How can I find a surgeon to remove this foreign substance (silicone) from my body? (Photo)

Question

Foreign substance injected about 2 years ago. Pain around my hips. Any surgeon that is familiar with my situation ? i live in Michigan so hopefully nothing too far. I am also curious to know what helps with the discoloration of my dermis skin(on buttocks). my skin looks really bruised. how much is the removal of this "silicone "?

Carlos Alberto Ríos García, MD · Answer

I understand your concern. Pain around the hips and discoloration after illegal silicone or unknown injections can suggest inflammatory tissue changes that deserve proper evaluation, especially since these materials may behave unpredictably over time.
Based on your photo, there appears to be contour asymmetry and skin changes, but it is impossible to determine from images alone:
* how extensive the material is* whether migration has occurred* how deep the infiltration extends* or whether the discoloration is related to inflammation, vascular compromise, fibrosis, or pressure changes within the tissues
One important thing to understand is that surgeons experienced specifically in silicone and biopolymer complications are very different from surgeons who mainly perform routine cosmetic BBLs or liposuction.
These cases often require knowledge of:
* migration patterns* chronic inflammation* lymphatic preservation* reconstructive surgery* scarred tissue management* and staged reconstruction techniques
The first step is usually obtaining MRI imaging to evaluate:
* depth of infiltration* involvement of surrounding tissues* whether the product is localized or diffuse* and signs of fibrosis or inflammatory disease
This imaging often helps determine whether:
* observation* staged surgery* limited debulking* or more extensive reconstructive removal
would be safest.
Regarding the dark or bruised-looking skin, discoloration may sometimes occur from:
* chronic inflammation* fibrosis* vascular congestion* pressure changes* skin thinning* or lymphatic compromise
Treating the discoloration alone without understanding the underlying tissue condition is usually not recommended.
Cost can vary tremendously depending on:
* extent of disease* imaging findings* surgical complexity* whether reconstruction is needed* and how many stages are required
Unfortunately, these procedures are often far more reconstructive than cosmetic once silicone becomes integrated into the tissues.
The most important thing right now is finding a board-certified plastic surgeon with real experience managing silicone and biopolymer disease &mdash; not simply someone offering aggressive liposuction or quick cosmetic correction. Careful evaluation and surgical planning usually make a major difference in long-term outcomes for these cases.

Jeremy S. Nikfarjam, MD · Answer

Hi Sadgirl,
I'm sorry to hear of your condition. I treat hundreds of patients each year who have been similarly victimized by these illegal injectors. In my experience, open surgical removal is the safest and most comprehensive solution for this condition. My practice in New York offers a fly in program to assist patients such as yourself so that you can get the care you need. There are not many surgeons in the United States that have significant experience with this disease. As there are many true, medical concerns present as a result of this foreign body, my team helps patients achieve coverage through their health insurance. 
I wish you the best of luck in your search for treatment!
-Dr. Nik

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry about finding a plastic surgeon who can remove illegal silicone injections from your buttocks.  A few plastic surgeons specialize in silicone removal from the buttock. Silicone is a major health hazard. Injected silicone can cause pain and skin changes, and the silicone can migrate throughout your body.  You asked about the discoloration of your buttock skin overlying the injected silicone. Your body is trying to reject the silicone. There is a communication from the skin to the silicone underneath. The pores and channels in your skin try to open and eject the silicone. Sometimes the silicone gets trapped in the skin. It is thought that the trapped silicone causes skin discoloration. The best way to improve the skin is to remove the underlying silicone. In some cases, the silicone-stained skin also needs to be removed. 
The silicone removal from the buttock can be done in two ways: open or closed technique. With the closed technique, suction is used to remove the silicone and associated scar tissue. With the open technique, an incision is made. If skin needs to be removed, the open technique is preferable.  The cost of the surgery depends on your individual plastic surgeon, geographic location, and whether insurance is involved.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I am one of the leading experts in liquid silicone removal. Once the silicone reaction has reached the skin, it is very difficult to remove the material completely. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian#Realself100 Surgeon

Alex Kim, MD · Answer

Injection of silicone to buttocks and breasts is a real problem and often leads to a significant deformity of the body.  In your situation, the reason for redness (discoloration) is the reaction to the injected silicone very close to the skin and dermis.  Unfortunately, this kind of reaction continues and eventually the area becomes very firm.  If there is no skin discoloration, it usually indicates the injection was done deeply, not too close to skin, and thus, removal does not involve removal of the skin over the injection.  I would suggest starting from local plastic surgeons who practice in the local hospitals.  Best wishes,

How can I find a surgeon to remove this foreign substance (silicone) from my body? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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