Are Alloplastic Implants Safe in Rhinoplasty?

Augmentation Rhinoplasty in Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity Using Alloplastic Material and Autologous Cartilage

“…12 A recent Triological Society review confirmed that complication rates of alloplastic implants were similar to that of costal cartilage grafts and were therefore acceptable for use in the right situation. 13 Our nasal symmetry ratios and angular deviations approached reference values, but they did not completely normalize after surgery. This is not uncommon in craniofacial surgery, as it is often impossible to completely eradicate the cleft stigmata.…”

Lessons Learned From Using Silicone Implants in Clean-Contaminated Regions of the Face

“…Porous implants such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) [Gore-Tex (W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., 555 Paper Mill Road, Newark, DE 19711)], and porous high-density polyethylene (HDPE) [Medpor (Stryker, 2825 Airview Boulevard, Kalamazoo, MI 49002)] were developed as an alternative to silicone. Yet constraints include limited structural support and greater complication rate than advanced autologous options 2,5 . Resorbable, titanium, and several medical device implants have shown promise in some patients but require further research 2 .…”

“…Chronic phagocytic reaction resulting in fibrous pseudocapsule formation and local inflammatory response is a longstanding observed reaction to silicone implants. [1][2][3]5 This fibrosis may not produce a noticeable effect and has even been found to assist in anchoring some implants, 4 however, it does pose a known risk of capsular contracture which can severely affect the shape of the nose. [2][3][4][5] Though silicone itself is impenetrable, 4 the surrounding fibrous capsule allows for bacterial growth and is thought to contribute to increased rates of chronic graft infection and extrusion as compared to autologous options.…”

“…[1][2][3]5 This fibrosis may not produce a noticeable effect and has even been found to assist in anchoring some implants, 4 however, it does pose a known risk of capsular contracture which can severely affect the shape of the nose. [2][3][4][5] Though silicone itself is impenetrable, 4 the surrounding fibrous capsule allows for bacterial growth and is thought to contribute to increased rates of chronic graft infection and extrusion as compared to autologous options. 2,3,6,7 Chronic sequelae of rhinoplasty have been recorded up to decades after surgery.…”

“…Chronic phagocytic reaction resulting in fibrous pseudocapsule formation and local inflammatory response is a longstanding observed reaction to silicone implants 1–3,5 . This fibrosis may not produce a noticeable effect and has even been found to assist in anchoring some implants, 4 however, it does pose a known risk of capsular contracture which can severely affect the shape of the nose 2–5 .…”