Desperate any doctor please help me remove PMMA in buttocks.

Question

Well I had PMMA injected 500cc's each buttock but I really don't see a difference but this is not the worst that I'm going thru I have fever and it doesn't go away and I need a doctor to remove the product. The doctor that put it in doesn't remove it. I am feeling so bad everyday. Please I am desperate and I want to feel better. Can someone help me please.

Jeremy S. Nikfarjam, MD · Answer

I'm really sorry you're going through this. You're not alone! Many people have had similar experiences, and there are doctors who specialize in removing PMMA/silicone (polymethylmethacrylate) to help people feel better again, both physically and emotionally. Here’s a clear guide on how to start the process: 1. Find a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in silicone or biopolymer injection removal, particularly from the buttocks. This isn’t a typical cosmetic surgery, and it requires experience with identifying free silicone migration, managing scar tissue and inflammation, and 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. An MRI with and without contrast 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, as 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

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question regarding PMMA injections into the buttocks and subsequent post-operative complications  You have developed an autoimmune disease subsequent to the PMMA injections into the buttock. It is called ASIA syndrome. This is not uncommon, and is due to the PMMA.  ASIA syndrome is an acronym that stands for Autoimmune/inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants. Adjuvants are agents (like silicone) that modify the effect of other agents (like causing scar tissue and pain).  Typically, ASIA syndrome presents about 10 years after the injection. Since ASIA syndrome was first described as recognizable medical disease in 2011, most medical doctors do not know ASIA syndrome even exists.  Patients with ASIA syndrome have symptoms due to injectables like PMMA and silicone.  Symptoms include muscle pain with or without inflammation or swelling, muscle weakness, joint pain with or without swelling, chronic fatigue, non-restful sleep, sleep disturbance, neurological manifestations (like demylenation or MS), loss of memory, “brain fog”,low grade fever, or dry mouth.  You have have some or all of these symptoms.  I would highly suggest you have the PMMA removed as soon as possible.  An MRI maybe needed to see exactly where the PMMA was injected. Sometimes the PMMA is injected into just the buttock fat.  Sometimes the PMMA is injected sometimes in the buttock muscle.  Most commonly, PMMA is injected into both the buttock fat and buttock muscle. if the PMMA is in both the buttocks fat and buttock muscle (gluteus maximus),  the open technique is the best technique for maximal PMMA removal and associated PMMA scar tissue removal.  I specialize in PMMA buttock removal and subsequent buttock reconstruction.  I am the Director and chief clinical investigator at the Institute of Silicone Removal.  Since removing PMA or 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 many PMMA and 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. I hope that I have answered your questions regarding removing PMMA from the buttock
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

Karamanoukian Grade I soft tissue reaction can be removed electively using minimally-invasive techniques. Surgical excision may be dangerous due to tissue fibrosis. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Luis A. Cenedese, MD, FACS · Answer

Removal of PMMA is possible if the product has pooled into discrete collections.  All of the injected product may not be removable.  Unless the patient sees the bottle or syringe marked with its contents we are not sure what is utilized by less than reputable injectors. Deformities resulting after removal of injected products typically require repeat procedures to correct.Antibiotics may help acute symptoms of infection.  Sonogram or MRI are helpful to identify the location and sizeof the injected product.Please consult in person with an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon prior to making treatment decisions.

Desperate any doctor please help me remove PMMA in buttocks.

Answers (4)

Answer: Removal PMMA buttocks

Answer: Removal PMMA buttocks

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.

Desperate any doctor please help me remove PMMA in buttocks.

Answers (4)

Answer: Removal PMMA buttocks

Answer: Removal PMMA buttocks

Browse related questions

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.