Rhinoplasty silicone implants; do silicone rhinoplasty shrink or soften with time?

Question

do silicone rhinoplasty shrink or soften with time? I just had rhinoplasty with silicone implants 8 days ago and I'm worried that the implants might have made my nose bigger than it already was. I understand that with time swelling will go down but I worry that it might not be swelling and it's just the implant alone being too large for my nose. If this is the case, is it possible to have it removed and will there be complications due to it being removed. (I had open rhinoplasty)

Ahmad N. Saad, MD, FACS · Answer

I avoid using silicone implants for rhinoplasty at all cost. What you should understand that the implant will form a capsule around it. This usually makes the implant harder.With regard to removal of the implant. Yes, it can be removed if you run into problems, most of the times the volume/structural loss from the removal has to be replaced with other tissue, I use autologous tissue (tissue from your own body)I hope that was helpful.

Albert W. Chow, MD · Answer

Hello I think at eight days it is too early to worry.  If you have not already done so, I would bring your concerns up with your surgeon.  Definitely the nose will get smaller as the swelling goes down.  Baring complications such as an infection or hematoma you are probably going through a normal recovery and need a little reassurance.  Implants can always be changed out later.  Good luck.Dr. Chow

Susan Kaweski, MD · Answer

You are very early in your postop course and need to wait at least one year before a decision is made to change the size of the implant.however if you absolutely hate it, silicone can be easily removed. I do not use silicone in the nose because eventually it will erode through the nose.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Silicone implants for rhinoplasty should be avoided. Although they may provide you a reasonable result, with time (5 to 10 years out), they are prone to not integrating into your body and being extruded out. At first, you will notice them becoming loose and then soon, they will extrude out. Recent advances with diced costal cartilage grafts placed into a fascial envelop provide consistently excellent results. Please make a consultation to discuss details.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Silicone nasal implants do not shrink though swelling around them may resolve with time but I assume the implant was placed to raise your dorsum or essentially make it higher or bigger.  If you do not like it then it may need to be removed.Dr. Corbin

Rhinoplasty silicone implants; do silicone rhinoplasty shrink or soften with time?

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Rhinoplasty silicone implants; do silicone rhinoplasty shrink or soften with time?

Answers (5)

Answer: Silicone implants for rhinoplasty

Answer: Silicone implants for rhinoplasty

Answer: Silicone nasal implant

Answer: Silicone nasal implant

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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