I had polymer lip fillers applied about 14 years ago. 2 years ago I started to notice lumps and unevenness in my lips? (photo)

Question

Two doctors have injected something to me hoping to dissolve the filler? Is possible to dissolve the silicon? or it will just dissolve the hard tissue surrounding the filler? Do I have any hope other than surgical removal?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, I am sorry you had silicone injected into your lips and that now, you are having lip problems. You must understand that "polymer" lip filler (perhaps PMMA or silicone?) are PERMANENT filler. That means that it will NEVER go away without surgical intervention. Permanent lip fillers do NOT dissolve with steroids, hyaluronidase, antibiotics, or radio frequency (RF). Nothing will dissolve PMMA or silicone. I would suggest you have surgical removal of your lip polymer. I specialize 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 lip silicone or polymer 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 many lip 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.)

Jeremy S. Nikfarjam, MD · Answer

Hi Samsara33139!

The most effective way to remove silicone/biopolymer from the lips would be to surgically excise it, but the approach depends on the extent and type of material, how your body has reacted to it over time, and how much scar tissue has developed around it. 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 can be performed. This may include autologous fat grafting from a separate donor site to the lips to restore structural integrity and functional mobility. Non-surgical management after removal may include dermal filler augmentation (which would be temporary and need to be maintained) to restore lip, contour and correct minor asymmetry or divots following the initial excision. As stated above, the most effective way to remove silicone is through surgical removal and reconstruction by a plastic surgeon experienced in silicone excision and lip reshaping. Insurance can cover these procedures if your insurance plan holds out of network coverage and the procedure is deemed medically necessary. 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 a complimentary virtual consultation or an in-office appointment to discuss your options. We can also check your existing insurance coverage to determine if this can be billed through your policy. (516) 279-2616. Please remember, 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 surgery is not just to make you look better, but to restore function and normal feeling, which you deeply need right now. Best of luck on your silicone removal journey.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Silicone cannot be removed with cortisone injections. Silicone soft tissue reaction is a long term problem that can be improved with surgical removal. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianRealself100 Surgeon

Luis Lopez Tallaj, MD · Answer

La diferencia entre rellenos dérmicos reales como el ácido hialurónico o la hidroxiapatita cálcica es que permanecen donde lo inyectamos y no se mueven, y se absorberán en un plazo no superior a 12 a 16 meses dependiendo del caso y la zona tratada. Los materiales aloplásticos como la silicona y el PMMA invaden las células atravesando su citoplasma y se integran con los tejidos más cercanos, además se migrar y provocar deformidades comprometiendo la microcirculación, una verdadera pesadilla. En algunos casos podemos eliminar parte del mismo, nunca todo, intentando recrear una normalidad temporal en los labios, y hasta en otras zonas del rostro con riesgo de deformidades severas. Es muy importante que antes de realizarte las inyecciones faciales cosméticas verifiques el médico elegido por usted y busque en google la marca del producto que le ofrece este profesional. Recientemente publicamos un documental en nuestro canal de youtube Lopeztallaj, Besos de plástico explicando todo lo relacionado con esas inyecciones ilegales para una verdadera prevención. Tiene subtítulos en inglés y portugués.

I had polymer lip fillers applied about 14 years ago. 2 years ago I started to notice lumps and unevenness in my lips? (photo)

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