How long after having the silicone in my butt removed would I be able to do a fat transfer to reshape any deformity?

Question

I am considering using the “open” technique to remove as much scar tissue etc as possible as well as removal of the damaged skin. Assuming I heal without complications, what would be the wait time to be able to do a second surgery to reshape with fat? Additionally I’d like to know your thoughts on if you recommend the “vac” system for wound healing? Is it effective? Does it decrease risk of Seromas forming? Should I be asking my doctor to use one to aid recovery? Thanks!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, thank you your question regarding how long after having the silicone in my butt removed could you be able to do a fat transfer to reshape any deformity the removal of silicone from the buttock.  You should wait at least four months after silicone removal before you consider a fat transfer or BBL. Waiting four months gives your body enough time to heal from the surgery and establish new blood supply.   New blood supply is necessary for successful fat transfer to the buttock. The wound VAC is not necessary in most silicone removal cases; if the wound is left open and there still is silicone in the wound, a wound VAC may be a good idea. However, for the most part, a wound VAC is not necessary. You must understand the wound VAC is placed on top of the skin and does not decrease the incidence of a seroma. Wound VACs are on the outside of a closed surgical incision.  Whereas seromas are on the inside of a wound under a closed surgical incision.  I would not tell your plastic surgeon what to do, but rather follow what your plastic surgeon recommends. Thank you for questions regarding butt reconstruction after silicone removal and the use of the wound VAC. The FDA warns AGAINST silicone injections on their website.  The FDA states “Do not get injectable silicone or any type of filler material for large-scale body contouring or enhancement.” Also, the FDA has said Injectable silicone is permanent, with side effects that can occur right after the injection and up to years after treatment. Silicone spreads and migrates easily inside the body, which may worsen adverse events and make surgical attempts to remove the silicone oil more difficult or impossible. Silicone, when injected into areas with many blood vessels such as the buttocks, can travel to other parts of the body and block blood vessels in the lungs, heart, or brain. This can result in permanent damage to those tissues and lead to stroke or death.”  I specialized in silicone buttock removal and subsequent buttock reconstruction.  I am the Director and chief clinical investigator at the Institute of Silicone Removal.  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. I hope that I have answered your questions regarding long after having the silicone in my butt removed can you do a fat transfer to reshape any buttock deformity.
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.)

Jeremy S. Nikfarjam, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question! When considering the removal of silicone/biopolymer, please be sure to consult only with board certified plastic surgeons who specialize in this highly complex disease and procedure. In my private plastic surgery practice, I perform many silicone/biopolymer removal procedures each month on patients using a staged excision technique (wound vac included) to effectively remove as much of the free-silicone/biopolymer material, associated granulomas and scar tissue in the hopes of relieving some, if not all, of the patients (often debilitating) symptoms. The overall goal is to remove as much as possible within safe limits to help restore normal function and health to the patient in need. Final stage - a reconstructive BBL (Brazilian butt lift) after a staged excision removal procedure is performed to provide additional cushioning/padding in the areas that may have been thinned out during the excision procedure(s). In addition, the reconstructive BBL can address contour irregularities from prior silicone/biopolymer injections and possibly their removal. I usually recommend that patients undergo this reconstructive component at least 3 months after the silicone removal procedure to ensure that you have recovered sufficiently from the removal and allowed the tissues in the area to revascularize. I hope this helps!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. A period of 3 months or so is observed. Reconstructive surgery can be performed later to improve the appearance. To help allay fears and eliminate worries of patients who made the previous poor decision to have these substances injected, I recommend that they consult with a board certified PS who has experience in removing silicone.

Praful Ramineni, MD · Answer

I personally prefer the lipoaspiration debulking technique to minimize scarring/deformity (since neither technique removes all the silicone).  Usually, if needed, we perform fat grafting at a second stage at least 3 months later.

Jaime Pachon, MD · Answer

the appropriate method of choice for biopolymer removal is the open technique, the use of the VAC device is only indicated prophylactically in necrotic skin or wounds with a high risk of dehiscence. The fat can only be made if you are not in ASIA syndrome after the removal of the biopolymer and if your product recall was satisfactory. In order to minimize the risk of seromas.

How long after having the silicone in my butt removed would I be able to do a fat transfer to reshape any deformity?

Answers (5)

Answer: Silicone removal

Answer: Silicone removal

Answer: Biopolymer and reconstruction

Answer: Biopolymer and reconstruction

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How long after having the silicone in my butt removed would I be able to do a fat transfer to reshape any deformity?

Answers (5)

Answer: Silicone removal

Answer: Silicone removal

Answer: Biopolymer and reconstruction

Answer: Biopolymer and reconstruction

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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.