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.

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Silicone nasal implants

Answer: Silicone nasal implants

Answer: Tip red after silicone implant

Answer: Tip red after silicone implant

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Everything you need to know about Asian Rhinoplasty

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Silicone nasal implants

Answer: Silicone nasal implants

Answer: Tip red after silicone implant

Answer: Tip red after silicone implant

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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.