Aquamid Removal from Cheeks

We are seeing many longterm problems associated with permanent fillers in our office. Complications from silicone biopolymers, Artefill, Bellafill, PMMA, and biopolimero should be addressed by an expert in the field.  

In my practice, I specialize in the removal of Bellafill and Artefill injections, in addition to silicone biopolymers, from the face and body. Initially, treatments are non-surgical with corticosteroids and immune modulators. If unable to be corrected, we can also perform surgery in some cases. 

Patients should undergo biometric screening, clinical assessment of Karamanoukian Grade of Soft Tissue Reaction, and ultrasound examination. 

Silicone biopolymers can also be removed from the body if there are signs of migration or inflammation. All of these filler-types should be removed as early as possible. 

Lastly, our office is conducting ongoing studies of plasma-assisted corticosteroid application, which allows for diffusion of the treatment medication in superficial tissue without causing atrophy. 

Best, 

Dr. Karamanoukian 

Realself100 Surgeon

Hello and thank you for the question.

Aquamid is cross-linked polyacrylamide injectable filler.  Depending on the injection style that your clinician used, it may be possible to remove the product through a needle extraction technique. If the product was injected in a "depot" fashion whereby it was aliquotted in one general area, then extraction is possible, and especially if it was injected in a sub-periosteal plane. Alternatively if the injection was performed in the soft-tissue utilizing a technique such as fanning or any other technique whereby theh product is dispersed over any given area, it would be very difficult if not impossible to extract. I would need further information regarding your clinician's technique in order to give you a formal opinion as to what your options are. 

I would advise consulting with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in order to get an evaluation and management plan for you.

Best,

Glenn Vallecillos, M.D., F.A.C.S.