Tip Cartilage Repositioning and Nasal Implant Removal: Case #2

Tip Cartilage Repositioning and Nasal Implant Removal: Case #2

(Removal of nasal implant and tip cartilage reposition)

This patient had, 20 years earlier at another clinic, 

undergone a simple augmentation rhinoplasty with an L-shaped silicone implant.

 About 4 years ago, however, the patient began to feel that the nasal tip was becoming twisted and upturned,

and visited our clinic when the skin of the nasal tip turned red, although there was no swelling or pain.

On examination, the nostrils were pulled up into a triangular shape (nostril notching),

and the nasal tip looked angular, as if carved, and tight.

The nasal tip had been lifted by contracture, and the silicone implant on the dorsum

felt rough and uneven because of calcification. 

The silicone and capsule were cleanly removed through a closed approach,

and, so that the nasal tip would regain a natural, soft shape like its original form,

 the tip cartilage that had been pulled upward was repositioned and released.

The nasal tip that had been pulled up by contracture can be seen to have returned to its original shape.

The texture that had been rough because of calcification has also returned to a smooth, soft state. 

Before surgery, the contracture is evident: the tip is angled at a right angle and pulled upward.

After surgery, the tip can be seen to have gone from a tight, contracted state back to

a shape with a natural curve.