Implant Visibility Revision Rhinoplasty with Rib Cartilage Reconstruction
- Dr. Chayoung Kang
- 5월 21일
- 6분 분량
This case reviews implant visibility revision rhinoplasty in a patient with visible silicone implant show-through, thin nasal tip skin, droopy nasal tip appearance, nasal deviation, irregular nasal surface, and unnatural nostril shape after previous implant rhinoplasty. Surgery focused on implant-related skin reinforcement, foreign material removal, rib cartilage nasal tip reconstruction, nostril reshaping, and nasal bridge realignment.
Author: Dr. Cha-Young Kang
Clinic: NoseLab Clinic
Published: 2026
Last Updated: 2026
Introduction
Hello, this is Dr. Cha-Young Kang of NoseLab Clinic.
This case involves implant visibility revision rhinoplasty in a patient who had visible implant show-through, thin nasal tip skin, droopy nasal tip appearance, nasal deviation, and an unnatural nostril shape after previous silicone implant surgeries.
The surgery was performed using a closed rhinoplasty / endonasal approach. The goal was to reinforce the thin nasal tip skin, remove foreign materials, reconstruct the nasal tip with autologous rib cartilage, correct nasal deviation, and improve nostril shape while maintaining structural stability.
Patient Background and Surgical History
The patient had undergone two previous implant-based rhinoplasty procedures.
Previous Surgical History
The surgical history included:
Approximately 25 years ago: Silicone implant rhinoplasty
Approximately 2 years ago: Silicone implant reinsertion
After the two surgeries, the implant became mobile, and the nose gradually appeared deviated. The implant extended deeply toward the nasal tip, which made the nasal tip skin very thin.
The patient was concerned that the implant might eventually press through the skin because the implant show-through was severe at the nasal tip.
Patient Concerns Before Revision Surgery
The patient lived overseas and had been concerned about the nasal shape for a long time. The main problems involved both implant-related tissue stress and nasal shape imbalance.
Main Concerns
The patient’s main concerns included:
Droopy nasal tip appearance
Visible silicone implant show-through
Thin nasal tip skin
Need for nasal tip reinforcement
Deviated nasal axis
Unnatural nostril shape from the frontal view
Irregular nasal bridge surface
Foreign materials in the nasal bridge, alar area, and glabella region
This case required structural revision rather than simple cosmetic refinement because the implant position, skin thickness, nasal tip support, nostril shape, and nasal axis were all involved.
Preoperative Design and Structural Assessment
Preoperative design consultation photos were reviewed from the frontal, side, oblique, and nostril views.
Frontal View
The frontal view showed an unnatural nostril shape, nasal deviation, and surface irregularity along the nasal bridge.
Side View
The side view showed a droopy nasal tip and implant-related tension extending toward the nasal tip. The nasal tip skin appeared thin due to the implant position.
Oblique View
The oblique view showed irregular contour of the nasal bridge and imbalance between the bridge and tip.
Nostril View
The nostril view showed asymmetry and an unnatural nostril contour. This was related to alar cartilage position and previous structural changes.
These findings indicated that the revision plan needed to address the nasal tip skin, implant position, foreign materials, alar cartilage, nasal axis, and dorsal contour together.
Surgical Plan for Implant Visibility Revision Rhinoplasty
The surgical plan focused on reducing implant-related pressure, reinforcing thin skin, removing foreign materials, rebuilding nasal tip support, and correcting nasal deviation.
Nasal Tip Skin Reinforcement
Because the silicone implant extended toward the nasal tip and the skin had become thin, artificial dermis was used to reinforce the nasal tip soft tissue layer.
This step was planned to improve soft tissue coverage over the nasal tip and reduce direct pressure on the thin skin.
Foreign Material Removal
Foreign materials in the alar region and glabella area were carefully removed. Foreign material along the nasal bridge was also addressed to improve the irregular surface contour.
In revision rhinoplasty, foreign materials can adhere to surrounding tissue, so careful dissection is required.
Correction of Unnatural Nostril Shape
The unnatural nostril shape was corrected through alar cartilage repositioning and cartilage reinforcement.
This helped improve the frontal nostril appearance and nasal base balance.
