What are the similarities and differences in materials used for rhinoplasty?

  Silicone and polytetrafluoroethylene (also known as tumescent) are two types of mainstream artificial nasal filling materials. Silicone has a long history of use, is inexpensive, easy to sculpt and easy to remove; Tumescent is a new type of rhinoplasty material, easier to fuse with surrounding tissues, and although more expensive, the nasal root shape is more natural and stable. Both of the above materials are mainly used to elevate the dorsum of the nose, and can also lightly elevate and lengthen the tip of the nose. This is a good choice for those who don’t want to make a big effort and have a fair shape of their original nasal tip.  Injectables have become very popular in recent years and are often referred to as “lunchtime plastic surgery” because of their ease of use and rapid recovery. The surgeon can use injections to raise the dorsum of the nose and to achieve a perfect transition in cases where the contour is too strong after a rhinoplasty. The commonly used injectable materials are hyaluronic acid (hyaluronic acid) and autologous fat. However, because it is in the form of frozen gel, it makes shaping difficult and therefore often fails to reach the desired height and shape.  In recent years, people have started to pay attention to the shape of their nasal tip, nasal columella and nostrils, which makes autologous cartilage transplantation more and more important. Commonly used autologous cartilages are ear cartilage, septal cartilage and rib cartilage. Ear cartilage is the most commonly used autologous cartilage and has very few postoperative ear sequelae, making it the safest and most convenient cartilage donor area available.  Although obtaining rib cartilage often requires a 2 to 3 cm incision under the breast crease, it can provide a large amount of cartilage, making it particularly suitable for severely short noses and secondary or multiple rhinoplasties. The septal cartilage is often weak in the Oriental population, so its use is more controversial. However, as long as the amount of septal cartilage used is strictly controlled and the septum itself is strengthened, it remains a safe and convenient cartilage donor area.