Ear cartilage for the nasal bridge? At first glance, it seems acceptable—and I've heard cosmetic clinics promote it this way more than once! But here's the thing: ear cartilage is fundamentally unsuitable for the nasal bridge. Its most common use is actually for refining the nasal tip!!! Ear cartilage has a natural curvature, whereas the nasal bridge requires a straight implant material. How can you expect ear cartilage to stay straight once inserted?
Since we're discussing rhinoplasty materials, let me summarize all the materials I've identified as suitable for nasal augmentation:
1. Solid Silicone
It must be said that solid silicone is currently the most widely used rhinoplasty material, with over 20 years of history in nasal augmentation.Its significant advantages include stability within the body, extremely rare rejection or allergic reactions post-implantation, affordability, low surgical complexity, ease of removal if necessary, and minimal postoperative complications.
However, it also has drawbacks: First, it is unsuitable for tip augmentation, especially when implanting L-shaped silicone implants, as excessive tension can lead to thinning of the nasal tip skin, redness, or even implant perforation through the tip.Second, prolonged presence of silicone in the body can trigger capsular contracture, causing skin tightening. This may eventually lead to visible implant contours, thinning of the nasal dorsum skin, light transmission through the bridge, and retraction of the nasal tip—potentially revealing the augmentation to others. Additionally, willow-leaf-shaped implants inserted into the nasal dorsum may experience downward displacement due to gravitational forces.Currently, numerous silicone implant brands are available on the market, including imported brands like Hansheng Bio and domestic brands such as Kangning and Weining.
II. Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)
ePTFE, commonly known as expanded PTFE, is another widely used rhinoplasty implant material. Its primary advantage lies in excellent biocompatibility with the human body. The material's unique microporous structure allows human cells and vascular tissue to ingrow, ensuring secure fixation and minimal displacement.Additionally, ePTFE is soft in texture, resulting in a natural feel and appearance post-surgery.
However, the microporous nature of ePTFE presents both advantages and disadvantages: 1) It is more expensive than silicone; 2) Strict sterile surgical techniques are essential to prevent infection; 3) Removal is more challenging than with silicone and requires an experienced surgeon.
III. MEDPOR
MEDPOR is a high-density porous polyethylene implant from the United States. Similar to ePTFE, it features an open, specialized pore structure that allows tissue ingrowth into the repair site.It is frequently used in craniofacial reconstruction at public hospitals, particularly for auricular reconstruction, and has gradually gained traction for rhinoplasty in recent years. This material is widely adopted in the United States. Notably, MEDPOR is FDA-approved. It carries a relatively high price tag. IV. Autologous Cartilage Autologous cartilage requires little introduction, as it is widely recognized. It remains a mainstream material for rhinoplasty, especially prevalent in comprehensive nasal reconstruction procedures.Currently, clinicians primarily harvest autologous ear cartilage, nasal septal cartilage, or rib cartilage for rhinoplasty. Based on the shape characteristics of cartilage from different sites, ear cartilage is generally used only for tip augmentation, rib cartilage for dorsum augmentation, and septal cartilage as a "support rod" between the columella. It is said that newer techniques involve grinding cartilage into particles and injecting them into the nose.
V. Autologous Fat Grafting
Autologous fat rhinoplasty, as the name implies, follows the same principle as other familiar autologous fat procedures. Excess fat is harvested via liposuction, then purified and injected into the nasal root area for sculpting.
Since the fat originates from the patient's own body, it avoids tissue rejection and allergic reactions.However, to prevent the fat from being absorbed by the body's own cells, it should be injected in multiple sessions and in controlled amounts. Frankly speaking, there are still very few doctors who can truly perform autologous fat rhinoplasty well!
VI. Microcrystalline Ceramic
Microcrystalline ceramic, scientifically known as calcium hydroxyapatite, is also called "artificial bone powder" and is a very popular injectable material in Taiwan.Microcrystalline porcelain offers longer-lasting results than hyaluronic acid, reportedly maintaining efficacy for 18–24 months or more in most patients. However, note that microcrystalline porcelain has not received approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), so exercise caution when considering this option!
7.Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is another well-known cosmetic filler among beauty enthusiasts. It's used for lip augmentation, cheek enhancement, under-eye bag correction, hydration, and naturally, rhinoplasty. Advantages of hyaluronic acid rhinoplasty: It's quick, taking only minutes to sculpt the desired nose shape, making it ideal for working professionals—a classic "lunchtime procedure." Disadvantages: The injected hyaluronic acid isn't permanent; it gradually metabolizes and requires touch-ups.