I had Argiform injections. I did 3 operations to remove them but didn't succeed. Can fillers fix the asymmetry? (Photo)

Question

The silicon extended the vermillon border. They are dry 24/7, i cant close them properly The philtrum area looks so weird. How am i supposed to take out the silicon from that area?Does steroid injections help .The operations just broke down my lips and they became wider. My lips and mouth is disfigured and so asymmetrical.Ifeel a lot of lumps in my lips and everyday they change in size.When i talk i feel that the philtrum and all around my mouth moves together.The muscles of my mouth is so weak.

Jeremy S. Nikfarjam, MD · Answer

I'm really sorry you're dealing with all of this. What you're describing sounds incredibly painful and emotionally exhausting. The complications you're facing are unfortunately common in people who have had silicone injections in delicate areas like the lips and perioral region. From what you've described, it sounds like the material has migrated and caused the vermillion border to extend.
Silicone tends to migrate over time, especially if it was injected improperly or in large amounts. It can spread beyond the normal lip boundary, stretching tissues unnaturally and altering anatomy. This suggests a combination of encapsulated silicone granulomas, inflammatory flare-ups, often made worse by movement or pressure. Dryness and incomplete lip seal comes from both the altered shape and weakened muscle control (likely due to trauma from silicone or surgeries disrupting the orbicularis muscle. Strange movement of philtrum and perioral area suggests potential fibrosis tethering the tissue or loss of muscular function and support, making the surrounding areas compensate when you try to move your lips. Unfortunately, when surgeons try to remove silicone without prior experience and a very precise approach, it can cause scarring, widening, asymmetry, and loss of tissue integrity. Especially when the vermillion border or muscle is disrupted. This is why it's extremely important to seek a Board-Certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in silicone/biopolymer removal. The first step is usually an in-depth clinical evaluation, often supported by imaging such as MRI. This helps determine how much silicone is present, whether it has migrated, if there is associated fibrosis or granuloma formation and the depth and distribution (superficial vs deep plane). If the silicone is causing persistent deformity, asymmetry, or chronic inflammation, surgical removal is the most definitive option. This typically involves a direct excision through intraoral or external approaches, depending on the location and extent. Once removal is complete, reconstructive techniques to preserve or restore lip shape. This includes autologous fat grafting from a separate donor site to the lips to restore structural integrity and functional mobility. Non-surgical management may include dermal filler augmentation to restore lip, contour and correct minor asymmetry or divots following the initial excision. Please note - the surgical option is permanent and non-surgical is not and would need to be maintained every 6-12 months. Given your history and description, you may benefit from surgical removal and reconstruction by a plastic surgeon experienced in silicone excision and lip reshaping. 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 removal and reconstruction technique that 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 complimentary virtual consultation or an in-office appointment to discuss your options. (516) 279-2616

You’re not alone — many people have been through this, and there are paths forward. But it takes the right expertise and realistic expectations. The goal with any revision is not just to make your lips look better, but to restore function and normal feeling, which you deeply need right now. Best of luck on your silicone removal journey.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, I am sorry you had silicone injected into your lips.  Bottom line: your lips will NOT get better until all your lip silicone has been removed.  Steroids will not work and will only camouflage the underlying problem of remaining lip silicone.  Fillers may fix your lip asymmetry, but will not remove the silicone and associated scar tissue around the remaining silicone in your lips.  I would suggest surgical removal of the silicone .  You may need an incision along the vermillion border.  I specialized in lip biopolymer and silicone removal and subsequent reconstruction with fat grafting and/or implants.  I am the lead investigator and founder of the Silicone Removal Institute. Since removing silicone is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in removing silicone.  Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 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, silicone removal surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, 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.)

Luis Lopez Tallaj, MD · Answer

The difference between real dermalfillers as hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxiapatite is that they stay were we inject it and do not move, and of coirse it will absorb within a period of no more than 12 to 16 months dependind on the case and area. Alloplastic material such silicone and PMMA the invade the cells citoplasma and integrate with the closer tissues, also they migarte and causes deformitis with compromise of the micro circulation, a real nightmare. In some cases we can remove part of it, neve all of it, trying to recreate a temporal normality in the lips or someother areas of the face with the risk of severe deformities. It’s so important that prior to do cosmetic facial injections you verify the doctor choosen by you, and search about the brand of the product that this professional is pffering to you. Recently we posted a documentary in our youtube channel Lopeztallaj, Besos de plástico explaining everything involved with those ilegal injections for a real prevention. It has english subtitles.

I had Argiform injections. I did 3 operations to remove them but didn't succeed. Can fillers fix the asymmetry? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Silicone Injection Removal

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I had Argiform injections. I did 3 operations to remove them but didn't succeed. Can fillers fix the asymmetry? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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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.