Rhinoplasty is one of the most performed surgeries and for good reason. Whatever the reasons, the difference between silicone vs cartilage for Rhinoplasty is what we want to assist you understand in this article. Before your formal consultation with a plastic surgeon, you should at least be aware of the differences we discussed. Your motivations for getting a rhinoplasty may range from breathing problems, increased confidence, or simply changing the appearance of your nose.
Before comparing the two procedures (silicone vs cartilage for rhinoplasty), it’s important to note that rhinoplasty involves more than just adding implants to your nose. In addition to removal, it may also require reshaping. Here are some of the most common causes of this in rhinoplasty.
Reasons to Get Rhinoplasty
A hump nose
A hump nose is normal, but if you’ve had one your entire life and want to get it fixed, the rhinoplasty treatment entails smoothing out the cartilage on the nose’s bridge.
Deviated Septum or a Slanted Nose
An estimated 80% of people have a crooked nose or deviated septum. When straightening a crooked nose, surgery can restore symmetry and, through septorhinoplasty, cure a deviated septum.
Under or over-projected nose
Inversely, an under-projected nose can make noses appear too small for a face, and too-projected or excessively wide nasal bridges can make noses appear too huge for the size of a face. A reduction or augmentation rhinoplasty can be used to treat this, accordingly.
Misshapen or Bulbous Nose Tip
A person’s visage can significantly be affected by a bulbous or deformed nose tip. This is one of the most difficult aspects of the nose to discuss since it incorporates three different tissue types: the skin at the tip, the fatty layer beneath it, and the lower lateral cartilage. The tip cartilages are frequently reshaped during procedures to remodel the tip, as well as cartilage grafts may also be added. It could also be necessary to gently trim the tip’s fatty tissue because excessive removal can result in the skin on the tip turning black (necrosis).
Big Nostrils
Finally, if you choose, even excessively large nostrils can be constrained after surgery. This is accomplished with a simple alar reduction, which entails the excision of a crescent-shaped portion of tissue at the base of the nostrils.
Comparison between Silicone vs cartilage for Rhinoplasty
Before comparing silicone vs cartilage for Rhinoplasty, we should grasp a general view of both implants.
Silicone implants
Silicone implants are a dependable form of implant that has been used for many years and upgraded on numerous occasions. Today’s silicone implants may be precisely molded to fit the needs of each patient. This enables customization for your face and meets your requirements. Along with these anatomical implants, soft silicone implants—rather than the hard, rigid silicone that conventional implants were carved from—are used, giving them a far more natural-looking appearance and feel. A plastic surgeon will be better able to properly plan out what is required for you during this journey if you have several open sessions with them.
Because they may be easily removed or replaced in the event of protrusion, infection, or improper positioning, silicone implants are very popular.
Cartilage implants
One of the best options for rhinoplasty is autologous (cartilage) rhinoplasty, which is made from the patient’s own body. It is virtually usually necessary to harvest some cartilage during surgery, making it far from a risky procedure.
Autologous rhinoplasty can correct a variety of problems, including an under-projected tip, a short nose, droopy nasal tips, etc., by adjusting the nasal cartilage that already exists and using nasal septal cartilage. However, surgeons will utilize cartilage grafts from other locations like the ear or rib to rebuild the nose if there is insufficient nasal cartilage tissue in the patient’s nose.
The pros of implants by silicone vs cartilage for Rhinoplasty
Both procedures have obvious advantages listed below. Let’s skim through some of them to see between silicone vs cartilage for Rhinoplasty whichever brings more benefits.
The benefits of silicone implants include:
- Their ability to be customized to fit the goals and needs of each patient gives them a very accurate fit.
- Has undergone extensive study and has undergone numerous trials and tests over the years, allowing for improved responsiveness in the case that there are issues.
- Simple to remove and replace.
The advantages of cartilage rhinoplasty:
- Because the cartilage was taken from the patient’s tissue, there is a lower risk of infection.
- Lessens the possibility of extrusion and alloplastic implants
- can be applied to replace or rebuild nasal tips that have already suffered damage or removal.
- Compared to implant rhinoplasty, a more natural-looking, softer appearance.
The cons of implants by silicone vs cartilage for Rhinoplasty
Every procedure has its pros and cons. Despite their obvious advantages mentioned above, to determine between silicone vs cartilage for Rhinoplasty, there are a few disadvantages of both procedures you need to consder.
The disadvantages of silicone implants include:
- Migration following installation as a result of inadequate interaction with the nose’s underlying structures
- Under the skin, they feel rough and unnatural, particularly if non-soft silicone implants are utilized.
- Prone to infections, which could cause further harm to the appearance of the nose
- Every material, however, has advantages and disadvantages. Some complications can be prevented following a successful operation with the correct number of check-ups.
The drawbacks of cartilage rhinoplasty:
- The grafts can show through the skin.
- The grafts might move.
- The grafts may fall out.
- scarring at the donor location after grafting.
When the cartilage is positioned on the nose with obvious indentations, asymmetries, or crooked portions of the nose, this is called warping. If the procedure is performed expertly, the dangers are minimized.
Below is a summarized comparison of all the characteristics between silicone vs cartilage for Rhinoplasty so you can have a better view of both procedures.
| Characteristics | Cartilage Implants | Silicone Implants |
| Origin | Autologous | Bio-silicone |
| Pros | High compatibility with the body. Low risk of rejection. Prevent Immune response and allergy, infection. | Easy to shape, adjust the nose shape. Longevity, resilient. Reasonable price. |
| Cons | High price. Prone to nose shape changing over time. Limited ability to raise the nose bridge. Low flexibility in adjusting the nose tip and column. | High risk of rejection and Immune response. Prone to red nose tip and exposed nose bridge over time. |
Even though both types of implants (silicone vs cartilage for Rhinoplasty) have their benefits and drawbacks, it is crucial to stress that many of these “cons” can be avoided with a skilled plastic surgeon and a well-performed procedure. When researching different clinics and surgeons, you should always look at each surgeon’s track record.
How to choose the right place for a rhinoplasty
The nose is an important aspect of our facial structure and identity. We suggest you speak with as many potential plastic surgeons as you can before making your decision, and consider the surgeon’s familiarity with the various sorts of noses that people of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds can have. Our noses are all constructed very differently, and these variations can be even more pronounced between various racial groups.
It is crucial to be as straightforward and honest as you can about what you want to change or remove, what problems, whether physical or cosmetic, you now have, and what you are comfortable with. You will be starting a journey, thus it is crucial that you feel secure throughout it.
You will be required to undergo a physical examination, fill out a medical history form, and have a photograph of your nose taken so that your surgeon can manipulate the image to show you the potential outcomes and help you decide between silicone vs cartilage for rhinoplasty for the best results. During the physical examination with your surgeon, it is also possible to select to combine these two implants for your procedure.
This article should assist you in getting ready for your doctor’s rhinoplasty consultation. For any further requests about choosing between silicone vs cartilage for Rhinoplasty or other procedures, please contact Gangwhoo Hospital to book an appointment with our experts.
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