What is the best way to remove silicone butt injections? (photo)

I probably see about one patient per month with this frankly devastating problem. The only option for dealing with hardened painful silicone granulomas is to surgically excise (cut-out) them.  Unfortunately, this frequently results in more tissue deformation.  Additionally it is impossible to remove 100% of the silicone so be advised that you may still require more surgery in the future if problems recur.  Glad to help.

Thank you for your courage in sharing your story. What you’re experiencing is both physically and emotionally painful, and it’s important you know you’re not alone. Many people have found themselves in similar situations after receiving illegal silicone injections, and I’m truly sorry you are going through this. However, there is a path forward! From your description, it sounds like you are experiencing silicone granulomas which is chronic inflammatory reaction where your immune system is trying to wall off the injected silicone. Silicone may move or create new pockets of inflammation over time, which explains why you’re getting new hard, painful areas even after surgery. Steroid injections (like Kenacort / Kanolone) only temporarily reduce inflammation. They do not remove the cause (silicone). While your surgeon may have successfully removed some of the silicone, this substance can spread into the muscle, fat, and tissues in a way that makes it extremely difficult to fully remove in one procedure, especially when injected in large amounts or deeply.

When symptoms return after surgery, it often means residual silicone remains in deeper tissues or different areas, continuing to trigger inflammatory reactions. Steroid use may mask symptoms but doesn’t prevent recurrence. If you are planning to come to the USA, it is crucial to see an experienced, Board-Certified plastic surgeon who specializes in silicone/biopolymer removal along with gluteal and body reconstruction after foreign body removal. I recommend reaching out with your full history, biopsy report, and photos. Some offices offer virtual consultations for international or out of state patients. It is important to get et detailed imaging before your next surgery. Request an MRI with silicone-specific protocol or ultrasound before undergoing another surgery. This helps map the remaining silicone and inflammation areas precisely. It is important to note, while steroid injections can shrink granulomas, long-term use weakens tissue, delays healing, masks infection or abscess and are typically only used as short-term bridges, not a cure. Optimal removal often takes more than one operation, especially in cases with extensive migration. But with the right surgeon, your health and body shape can be restored in stages. 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. 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.

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