Currently, nasal implants are commonly categorized into two main types: artificial nasal implants and autologous nasal cartilage. Therefore, before undergoing rhinoplasty, it’s essential to understand what nasal implants are, the different types available, and the pros and cons of each to make a choice that best suits your body.

Let’s explore this topic in more detail with Reconstructive Surgery SMC through the article below.

What Are Nasal Implants? How Many Types Are There?

Nasal implants are essential materials in rhinoplasty procedures. They serve as fillers during surgery, reshaping and reconstructing the nose while addressing imperfections such as flat or humped noses.

Cosmetic surgeons use nasal implants to elevate the nasal bridge or enhance the tip, creating a naturally high nose with perfect golden proportions. Whether you aim to raise the bridge, reconstruct the nasal dorsum, lift the tip, or reshape the nose tip, implants are indispensable for support and redefining asymmetrical contours.

Based on their origin and characteristics, experts classify nasal implants into two main groups: artificial nasal implants and autologous cartilage.

Types of Nasal Implants: How Many Are There?

 

Artificial Nasal Implants

Artificial nasal implants are 3D-molded materials made from flexible silicone, Pureform, Nanoform, and more. With advancements in technology, these implants are widely used due to their high compatibility, superior features, and ability to overcome the drawbacks of older materials. Below are the most popular types:

• Flexible Silicone Implants
  Made from malleable silicone, these implants have an L-shape design that is easy to sculpt. Being cost-effective, they are particularly popular in Asia, delivering sharp and quick results. However, their use may not always be recommended due to a relatively higher risk of infection.
• Pureform Nasal Implants
  Crafted from 100% ePTFE (a material used for artificial blood vessels), Pureform implants provide a natural feel and significantly reduce the risk of rejection. This type is highly flexible and elastic, allowing it to be bent without impacting surrounding cellular tissues.
• Nanoform Nasal Implants
  Considered a premium material, Nanoform is soft, lightweight, and porous. With millions of nano-sized pores, it allows blood vessels to integrate seamlessly, making it an excellent choice for creating a beautifully sculpted, durable, and well-compatible nasal structure.

Artificial nasal implants are composed of materials such as flexible silicone, Pureform, and Nanoform

Autologous Nasal Cartilage

Autologous cartilage is a rhinoplasty technique that uses cartilage extracted from the patient’s own body to reshape and enhance the nose. During surgery, cartilage is typically extracted from areas such as the ear or rib.

The harvested cartilage is then trimmed and sculpted to meet the desired aesthetic requirements of the nose. Autologous cartilage is considered the best option as it eliminates the risk of allergic reactions or immune rejection, ensuring optimal compatibility with the patient’s body.

Popular and High-Quality Artificial Nasal Implants

1. Silicone Implants – Originating from South Korea

Silicone implants are composed mainly of oxygen and carbon elements. This method is one of the earliest artificial nasal implant technologies in the aesthetic industry. During the procedure, the surgeon places a silicone bar into the nasal bridge, enhancing its height and creating a more harmonious facial appearance.

Advantages of Silicone Nasal Implants

• Versatility: Easily shaped into various nose styles such as S-Line and L-Line.
• Durability: Long-lasting within the body with a very low risk of complications.
• Cost-Effective: Affordable with minimal chances of inflammation or rejection.
• Resilience: Resistant to deformation even under strong impacts and easily sterilized.
• Quick Procedure: The surgery takes only 46–60 minutes, without the need for post-surgical downtime.
• Aesthetic Results: The procedure delivers a higher nasal bridge, slimmer nostrils, and a balanced, natural nose shape.

  Silicone cartilage is one of the most popular nasal implant types today

  2. Softxil Bistool Cartilage

  Softxil Bistool is a premium bio-engineered nasal implant originating from South Korea. It has been certified for safety and subjected to rigorous testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Notably, among the various types of nasal implants, Softxil Bistool stands out as the only nasal implant in Asia to receive FDA approval and CE certification from Europe.

  

  Softxil Bistool Cartilage is a Premium Bio-Engineered Implant

  Advantages of Softxil Bistool Cartilage

  • High Compatibility: Up to 80% compatibility with the body.
  • Durability: Lasts within the body for 10–15 years.
  • Shape Retention: Provides excellent shaping, easily attached to the nasal bone with high stability, without shifting.
  • Suitable for Sensitive Skin: Ideal for individuals with sensitive skin types.
  • Variety of Options: Available in over 50 different shapes and sizes, making it suitable for various nose shapes, including S-Line and L-Line designs

  3. Nanoform Cartilage

  Nanoform is a bio-engineered nasal implant material designed to mimic autologous cartilage. Made from 100% ePTFE, it originates from the United States. The surface of Nanoform cartilage is equipped with ultra-small nanoparticles, allowing blood vessels to easily integrate into the implant. Specifically, the cartilage is crafted from 100% smooth white ePTFE plastic, which has been certified by organizations in the United States for its safety.

