an implant based on your own body's material (septal cartilage, rib cartilage, ear cartilage) is usually considered ideal because the risk of infection and extrusion is minimized. Many leading rhinoplasty surgeons are inflexible on this point. However, other rhinoplasty authorities strongly advocate for the use of artificial implants in certain circumstances and have had good results over many years. Sometimes grafts from the patients body are not available or may not... more

Goretex grafts are often well tolerated in the nose, provided there is adequate soft tissue lining and minimal pressure expediting extrusion. However, in most cases of secondary Rhinoplasty, the tissue is poorly vascularized with scar tissue and a thin soft tissue lining. These portend eventual goretex extrusion. There are several options for nasal augmentation using your body's own cartilage, rib grafts, and a combination of diced cartilage and fascia. These can provide long term... more