Silicon Implant in My Nose 19 Years Ago. Have a Bit of Pain and Gets Red When Very Cold or Hot?

Question

I did the silicon implant in my nose 19 years ago. But I feel pain sometimes in the area of the implant in my nose and also the top of my nose is easy to get red when it is very cold or hot. I am worried about it. Wondering what kind of exam should I do ? Do I need to remove the implant? Is the problem serious? Can the silicon implant cause the cancer? Thanks a lot for your replies.

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

Implants in the nose do not necessarily cause problems. However, incorrect placement of the implant could be related to the issues you are having. Pain and redness could be due to infection or impending extrusion of the implant. I would seek the advice of a surgeon soon to make sure everything is ok. If everything is fine, you do not need to remove the implant. Nasal implants cannot cause cancer. Thank you for your questions and best of luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

After 19 years with a nasal implant, you may want to think about removing this and replacing it with autologous tissues. However, from your description alone there may not be a cause for concern. I would recommend an exam to address your concerns. Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of rhinoplasties each year. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Ahmed Abdullah, MD, FACS · Answer

Silicone implants have no history of causing any cancer.

	If there are no other signs of implant shifting or areas of skin thinning where the implant may extrude, then I wouldn't worry too much. Redness in extreme weather conditions and non-specific mild pain are not necessarily, indications of anything “bad” going on. Regardless, I suggest you see a qualified surgeon who will do a physical examination and, thereby, be able to determine if the implant needs to be removed.

David A. F. Ellis, MD · Answer

Silicone implants in the nose can have a shorten lifespan. You should be examined by a surgeon who has had experience with this type of implant. It could be serious as it may be starting to slide out intra-nasally. Silicone does not cause cancer. A proper intra-nasal examine is necessary along with a history of how long this redness lasts etc.

	Unfortunately, long term silicone implants sometimes need to be removed.

	 

	Dr David Ellis Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Overtime, the silicone implants can cause problems.  If the implant is causing problems you may have no other choice than to remove it.

Silicon Implant in My Nose 19 Years Ago. Have a Bit of Pain and Gets Red When Very Cold or Hot?

Answers (9)