Why an old silicone implant shows through at the nasal tip, and methods for removal and reconstruction

Hello, I am Dr. Peter C. Kang.

Today, I would like to introduce the case of a patient who underwent revision rhinoplasty to address silicone implant show-through and rhinitis symptoms that developed after an old nose surgery.

• 30 years ago: L-shaped silicone implant placement (Korea)

• 20 years ago: Presumed revision rhinoplasty using a silicone implant (Japan)

• Silicone implant show-through at the nasal tip

• Severe runny nose (rhinorrhea)

• Frequent sneezing

• Chronic rhinitis symptoms

• Improvement of silicone implant show-through

• Resolution of rhinitis symptoms

• A natural, appealing nasal line

• Accepting a slightly blunt nasal tip

1. Resolving existing concerns

• Removal of the old silicone implant

• Reconstruction of damaged cartilage

• Improvement of rhinitis symptoms through rhinitis surgery

2. Functional improvement

• Correction of the nasolabial angle

• Septal reconstruction

• Restoration of normal breathing function

3. Shape improvement

• Creation of a natural nasal tip

• Overall balance adjustment

• Securing a stable structure

Before surgery / Day 0 immediately after surgery Photos taken immediately after surgery show swelling and may differ from the final result.

1. Front view

• Improvement of silicone implant show-through

• Natural nasal tip shape

• A balanced overall profile line

Before surgery / Day 0 immediately after surgery Photos taken immediately after surgery show swelling and may differ from the final result.

2. Profile view

• Improved nasolabial angle

• Soft nasal tip line

• Harmonious profile line

Before surgery / Day 0 immediately after surgery Photos taken immediately after surgery show swelling and may differ from the final result.

3. Oblique view

• Natural three-dimensional definition

• Stable structure

• Improved overall balance

Before surgery / Day 0 immediately after surgery Photos taken immediately after surgery show swelling and may differ from the final result.

4. Nostril aspect

• Improved nostril asymmetry

• The columella, which tilted to the left, was straightened

• Protruding scar tissue on the left columella was removed

5. Functional improvement

• Alleviation of rhinitis symptoms

• Smooth breathing

• Anticipated reduction in runny nose and sneezing

When a silicone implant has been retained for a prolonged period, implant show-through or tissue damage can develop as time passes. This was a complex case that required addressing the structural changes accrued over a long span of 30 years while simultaneously treating rhinitis symptoms. By carefully reflecting the patient's requests, we achieved a natural cosmetic result and satisfying functional improvement as well.

This was Dr. Peter C. Kang. Thank you.

Thank you.

#closedrhinoplasty #revisionrhinoplasty #rhinitissurgery #naturalnose #customrhinoplasty