A Case Study on Revision Rhinoplasty for Silicone Implant Complications at Nose Lab Clinic

Hello, this is Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Director of Nose Lab Clinic.

Today, I’d like to share a revision rhinoplasty for silicone implant complications involving a female patient who came to us with redness, swelling, and obstruction caused by a silicone implant. This case highlights the potential risks of silicone implants and the surgical steps taken to achieve a safe and natural outcome.

Design Consultation: Frontal View, Left Oblique Side View, and Side View Photos

Right Oblique Side View, Side View, and Nostril View Photos

Patient Background and Symptoms – Revision Rhinoplasty for Silicone Implant Complications

Surgical History:

• Initial surgery in 2009 with a silicone implant and osteotomy

Primary Symptoms:

• Redness and swelling at the nasal tip starting four years ago, worsening with fatigue

• Nasal obstruction

Diagnostic Findings (CT Scan):

• Silicone implant positioned directly beneath nasal tip skin

• Deviated nasal septum

• Hypertrophic rhinitis

The redness and swelling were clear signs of foreign body reaction due to the silicone implant. Without revision, the implant could have pressed through the skin, leading to severe complications. This confirmed the necessity of revision rhinoplasty for silicone implant complications.

This photo shows the silicone implant extending to the nasal tip, causing complications.

A deviation of the nasal septum to the left is observed.

A deviation of the nasal septum to the right and hypertrophy of the bilateral inferior turbinates are observed.

Surgical Plan – Safe and Customized Approach

The revision rhinoplasty addressed both functional and aesthetic issues:

• Septal Extension and Reconstruction with Autologous Rib Cartilage: Stabilizing and rebuilding lost cartilage.

• Silicone Removal and New Implant Placement: Removing the old implant and placing a shorter one only along the bridge to minimize foreign body exposure.

• Septoplasty: Correcting septal deviation to restore proper airflow.

• Turbinate Reduction with Radiofrequency Laser: Treating hypertrophic rhinitis for improved breathing.

Intraoperative findings revealed severe septal cartilage damage and chronic inflammation at the nasal tip. Rib cartilage was used to reconstruct the nasal tip and restore stability, a key step in revision rhinoplasty for silicone implant complications.

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

Before (Left) / Immediately After (Right)

Post-Surgical Results – Achievements of Revision Rhinoplasty for Silicone Implant Complications

• Resolved Redness and Swelling: The inflammatory reaction at the nasal tip subsided.

• Improved Breathing: Septoplasty and turbinate reduction relieved obstruction.

• Natural Appearance: The nasal line was refined while maintaining balance and harmony.

• Safe Implant Position: The new implant was limited to the bridge, preventing further complications.

Immediately After Surgery: Frontal, Oblique Side, and Side Views

Immediately After Surgery: Nostril View

Final Thoughts – Why Revision Rhinoplasty for Silicone Implant Complications is Essential

To achieve safe and lasting results in rhinoplasty, silicone implants should be used minimally and positioned only along the bridge, avoiding direct skin contact in sensitive areas like the nasal tip.

This case demonstrates how revision rhinoplasty for silicone implant complications can address both function and aesthetics, ensuring long-term safety.

At Nose Lab Clinic, patient safety and natural outcomes are always our top priorities.

👉 Nose Lab Clinic performs all surgeries using the closed rhinoplasty approach.

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