1 year post op Rhinoplasty, is this a Zit or Silicone implant infection? (photos)

Question

I had a nose job using a I-shaped silicone implant a year ago. Keep in mind, I am very acne-prone and have similar bumps all over the rest of my face. About 1-2 months ago, this bump started forming on my nose (not directly on top of the implant, but rather the side of my nose). Does this look like a silicone implant infection, or just another zit? It's been over a month, so I'm getting worried. Also, this appeared about three days after I bumped my nose when the shower head fell on me.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question and the picture. With an implant in the nose, it is important to take all changes to the surface of the nose seriously. Please see your surgeon. This may just be a zit, but you may also want to do a short course of antibiotics to make sure that it doesn't turn into something more.

Kevin Brenner, MD, FACS · Answer

From your photo, this appears to more likely be a soft tissue infection rather than a silicone implant infection or extrusion. You should however, have it evaluated in person.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Implants will typically begin to show signs of ulceration and extrusion closer to the midline of the nose, because this is where they are exerting the greatest amount of pressure on the skin.  Based on the limited picture you have provided, this does not seem to represent an impending extrusion though it would be advisable to see your surgeon in person to better evaluate your nose as to prevent progression of this "pimple" into a larger complication.

David W. Kim, MD · Answer

The location of the irregularity on your skin is not the most common point of extrusion.  Typically, implants will extrude at the area of most pressure or contact.  For L shaped implants this is at the tip of the nose or just below toward or inside the nostrils.  Nonetheless, it is possible this could be related to the implant.  Pimples will typically resolve over time while skin complications from an implant will not.  I would advise you to seek the advice of your surgeon.

Charles S. Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

I would recommend getting a consultation with a surgeon knowledgable about silicone implants. It could be either of the scenarios you describe. If caught early, it can sometimes avert a much bigger problem.

1 year post op Rhinoplasty, is this a Zit or Silicone implant infection? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Get it looked at by your surgeon

Answer: Get it looked at by your surgeon

Answer: You should get that evaluated in an in person consultation

Answer: You should get that evaluated in an in person consultation

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Everything you need to know about Asian Rhinoplasty

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1 year post op Rhinoplasty, is this a Zit or Silicone implant infection? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Get it looked at by your surgeon

Answer: Get it looked at by your surgeon

Answer: You should get that evaluated in an in person consultation

Answer: You should get that evaluated in an in person consultation

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Asian Rhinoplasty

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