As a clinic that specializes in implant-free, rib cartilage-based rhinoplasty, we at Kowon Plastic Surgery often meet patients who come to us after experiencing complications with synthetic implants. Understanding the difference between Silicone and Gore-Tex isn’t just a technical discussion — it’s central to how your nose will look, feel, and function for years to come.

Let’s break it down: What are these materials? How are they used in rhinoplasty? And most importantly — what are the real pros and cons, beyond the brochures?

What Are Silicone and Gore-Tex Implants?

Silicone: The Classic, But Not Always Ideal

Silicone is a smooth, synthetic material that has been used in rhinoplasty for decades, especially in East Asia. In Korea, it’s still one of the most commonly used implants in primary cosmetic nose surgeries. Typically shaped like a slender, elongated “L,” silicone implants are designed to add height and projection to the nasal bridge.

They are non-porous, meaning your body doesn't grow tissue into them — they remain a distinct object inside your nose. This makes them relatively easy to remove or revise.

Gore-Tex: A Softer, Porous Alternative

Gore-Tex (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, or ePTFE) is a synthetic material known for its micro-porous structure. It allows some degree of tissue ingrowth, which helps it integrate better with the surrounding skin and soft tissue. Gore-Tex is often used as a flat sheet or sculpted layer over the nasal dorsum, especially in patients with thinner skin or in combination with other techniques.

Pros and Cons of Silicone in Rhinoplasty

Advantages of Silicone

• Stability and Shape Memory
  Silicone holds its shape well over time. This makes it suitable for patients who want strong definition and height along the nasal bridge.

• Ease of Removal or Revision
  Because the body doesn’t grow into the silicone, surgeons can usually remove it with minimal difficulty. This is important if you experience complications or simply want a different aesthetic result later on.

• Affordability and Widespread Use
  Silicone implants are relatively low-cost and widely available, which can make them appealing to both clinics and patients — particularly in high-volume, commercial surgery settings.

Disadvantages of Silicone

• Risk of Movement or Extrusion
  Because silicone isn’t integrated into the tissue, it can shift over time — especially in active individuals or in cases where the implant isn’t perfectly secured. In severe cases, the implant may even protrude or extrude through the skin.

• Thin Skin Complications
  For patients with thin nasal skin, the edges of the silicone implant may become visible over time. This can lead to an unnatural look or skin thinning.

• Increased Risk of Infection or Rejection
  As a foreign body, silicone carries a moderate risk of causing long-term inflammation, infection, or immune response. These complications may not appear immediately, but can develop years after surgery.

• “Implant Nose” Appearance
  Many patients come to us with noses that appear overly rigid or shiny — a common issue with silicone implants that lack the natural flexibility of cartilage.

Pros and Cons of Gore-Tex in Rhinoplasty

Advantages of Gore-Tex

• Soft, Natural Integration
  Gore-Tex is softer and more pliable than silicone. Its porous surface allows a limited amount of tissue to grow into it, creating a more seamless look and feel. This makes it suitable for thin-skinned patients seeking a natural contour.

• Reduced Visibility Under the Skin
  Because it conforms better to surrounding tissues, Gore-Tex is less likely to show edges or cause sharp contours — an important advantage for facial harmony.

• Lower Risk of Movement
  Tissue ingrowth helps Gore-Tex stay more securely in place, reducing the likelihood of implant shifting.

Disadvantages of Gore-Tex

• Difficult Removal in Revision Cases
  That same tissue ingrowth that secures the Gore-Tex can become a problem if the patient later wants the implant removed. The material may be partially fused with surrounding tissue, making revision surgery more complex and risky.

• Long-Term Resorption or Warping
  Some surgeons have observed slight shrinkage or softening of Gore-Tex over time, which can alter the surgical result years later.

• Infection Risk Still Present
  Although considered safer than silicone in some respects, Gore-Tex is still a foreign substance and can become a source of infection, especially in revision or high-risk noses.

