Nasal Implants
Nasal implants are used to increase the height of the nasal bridge, optionally enhancing nasal tip projection. They are mostly sought-after by the Asian demographic due to the common lack of sufficient native cartilage support in their noses, which hinders achieving significant definition.
Silicone Implants
Silicone Implants used in rhinoplasty are typically made of medical-grade silicone, a durable and inert material. are primarily used for dorsal augmentation, meaning they are placed along the nasal bridge to enhance its height or contour. They can also be used in nasal tip refinement or to correct asymmetries. The implant is surgically inserted through small incisions inside the nose (endonasal approach) or through an external incision across the columella (open approach). The surgeon carefully shapes and positions the implant to achieve the desired nasal profile.
Gore-Tex Implants
Gore-Tex, also known as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), is a synthetic material that is porous and allows tissue ingrowth. They are used similarly to silicone implants for dorsal augmentation of the nasal bridge and can also be used for nasal tip refinement. Like silicone implants, Gore-Tex implants are inserted through nasal incisions and carefully shaped to achieve the desired nasal contour. The porous nature of Gore-Tex allows tissue to grow into the implant, which theoretically helps stabilise its position.
It is a pliable material, available in 1 mm thick sheets, which are stacked in layers of 4 to 6 to form an implant. Goretex has a natural feel due to its soft and porous texture, facilitating tissue ingrowth, and purportedly lowering the risk of infection and rejection compared to silicone. Other benefits include biocompatibility, natural-looking appearance and permanency with no replacement required in most cases.
