6 months post-rhinoplasty: will silicone implants change over time?

Question

Good day everyone, I had a open rhinoplasty done 6 months ago, no bones were broken, had a silicone implant on my bridge and ear cartilage for my tip along with alarplasty. 1. How long will it take for the swelling to fully dissipate? 2. I’m very paranoid about the implant, I’m afraid that the silicone implant will change due to heat and etc. To clear up and rest my mind, silicone implants are permanent materials that will last forever and will not change, right?

Terence Goh, MBBS, MRCS(Ed), FAMS (Plast Surg) · Answer

Thank you for your question. The recovery from any surgery varies from patient to patient and also depends on the extent of the surgery performed and the techniques used. However, there are some general guides. After a rhinoplasty, you will have swelling over the nose that will peak at around Day 3-4 before it starts to settle. At about 2 weeks, most of your swelling would have resolved. However, it takes up to 1 year all more for you to get the best results from a rhinoplasty. Be patient and check back with your rhinoplasty surgeon and discuss with him your concerns.Silicone is a very inert material that does not change so you do not have to worry that the implants will change due to heat. The implants will be permanent and will only have to be removed if they show signs of extrusion or become infected.I hope this answers your question. Have a great week ahead and speedy recovery!Dr. Terence Goh
Plastic Surgeon, SingaporeMBBS (S'pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (S’pore)Fellow, Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Plastic Surgery)President, Singapore Association of Plastic Surgeons (SAPS)International Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

Raymond Goh, MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Hi. Thanks for posting your questions. 
Silicone implants are NOT without their risks. Therefore to answer your questions as to whether they are "permanent materials that will last forever and not change" - the answer will be no. They can displace, get infected, extrude, or be visible as the skin thins. You only have to look up on forums the number of people who have had their implants removed/revised to know that nasal implants (and all implants for that matter) are associated with risks.
Having said that, I also use silicone nasal implants especially in asian noses and, if done well, the risks of future issues is reduced.
All the very best.
Dr Ray Goh

Somyos Kunachak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi stalkerofmidnight, Dr. Goh has already given an excellent answer, but just to add a bit more, it is not the silicone you should be worried about that will change, it is the ear cartilage which has a risk for reabsorption. This may or may not affect the result of your Rhinoplasty depending on how it was used for your tip reconstruction. Your surgeon will be able to give you a better explanation regarding your case.

6 months post-rhinoplasty: will silicone implants change over time?

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6 months post-rhinoplasty: will silicone implants change over time?

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