I have very thick skin around my nose. Will I get good results with silicone implant? (Photo)

Question

My doctor suggested L-shaped silicone implant but I don't think it works to reduce my nose tip.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. I do not ever recommend a silicone implant for the nose, as it has a high rate of infection, malrotation, and extrusion.  If you desire dorsal augmentation, diced cartilage wrapped in fascia is much safer.  Based on your
photograph, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty and an alar bas reduction.   Make sure you specifically look at
before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed
by your surgeon and not just a computer animation system.
The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I
recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic
surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Callum Faris, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. My opinion is - never put a silicone implant in the nose. Your new nose has to last you the rest of your lifetime. 20 or 30 years from now you can still get an infected silicone implants which cause the implant to break through the skin (extrude). This requires the implant to be removed and can cause skin scaring that is very challenging to correct. I would advise you have have rib grafts to augment your dorsal and tip profile not an implant. I hope this helps.

Marcelo Ghersi, MD · Answer

Hello. Now a days, we try not to use silicone implants, as the likelihood of extrusion or infection is still relatively high. Rib, ear or even cadaver cartilage grafts provide an excellent alternative to silicone.

Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Hi,L - shaped implants can extrude through the tip. However, custom silicone implants that dont extend to the tip and are placed right, are very reliable and yield good results. You are a great candidate for ethnic rhinoplasty. The bulbous tip will need to be defatted and reshaped, grafts may need to be used.  The bridge of your nose will require a graft as well, to build up a new bridge. The cost will vary on geographic location anywhere from $9500 to $15000 the recovery is usually about 7-10 days. I recommend researching facial plastic surgeons online and on real self, there are many before/after photos and videos posted up made by surgeons to educate patients. This will help you decide on who you want to consult with. This procedure involves specialized techniques that take years of experience to perfect.  Choose your surgeon wisely. Feel free to email me your photos for computer imaging. 
Best, Dr. S

I have very thick skin around my nose. Will I get good results with silicone implant? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: L- Shaped Implants

Answer: L- Shaped Implants

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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I have very thick skin around my nose. Will I get good results with silicone implant? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: L- Shaped Implants

Answer: L- Shaped Implants

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.