Implant Removal and Replacement Nose Surgery

December 25, 2025

Implant Removal and Replacement Surgery: What Patients Need to Know

Implant removal and replacement surgery is a type of revision rhinoplasty performed when a previous nasal implant causes problems or no longer looks natural. In Korea, this procedure is common due to decades of experience managing implant-based rhinoplasty complications and transitioning patients to safer, more stable reconstruction methods.

This guide explains why implant removal is needed, how replacement is done, recovery expectations, and what results to realistically expect.

What Is Implant Removal and Replacement Surgery?

This surgery involves:

  • Removing an existing nasal implant (silicone or Gore-Tex)
  • Treating scar tissue or inflammation
  • Rebuilding the nose using a new structure (often cartilage-based)

Replacement does not always mean inserting another implant. In many modern cases, replacement is done with your own cartilage instead of a new synthetic implant.

Common Reasons Implants Need to Be Removed

Implant removal is recommended when patients experience:

  • Implant contracture (hard, tight nose)
  • Visible or shifting implant
  • Redness, pain, or chronic inflammation
  • Implant exposure or thinning skin
  • Unnatural height or shape
  • Infection (urgent cases)
  • Long-term dissatisfaction with appearance

Once these issues begin, they usually do not resolve without surgery.

Does Implant Removal Always Require Replacement?

No. There are three main approaches, depending on your anatomy and condition.

1. Implant Removal + Cartilage Reconstruction (Most Common)

  • Implant is removed permanently
  • Nose is rebuilt using septal, ear, or rib cartilage
  • Lower long-term complication risk
  • More natural feel and movement

This is now the preferred approach for many revision cases in Korea.

2. Implant Removal + Smaller / Safer Implant (Selective Cases)

  • Used only in carefully selected patients
  • Requires thick skin and strong tissue coverage
  • Lower profile than original implant

This approach is less common due to recurrence risk.

3. Staged Surgery (Severe Complications)

  • Implant removed first
  • Nose allowed to heal
  • Reconstruction performed later

Used for infection, severe inflammation, or skin damage.

How Implant Removal and Replacement Surgery Is Performed

Step 1: Implant Removal

  • Implant is carefully extracted
  • Scar capsule is released or partially excised
  • Inflammatory tissue is removed

This step immediately relieves pressure on the skin.

Step 2: Scar Tissue Management

  • Adhesions are gently released
  • Blood flow is preserved
  • Tissue flexibility is restored

Over-aggressive removal is avoided to prevent skin damage.

Step 3: Structural Reconstruction

Depending on the case, surgeons may use:

  • Septal cartilage (if available)
  • Ear cartilage (for coverage and flexibility)
  • Rib cartilage (for strong support and length)

This rebuilds:

  • Bridge height
  • Tip support
  • Overall stability

Step 4: Conservative Redesign

Replacement surgery prioritizes:

  • Lower, safer height
  • Reduced skin tension
  • Natural proportions

Extreme height is avoided to prevent repeat complications.

Recovery Timeline

Recovery is often longer than primary rhinoplasty.

Typical timeline

  • 1–2 weeks: swelling, splint period
  • 1–3 months: gradual shape improvement
  • 6–12 months: final stabilization

If rib cartilage is used, mild chest discomfort may occur for a few weeks.

Will the Nose Look Lower After Implant Removal?

Often, yes—and intentionally so.

A slightly lower bridge:

  • Protects thin skin
  • Reduces recurrence risk
  • Looks more natural long-term

Safe replacement focuses on stability, not maximum height.

Risks of Implant Removal and Replacement Surgery

As a revision procedure, risks include:

  • Longer swelling
  • Scar tissue recurrence
  • Asymmetry during healing
  • Need for cartilage grafting
  • Possible staged surgery

These risks are significantly lower when performed by experienced revision surgeons.

What Does NOT Fix Implant Problems

❌ Fillers to mask implant edges
❌ Threads to lift a contracted nose
❌ Massage to soften contracture
❌ Waiting once skin thinning begins

These approaches usually worsen long-term damage.

How to Prevent Repeat Implant Failure

Experienced surgeons focus on:

  • Cartilage-based reconstruction
  • Conservative height planning
  • Adequate skin and tissue support
  • Reducing long-term tension
  • Avoiding oversized implants

Modern rhinoplasty trends strongly favor implant-free stability.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may benefit from implant removal and replacement surgery if:

  • Your nose feels hard or tight
  • The implant is visible or shifting
  • Skin looks shiny or thin
  • You’ve had multiple nose surgeries
  • You want a safer, long-term solution

A detailed in-person consultation is essential.

