Silicont implant in my nose - is it safe?

Question

I just had silicone implant in my nose 3 weeks ago.is it called rhinoplasty also? My concern is,is it safe? Is it for lifetime? Can i treat this like normal nose after healing process? Move it side by side?

Joseph Shvidler, MD · Answer

Dear Acinad,Silicone implants are very popular around the Asian continent. They are easier to place than cartilage grafts and are technically less challenging for the surgeons. However, with that there is a lifetime risk of implant infection and extrusion. The risk is small, but if not recognized and treated promptly can lead to disastrous consequences. Too often we see cases of medical tourism gone wrong. The surgeons will claim high success rate, yet there is an inherent bias in their claims. The patients who have a bad outcome simply do not follow up with their surgeon. This skews the statistics in favor of the surgeon. Silicone implant is the most common culprit. In my opinion cartilage is still a better option. If you are going to choose an implant, consider Goretex PTFE implant. Most studies show that it is a safer implant with lower complication rate. Best of luck.  Dr. Joe

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.If done correctly, silicone implants in the nose can be well tolerated. Sometimes, the implant needs to be removed or replaced.

To be sure, return to see your surgeon and follow his or her instructions.

I hope this helps.

Michael T. Somenek, MD · Answer

In my practice, I do not use silicone implants for rhinoplasty augmentation. My preference is to use autologous tissues such as the patients own cartilage and soft tissue for augmentation rhinoplasty. That being said, there are rhinoplasty surgeons that routinely use silicone implants during rhinoplasty and have good luck with them. The downside to using them is that they are more susceptible to infection than autologous tissues. Rhinoplasty with a silicone implant is typically treated the same postoperatively with regards to postop care, etc. I would avoid manipulating the implant from side to side as this can create a mobile implant and lead to a malposition requiring additional procedures to secure it.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

Remove is asap, this will bring you serious problems in the short-mid term. Nasal implants should be autologous grafts, preferably cartilage.

Somyos Kunachak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Dear Acinad, I have used both Silicone and cartilage for rhinoplasty for over 30 years. Would say that the chance of extrusion and infection of the silicone is less than 1%.Provided that the skin is thick and the silicone implant is properly designed and placed, you are most likely safe. With special design using soft type of silicone you can move or manipulate your nose like a normal nose.

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

I personally do not use silicone implants in rhinoplasty due to possible infection and implant loss.  That said some surgeons have had good results with silicone implants that have lasted many years.  Good luck.  Donald R. Nunn MD  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Silicont implant in my nose - is it safe?

Answers (6)

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