Can silicone butt injections be removed?

Question

i have silicone butt injections and i about 10cc in each cheek and i wanted to know is it possible to have that removed and replaced with liposuction fat and what would something like this cost

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Removal of silicone, bioalcamid, PMMA, and Artefill from the soft 
tissue is a complex problem and can be addressed by anti-inflammatory 
agents and microsurgery. I use a less invasive surgical approach that 
can remove and dissipate granulomas and fibrous tissue. 
In terms 
of facial silicone removal, an ultrasound can sometimes help gauge the 
grade of Karamanoukian Staging for soft tissue inflammation. 
The video demonstrates one of our techniques.
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding if silicone butt injections can be removed. Absolutely, they can. I have performed about a thousand silicone removal surgeries and every single patient has had many if not all of their silicone symptoms go away after removal. I’ll attach a video of the silicone injections removal below. I offer two techniques: open silicone removal and closed technique. If the MRI shows that the silicone is in the fat and muscle and you are experiencing skin changes, the open technique is your best option. If the silicone is not in the muscle and you are not having skin changes, the closed technique may be an option for you. 
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 Plastic 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.)

Jeremy S. Nikfarjam, MD · Answer

You're taking a very powerful first step by looking into this! 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

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is quite difficult to remove silicone injections form tissues because often it goes in as micro droplets and disperses in multiple layers of tissue.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Silicone injections are illegal, dangerous and not wise.There is no way one can be sure as to what was injected as these injections are underground and done by lay person with the sole intent of making money.There are many forms of silicone and different viscosity. Silicone injections cause intense inflammatory reaction and granuloma formation.MRI scans can localize where the bulk of the foreign material is. One can never be able to remove all the silicone injected, only debulking is possible. This will leave a defect that needs to be corrected at a later stage.

Can silicone butt injections be removed?

Answers (5)

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