In Rhinoplasty, is metal used to hold an implant?

Question

I can feel something hard & flat on the front of my nasal bridge & what feels like metal at the top corner of my bridge, near my eye, on either side? What is it, titanium?

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

You ask two questions, and there are two different answers.  First, is metal used to hold an implant in rhinoplasty?  The answer is YES, tiny metal screws of vitallium, titanium, and other very high grade proprietary alloys are occasionally (if not rarely) incorporated to stabilize implants to bone, but in general, metal is NOT used to stabilize implants because implants are most often stabilized to cartilage instead of bone.  Sutures rather than screws secure implants to cartilage.  Second, what you feel that is "hard and flat" on the front of your nasal bridge is most likely the graft itself.  Grafts may feel firm, even if silicone or cartilage.  Porous polyethylene is more firm, polytetrafluoroethylene may feel firm, bone feels firm if stable, and other graft or fixation material may produce a feeling of hardness beneath skin under which it is implanted.  This is a question for your surgeon.  No RealSelf responder (other than your surgeon) can tell you with absolute certainty what was put into that area of your nose during surgery and what you are feeling that is hard and flat.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thanks for your question. In cranial fascial surgery, metal screws and plates are often used. Depending on your surgeon, he/she might have used a metal plate to hold an implant. All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practiceIn over 25 years, we have never used a metal screw to hold an implant in place with regards to a rhinoplasty. Cartilage grafts are typically placed in a precise pocket and rarely ever shift, move or migrate

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

A K-Wire can be used if you received a dorsal nasal costal cartilage graft. This surgery has been replaced by placement of shaved costal cartilage which avoids warping. Warping or bending occurs with placement of a single block of cartilage which is countered by placement of a wire. A consultation is necessary to give you definitive recommendations.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question but rather then speculate what might have been used I would ask my surgeon and/or get the operative noteDr Corbin

In Rhinoplasty, is metal used to hold an implant?

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