20 years ago I had illegal industrial grade silicone injections. Upper butt region injected. What can be done about this now?

Question

I am worried about this material traveling through out my body and surfing the internet has scared me to death..Anything I can do or advice as to what I have instore for my my future..I'm 46, mother of 4 and grandmother to 1..thank you!

Jeremy S. Nikfarjam, MD · Answer

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

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there. I'm sorry to hear you have silicone injections. I hope you know that you are not alone. It's not too late to get the silicone removed. You'll first need an MRI. We'll be able to tell by the MRI if the silicone is in the muscle. If it's in the muscle, you'll need open excision of the product and cleaning of the muscle. If it's only in the fatty layer and you have no skin changes, you can likely get away with the closed technique (ultrasound guided vaser assisted silicone suction). I use the VASER to melt the scar tissue and silicone shells, then I use a special cannula that I had made just me SPECIFICALLY for silicone injections removal, It's true that the product can migrate throughout the body. I've seen it go from the buttocks to the labia, lymph nodes, thighs, ankles, even the toes. I've also seen it migrate upwards. It's crucial you remove this poison for the sake of your future.

Since removing silicone from the buttock is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in removing silicone from the buttock.  Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 buttock silicone removal surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, buttock silicone removal surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office is the leading center for the removal of foreign body fillers in the United States. My approach is protocol based, beginning with an examination to determine the grade of inflammation using the Karamanoukian Grading Scale for Soft Tissue Inflammation. Silicone biopolymers and PMMA can be safely removed from the face and body. Longterm complications are minimized with diligent attention to detail and protocol-based treatment. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This is a difficult situation to address.  If you are contemplating trying to remove the material, an exam followed by imaging may be appropriate.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

It is difficult to tell what type of material was injected to the buttocks. After 20 years the risks are infection, hard lumps, and yes the material can migrate and can migrate to local lymph nodes.You need an examination and discussion of all concerns and optionsSamir Shureih MD. FACSsshureih@msn.com

20 years ago I had illegal industrial grade silicone injections. Upper butt region injected. What can be done about this now?

Answers (5)

Answer: 20 years ago I had illegal industrial grade silicone injections. Upper butt region injected. What can be done about this now?

Answer: 20 years ago I had illegal industrial grade silicone injections. Upper butt region injected. What can be done about this now?

Answer: Buttock Injections

Answer: Buttock Injections

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Everything you need to know about Silicone Injection Removal

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20 years ago I had illegal industrial grade silicone injections. Upper butt region injected. What can be done about this now?

Answers (5)

Answer: 20 years ago I had illegal industrial grade silicone injections. Upper butt region injected. What can be done about this now?

Answer: 20 years ago I had illegal industrial grade silicone injections. Upper butt region injected. What can be done about this now?

Answer: Buttock Injections

Answer: Buttock Injections

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Silicone Injection Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.