Why would my doctor use both rib cartilage graft and silicone implant? (photos)

Question

Hi! I gotten my rhinoplasty done in Korea. Originally I wanted to do my rhinoplasty with rib. I gotten a bulbous correction, lifted the tip and raised the bridge. My dr said that he would have to use both rib cartilage and silicone for my surgery because of the results I wanted that using rib would make my nose too straight(not what I wanted) so he placed rib cartilage in the tip to make it stronger and silicone on the bridge for the “curved” effect. Wondering if anyone can share their opinion?

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Silicone implants have an extremely high complication rate, and I would never recommend using them in the nose.  There are many better techniques available to use for dorsal augmentation and tip augmentation. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you appear to have a pleasing nasal appearance. In our practice, we utilize synthetic implants to raise somebody's nasal bridge. Additionally, we utilize cartilage grafts to reconstruct somebody's nasal tip. I hope this answers your question. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Most plastic surgeons in the United States typically do not use foreign bodies for rhinoplasty surgery.
That means that most of us do not use silicone implants.
They are much more commonly used in Asian countries.
Silicon implants have much higher risk of getting contaminated and becoming exposed over time.
That happens in certain areas where tissues have direct pressure against the silicon implants and tissues are thin.
In these areas it would be prudent to avoid using silicone implants because if There is contamination of vascularized cartilage graft will not destroy the outcome of the procedure. 
When a silicon implant becomes exposed or contaminated, it usually needs to be removed and this can cause fairly significant scar tissue making future surgery very difficult.
If you want to know why your surgeon did what they did then you’ll need to ask your provider.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Why would my doctor use both rib cartilage graft and silicone implant? (photos)

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Why would my doctor use both rib cartilage graft and silicone implant? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.