Bizarre Recurring Swelling in Last 3rd of Nose with Nasal Implant

asked 1 year ago by Miami982 in Miami
Latest answer by Richard W. Fleming, MD
Question viewed 542 times
Tags: redness, implant, pain, swelling

I had a small silicone nasal implant inserted to help breathing and increase dorsum about 13 months ago. About 2 months ago I woke up with the last 3rd of my nose swollen for no explicable reason. The tip of the nose hurt, and the pain (redness) spread to my nose bridge. Surgeons/ENT say its not an infection, and bridge is probably implant pushing against it. Swelling in last 3rd is still coming and going after 2 months, even though overall I am much better. What could be causing this swelling?

9 answers to Bizarre Recurring Swelling in Last 3rd of Nose with Nasal Implant

Recurring Nasal Swelling after Implant

After nasal implants there is a risk of implant movement or extrusion. Infection is possible, even a long time after surgery. Any of these complications may cause your symptoms. You need careful evaluation, especially when you're having problems. Implant removal may be necessary.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Nasal impant problems

It sounds like you do have an infection. Infection with nasal implants occurs in about 10% of cases and may require its removal. Watch my videos!

Edward J. Domanskis, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Implant and intermittent swelling

Dear Miami982, thanks for your question - although I have no pictures to review, the swelling in your nose a year after surgery and in particular swelling associated with redness and tenderness is clearly an infection. When an implant such as silicone is placed under the skin, the body will actually wall off this implant from the rest of the environment. If the capsule should break or tear from for example trauma or any shearing motion, the site can be seeded with... more

Paul E. Kelly, MD
Hamptons Facial Plastic Surgeon

Implants and rhinoplasty

A red swollen nasal tip to me is more than likely the implant possibly being infected. It osunds like it may need to come out, but I wouldn't be sure without an exam. Follow closely with your doctors.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Problems with synthetic implant placement in rhinoplasty

Synthetic implants in the nose (e.g. silicone implants) can be associated with issues such as extrusion (the implant coming through the skin), migration (movement under the skin), visible edges, and infection. The appropriate intervention for these situations varies from antibiotics to repositioning or shaving the implant to even removing the implant completely. A thorough examination of your nose would be needed to determine the cause of your symptoms. You should readdress the... more

Umang Mehta, MD
Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.mehtaplasticsurgery.com

Infection of nasal implants

Dear Rhinoplasty patient from Miami, The most common complications associated with nasal silicone implants are infection and extrusion. If you have been treated with antibiotics and getting better, less redness and swelling, it may be fine to leave the implant in place. However, persistent discomfort and redness are indications of chronic infection and unfortunately in this case the nasal implant must be removed. Good luck and good healing

Kevin Sadati, DO
Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.galleryofcosmeticsurgery.com

Swelling after nasal implant

You do not say, but I assume you have been on antibiotics. if you have continuing redness, swelling and discomfort despite antibiotics, your implant is most likely infected and should probably need to come out. An implant pushing on the skin would not cause redness, it would actually blanche.

Jack Peterson, MD
Topeka Plastic Surgeon

Nasal Swelling After Silicone Implant

The big issues with nasal implants are infection, migration and erosion through the skin. Without a photo or exam there is no way to know what is going on with you, but I think one of these might be in play. Redness and pain are often a sign of infection, and this can result from a migrated implant that is now pushing on the skin - or even a simple implant infection. However, the vast majority of these don't improve on their own. Either the chronic infection... more

Vincent P. Marin, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Swelling after silicone implant

It's likely that it's your implant pushing against your skin as the other surgeons/ENT's you've seen have suggested. It's hard to give any specific advice without seeing you in person. However, I would recommend you speak to your rhinoplasty surgeon about your concerns and whether you'd be a candidate for a revision if it's really bothering you. I'm sure he/she would be happy to talk to you to answer you questions. Dr. Cat Begovic M.D... more