How Soon Does Start Skin Thinning After Silicone Implant for Rhinoplasty?

Question

I had rhinoplasty 4 months ago. I know the rivision can not be done for 8 months or longer from the original surgery. However as the swell start to go away, the silicon implant that doctor used for the bridge became visible after 2 months from the surgery. My skin appeared to be getting thinner. You can see the shape and edge of the implant clearly and my nose becomes transparent with any light on my nose. Also I ended up with saddle nose. Is it OK to wait for several more month?

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Yes we normally wait 6-12 months, but if your skin is thinning, I would do the revision now before the implant causes a problem or loss of the overlying skin.

Daniel Reichner, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, the implant will become more visible as the swelling goes down over the next 8 months. In some cases it is appropriate to perform a revision before the 12 month point. I would remove the silicone implant and replace it with a diced cartilage graft and lower your radix.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you are having problem with your implant, you can have it removed anytime. If it is threatening to extrude go see a plastic surgeon ASAP.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

No! Who placed this in MIAMI? I know of no boarded surgeons here who use silicone implants to the nose. I feel you need correction before the skin opens. Please seek care. From MIAMI Dr. darryl j. Blinski

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

The skin will stretch and thin over a silicone implant placed in the bridge of the nose almost from the first week if the skin is under tension. The implant will become even more visible as the swelling in the skin resolves over the first six months or so. Exposure of a large implant is usually seen near the tip, or inside the nose heralded by redness and infection. In the photo your sent, the bridge of your nose is very high and the implant is translucent. Just doesn't look right. I would have the implant removed and repair the bridge with an appropriate cartilage graft. Another opinion might be helpful.
	Best of luck,
	peterejohnsonmd

How Soon Does Start Skin Thinning After Silicone Implant for Rhinoplasty?

Answers (8)