After rhinoplasty is this possible silicone implant infection, if removed, does it need to be replaced?

Question

I had primary rhinoplasty done only a month ago: Tip plasty (septal & ear cartilage) + I-implant (2mm). Now the skin around my nose, near my eyes is red and sore when I touch it, could it be possible infection? 1. If yes, how soon would I have to remove the implant? 2. Is it possible to remove the implant without replacing it? I don‘t mind a slightly lower bridge. But since the implant must be connected with the tip, would it have to be rebuild if the implant is taken out with no replacement.

Myung Ju Lee, MD, PhD · Answer

Hello, this is Dr.Lee from VIP Plastic Surgery Korea.
I am sorry to hear your unsatisfactory result from your previous rhinoplasty. There are various materials used for rhinoplasty: an artificial implant is a simple way to use for rhinoplasty but has higher rate of infections. If you are experiencing redness and pain, I highly recommend you to see the doctor who performed your rhinoplasty as these are common signs of infections. If you are having an infection, removing implant as soon as possible is the key to prevent further complications. You may remove the implant and let your tissues recover for a while. 
I have attached few examples of infection nose after rhinoplasty and revision cases.
Once the tissues are recovered, you may reconsider for a revision rhinoplasty. For your future information, as you experienced infections from artificial implants, natural cartilages such as rib cartilage may be great choices for you. Natural cartilages are less likely to cause infections compared to artificial implants.
I hope you find this answer helpful. Hope you recover soon.
Thank you.
Dr.Lee

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

It is best to remove the implant and not replace it since any new cartilage grafts or tissue may become infected in the process.  Once everything is fully healed, you can decided whether to augment your dorsum with a cartilage/fascia graft.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
It is possible that you have an infection and you should make an appointment with your Plastic Surgeon at the earliest. All The Best !

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and and thank you for the question. It is not uncommon to  have infection or extrusion after placing silicone implants. The treatment usually necessitates removal of the implant. Once completely healed and if needed, your plastic surgeon can use cartilage grafts for dorsal augmentation. Best,

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. While it is difficult to make any type of recommendation without at least photos, the symptoms you are describing are indicative of a potential infection. This is especially worrisome when an implant is involved. I highly recommend you schedule an appointment with your surgeon as soon as possible for a full assessment and treatment recommendations. You certainly do not want your health or your appearance compromised by an infection that was left unchecked.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Great question. With out pictures, it is difficult to make a proper evaluation. Keep in mind that the recovery process of a rhinoplasty is not quick. Due to the manipulation of the nasal bone and nasal cartilage, there will be a lot of swelling involved. It will take from a few weeks to months to notice the desired results. Do not miss your follow up appointments and ask your surgeon for an examination or contact a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed evaluation.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Some of the things to consider when undergoing removal of a silicone implant is the type of implant that was placed, the duration of placement, and the performance of any adjunctive rhinoplasty maneuvers during the surgery.  
What this means in plain English is that if only a dorsal implant was placed, without resecting the bridge and without tip work, then your nose will return to your pre-operative state when this is removed.  In any other scenario, simply removing the implant will unfortunately not restore your pre-op nose. Cartilage from your own body (septum, ear, or rib cartilage) will last permanently.  However if you like the look of the silicone implant, ear cartilage may not be sufficient and rib cartilage may be necessary to achieve the same degree of augmentation and refinement.

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. Only your doctor may tell you for sure if it is infected or not. Consult him as soon as possible. İf it isn't infected finish your recovery process. Best Regards

Mehmet Veli Karaaltin, MD · Answer

Hi
I would strongly recommend you to inform your surgeon about the signs and symptoms as this might possibly be due to an implant infection.If so, implant removal would be the primary act as the nasal bridge is a vital place and in close vicinity to vital structures directly related to intracranial structures as well as structures behind the eye globe.Moreover, medical therapy culture screening should be done.I would recommend a stationary period of at least three months before thinking of a new method to replace the implant witch might be a cartilage graft or a custom made biodegradable 3 D printed scaffold witch would fit the area.

Douglas M. Stevens, MD · Answer

We are all concerned with infection after rhinoplasty especially when an implant of materials other than from your own body are involved.  I would recommend you get in touch with your surgeon, get on antibiotics.  Often infections cannot be controlled without removal of an implant.  Replacement or reconstruction should be delayed until the infection and resulting tissue effects (swelling) are resolved.

After rhinoplasty is this possible silicone implant infection, if removed, does it need to be replaced?

Answers (18)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (18)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Supratip swelling at 3 months - is it time for a steroid injection? Or leave it be? Continue taping or no?

3 weeks PO. I'm unable to breathe through my nose after septorhinoplasty. Is this normal or should I see another doctor?

What are the disadvantages of using cartilage from a cadaver?

For rhinoplasty, should the doctor provide you with a mock-up photo of what you will look like? Is it fine if they do not?

Can I have a rhinoplasty if I have granuloma in my front teeth roots?

Why is my columella flat hard and pointed highly upwards ? (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS