CASE REPORT
When aesthetics complicates pregnancy: an infectious complication following augmentation rhinoplasty with a silicone implant
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Klinika Otolaryngologii, Centrum Medycznego Kształcenia Podyplomowego, Mazowiecki Szpital Bródnowski, Warszawa, Polska
Submission date: 2026-04-26
Final revision date: 2026-06-21
Acceptance date: 2026-06-26
Publication date: 2026-06-30
Corresponding author
Jan Solarski
Klinika Otolaryngologii, Centrum Medyczne Kształcenia Podyplomowego, Mazowiecki Szpital Bródnowski, Kondratowicza 8, 03-242, Warszawa, Polska
RhinoScope 2026;1(2)
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ABSTRACT
Introduction. Rhinoplasty using alloplastic materials is a widely performed surgical procedure, particularly in Asian countries. Despite good aesthetic outcomes, it is associated with a significant risk of infectious complications, the management of which – especially during pregnancy – represents a complex clinical challenge.
Case report. We report the case of a 37-year-old woman in the 21st week of pregnancy who developed a chronic infection of the nasal region following rhinoplasty performed in Vietnam. Despite multiple courses of antibiotic therapy, only temporary improvement was observed. Microbiological culture confirmed Staphylococcus aureus infection. Due to the failure of conservative therapy and the risk of further complications, surgical removal of the implant was performed under general anesthesia, with perioperative fetal monitoring. The procedure and adjunctive treatment were uneventful, with complete healing of the surgical site. The pregnancy was carried to term with a successful outcome.
Conclusions. Infections associated with silicone implants often recur due to bacterial biofilm formation, which reduces the efficacy of antibiotic therapy. Effective interdisciplinary collaboration significantly increases the safety of
treatment for both the mother and the fetus.
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