Rhinoplasty using cartilage or soft silicone?

Question

I have the common flat, short asian nose and would like it to be more desirable. Is it ideal to use cartilage or soft silicone to make it more uplifted? And also what are the pros and cons to both of them? What would you prefer using?

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Personally,
I feel that 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 Medpor.

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

Many of our Asian patients request augmentation of the nasal bridge and tip. In general i find cartilage to be strong enough to augment the nasal tip but not thick enough to augment the bridge. For the bridge I recommend a pre formed Gortex implant. These are soft, very smooth and have a very low extrusion or infection rate. Have a computer imaging session with your surgeon and to see what is possible Good luck!

Goretti Ho Taghva, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question!  Most Asian patients who are seeking for a rhinoplasty desire to have their nose bridge augmented, and their nasal tip refined and slightly turned down.  In most Asian countries and practices in the US with high Asian demographics, silicone/ gortex implants are still commonly used for nasal augmentation and the nasal tip refined with ear cartilage.  This is because implants are ready made off-the-shelf, and so the procedures are typically quicker, more straight forward and there is no/ less donor sites.  Also, some patients desire very high nasal bridge commonly seen in K-pop stars and a nasal implant can better mimic that appearance.  However, there is definitely a higher risk of infection and complications compared to using your own autologous tissues (rib/ ear cartilage etc).  In my practice, I perform both techniques but I do prefer using autologous tissues when the patient is the right candidate for the procedure.  The results are usually more natural and there's a lower risk of complications/ need for revisions. Make sure you find a board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in Asian rhinoplasty for your surgery.  Hope that helps.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Cartllage or silicone for Asian rhinoplasty? I have used cartilage only in the nose for more than 35 years without one infection. Even years later silicone can get infected. Therefore I prefer using cartilage and fascia in the nose depending upon how much elevation of the bridge is needed.

Carlos Burnett, MD, FACS · Answer

Your own cartilage is the graft of choice for augmentation of your nasal bridge and uplift if your nasal tip. Silicone implants can cause delayed infection and extrusion over time. Your own cartilage is a more natural solution. All the best,

Rhinoplasty using cartilage or soft silicone?

Answers (8)

Answer: Cartllage or silicone for Asian rhinoplasty?

Answer: Cartllage or silicone for Asian rhinoplasty?

Answer: Cartilage

Answer: Cartilage

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Everything you need to know about Asian Rhinoplasty

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Rhinoplasty using cartilage or soft silicone?

Answers (8)

Answer: Cartllage or silicone for Asian rhinoplasty?

Answer: Cartllage or silicone for Asian rhinoplasty?

Answer: Cartilage

Answer: Cartilage

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Asian Rhinoplasty

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