Rhinoplasty implant falling out of nose

Question

What stops an inserted rhinoplasty implant from sliding down the nose bridge due to gravity and weakens the skins on the nose tip and then even popping out of the patient's nose several years later? What holds implant in place other than the patient's own nose skin?

Mark Schoemann, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question tizonalex. Nasal implants are placed to increase the projection of the bridge of the nose. They are typically made of two materials: silcone and porous polyethylene (marketed as Medpor in the USA). The implants are placed underneath the skin and fascia in a pocket on top of the bone and supporting cartilage framework of the nose. The polyethylene implants have small micropores that allow ingrowth of vascularized tissue and this essentially holds them in place. Silicone implants on the other hand are very smooth on the outside and the body forms a capsule of tissue around the implant. If a silicone implant is subject to movement it can exert pressure on the skin from underneath and overtime erode through the skin. Once exposed, the implant is at risk of becoming colonized with bacteria. Some surgeons favor using a patient's own tissue to build up the bridge of the nose with fascia from the scalp and cartilage from the ears or ribs. If you are looking to get an implant be sure and seek out someone board certified and has experience with nasal implants. Dr. SchoemannLa Jolla, CA

Kim Taylor, FRACS · Answer

What happens depends on the material of the implant.  A porous type of implant will get some amount of tissue ingrowth which will prevent it from moving.  A silicone implant can potentially move.  Thus the correct implant needs to be chosen for the correct patient.  Someone with very thin skin & an implant placed incorrectly could indeed have the complication you have described.  Seek out an experienced surgeon who has done many of this type of procedure.

Rhinoplasty implant falling out of nose

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Rhinoplasty implant falling out of nose

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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