Rhinoplasty is among the most chosen cosmetic services nowadays. However, many people are wondering about the different types of cartilage for rhinoplasty. In this article, we will show explain to you each type of cartilage used in rhinoplasty.
Understanding different cartilage for rhinoplasty
Nowadays, almost all cases of nose makeover combine the use of autologous cartilage and artificial cartilage. Artificial cartilage is used to elevate the projection of the nasal dorsum, whereas autologous cartilage is used to coat the tip of the nose, stabilizing the dorsum of the nose to prevent exposure or future complications. So what are autologous cartilage and artificial cartilage? Let’s find out.
What is artificial cartilage? How many types of artificial cartilage are there?
Artificial rhinoplasty cartilage is used to simulate the autologous cartilage and is made accordingly to the shape of the nose with great flexibility and durability.
Rhinoplasty cartilage made from silicone
The first material used to make artificial cartilage is silicone. It is the earliest invention that is still used up to this moment as it is easy to be carved. Moreover, it is stable and durable and lasts up to 10 years inside a human body (depending on the body condition) without causing any complications.
Although there has been a lot of improvement, Silicone cartilage still possesses many disadvantages that you will need to keep in mind when having the surgery.
- The cartilage is pretty heavy, causing dorsum exposure and nose redness in the long term.
- The cartilage is not adhesive and can have its position shifted.
- If your body is allergic to many things, you should not have rhinoplasty with silicone cartilage.
Nanoform cartilage for rhinoplasty
Nanoform rhinoplasty cartilage is made entirely from ePTFE – a structure that simulates autologous cartilage, improving its compatibility without causing allergies.
The surface of Nanoform cartilage has nanoparticles that nurture the blood vessels, preventing the condition of embolism due to thin nose skin, correcting the condition of dorsum exposure and rejection.
The nose will be able to withstand heavy force and will not transfigure thanks to the flexibility of the ePTFE inside of Nanoform cartilage.
With its structure of microholes, the blood vessels are able to flow freely. After the material being placed inside the nose, the soft tissues at the nose will stick firmly to it, creating a tight structure that lasts stably for a long time.
Surgiform cartilage for rhinoplasty
Surgiform rhinoplasty cartilage is the most premium rhinoplasty material recently. Being made 100% from ePTFE – a safe material used in medicine to create artificial blood vessels, Surgiform cartilage is approved for use by the FDA.
The surface of Surgifor cartilage is made up of millions of micro-holes that allow the blood vessels to pass through easily and stick to the cartilage, creating a unified structure with the nose.
Surgiform has the compatibility of 99% with the body, limiting the complications after the rhinoplasty. In addition, the cartilage can also withstand a lot of force, allowing the nose to be safe from contact.
What is autologous cartilage for rhinoplasty? How many types of autologous cartilage are there?
you can simply understand that autologous cartilage is the cartilage material taken directly from other parts of the patient’s body. The 4 types of autologous cartilage that are frequently used in rhinoplasty are:
Ear cartilage
Ear cartilage is easy to retrieve and has the appropriate smoothness and elasticity to create a natural and soft nose tip. This cartilage is not suitable to elevate the projection of the dorsum as it can transfigure over time.
To retrieve the ear cartilage, the surgeons will make an incision behind the ear and use specialized tools to take 1 – 2cm of cartilage. As the incision is small and placed behind the ear, you can rest assured that it will not affect the function or the appearance of the ear.
Using ear cartilage is the optimal answer to which cartilage should you use for rhinoplasty.
Temporal cartilage
Temporal cartilage is located in the temple. It is a thin, white, and durable substance that is surrounded by muscle layers under the skin. Thanks to its softness and easy-to-retrieve nature, the temporal cartilage is suitable for shaping the tip of the nose. When having rhinoplasty using this cartilage material, other cartilage is advised to be used for a better result.
To extract the temporal cartilage, only a tiny incision deep within the hairline is needed, causing no ugly scars. It will not affect your health or nervous system as it doesn’t cause you headaches or difficulties in your lifestyle whatsoever.
To know which type of cartilage is best for you, you should ask the reference of the doctors after exposing your desire.
Septum cartilage
Septum cartilage is the layer separating the two nostrils, creating the softness and flexibility of the nose. When compared with other types of cartilage, septum cartilage is more durable, safer, and less likely to be shifted in shape.
For rhinoplasty, the surgeon will make use of a part of the septum cartilage to make create pieces that form a durable nose structure, lengthen the nose, and elevate the projection of the nose, allowing the nose to be more naturally beautiful. The septum cartilage is believed to be the most suitable cartilage to be used for rhinoplasty as it is located inside the nose.
Rib cartilage
Rib cartilage is soft yet is straight and hard enough to adjust the tip and the columella of the nose, forming the beautiful nose contour. For this technique, the surgeon will retrieve a cartilage part at the end of the 6th, 7th, or 8th ribs.
The reason why the end of the rib is taken is because this is where the regeneration process happens the fastest without affecting any functions of the other body parts of the overall health of the person. Using autologous cartilage is the best answer to what type of cartilage should be used for rhinoplasty because it is completely safe without causing any complications or rejections that could lead to necrosis.
We suggest you go to Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital to receive the best advice and rhinoplasty proposal that is up to your desire and need.