Final Thoughts

Implant removal and replacement surgery is not just about taking something out—it’s about rebuilding the nose correctly. In Korea, the most successful outcomes come from implant removal followed by cartilage-based reconstruction, not repeat synthetic implants.

When done properly, this surgery restores:

  • Natural appearance
  • Softness and flexibility
  • Long-term safety

Choosing a surgeon experienced in revision and reconstruction, not just primary rhinoplasty, is the key to a stable, lasting result.

January 16, 2026
Double Eyelid Surgery Cost in Korea: What Affects the Price and What to Expect Double eyelid surgery is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in Korea, performed to create a natural-looking crease that enhances eye shape while maintaining facial harmony. While Korea is known for affordable and high-quality eye surgery, prices can vary significantly depending on technique, surgeon expertise, and case complexity. This guide explains average cost ranges, what influences pricing, what is usually included, and how to avoid common cost-related mistakes. What Is Double Eyelid Surgery? Double eyelid surgery creates a visible upper eyelid crease to: Make eyes appear larger and more defined Improve symmetry Enhance makeup appearance Create a more alert and youthful look It can be performed alone or combined with other eye procedures such as ptosis correction or epicanthoplasty. Average Cost of Double Eyelid Surgery in Korea Prices vary by method and clinic, but typical ranges for international patients are: Non-incisional (suture method): lower cost range Incisional method: mid-range pricing Revision double eyelid surgery: higher cost range Revision cases and combination surgeries usually cost more due to surgical complexity and longer operating time. Cost reflects not only the procedure, but surgeon skill, safety systems, and long-term stability of results. What Affects the Cost of Double Eyelid Surgery? Several factors influence pricing in Korea: 1. Surgical Method Non-incisional: Faster recovery Suitable for thin eyelids Lower cost, but not permanent for everyone Incisional: Allows fat removal and skin adjustment More stable results Higher cost due to surgical complexity 2. Eyelid Structure and Fat Thickness Patients with: Thick eyelid fat Excess skin Drooping eyelids often require incisional methods or additional procedures, which increases cost. 3. Surgeon Experience and Specialization Highly experienced surgeons: Design crease height precisely Minimize asymmetry Reduce revision risk This expertise is reflected in higher pricing, but often lowers long-term correction costs. 4. Combination Procedures Cost increases when combined with: Ptosis (droopy eyelid) correction Epicanthoplasty (inner corner surgery) Lower eyelid surgery Many Korean clinics recommend combination planning to avoid imbalance. What Is Usually Included in the Quoted Cost? In reputable Korean clinics, pricing often includes: Surgeon fee Operating room use Local anesthesia Post-op checkups Suture removal However, always confirm whether: Medications Swelling treatments Additional correction visits are included or charged separately. Double Eyelid Surgery Cost vs Results: What Matters More? Choosing based only on price is risky. Lower-cost clinics may: Use standardized crease designs Spend less time on symmetry adjustments Increase revision risk High-quality surgery focuses on: Facial proportions Natural fold depth Stable crease formation A slightly higher initial cost can reduce the chance of paying for revision surgery later. Recovery Time and Cost Considerations Recovery is generally short: Stitches removed: 5–7 days Visible swelling: 1–2 weeks Final crease shape: 1–3 months Short recovery means: Minimal hotel stay extension Lower travel-related expenses for medical tourists This is why many foreign patients choose Korea for eye surgery. Common Cost-Related Mistakes to Avoid ❌ Choosing method based on price instead of eyelid structure ❌ Ignoring need for ptosis correction ❌ Underestimating revision surgery costs ❌ Choosing clinics with unclear post-op care policies ❌ Prioritizing discounts over surgeon expertise Revision double eyelid surgery is more expensive and more difficult than primary surgery. Who Is a Good Candidate for Double Eyelid Surgery? You may be a good candidate if you: Have no visible eyelid crease Want natural enhancement rather than dramatic change Have realistic expectations Prefer stable, long-term results Are open to surgical recommendations based on anatomy Proper consultation is essential to select the correct technique. Why Korea Is Known for Cost-Effective Double Eyelid Surgery Korean eye surgeons are known for: High surgical volume and specialization Detailed eyelid anatomy analysis Balanced crease design for natural results Efficient surgical systems that reduce overall costs This combination allows competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. Final Thoughts Double eyelid surgery cost in Korea varies depending on technique, anatomy, and surgeon expertise, but the true value lies in achieving natural, balanced, and long-lasting results. Rather than choosing based on price alone, patients should focus on proper surgical planning and realistic outcome expectations. A well-performed primary surgery is always more cost-effective than paying for revision later.
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