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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

While it's always difficult to tell without a direct examination, the appearance in that photo and the persistence of it near the implant would make me very concerned about a silicone-related complication. I would recommend seeing a well-trained surgeon as soon as possible.

I think it's important you visit your surgeon to have it evaluated. Without being able to feel the implant it's tough to say.  One of the biggest risks of silicon implants is having it extrude. A traumatic event can be an inciting factor. Acne can also seed infections in implants. So having it treated early might help prevent complications. Good luck!

Sometimes an infected implant can present as a little lesion that is like a pimple. Play it safe and have your surgeon evaluate your nose.