Septal support strut and nasal silicone — can they be removed? Four questions on height, collapse, and clinic choice

2024. 7. 23.

Four questions from someone weighing removal of a septal support strut and silicone 3 years after rhinoplasty — whether the nose drops after removal, whether removing the strut collapses it, which clinic to go to, and what it costs.

Key points

If discomfort like pain·pressure keeps going in daily life, considering removal surgery is advisable.
Removing silicone reduces the height the implant made, and the exact change differs by original nasal structure and remaining support tissue. Septal strut removal is also judged after examining the current structure.
For removal, inquire at a medical institution that can evaluate the current implant·septal support structure and explain post-removal change.

"It's been about 3 years since my nose surgery, and the glabella area is always red and swollen — it hurts too much to wear glasses for long. I want the silicone and septal support strut removed."

Some people come to consider removal as time passes after rhinoplasty. The questioner had 3–4mm of silicone placed 3 years ago, with ear cartilage on the tip over a septal support strut. The glabella stays red and swollen as if inflamed, the nose feels too rigid to make the so-called piggy-nose pose — uncomfortable, they said. Glasses make the nose hurt so they can't wear them long, there's constant pressure, and nose pain sometimes comes with headache.

This article organizes the four questions they left and the answers.

If silicone is removed, does the nose drop a lot?

It decreases by the height the silicone made, but exactly how much it drops differs by original nasal structure and remaining support tissue. Being told the expected post-removal change after checking the current state comes first.

They say the nose collapses if the septal strut is removed — is that true?

Generally removal alone doesn't collapse the nose, but it can differ by remaining support structure and tissue state, so it must be judged after an exam.

The judgment criterion is ultimately daily-life discomfort. If symptoms like the following persist, as in this person's case, removal surgery may be advisable.

The glabella area is always red and swollen (a state where inflammation is suspected)
The tip feels too rigid to make a piggy-nose pose
Glasses hurt the nose so they can't be worn long
There's constant pressure, and headaches sometimes accompany the nose pain

Procedure details on implant·strut removal and subsequent restoration can be seen in more detail in the removal·restoration procedure guide.

Where should removal surgery be done? What does it cost?

Get a consultation at a medical institution that can evaluate the current implant and septal support structure and explain post-removal change. Cost differs by surgical scope, so the clinic must be asked directly.

Question	Answer
Does the nose drop a lot after removal?	The height the implant made decreases; exact change differs by original structure and support tissue
Does removing the septal strut collapse it?	Generally it doesn't collapse, but judged after examining the current support structure
Where to remove it?	Inquire at a medical institution that can evaluate the implant·support structure and post-removal change
How much does it cost?	Cost can't be guided online — call or visit the clinic you want it done at

Since cost can't be fixed online, calling or visiting a clinic considering removal to check the current state and surgical scope is accurate.

Summary — if discomfort persists, you don't have to endure it

When weighing implant removal, expected post-removal height and remaining support structure must be checked together. If discomfort like pain·pressure·swelling persists, rather than enduring, getting the current state examined and judging whether to remove is better.

If you're curious whether removal is needed given your nose state, it can be checked in a 1:1 video consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to common questions patients ask before a consultation.

Does the nose drop lower than before surgery after silicone removal?

No. It's relative, but it tends not to drop that much — think of it as returning to your pre-surgery nose height.

Can the ear cartilage used as the septal strut be removed too?

Since removing a septal strut generally doesn't collapse the nose, removal together with the silicone can be considered. If the rigid feeling of a tip too stiff for a piggy-nose pose is uncomfortable, it's good to judge whether to remove in a consultation.

What's the criterion for deciding on removal surgery?

Daily-life discomfort. If a state interfering with life keeps going — suspected-inflammation swelling, pain that makes glasses hard to wear, persistent pressure — removal surgery may be advisable.

Responses to treatment and recovery progress vary by individual. Outcomes and side effects vary from person to person. Bleeding, infection, swelling and asymmetry may occur. Please consult our medical team before making a decision.

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