Implant-free nose surgery: How to create a nasal bridge line with autologous rib cartilage and autologous tissue
I do not want to use silicone,
Is it possible to raise the nasal bridge without an implant?
This is one of the first questions that arises when looking into implant-free nose surgery.
When it is said that artificial implants are not used, some may think that only the nasal tip can be changed.
Implant-free nose surgery is a procedure that uses your own tissues such as septal cartilage, ear cartilage, or autologous rib cartilage, and the combination of autologous tissues to be used varies depending on the condition of the nose and the desired height.
Today, I will explain everything from how to raise the nasal bridge without implants, the differences among autologous tissues including autologous rib cartilage, and cases where application may be limited, to you.
Implant-free nose surgery
How can the nose be raised without an implant?
Implant-free nose surgery is a method of shaping the height and line of the nasal bridge and nasal tip using your own tissue instead of artificial implants such as silicone or Gore-Tex.
Septal cartilage, ear cartilage, autologous rib cartilage can be used, and the autologous tissue utilized varies depending on the area needed.
Therefore, the term implant-free does not mean that no material is used in the nose.
It is closer to the meaning of using your own cartilage instead of artificial implants.
If you are worried about the implant showing through thin skin or are uncomfortable with the use of artificial implants itself, you may consider this option.
For the nasal bridge and nasal tip,
what autologous tissue should be used?
Different autologous tissues can be used for the nasal bridge and nasal tip depending on the required function.
For the nasal bridge, autologous rib cartilage or particulate cartilage is used,
and for the nasal tip, septal cartilage or ear cartilage can be used.
Rather than one type of cartilage being absolutely better, it is important to determine the necessary combination based on the current state of the nose and the desired height.
Autologous tissue
Application area and purpose
Septal cartilage
Used for the nasal tip
Ear cartilage
Used for the nasal tip
Autologous rib cartilage
Used to secure nasal bridge height, etc.
Autologous rib particles
Used to secure the necessary nasal bridge volume
When choosing autologous tissue, rather than just comparing the names of the materials, you should also consider the amount of cartilage available, the desired nasal bridge height, and the degree of support needed for the nasal tip together.
This is why, even for the same implant-free nose surgery, the type and combination of cartilage used will vary depending on the condition of the nose.
If autologous rib cartilage is used,
can a low nasal bridge also be raised?
Even without using an implant, autologous rib cartilage can be used to create the necessary height for a low nasal bridge.
However, since autologous cartilage is not an implant made in a uniform shape like silicone, there are limitations in achieving a smooth and defined line while raising the nasal bridge.
To compensate for this, there is a method of making autologous rib cartilage into particles and shaping it to fit the nasal bridge. At our clinic, this is called RIBFIT™.
After finely particulating your own rib cartilage, it is shaped into an autologous tissue implant according to the required height and shape, so the purpose is to achieve the smooth nasal bridge line expected from a silicone implant without inserting an artificial implant.
Therefore, RIBFIT™ is not simply a method of raising the nasal bridge with autologous rib cartilage, but rather, a method applied to create both the height and line of the nasal bridge, which was difficult to achieve with only autologous tissue. This is how it should be understood.
Implant-free nose surgery
is not possible for every nose
Just because you do not want to use artificial implants does not mean that the desired shape can be achieved in every case with only the implant-free method.
In particular, if you want a very high nasal bridge or if there is not enough autologous cartilage available, there may be limitations in applying this method.
• Are you worried about the artificial implant showing through thin skin?
• Do you want a natural height and line?
• Can the desired nasal bridge height be achieved with autologous tissue?
• Is there enough autologous cartilage available?
In the end, rather than deciding on a method based solely on the condition of 'not using silicone,' you must check both the desired height and the autologous tissue currently available.
If there is not enough autologous cartilage, methods to secure the necessary volume will also be considered.
Is the area where autologous cartilage is harvested okay?
When using autologous tissue, some people worry about the area where cartilage is harvested more than the nose itself.
Septal cartilage and ear cartilage are harvested only as much as needed within the range that does not affect function or shape, and are used while maintaining the shape of the ear and breathing function. .
If autologous rib cartilage is needed, the process of harvesting costal cartilage is added.
Costal cartilage is also obtained through a small incision to secure the necessary cartilage.
Not only which cartilage to use, but also how to harvest the required amount and transplant it into the nose, are included in the surgical plan.
Implant-free nose surgery
It is also important to review the experience of selecting autologous tissue.
In implant-free nose surgery, as much as which material is used, the process of determining which autologous tissue is needed for the current nose is important.
Especially when using autologous rib cartilage, not only nose surgery, but also the process of harvesting costal cartilage is necessary, so it is important to check how familiar the surgeon is with handling autologous rib cartilage.
Some people feel burdened by the process of harvesting costal cartilage, so it is important to accurately secure the necessary cartilage without unnecessarily prolonging the harvesting time, as well.
With over 20 years of focus on nose surgery and consistent handling of autologous rib cartilage, the costal cartilage harvesting is performed in about 15 minutes, which can be a criterion for reviewing such experience.
Additionally, it can be checked whether a single medical professional performs the surgery and whether the number of surgeries per day is limited to focus on each patient's surgical process. as well.
While considering nose surgery, some people have a desired nasal bridge and line, but are concerned about inserting artificial implants into their body.
This can lead to various concerns, such as whether you have to give up your desired shape or whether you can get closer to your envisioned appearance using only autologous tissue.
Implant-free nose surgery is not simply about not using silicone, but also about reviewing which autologous tissue can be used to create the necessary height and shape for your nose.
Rather than continuing to worry just because you are concerned about implants, I hope today's content helps you understand the possible methods for your nose.
Hyung-taek Kim, Chief Director of KOWON Plastic Surgery Clinic
I always provide consultations with this mindset.
I will help you find a nose that suits your face.
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KOWON Plastic Surgery Clinic
2nd floor, KBL Center, 110 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
This procedure/surgery may cause side effects such as bleeding, infection, swelling, or asymmetry depending on the individual. Please make your decision after consulting with medical professionals for accurate information.
— Dr. Hyung-taek Kim, KOWON Plastic Surgery