Nose Implant Extrusion Infection?

Question

Hello. I underwent Asian rhinoplasty about 8 years where I had a silicone implant inserted from my left nostril. A few months ago, I banged the tip of my nose accidentally. Days later, I saw a bump beginning to form at the middle of my nose, where the implant tip is located. Eventually, the bump grew to about the size of a pea, filled with pus. Is there a way to get rid of this without having another nose job? Is this something a dermatologist can treat? What is the safest way to reduce its size at home?

Jamil Ahmad, MD · Answer

If you are developing a pustule associated with a nasal implant, you need to seek medical attention, preferably by a surgeon that performs rhinoplasty. The first step will be to drain and culture the pustule and then start antibiotics. If the implant is infected, which is likely, then if antibiotics don't resolve the infection, the implant will need to be removed. An infected nasal implant can become a serious problem resulting in significant deformity if left untreated. You need to see a physician for appropriate care.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

In the setting of a silicone implant, infections need to be treated immediately to prevent further complications.  Ideally, you should see your surgeon and be placed on an approriate antibiotic regimen.  With early treatment, it should improve with oral and topical antibiotics.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

I would see a board-certified rhinoplasty specialist experienced in dealing with silicone implants.  The infection can be treated conservatively at first with oral and topical antibiotics.  This will hopefully eliminate the infection.  However, you should be cared for by a rhinoplasty specialist in case you need more aggressive treatment.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If there is an infection and purulent material is present, removal of the implant with appropriate antimicrobial coverage would be the recommended course of action.  Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of rhinoplasties and rhinoplasty revisions each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Jamil Asaria, MD · Answer

Unfortunately what you are experiencing is a common story after the placement of an artificial implant in the nose. 

	I would recommend seeing an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon as soon as possible in order to treat the infection. If the infection can settle down, you might be able to preserve the implant and avoid another surgery. 

	Often times, it is very difficult to completely cure the infection if the implant itself is infected. In these cases, the implant may need to be removed.

Nose Implant Extrusion Infection?

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Answer: Nose Implant Extrusion Infection?

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Nose Implant Extrusion Infection?

Answers (9)

Answer: Nose Implant Extrusion Infection?

Answer: Nose Implant Extrusion Infection?

Answer: Silicone implant for rhinoplasty

Answer: Silicone implant for rhinoplasty

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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.