   

  

  Nanoform cartilage offers up to 90% compatibility with the body

  Advantages of Nanoform Cartilage

  • High Compatibility: Up to 90% compatibility with the body.
  • Lightweight: Relatively light, preventing pressure on the nose tip.
  • Suitable for All Skin Types: Ideal for a wide range of patients, including those with sensitive skin.
  • Excellent Shape Retention: Highly stable, preventing shifting and able to resist external forces.
  • Porous Structure: The implant has millions of tiny pores, allowing easy blood circulation through the material.

  4. Surgiform Cartilage

  Currently, Surgiform is considered one of the best bio-engineered nasal implants, highly favored by many clients. It is made from 100% ePTFE, a material traditionally used for artificial blood vessels. Surgiform cartilage is composed of millions of tiny pores, measured in micrometers, which allow blood vessels to easily penetrate the material, promoting tissue integration and adhesion to the implant. This biocompatible material has natural flexibility and seamlessly adapts to the body, eliminating the need for additional external support.

   

  

  Surgiform cartilage has distinct advantages compared to other types of nasal implants

  Advantages of Surgiform Cartilage

  • Quick Adaptation: It integrates rapidly with the body, minimizing the risk of complications such as a red tip, drooping nasal bridge, or visible implant edges.
  • Strong Attachment: It adheres firmly to the nasal bone and soft tissues, ensuring that external impacts do not affect the overall shape.
  • Versatile Aesthetic Results: Surgiform allows the creation of various natural, attractive nose shapes, such as S-line and L-line, and effectively corrects nasal bridge imperfections.
  • Enhanced Natural Look: When combined with techniques like columellar strut placement and tip support, Surgiform helps achieve a harmonious, naturally-shaped nose that complements the face.

  5. Superform Cartilage

  Superform bio-engineered cartilage is considered one of the best types of nasal implants available today, making it a popular choice among clients seeking nose enhancement. Originating from the United States, Superform undergoes rigorous testing by experts before it is introduced to the market. It is highly valued for its composition of 100% ePTFE and offers superior advantages compared to other nasal implants. Superform is an excellent option for individuals seeking reliable and high-quality nose surgery results.

  

  Superform Bio-engineered Cartilage

  Advantages of Superform Cartilage

  • High Compatibility: Made of 100% ePTFE, Superform cartilage offers excellent compatibility with the body, with research showing a 95% compatibility rate and a very low rejection rate. Recovery time is also faster.
  • Natural, Soft Aesthetic: The micro-mesh surface design and integration with soft tissue help create a high, natural-looking nose bridge without being stiff or artificial. It also effectively prevents the common issues of a red tip or visible implant edges.
  • Stability and Durability: This design helps maintain the shape of the nose, minimizing the risk of shifting or displacement. The longevity of the results is almost permanent, with minimal complications.
  • Easy to Modify or Remove: Superform cartilage can be easily adjusted or removed with a simple, minimally invasive procedure, allowing correction of even the smallest imperfections.
  • Versatile and Customizable: The pre-molded 3D shape is available in various types and sizes, ensuring compatibility with different nose shapes, which reduces the need for extensive modifications by the surgeon.
  • Sterile Packaging: Superform is packaged in sterile EO (ethylene oxide) packaging, ensuring safety and hygiene during use.

  6. Megaderm Cartilage

  Megaderm cartilage is one of the most popular types of nasal implants today, considered a significant advancement in the field of nasal enhancement technology.

  Made from high-quality material, Megaderm is derived from human epidermis and processed using the AlloClean technology, which enhances its compatibility with the human body. Since it is created from human epidermis, Megaderm functions similarly to autologous cartilage (self-donated), which means it does not cause complications such as redness, irritation, or rejection. This makes it a highly biocompatible and safe option for those seeking natural, lasting results in their nose reshaping procedures.

  

  The function of Megaderm cartilage is similar to autologous cartilage 

  Advantages of Megaderm Cartilage:

  • Easy to shape: Megaderm’s soft material allows for easy molding and is suitable for various users.
  • Painless procedure: The rhinoplasty performed with Megaderm is painless and comfortable, leaving no visible scars or traces of cosmetic surgery.
  • Reduces unwanted complications: It minimizes the risk of common issues such as swelling and visible implants.
  • Long-lasting durability: Thanks to its high compatibility, Megaderm quickly integrates into the bone and blood vessels, ensuring long-lasting results.

  Common Types of Autologous Cartilage Used in Rhinoplasty:

  1. Ear Cartilage

  Ear cartilage is a firm tissue structure formed by extracellular matrix and chondrocytes in the ear. Its primary function is to shape the ear and enhance the ability to receive sound. However, over the course of human evolution, many parts of the ear cartilage no longer contribute significantly to ear formation. Therefore, harvesting this cartilage for rhinoplasty does not affect the patient’s overall health or hearing.

  

  Many clients choose rhinoplasty with ear cartilage due to its numerous benefits.

  Ear cartilage rhinoplasty is a commonly used nose enhancement method today. This procedure involves using both ear cartilage (autologous) and durable, flexible silicone implants.

