Greetings. I am Dr. Seo Jewon from AB Plastic Surgery.

Silicone implant show through after rhinoplasty is one of the most common concerns among patients who visit our clinic in Gangnam. If the implant becomes visible, bluish, or sharply outlined under the skin, it can be worrying. Fortunately, in most cases, the issue can be corrected.
This guide explains why silicone show through occurs, how to prevent it, and the most effective revision rhinoplasty options commonly used in Korea.

If you notice implant visibility or thinning nasal skin, an in-person examination is essential because the best solution depends on your anatomy, skin thickness, implant size, and previous surgical history.

Q. Why Silicone Implant Show Through Happens

Many patients ask, “My rhinoplasty was done years ago, but now the implant seems more visible. Why is this happening”

The most common reason is that the bridge was raised excessively or the implant was placed too close to the surface of the skin. When the height exceeds what the skin can naturally accommodate, tension gradually thins the skin, making the implant outline more noticeable over time.

The nose can be compared to a balloon.
A balloon is thick and opaque before air enters. As it inflates, the surface becomes thinner and more transparent. The same happens with the nasal skin when excessive tension is applied.

Treatment Option 1: Lowering the Nasal Bridge

The most reliable method to reduce implant visibility is to lower the nasal bridge by about 2 to 3 millimeters. Reducing the height decreases tension on the skin, allowing the tissue to maintain healthier thickness and reducing implant show through.

This method is recommended when:

• the implant height is excessive
• the nasal skin is naturally thin or has thinned over time
• the implant margin is sharply visible
• the skin shows signs of long-term pressure such as redness or translucency

For many patients, this approach provides the safest and most long-lasting correction.
 

Treatment Option 2: Adding Autologous Dermis Over the Implant

Some patients prefer not to lower the bridge height. In such cases, a layer of autologous dermis can be placed over the silicone implant.

Using the balloon analogy again:
Placing a second balloon inside the first makes the surface thicker and less transparent. Adding dermis works in a similar way by increasing skin thickness and reducing the direct contact between the implant and the skin.

This method may be suitable when:

• the current bridge height is aesthetically ideal
• the skin is moderately thin
• early signs of show through have appeared
• the patient wants to avoid lowering the bridge

However, this method also has limitations. Because additional tissue is placed beneath the skin, the nose may feel slightly less smooth, and from the front view, the bridge may appear slightly wider.
 

Choosing the Right Method for Your Nose

There is no single solution for everyone because each patient differs in:

• degree of implant show through
• skin thickness
• previous surgical technique
• amount of available soft tissue
• implant height and position

For some patients, adding dermis alone resolves the issue.
For others, lowering the implant is essential to reduce tension on the skin.
In some cases, combining both methods provides the best result.

A board certified plastic surgeon must analyze your individual condition to determine the safest and most effective revision plan. An accurate evaluation is the key to achieving natural and stable long-term outcomes.

When to Visit a Surgeon Immediately

Seek medical evaluation if you notice:

• shiny or glossy nasal skin
• bluish or grey translucency
• a sharper implant outline
• redness or thinning on the bridge
• pressure or a foreign body sensation

Early intervention can prevent further thinning and allow for simpler correction.

For additional inquiries regarding solutions for silicone implant show through in the nose, please contact AB Plastic Surgery at +82-10-9674-1298 or reach out via WhatsApp using the same number to receive a detailed consultation.

Writer Dr. Seo Jewon, AB Plastic Surgery

#Silicone Implant Show Through

#Rhinoplasty revision Korea

#Implant visibility nose

#Thin nasal skin after rhinoplasty

#AB Plastic Surgery Seoul