Dangerous to Remove Granuloma from Newfill and Restylane?

asked 3 years ago by dandoons in san diego, ca, u.sa
Latest answer by B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Question viewed 4,498 times
Tags: granuloma

hi i have a question my aunt has a medium sized granuloma on her lips caused by newfill,and another 2 medium sized ones on both cheeks caused by restalyne.its been over 3 years and she wants to have them surgically removed but doctors told her its dangerous because they are not small and could damage nerves and muscles while being removed,she wants to know dont doctors have something called: nerve stimulator,and if it cant be removed surgically? what are her options? thank you

9 answers to Dangerous to Remove Granuloma from Newfill and Restylane?

Is that backwards?

Dan, I'm sorry to hear that your Aunt had adverse reactions to her treatments. Are you sure that the Restylane is not in the lip and the Newfill is not in the cheek. These would be more likely sites of injection for the materials. Removal of the lip material should be no problem with regard to any major nerve damage. She might lose some sensation in a small area just around the surgery site, but that's about it. To avoid scars on the cheeks she could try an injection of cortisone into... more

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

The granuloma can be removed

Granulomas can be removed. The risk depends where they are and at what level the filler was injected. You then have to weigh the risks and benefits of having the granuloma removed versus living with the granuloma. It is hard to commend specifically on your case with you examining you and/or seeing photographs. It would be unusual for a nerve to be involved. Also, using a nerve stimulator does not prevent damage to nerves - it just stimulates the tissue to see if the nerve is in... more

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Removing granulomas

Granulomas are areas of walled off inflammation after injections of fillers. Restylane granulomas are rare unless large amounts have been injected. You are best off consulting a board certified plastic surgeon who is familiar with the anatomy of the face. The chance of nerve injury would then be remote. The chance of nerve injury or bleeding is much higher with a doctor not familiar with operating on the face.

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Granulomas can be removed safely in these locations

While the procedure is not complicated, your aunt should be aware that she is in essence trading a scar for the surgical removal of a granuloma. You did not mention whether your aunt has had cortisone injections. If not, it would probably be worth trying that first.

Bryan K. Chen, MD
San Diego Dermatologist

Granuloma removal is safe with careful dissection

Granulomas could be removed safely with careful dissection and avoidance of the critical anatomical structures. I would try to talk to a board certified plastic surgeon, and I'm sure he will be able to do it. Good Luck!

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

The removal can be done safely, usually no nerve stimulator is necessary

We had to remove granulomas from Newfill/ Artefill that were done elsewhere in the past. It is usually a relatively simple procedure. Depends on the extent of granulomas - and we've seen some really extensive cases, and location. In any case, no nerve monitor is usually necessary, unless it was some extremely weird injection, done around facial nerve, etc. if, say, your aunt had an unusual deformity, or a dent left by tumor removal. I have not seen granulomas from Restylane. It is... more

Stella Desyatnikova, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Any trained plastic surgeon can do it without damaging nerves

A granuloma is rare, but also very superficial. Removing it should not jeopardize any nerves or muscles. Office procedure under local anesthetic. Side effect would be a small scar which would probably fade after a few months.

E. Anthony Musarra II, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Removing granulomas from the lip

The lips are an excellent structure where dermal fillers can be used effectively. The dermal fillers when applied properly will create an even result with minimal to no scarring. However, it is uncommon but possible that he may have lumps in the lips from these dermal fillers. Your body may also cause an overreaction and create a granuloma. If this occurs, it is best to be evaluated by board-certified plastic surgeon with a great deal of experience with dermal fillers, lip surgery, and... more

B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Consider consultation with an ENT surgeon

Some head and neck surgeons (also known as ENT surgeons or otolaryngologists) do use nerve stimulators during excisional procedures. Your aunt may wish to consult with this specialty for further information.