Revision Rhinoplasty Can Include Nasal Implant Removal

Nasal implants are often used to build up the nasal bridge or project and define the nasal tip. They can also be used to correct a drooping tip. The most common synthetic materials used in nasal implants are silicone, Gore-Tex and Medpor. Nasal implants of foreign materials should be distinguished from nasal grafts that are sculpted from the patient’s own septum, ear or rib cartilage, bone, or nasal soft tissues. Drs. Litner and Solieman prefer the latter method whenever possible, as the risk of infection and other complications is much lower. Recently, the doctors have encountered more cases of patients who underwent rhinoplasty with another surgeon and are now in need of removing nasal implants from the previous procedure.

Why Do Patients Consider Nasal Implant Removal?

Nasal implants are commonly used in reconstructive surgeries to correct structural damage resulting from trauma or nasal collapse. In aesthetic rhinoplasty, they are used to give the nose a more defined shape. Many Asian and African American patients who possess little nose cartilage receive implants to heighten a low nasal bridge. The most common risk associated with nasal implants is infection. The risk of infection is increased greatly in patients who smoke. In the event of an infection, the patient will have to have the implant removed in order to resolve the infection.

Nasal implant removal is often performed on patients who are unhappy with the result of their rhinoplasties. If placed incorrectly, nasal implants can shift over time, causing an unnatural look for the patient. In patients with particularly thin skin, the sharp outline of a synthetic implant can be extremely noticeable, resulting in a very unnatural look. Another very significant complication that occurs more frequently with nasal implants includes excessive pressure on and thinning of the skin with eventual implant extrusion or protrusion through the skin. This is another serious consequence that requires urgent implant removal to prevent further problems.

Do You Want to Remove Your Nasal Implant?

When pursuing nasal implant removal, it is important to find a doctor experienced in revision rhinoplasty. Drs. Solieman and Litner specialize in performing secondary rhinoplasty procedures at their practice located in Los Angeles. They primarily use cartilage grafts as a replacement for nasal implants to create a more natural look for their patients. The use of cartilage grafts is a preferred method among doctors and patients, as it ensures a natural height and shape to the nose. After removing the unwanted implants, the patient’s own ear or rib cartilage can be used to add structure and stability to the nose. Drs. Solieman and Litner also specialize in using donor rib cartilage from a tissue bank to help patients avoid another unnecessary and painful procedure involved with harvesting of rib cartilage. Excess cartilage and tissue may be removed in some patients to improve nasal function. Others may require addition of cartilage grafts to restore structure and improve breathing. Drs. Litner and Solieman’s revision rhinoplasty method is focused on restoring the function and aesthetic features of the nose, while considering the different structural and anatomical considerations between various ethnicities to ensure the most natural possible result.

If you are a patient who has already had multiple rhinoplasty surgeries, you may be concerned with the outcome of nasal implant removal. Though secondary reconstructive surgery can become more complicated after the patient has undergone multiple procedures, there are still ways to make significant improvements. Patients often express concern for eventual sagging or wrinkled skin. After implants are removed, the cartilage that replaces the implants will help maintain structure and encourage your skin to contract properly. Though artificial materials can be an easy option when performing nasal surgery, they are more likely to cause problems over time and contribute to an unnatural look and feel to the nose. Natural cartilage grafts provide the most favorable and lasting preferred graft material.

You do not have to live with unsatisfactory nasal implants. There is an option for safe removal that will improve the look and feel of your nose. If you live in Beverly Hills or are a patient from out-of-town who has been looking for the most reliable reconstructive surgeons, call Drs. Litner and Solieman today and schedule a consultation.