Silicone implant For Asian Rhinoplasty. My tip is uncomfortable & red. What is the cause?

Question

I had the Asian Rhinoplasty 20 years ago. I have a L shape silicone implant on my nose bridge. Recently I felt very uncomfortable and it is getting red on tip of nose. I sometimes feel something will push out and headache. I had the CT scan and it shows I have increased density along the nasal bridge. I am wondering is it caused by the silicone implant? Thank you very much and appreciate your answers.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. I recommend you to send your photos to us to give you the advices you need and want. Kind regards

Jay Calvert, MD, FACS · Answer

I find that these L-shaped implants look great to start and then over time either lean one direction or the other and tend to be the ones that erode through the tip skin.  I would get it out, do a reconstruction with rib cartilage and temporalis fascia, and hope that the discoloration improves.

Hyun-Taek Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for asking. I think the major concern you have is the discoloration of the nasal tip. If you have a long and thick implant without adequate soft tissue covering, by time, the implant can cause thinning of the overlying skin. It seems to me that the silicone implant you have might cause thinning of the tip and if it gets worse, it can make a small hole. There needs to be more evaluation but a CT scan is not a good option. The CT scan showing increased radio-opacity probably is a result of calcification of the silicone implant which is common in implants that have been inserted a long time ago. The calcification has little chance to be related to the redness or your headache.

R. Laurence Berkowitz, MD · Answer

While commonly used, silicone implants can frequently become a problem. Few experienced rhinoplasty surgeons will use them.  The nasal tissues are thin and the likelihood of implant mobility and extrusion are high.  The proper way to correct this problem is to remove the implant before it gets exposed and replace it with diced cartilage wrapped in fascia

Julie Edween, DO · Answer

zinawok,

The density that shows up on your CT scan most likely is your silicone implant, but also may represent inflammation around the implant.  The redness and pressure on the tip of your nose may be an early sign of infection or possible extrusion of the implant, and should be evaluated by your surgeon as soon as possible for treatment. Best of luck.

Victor Chung, MD · Answer

Asian rhinoplasty may include raising the bridge (augmentation) with cartilage or other materials. Silicone implants are very popular. They create height, definition, and they are quick to put in place. The only issue is the lifetime risk of infection and extrusion. Redness, swelling, pain, and drainage are signs of infection and potential extrusion. I would recommend seeing a rhinoplasty surgeon as soon as possible to evaluate and treat the infection before the implant breaks through the skin. Once the infection has settled, you can have the implant removed as it will likely get infected again.

Kristina Tansavatdi, MD · Answer

The increased density on the CT scan could be the appearance of the silicone implant. The redness and pressure at the tip of the nose is worrisome. I would recommend an evaluation with a nose surgery expert as the implant can get infected and push out of the nose even 20 years after the surgery.

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

Thank you for the description and you really need to be seen by a specialist to be certain that you are not developing an infection or exposure of the implant which occurs all too commonlyDr. Corbin

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Pictures would be helpful but your description suggests that the silicone implant is moving, putting pressure on the tip skin with possible extrusion of the silicone. I suggest you consult with a rhinoplasty surgeon as soon as reasonably possible to avoid skin breakdown with resulting scarring.  This is a well known possible complication with L-shaped silicone implants.

Silicone implant For Asian Rhinoplasty. My tip is uncomfortable & red. What is the cause?

Answers (9)

More Asian Rhinoplasty Questions

Is Asian rhinoplasty more or less expensive than regular rhinoplasty?

Can my flat, bulbous nose be surgically made to look like Kiko Mizuhara's? (photos)

Is it necessary to massage nose after rhinoplasty? 1 month post op

Asian rhinoplasty using ultra soft silicone, complications in the future? (Photos)

Asian Rhinoplasty for tip refinement. (photos)

Nostrils showing too much in frontal view aka piggy nose, is it possible to correct this? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS