Can buttock silicone injections cause breathing problems?

Question

I had silicone butt injections about 5 years ago, and for the past 9 months i've been having a runny/stuffy nose (on and off) and excessive coughing and breathing problems. Doctor says i have allergies which has made me asthmatic. I also got a second opinion from another doctor and she says its allergies as well. I dont have any discoloration or pain in my buttock.

Jeremy S. Nikfarjam, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing that. Your symptoms and medical history are important.

What may be happening is the possibility of silicone-related immune reaction even though your doctors believe allergies are the cause of your respiratory symptoms (which is common), it’s worth noting that injected silicone is not inert forever. Over time, your immune system can begin to recognize it as foreign, especially years later. While rare, systemic symptoms (such as chronic cough, nasal congestion, fatigue, or even autoimmune-type symptoms) have been reported in people with silicone injections even without visible local issues like pain or discoloration. These systemic reactions fall under what's sometimes referred to as ASIA syndrome (Autoimmune/inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants), though it remains controversial in mainstream medicine. The lack of visible or painful signs in your buttocks is a good sign, as it suggests there’s no active infection or major local inflammation. However, this doesn’t rule out a low-grade chronic immune response especially since your respiratory symptoms are new and persistent. If your symptoms aren’t improving with standard allergy/asthma treatment, and you’re suspicious that the silicone could be contributing, I would consider finding a Board-Certified plastic surgeon who specializes in silicone/biopolymer removal and silicone disease. He or she may order advanced imaging (MRI with silicone-specific sequences - with and without contrast) to evaluate for subtle migration or inflammatory response around the injection sites. The MRI will show Presence and Distribution of Silicone where the silicone is located (for example: deep fat, muscle layers, or spread into unexpected areas); migration of silicone away from the original injection site, which is common over time. MRI can detect edema (swelling), fibrosis (scarring), or granulomas which are small inflammatory nodules your body forms in response to foreign material like silicone. This is important even if you don’t have pain or visible lumps. It can show encapsulated silicone pools (where your body walls off the material). Or free silicone without capsule, as this tends to be more reactive and more likely to cause systemic or local symptoms. An MRI will also show surrounding tissue reaction inflammation in fat, fascia, or muscle which may indicate an ongoing immune response, even without external signs. It can also reveal if there's impingement on nerves or vessels, though this is less common. Even without pain or discoloration, you might have silent complications, such as deep tissue fibrosis, early abscess formation or lymphatic obstruction.
While It’s possible your symptoms are truly due to allergies and new-onset asthma. That’s quite common. But given your history of silicone injections, it’s not unreasonable to keep the possibility of a chronic immune response in mind especially if your symptoms don’t improve over time or worsen.
I am a Board-Certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with a specialized focus on silicone and biopolymer removal. Over the years, I have dedicated my practice to safely addressing complications arising from these materials. Recognizing the unique challenges they pose, I developed a two-stage surgical excision process and a third stage of reconstruction (often referred to as a reconstructive BBL). This approach is designed to ensure the most complete removal possible while minimizing risks and optimizing patient outcomes. 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 story with you and get the ball rolling to see how we can help.  (516) 279-2616

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, thank you your question regarding prior silicone buttock injections and now, associated breathing problems. Silicone should NEVER be injected . 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 result in permanent damage to those tissues and lead to stroke or death.” Silicone is a know allergen. Injected silicone can get into the blood stream and can cause a deadly pulmonary embolus--that means you die right after the injection. However, usually, most silicone problems present right away. Please read about the numerous cases on the internet. However, you had your injections 5 years ago so I doubt that your respiratory issues are due to the injected silicone in your buttocks. Whether the silicone is or is not causing your respiratory problems and whether you have or do not have buttock discoloration, I would HIGHLY suggest your have the silicone removed from your buttocks. I specialized in 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 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

Local or generalized inflammation can result from silicone fillers. It is difficult to determine the cause of your problem without a comprehensive exam. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian#Realself100 Surgeon

Can buttock silicone injections cause breathing problems?

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