Need a Dr in GA to remove silicone injections from buttocks!

Question

I rec'd injections 12 yrs ago& for the past 4 yrs I've exp inflam 3x's, ER gave antibiotics for cellulitis.Tissue is soft& no discoloration but several tiny lumps in left hip area. My fam dr said the lumps were nothing to worry 1.5 yr ago after a ultrasound but they r aching a lil now. Can gen srgn remove lumps& plastic srgn lipo my butt? If fat is removed by default some of the silicone would also come out? I no not all. I realize this was stupid,but plz advice on how I can be helped& a GA dr.

Jeremy S. Nikfarjam, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing that—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; 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

Thank you for your question regarding what to do for illegal silicone injections into the buttock. I would highly suggest you have your injections removed. The injections should be removed to minimize the potential for migration and spread. Also, the injections should be removed to reduce the conversion into granulomas or siliconomas. In addition, removing the silicone and associated scar tissue should help to diminish localized pain. There are two ways to remove silicone. They can be removed with suction or with an open incision. A consultation will need to be established to determine which procedure you may need. Typically an MRI is ordered to determine if the product is in the muscle, mainly the gluteus Maximus muscle. The open technique is preferred if the product is in the muscle. Other factors determine whether you need the open or closed suction technique. Please seek an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. There may not be a specialist in your area, so consider traveling out of state. Since this is a very complex surgery, you may require an expert in this field. 
I hope that I have answered your questions regarding removing silicone from the buttock

The FDA warns AGAINST silicone injections on their website.  The FDA states “Do not get injectable silicone or any type of filler material for large-scale body contouring or enhancement.” Also, the FDA has said Injectable silicone is permanent, with side effects that can occur right after the injection and up to years after treatment. Silicone spreads and migrates easily inside the body, which may worsen adverse events and make surgical attempts to remove the silicone oil more difficult or impossible. Silicone, when injected into areas with many blood vessels such as the buttocks, can travel to other parts of the body and block blood vessels in the lungs, heart, or brain. This can permanently damage those tissues and lead to stroke or death.”
I specialize in silicone buttock removal and subsequent buttock reconstruction.  I am the Director and chief clinical investigator at the Silicone and Other Foreign Body Injections to the Buttocks.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Far more important than the technique is the skill and experience of your plastic surgeon. Choose your surgeon rather than the technique and let them explain why one technique may be better than another.  See the below link on some suggestions on finding the most qualified Plastic Surgeon for you.  Always insist on a board certified plastic surgeon.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office specializes in silicone removal from the buttocks. I would recommend an assessment of your Karamanoukian severity grade to determine if you are a candidate for removal.Best,Dr. Karamanoukian#Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This needs surgical removal and if it is significant CT scanning and assessment of the lymph nodes to ensure this has not migrated.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Need a Dr in GA to remove silicone injections from buttocks!

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Answer: Silicone removal from the buttocks

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Need a Dr in GA to remove silicone injections from buttocks!

Answers (5)

Answer: Silicone removal from the buttocks

Answer: Silicone removal from the buttocks

Answer: Silicone Lumps and Growths

Answer: Silicone Lumps and Growths

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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.