Between Silicone and Gore Tex Which Will Be Better?

Question

i had my rhinoplasty a couple of weeks using silicone implant since it was strongly recommended by my surgeon, after 5 days i just woke up having a swollen eyes and cheek. i notify my doctor and prescribed strong antibiotic. the response was good but he recommends for the removal of the implant and be put back after a month. now im hesitant to use silicon again plus the fact that i felt the hard feeling inside my nose. will it be better to use gore tex instead of silicon for a more natural feel?

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

If septal or ear cartilage is not sufficient and rib cartilage is also not chosen, then I think the goretex implant is softer and easier to place with better long term results. My preference though would be to use cartilage whenever possible including rib. Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I think it is usually best to go with more natural products available. The best is your own cartilage. I think after that the irradiated cartilage. I am not a big fan of the alloplasts like silicone or gortex for the very reason that you are having problems

Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS · Answer

Implants do not belong in the nose. Neither Silicone nor Gore Tex are infection proof. Natural cartilage like rib cartilage is safer. Find a surgeon who does the rhinoplasty the right way and not the quick way.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

IMHO, Gore Tex carries an even greater risk of becoming infected which is why I quit using this as a grafting material in Rhinoplasty in the late 1990's and only use Silastic straight dorsal implants. They can, but rarely do get infected in my experience. Have this discussion with your Rhinoplasty Surgeon.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Both Silicone and Gortex are used for nasal augmentation. However I always prefer to use the patients own cartilage to avoid potential complication following the use of these products. Infection, implant movement and implant extrusion are all possible with silicone implants. Gortex is extremely difficult to remove if necessary after placement.

Between Silicone and Gore Tex Which Will Be Better?

Answers (5)