Will k-wire or titanium used in rhinoplasty show up on an x-ray?

A CT scan is a better version of an X-ray - if you had titanium or a k-wire, it would refract and you would be able to see it in the CT scan just as well as on the X-ray.  Medpor shells are sometimes fixed with dissolving screws which can lead nodular scar tissue - in which case your best bet to see if there are any soft tissue issues would be to use an MRI.  However, before going that route (as metal and MRIs are NO NO), have you asked your physician what was used to affix the implant? Maybe a large, permanent suture? Maybe the dissolving screws as I had just mentioned? If they used any plates or wires - which is highly unlikely unless there was a previous fracture along the orbital-ethmoid complex - it should be included in the operative report and they should mention it to you as its important to know for safety reasons.  I hope some of this helps.  Best of luck.  

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  If there is a metal k-wire or screw in place, it would have showed up on the CT scan.  What you may be feeling is scar tissue, bone growth, or capsule from your previous implant.  I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon