Nose Job with Silicone Implants

Question:

I had a nose job about a week ago and I am worried about the result. I had a silicone implant to raise the bridge hoping that it might reduce the size of my nose but now I think my nose looks bigger than bigger than before. Since it has only been a week are my fears unfounded? How long before the swelling goes away? If I’m really unhappy with the results how difficult would it be to remove the implant?

Answer:

If it has indeed only been a week since the procedure was performed you are correct in that it is a little premature to be concerned about the final appearance of your nose. The tissues have not fully healed as yet and in fact, the healing process has really only begun. There may be some further changes in the final appearance of your nose that are contrary to its current state as the swelling recedes and the tissues stabilize. Personally, I do not utilize these silicone implants, finding that they do not allow for an individualized approach since these implants are essentially a “one size fits all”. Instead, I usually utilize Gore-Tex®, a permanent graft that the body does not reject, and that feels just like normal cartilage, but is free of any hard edges that can sometimes be detected when actually using cartilage.

For all these dorsal/profile implants, the swelling will begin to dissipate noticeably by the end of the first two weeks on average after the surgery, and gradually fade completely as time progresses. Keep in mind that everyone heals at a slightly different rate and it can sometimes take anywhere from as long as a full year before the nose has completely healed and settled into its permanent shape. It is best to keep realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure. However, after the tissues have healed if you are still unhappy with the results of the surgery, a revision procedure can be performed. Silicone implants for the bridge of the nose are typically used to change the shape of the nose for various reasons. Implants of this type have been known to cause changes to the bone underneath as a result of the pressure it creates, although this can take up to two years or more, it being a very gradual process- another reason I do not use these silicone implants. If the bridge of the nose in a patient is low it is possible that the tip can appear oversized after a surgical procedure if it was designed to match the nasal bridge. These are concerns best addressed with your surgeon, who will closely monitor your progress as you heal to ensure that your satisfaction is maximized and you achieve the look that you desire.