Rhinoplasty: Q&A

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L-shaped Vs I-shaped Nose Implants (photo)

Hi, I got an L-shape implant inserted in my nose about 3 months ago. However, I am a bit unhappy with the results because my tip is much pointier.

Before the implant, the tip of my nose was rounder and now it is just completely pointy, which makes my nose look extremely fake. At the tip of my nose, it seems to be a little red and when I smile, I believe I could see the implant and my tip sags.

My question is: would it be better for me to remove this implant and use the I-shape implant? I am satisfied with my original round tip but I just wanted my nose bridge higher. Also, I never really got a clear explanation of the L-shape implant vs. the I-shape implant. Could you please explain? Thank you doctors.

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by vi in westminster, ca

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L-Shaped versus I-Shaped Nasal Implants

Hi Vivian, Sorry that you are unhappy with your nose following your rhinoplasty. An L-shaped implant adds structure to both the dorsum (top or profile) and to the columella (the base or bottom between the nostrils). An I-shaped implant adds structure only to the nasal dorsum. If you are displeased with your nose, then a revision rhinoplasty would help. You can have the L removed and replaced with the I-shaped implant. The implant size is also important to insure that the skin is not... more

Michael A. Persky, MD

21 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

drpersky.com

See an expert in ethnic Rhinoplasty

The concerns you mention can sometimes arise after use of a nasal implant, and that's part of the reason I'm not a big fan. An L-shaped implant gives the tip definition by placing a fair bit of pressure over a small area of skin to tent the skin out. It cannot reproduce or retain the natural shape of your tip. As a result, it can look a little too pointy and unnatural. Sometimes, this pressure on the skin can become too much for the skin to bear. If you are noticing redness at your tip, you... more

See a revision rhinoplasty specialist

I personally don't like foreign material in the nose. It sounds like the implant is causing too much pressure and bulk in the tip of your nose. If this is true, it could eventually erode thru the skin of the tip of the nose. I have seen many patients like this. My preference is for your own cartilage from the septum to build up the bridge, though silicone I implants can be used. The disadvantage of the I implant is possible infection which can occur with silicone. See a revision rhinoplasty... more

Toby Mayer, MD

7 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

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L Shaped Nasal Implants

Hi, L shaped nasal implants do not work well in ethnic rhinoplasty. They are meant to elevate the bridge and refine the tip but instead make the tip look bulbous or too stretched. The pressure on the tip can cause pressure necrosis and extrude. The also cause pollybeak deformities. The best implant to get is a custom carved silicone implant. This type of implant elevates the bridge and naso-frontal angle and is specific to your nose. Each nose is different therefore each implant must be... more

Smaller implant will help

The L-shaped silicone implants placed in the Asian noses have had a moderate amount of failures. They tend to place too much tension on the underlying skin and cartilaginous framework. This causes a breakdown in tissue and chronic inflammation, with resultant infection, and then the implant may have to be removed. Smaller Silastic implants such as the Flowers nasal dorsal implant in a small or medium size work very well to build up the bridge on a non-Caucasian nose.

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