Do I need to remove the silicone implant in my nose after 12 years? (photos)

Question

I had rhinoplasty (silicone implant to make my bridge higher) 12 years ago. 4-5 months ago I noticed a small bump on my upper bridge. It was more reddish at that time but no pain nor discharge. Now it's mildy red still no pain. I had blood testing done and it came back normal (no infection). With my test results normal, do I still need to have my implant removed? If not, what caused the bump? If removed, will my nose be wrinkly/saggy or look like its original state after 12 years of implant?

Harry V. Wright, MD · Answer

kris27sy,The visible bump is likely the top edge of the implant. In the absence of signs or symptoms that suggest infection, I would recommend leaving it alone. If you should have the implant removed in the future your nose may return to its original shape. Your nasal skin should "shrink wrap" your native nasal skeleton. A severe infection, however, can result in changes in the overlying skin and native cartilages, and occasionally implants will even extrude (start to come out on their own), resulting in unsightly scarring. Some surgeons advocate several months to 1 year of healing following implant removal before re-implanting the nasal dorsum (what you have referred to above as the bridge). There are some, however, that advocate for immediate re-implantation. Either way, in my opinion, the new implant should be made of your own cartilage, which is most resistant to infection.That said, if you start to notice any signs or symptoms consistent with infection -- increased swelling, pain, discharge, or redness, for example -- don't keep it to yourself. See an ear, nose and throat specialist, or a Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon or General Plastic Surgeon ASAP.Good luck to you!  Harry V. Wright MD, Sarasota, Florida

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

It is common for implants in the nasal bridge to cause problems such as extrusion, infection, wiggling from side to side, contour deformities, etc. If you have no active infection or extrusion at this point you may not need surgery but if you dislike the bump I recommend to replace the implant with diced cartilage and temporal fascia graft. Visit the link below for illustration.

Brian J. Reagan, MD · Answer

World-wide, the most popular approach to augment the asian dorsum is the use of a silicone implant.  Their use in the U.S. is less popular.  With signs of infection, I would leave your implant alone.  Your soft tissue of the dorsum may be thinning, thus making the implant more visible.  Follow up with your plastic surgeon yearly or sooner if symptoms arise.  All the Best.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes, if you have redness along the area of the silastic dorsal implant, it should be removed after you have been on a several week course of antibiotics.  The supra-tip area is the most prone to this when an L-shaped implant is used (these should not be used for this reason in my humble opinion).   You should see an experienced Rhinoplasty Surgeon ASAP.

Do I need to remove the silicone implant in my nose after 12 years? (photos)

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Answer: Do I need to remove the silicone implant in my nose after 12 years?

Answer: Do I need to remove the silicone implant in my nose after 12 years?

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Do I need to remove the silicone implant in my nose after 12 years? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Do I need to remove the silicone implant in my nose after 12 years?

Answer: Do I need to remove the silicone implant in my nose after 12 years?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.