What is Alternative to Silicone Implant? Rib Cartilage Safe?

I'm not a big fan of silicone (Silastic) in the nose or even Gore-Tex since these can extrude or become chronically infected. It sounds like yours may be in the process of extruding.

Rib cartilage is the next best option especially when a lot of material is required, but even when very little is needed. It does require the creation of a small scar on the right side of the chest and carries with it more initial post-op pain. The graft has to be cut very carefully to avoid later warping, though, which is probably the greatest problem with rib grafts in rhinoplasty. Lately, there has been a resurgence of the use of irradiated cadaver rib cartilage which avoids taking the patient's own rib. Depending on where and how they're used, though, rib grafts can resorb to some degree over time.

All the best,

--David C. Pearson, M.D.

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.