  Advantages of ear cartilage rhinoplasty:

  • Creates a natural-looking nose with a refined tip that harmonizes with the face.
  • Ear cartilage is soft, flexible, thin, and has a curvature similar to the nasal tip, making it ideal for tip refinement.
  • High biocompatibility, stability, and minimal scarring. It also helps to prevent complications such as a glossy or red nose.
  • Minimizes friction between the implant and the nasal tip, preventing implant visibility and providing a natural feel.
  • Ensures aesthetic results for both the ears and nose.
  • Minimally invasive procedure, and a short operating time of 45-60 minutes.

  2. Rib Cartilage

  Rib cartilage rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that utilizes the patient’s own rib cartilage to augment the nasal bridge. This method is often combined with ear cartilage to refine the shape of the nose and achieve a more defined and elegant appearance.

   

Rib cartilage rhinoplasty uses the patient’s own rib cartilage for nasal enhancement

Advantages of rib cartilage:

• Provides a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing nose shape.
• Requires minimal downtime and offers long-lasting results.
• High biocompatibility minimizes the risk of rejection or complications, ensuring safety.
• Effectively addresses various nasal imperfections.
• Minimizes pain and swelling.

3. Temporal Fascia

Temporal fascia is a thin, white layer of tissue that covers the muscles under the skin in the temple area. It has a similar structure to blood vessels, making it easy to harvest and shape.

Advantages of temporal fascia:

• Less prone to shrinkage compared to ear cartilage, resulting in longer-lasting results.
• Quick procedure with minimal downtime and aftercare.
• Forms a soft and natural-looking nose, avoiding a stiff or artificial appearance.
• High biocompatibility minimizes the risk of rejection or complications.
• Maintains a beautiful and long-lasting nose shape. Post-operative swelling and pain are minimal and subside quickly.

Should I get a nose job with artificial cartilage or autologous cartilage?

“Should I use artificial cartilage or autologous cartilage for rhinoplasty?” is a concern of many people who are planning to have cosmetic surgery on their nose because each type of cartilage has its own advantages and disadvantages. Read on to learn more about and consider these two rhinoplasty methods.

	ARTIFICIAL CARTILAGE	AUTOLOGOUS CARTILAGE
STRUCTURE	– Artificial cartilage, also known as biocompatible cartilage.  – It is made from a material that closely resembles natural cartilage and has a safe level of biocompatibility with the body.  – This type of artificial cartilage is designed in various sizes and shapes similar to nasal cartilage. Surgeons can use it directly in the nasal cavity to augment the nose or trim and adjust its size to fit each individual.	– Autologous cartilage is cartilage harvested from the patient’s own body.  – Typically, autologous cartilage is taken from three areas: the ear, the rib, and the temporal fascia.
ADVANTAGE	– Simple technique – Affordable – Quick procedure, approximately 45-60 minutes – Variety of shapes and sizes to meet individual needs – Made from safe materials with a long lifespan of up to 50 years	– High biocompatibility, minimizing the risk of rejection or allergic reactions. – Can address and overcome the drawbacks associated with artificial implants, such as visible implants, a shiny or red nasal tip, inflammation, or other complications. – When using autologous cartilage, especially ear cartilage for tip refinement, it ensures a natural-looking nose that is not stiff or artificial, with a soft and well-defined appearance.
DISADVANTAGES	– There are many counterfeit, imitation, and low-quality products on the market. – Complications such as implant displacement or a shiny, red nasal tip can occur after rhinoplasty. – However, this risk is minimized if you choose a reputable clinic with experienced surgeons. In individuals with sensitive bodies, the implant may be rejected.	– Complex technique, resulting in a longer surgery time. – Not everyone is a suitable candidate for autologous cartilage rhinoplasty as some individuals may not have sufficient cartilage for harvesting. – Relatively higher cost. Longer recovery time.

Why should you choose rhinoplasty at Reconstructive Surgery SMC?

Rhinoplasty requires skill, meticulousness and high precision. Therefore, to avoid unfortunate risks after surgery, women should choose a reputable cosmetic surgery. At SMC, we are proud to be the leading cosmetic hospital in Southeast Asia, committed to bringing customers a high-class service experience with the best quality.

• Reconstructive Surgery SMC Hospital is licensed by the Ministry of Health
• Modern, safe nose cosmetic techniques
• Procedural, closed implementation process in accordance with the standards of the Ministry of Health
• Advanced, modern infrastructure and technical facilities
• Safe, sterile beauty environment
• A team of highly qualified, experienced doctors from 4 countries: Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia
• Dedicated post-operative care
• Reputable, long-term warranty
• Customers get their nose tips reduced and beautified at super preferential prices

Reconstructive Surgery SMC hopes that through this article, it has provided you with necessary and useful information about types of nose cartilage, helping you to learn for yourself accurately as well as consider and make the right decision in choosing the type of nose cartilage suitable for your nose shape and face. In addition, choosing a reputable cosmetic facility with a warranty commitment is also something you need to consider carefully. If you have any questions regarding this topic, please contact SMC today for dedicated care from our team of experts.

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