When patients walk into Kowon Plastic Surgery with questions about nose jobs gone wrong, there’s one issue we hear more than almost any other:
“I had an implant put in, and now it doesn’t feel right.”

Whether it’s a hard ridge that wasn’t there before, a translucent shine, or simply a nose that no longer breathes or feels natural, foreign material complications are a rising concern — especially among those who had surgery years ago or overseas.

But fixing these problems isn’t just about removing an implant. It’s about restoring the nose as a living structure — one that functions, heals, and harmonizes with your face. And that takes more than a quick revision. It takes strategy, precision, and deep understanding of nasal anatomy.

Let’s break down what every patient should know about foreign materials in the nose — how they cause issues, what correction looks like, and why implant-free, rib cartilage-based solutions are leading the future of rhinoplasty.

The Rise (and Risk) of Foreign Materials in Rhinoplasty

Over the last two decades, rhinoplasty has become increasingly popular in Korea and worldwide. Alongside this growth, there was a surge in the use of synthetic implants — especially silicone and Gore-Tex — to create high, defined nasal bridges.

In many cases, these implants delivered attractive short-term results. But as more long-term data emerged, a different story unfolded.

The Problem with Implants

Foreign materials may look smooth and natural at first. But because they aren’t biologically integrated into your body, they carry inherent risks:

• Infection or inflammation: Even years after surgery, implants can become a site of chronic inflammation or bacterial buildup.

• Extrusion or movement: Over time, implants can shift or begin to push out of the skin — especially if the overlying skin is thin.

• Shiny or artificial appearance: Under certain lighting or in thinner-skinned individuals, implants can create an unnatural sheen or sharp contours.

• Capsular contracture: The body may form a tight fibrous capsule around the implant, causing stiffness, asymmetry, or pain.

What many patients don’t realize is that these complications don’t always happen immediately. You might be living with a foreign material that feels fine now — but in 5 or 10 years, it can cause problems that are much harder to fix.

When Should You Remove a Nasal Implant?

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule. But in our experience at Kowon, you should strongly consider implant removal if you notice any of the following:

• Redness, tenderness, or recurring swelling in the nasal area

• A visible or tactile outline of the implant

• Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils

• The nose becoming stiffer or more artificial-feeling over time

• Obvious asymmetry or a “floating” sensation in the nasal bridge

In some patients, symptoms are subtle. In others, the problems are obvious — an implant visibly protruding through thinning skin, or a chronic infection that won’t clear.

Here’s what we always tell our patients:
If your nose no longer feels like it belongs to you, it’s worth investigating.

Why Fixing Implant Issues Requires a Different Kind of Surgery

Removing an implant isn’t a complicated procedure. But rebuilding what was lost — structure, function, and aesthetics — is where real expertise is needed.

That’s because foreign materials don’t just sit in the nose harmlessly. They often:

• Disrupt normal nasal anatomy

• Thin or damage surrounding tissues

• Reduce blood supply to the overlying skin

• Alter the shape and support of the septum and tip cartilage

This is especially critical in revision cases, where multiple surgeries have already weakened the nose’s core structures.

The Challenge of “Empty Space”

Once an implant is removed, what remains is often a hollowed-out or structurally compromised nose. There may be scarring, soft tissue loss, or collapse of the nasal bridge and tip. At this point, simply “reshaping” the nose isn’t enough.

You need to rebuild it — often from the ground up.

The Kowon Approach: Rib Cartilage Over Implants

At Kowon Plastic Surgery, we specialize in implant-free rhinoplasty, with a focus on autologous rib cartilage — meaning cartilage taken from your own body.

Why rib cartilage?

• It’s strong enough to rebuild support lost from implant removal.

• It can be shaped precisely to match your natural anatomy.

• Most importantly, because it’s your own tissue, the risk of rejection, infection, or long-term complications is dramatically reduced.

Dr. Kim’s Rib Cartilage Technique

Dr. Kim Hyung Taek, head surgeon at Kowon and director of the Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty Center at O&Young, has spent nearly two decades refining this technique.

Unlike older methods that use rib grafts as blunt “blocks,” Dr. Kim shapes and carves the cartilage into fine structures — mimicking the form of nasal bones and cartilages, rather than replacing them.

This allows us to restore a nose that not only looks natural but feels soft, flexible, and integrated with the rest of your face.

Case Insight: Rebuilding After Silicone Extrusion

One recent patient came to us after a silicone implant she received overseas began protruding through her nasal tip. The skin was red and paper-thin.

We removed the implant, cleared the infected tissue, and reconstructed the nasal bridge and tip using rib cartilage harvested through a 2cm incision. The result was a nose that looked natural — and more importantly, was biologically stable and free of tension or pressure from foreign material.

Can You Fix Function and Aesthetics Together?

Absolutely — and you should.

At Kowon, we never separate form and function. That’s because the nose isn’t just an ornament; it’s your airway, your filter, and your breathing channel.

Foreign materials often interfere with normal airflow, especially if they distort the septum or compress the internal nasal valves. If you’ve had a rhinoplasty and now experience:

• Mouth breathing

• Snoring or congestion

• Poor sleep quality

• Reduced airflow on one side

…it’s a strong sign that functional structures may have been compromised.

Our revision approach includes full assessment of:

• Septal alignment

• Valve integrity

• Turbinate function

• Skin thickness and vascular supply

That way, we can correct both cosmetic and functional issues in one operation — leading to better long-term outcomes.

Is Rib Cartilage Always Needed in Implant Removal?

Not always. In cases where only minor contour correction is needed, or the implant hasn’t damaged underlying tissue, we may use septal cartilage, ear cartilage, or layered fascia grafts for subtle refinement.

But in moderate to severe revisions — especially after implant complications — rib cartilage offers the stability and volume needed for safe, lasting reconstruction.

Dr. Kim often compares it to reinforcing a damaged building:
“If the foundation has cracks, you can’t just repaint the walls. You have to rebuild from strong material, layer by layer, so the structure holds up for decades.”

What About Scarring or Downtime?

Many patients worry that rib cartilage means big scars or long recovery. But at Kowon, our technique uses:

• A small (2–2.5 cm) incision under the breast fold or ribcage

• Minimal trauma harvesting with layered closure

• Fast-healing sutures and post-op scar care protocols

Most patients return to light activity in 7–10 days, with full aesthetic results settling over several months as swelling subsides.

Who Should You Trust for Implant Removal and Revision?

Not every clinic is equipped to handle high-level revision work. It requires:

• In-depth anatomical knowledge

• Autologous graft harvesting skills

• A safety-first, low-volume surgical philosophy

• A track record of success in both cosmetic and functional outcomes

At Kowon Plastic Surgery, we limit our daily surgery volume to ensure each patient receives full attention. Every plan is designed by Dr. Kim himself, based on your unique anatomy, history, and goals — not a generic blueprint.

Final Takeaways

If you’ve had a rhinoplasty with foreign materials — especially synthetic implants — and are noticing discomfort, asymmetry, or long-term changes, you’re not alone. These issues are increasingly common, but they can be fixed with the right approach.

Removing the implant is only the first step
Rebuilding natural structure requires biological material — like your own rib cartilage
Aesthetic and functional corrections should go hand-in-hand
Choose a clinic with proven expertise in complex, safety-focused revisions

Considering Revision Rhinoplasty?

If you suspect your nasal implant is causing problems — or simply want a second opinion — consult a clinic that specializes in implant-free, high-safety revision work.

At Kowon Plastic Surgery, we’re here to help you breathe easier — and feel at home in your nose again.