Asian Rhinoplasty with Silicone, Gore-tex, and Cartilage implants. Which one is the safest in the long run?

Nose augmentation surgery to build up the bridge of the nose is a very common surgery among Asians and other ethnic population. Silicone, Gortex and cartilage are all safe to be used. There is a long track record for the use with any of these materials. The problem with cartilage is that it is difficult to obtain the material to be used. The rib is a popular area but leaves a scar on the chest and its is  a much bigger surgery.If obtained from nose there is simply not enough.  Also after it is placed the cartilage can disappear shortly after or warp. So the result you get at the end of surgery is not what you eventually end up with. Many surgeons tries to sell this surgery stating that there is less complication, but this is not true. Gortex has also been used but this material is hard to shape and can react with the tissue and can get incorporated with the soft tissue. It is difficult to remove and can damage the skin. Therefore, silicone is the most popular material used. If used properly it has the lowest complication rate. I have over twenty years of experience using this material. I have also written and published on this subject. The problem with silicone is that, this surgery is done by non-surgeons and even non-physicians. If it is performed in a proper environment such as a certified operating room, it is super safe. I tend to shape the tip of the nose  when i do Asian nose surgery. For the tip i like to use a cartilage obtained from inside of your nose. This will yield optimum shape for both the dorm and the tip of the nose. You can get consistent result with reasonable cost. 

I feel very strongly that synthetic materials should be not be placed in your nose during Asian rhinoplasty. Personally, the best way to achieve permanent results in the safest manner is by undergoing Asian rhinoplasty with autologous grafts - tissue from your own body.  Grafts from your own tissue will have a much lower rate of complications than synthetic implants such as silicone, Gore-tex or Medpore.The best way to determine what specific changes will look good on your face, and what changes are surgically possible, is to do your research to find the top Asian rhinoplasty specialists and consult with several of them in person.  During your consultation, your photos can be computer-morphed to show how the changes to your nose will affect your appearance.  An Asian rhinoplasty specialist will have the experience to determine whether the morphed images are surgically attainable.

Dorsal graft can be done with cartilage using DCF or with Gortex. If the gortex graft is used it is important to make sure it is not an 'L' shaped graft with the columellar component as they are more likely to extrude. RegardsDr. Janjua

Hello,
Thanks for your question. In my opinion, your own cartilage is the best option. The reality is that resorption rates for cartilage grafting are quite low. I typically utilize diced cartilage - fascia (DCF) grafts for bridge augmentation in Asian and African- American rhinoplasty routinely. I discuss options such as Silicone or Medpor implants, and we talk about the risks vs. the benefits of all 3 options. Implants are very powerful but have their own problems such as infection, malposition, capsular contraction, excess show, etc. If you want a starkly noticeable change, implants are very good at providing that. If you want a more natural, believable augmentation, then cartilage is the best option for this. 
Good luck,
Dr. Shah

Rhinoplasty is a surgery to improve the shape of your nose for breathing or appearance.Asian rhinoplasty addresses the features commonly found in Asian noses: low bridge, thick skin, bulbous tip, retracted columella, and wide nostrils. Building up the bridge may be performed with a synthetic implant or cartilage graft. Synthetic implants have a lifetime risk of infection and extrusion. Once the cartilage graft settles into place, the likelihood of problems is very low. I would talk to a surgeon who understands these concepts so you can have surgery that will produce a safe and happy result. Safety comes first. 

I have avoided the use of Silicone and Gortex to augment the Asian nose for many years because of the increased risk of infection, movement, and extrusion. I do not have problems with collapse after using diced cartilage and fascia grafts. Consult with a surgeon who is experienced with this technique.