Nasal Tip Reconstruction with Autologous Rib Cartilage
Autologous rib cartilage was used to reconstruct and support the nasal tip. The goal was to improve tip support, refine the droopy tip appearance, and create a more stable nasal tip structure.
The nasolabial angle was also adjusted to improve the side profile.
Nasal Bone and Dorsal Axis Correction
Lateral osteotomy was performed to correct nasal bone asymmetry and improve the deviated nasal axis.
The silicone implant was also reshaped to better match the nasal bone structure and create a smoother dorsal line.
Surgical Results
Frontal View
From the frontal view, the unnatural nostril shape improved, and the nasal axis appeared more aligned. The nasal tip looked more stable after reinforcement and reconstruction.
Implant visibility at the nasal tip was reduced after soft tissue reinforcement and structural correction.
Side View
From the side view, the droopy nasal tip appearance improved after rib cartilage reconstruction. The nasolabial angle appeared more balanced, and the nasal bridge contour became smoother.
Oblique View
The oblique view showed improved transition between the nasal bridge and tip. Surface irregularity along the nasal bridge was reduced after foreign material management and implant reshaping.
Nostril View
From the nostril view, nostril shape became more balanced after alar cartilage repositioning and reinforcement. Asymmetry also improved within the limits of the patient’s tissue condition.
Structural Outcome
The nasal tip was reinforced with soft tissue coverage and rib cartilage support. This helped reduce implant-related tension and improve the stability of the nasal tip area.
Surgeon’s Commentary
Revision rhinoplasty after implant visibility requires careful evaluation of skin thickness, implant position, foreign materials, nasal tip support, and tissue condition.
In this case, the implant extended deeply toward the nasal tip, and the nasal tip skin had become very thin. Because of this, reinforcing the soft tissue layer was an important part of the surgical plan.
Foreign materials in the glabella, nasal bridge, and alar region also required careful removal. These materials can adhere to surrounding tissue and contribute to surface irregularity or stiffness.
The nostril deformity described as an unnatural frontal nostril shape was corrected through alar cartilage repositioning and cartilage reinforcement. The nasal tip was reconstructed using autologous rib cartilage to provide stronger support.
This case shows that implant visibility revision rhinoplasty should be approached as a combined soft tissue, structural, and contour correction procedure. The goal is not simply to hide the implant, but to reduce pressure on thin skin, rebuild tip support, and improve nasal balance.
FAQ
Why does implant visibility occur after rhinoplasty?
Implant visibility can occur when the nasal skin becomes thin or when the implant is positioned too close to the skin. Long-term pressure, repeated surgery, and tissue thinning can make the implant outline more visible.
Can implant show-through be corrected without removing all implant material?
The surgical plan depends on implant position, skin thickness, tissue condition, and the degree of visibility. In some cases, implant reshaping, repositioning, soft tissue reinforcement, or material removal may be needed.
Why is rib cartilage used in implant visibility revision rhinoplasty?
Rib cartilage may be used when stronger nasal tip support is needed. It can help rebuild the nasal tip structure and reduce reliance on implant pressure near thin skin.
What is the role of artificial dermis in thin nasal tip skin?
Artificial dermis may be used to reinforce soft tissue coverage when the nasal tip skin is thin. It can provide an additional layer between the skin and underlying structural support.
Can an unnatural nostril shape improve after revision rhinoplasty?
An unnatural nostril shape can improve when alar cartilage position, nasal tip support, and nasal base balance are corrected together. The degree of improvement depends on scar tissue and previous surgical changes.
International Consultation
For international patients, a photo-based consultation may help clarify whether implant visibility revision rhinoplasty, foreign material removal, rib cartilage reconstruction, or nostril reshaping may be needed.
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/821057360302
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Medical Disclosure
Surgical before-and-after photos show individual patient cases, and results may vary depending on each patient’s anatomy, tissue condition, surgical history, and healing process. Please consult your doctor for an individualized assessment.
After surgery, complications may occur, including infection, bleeding, allergic reaction, asymmetry, limited aesthetic or functional improvement, excessive scarring, skin problems, necrosis, or other complications.
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