Hi Tigeress59, thank you for your question regarding removing biopolymers from your back and buttocks. I perform many of these procedures every week on patients who have had biopolymers, PMMA, or silicone injected into the buttock. In my practice, it is a safe procedure. However, there are many things we do to minimize complications. 1) Before silicone or biopolymer removal surgery, I check your blood values, EKG, chest X-ray, and have your private doctor examine you to make sure you are healthy for the procedure. Sometimes, I order a MRI. 2) To further minimize intra-operative complications, I work with a doctor anesthesiologist instead of a nurse anesthetist. 3) Also, I perform these silicone and biopolymer removal procedures under general anesthesia, not local anesthesia. I believe general anesthesia is much safer than local anesthesia for these types of silicone procedures. 4) I use a Medicare and AAAA certified surgery center. 5) I prescribe antibiotics during and after surgery. All these factors and experience serve to minimize complications. In my experience, I have not had any deaths from silicone removal. However, that does not mean that silicone or biopolymer removal surgery is an easy or risk-free procedure.
