Can Aqualift Be Dissolved by Steroids, or Removed by Squeezing?

I'm really glad you reached out—migration after Aqualift (or similar hydrophilic gel-based filler) injections in the buttocks can be distressing and should be addressed carefully.
Aqualift (often referred to as silicone) are products used for volume enhancement that are not FDA approved. Mild massage might temporarily redistribute some gel if migration is minimal and recent, but deeply migrated product typically won’t respond well to massage alone. Aggressive manipulation may worsen migration or cause trauma. Corticosteroids do not dissolve the filler. They only reduce inflammation or fibrosis around migrated material if there is a granulomatous reaction. They will not reposition or eliminate the product itself. Definitive treatment would be via surgical excision. If the migration is significant, persistent, or causing discomfort or contour deformity, surgical removal (excision) is often the most effective and predictable option. This is especially true if migration is lateral, visible, or painful. 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. 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. I'd be happy to see you for a clinical evaluation whether it be a complimentary virtual consultation or an in-office appointment to discuss your options. My Silicone Coordinator 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

Hi Sherineosama, Thank you for your question regarding how to deal with injected aqua lift. I am sorry to say that aqua lift is probably silicone. Silicone is a foreign body and is a product that the human body cannot dissolve. Steroids do not dissolve silicone. Steroids are anti-inflammatory and basically decrease your body's immune response in trying to fight off the silicone. Steroids do nothing to the silicone itself. Steroids do not dissolve silicone. Additionally, massaging the silicone does not dissolve the silicone; it just moves the silicone around. In fact, massaging the silicone will make it worse, not better. Therefore, I would suggest that the best way to remove the silicone is with surgery. This is done with an incision, and the silicone and associated scar tissue is directly excised. Therefore, stop massaging and don't have steroid injections because this only masks the problem. Get the silicone treated with definitive results to include surgical incision. Thanks. I specialized in "aqua lift" silicone buttock removal and subsequent buttock reconstruction. I am the Director and chief clinical investigator at the Institute of Silicone Removal. 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.)

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