You're absolutely taking a powerful first step by looking into this now. Planning for silicone injection removal can help preserve your long-term health and give you peace of mind. Here’s a clear guide on how to start the process: 1. Find a Qualified Surgeon. You want a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in silicone or biopolymer injection removal, particularly from the buttocks. This isn’t a typical cosmetic surgery—it requires experience with: identifying free silicone migration, managing scar tissue and inflammation and reconstructive techniques. 2. Schedule a Consultation. At the consultation, the surgeon will: Review your injection history (what was used, where, how much—if known), perform a physical exam; order imaging (usually MRI with silicone protocol). It's important to be honest and detailed, even if you don’t have full records. Your transparency will help guide safe removal planning. 3. Get Imaging (MRI with and without contrast) MRI with silicone protocol: To assess how deep and widespread the silicone is, including possible migration to lymph nodes or muscle. This step is crucial for safe surgical planning. 4. Discuss Removal Options Based on imaging and your anatomy, the surgeon will explain: What areas they can remove silicone from and if they offer (or are experienced with) reconstruction post silicone removal. It's also important to discuss: Recovery time and risks along with personal goals. *Don’t rush into surgery with just any provider—this is delicate work that requires true expertise. Be cautious of anyone offering “minimally invasive” or “liposuction only” solutions for silicone removal; these often leave silicone behind or worsen inflammation. I have seen thousands of patients who have been victimized by illegal silicone injections. The symptoms I see range from mild to moderate to severe- requiring emergent hospital admissions. What you report is a familiar story that we here in the office- pain in the buttocks, back, and legs. Sometimes this pain is accompanied by intermittent tingling in the extremities. Treatment is possible! After training in hospitals in The Bronx in the early '00s, I saw countless patients present to the emergency room with symptoms related to silicone disease but were not given any substantial treatment. They were given antibiotics and pain medications and sent home. It was then that I decided to pioneer the silicone removal center in New York. You can read more through the link below. Ultimately, I perform a two-stage open removal procedure (through a small incision inside the buttocks crease) with a third stage reconstructive BBL. All three stages are pre-authorized through a patient's health insurance. I only perform these procedures in a hospital setting with a dedicated team that I have handpicked to assist in these unique procedures. I believe this is a medical problem that needs real, medical treatment (in the U.S., in a hospital, with a board-certified plastic surgeon). Of course, the aesthetic component is very important, and as a plastic surgeon, I do everything I can to make sure my patients look great afterwards as well. Please feel free to contact my team to inquire about your particular insurance policy. We have a comprehensive fly-in program my Silicone Coordinator can discuss with you. She has undergone silicone removal and reconstruction and would be happy to share her silicone journey with you and see how we can help with yours. (516) 279-2616
