Permacol for Nasal Implant?

Question

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.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

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.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

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.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

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 then rib cartilage can be used.
Regards

William Portuese, MD · Answer

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.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

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 donor site morbidity) BUT they cost more and may very well last a lost shorter time.
I agree with the previous post that you should have it done by a reputable nose surgeon who is experienced with redo (revision) nose surgery.
Good Luck.

Permacol for Nasal Implant?

Answers (8)