• Not Ideal for High Projection
  For patients needing significant augmentation of the nasal bridge, Gore-Tex may not provide the same firm structure as silicone — unless used in multiple layers, which increases complexity and cost.

The Hidden Truth: Neither Is Truly "Natural"

What many patients don’t realize is that both silicone and Gore-Tex are foreign materials — and with that comes risk.

At Kowon Plastic Surgery, we frequently treat patients suffering from long-term complications related to synthetic implants. These include:

• Skin thinning or implant exposure

• Chronic nasal inflammation

• Persistent discomfort or tightness

• Obvious implant outlines, especially in photos

• Difficulty breathing due to misplaced implants

That’s why, in our surgical philosophy, the most natural and safest option is often no implant at all.

Why We Recommend Implant-Free, Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty

Imagine building a house: Would you rather use a prefabricated plastic beam, or carve one perfectly from strong, natural wood? The nose is the same — it’s a living, functional structure. Synthetic materials can create the illusion of beauty, but only autologous tissue (your own cartilage) can harmonize with your body for decades to come.

At Kowon Plastic Surgery, we specialize in implant-free rhinoplasty using rib cartilage. This approach offers several unique advantages:

• No foreign body = no rejection risk

• Stronger structural support than silicone or Gore-Tex

• Custom-shaped cartilage tailored to your anatomy

• Long-lasting results that adapt with your body

• More natural feel and movement

Dr. Kim Hyung Taek, our lead surgeon, has spent over 19 years perfecting this method. Whether for primary surgery or complex revision cases, rib cartilage allows for both aesthetic beauty and functional precision.

When Are Implants Still Used?

While our clinic advocates for natural tissue when possible, there are cases where synthetic materials may be considered:

• Patients unwilling to undergo rib cartilage harvesting

• Mild dorsum augmentation with low skin tension

• Temporary correction in patients planning future revision

In such cases, we discuss all options carefully with the patient, using our signature low-volume, high-safety approach to minimize risks. Every nose is different — and what matters most is a surgical plan that respects both your anatomy and your lifestyle.

Real Talk: What If You Already Have an Implant?

If you've had rhinoplasty in the past and now experience pain, asymmetry, breathing issues, or dissatisfaction with your appearance — you’re not alone.

Many of our international patients come to us after multiple failed surgeries, often involving silicone or Gore-Tex. Some were told that removal was impossible. Others were afraid of more scarring or disappointment.

But revision is possible — especially when handled by a clinic that specializes in structural reconstruction.

Our technique involves:

• Safe removal of old implants

• Thorough assessment of internal damage or scarring

• Rebuilding the nose with rib cartilage

• Restoring both appearance and function — not just one or the other

The key is not rushing. At Kowon, we perform only a limited number of surgeries per day, ensuring that each case — especially revisions — receives full attention, custom planning, and detailed aftercare.

The Bottom Line: Form, Function, and Future-Proofing

Silicone and Gore-Tex each have their place in rhinoplasty history — and their own sets of pros and cons. But for many patients, especially those thinking long-term, the question isn’t just “Which implant is better?” It’s:

Do I need an implant at all?

Natural materials like rib cartilage may involve more technical skill and time, but they offer something no synthetic product can: true integration with your body.

If you’re unsure whether your nose is working — or looking — the way it should, consult a rhinoplasty clinic that prioritizes both aesthetic excellence and medical safety.

Ready to Explore Safer Options?

At Kowon Plastic Surgery in Seoul, we believe that the best nose is one that breathes easily, looks natural, and lasts a lifetime — not just a few years.

Whether you're navigating your first surgery or a challenging revision, our team is here to guide you with honesty, expertise, and artistry.

Book a consultation with Dr. Kim to learn more about implant-free rhinoplasty or safe revision procedures using your own tissue.

“The perfect nose isn’t built — it’s sculpted with care, guided by experience, and rooted in trust.” — Dr. Kim Hyung Taek