Silicone Removal Outcome (Photo)

Question

4 yrs ago I decided to have injected silicone from my chin removed. I choose a doctor who specialize in silicone removal ,however my outcome became worse .After surgery I thought it was swollen , months later still has this odd appearance . I contacted the Dr. which he states if he goes back to remove more silicone he could damage nerves, area could be inflamed ,to my knowledge inflammation is temporary or he could do Cortisone shots. Thanks sonogram shows no foreign matter just tissue .

Jeremy S. Nikfarjam, MD · Answer

Hi Fun,
I'm sorry to hear of your condition. It's true that the area towards the bottom of the face is extremely risky in terms of the major nerves in the area which are in charge of moving the entirety of your lower face. Any surgery to that area should be considered very carefully. Additionally, this silicone substance has not been officially studied by the medical community and the after effects are often unexpected. I have seen in my practice, residual silicone product can "flare up" and cause chronic, unresolved swelling across the body. That said, you could still be a candidate for a secondary procedure. You could be experiencing residual swelling, or perhaps just an abundance of scar tissue. 
I wish you the best of luck in your search for treatment!
-Dr. Nik

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding what to do after silicone injection to your chin, and its attempted subsequent removal. From your history, it appears that your outcome worsened because your chin silicone was aggravated, which caused further scar tissue to develop. Even though the sonogram showed no foreign matter, the sonogram or ultrasound is not the best test. The best test to determine if silicone is present is an MRI. Nonetheless, whether it’s an ultrasound or MRI, there appears to be scar tissue and possibly remaining chin silicone. Therefore, I would suggest surgical reduction. An incision would achieve this surgical reduction of the injected chin silicone underneath your chin. The chin silicone can be exposed and foreign products removed through this incision. In addition, an incision can be made inside the mouth. This can also access the injected silicone. The benefit of removing the presumed retained silicone and associated scar tissue and tissue outweigh the potential damage to nerves. The potential damage to nerves is there; however, the potential nerve damage is minimal if the silicone chin removal surgery is performed correctly.

I specialize in biopolymer and silicone removal and subsequent reconstruction.  Since removing biopolymer and silicone is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in removing silicone from the face.  Do your research.  Make sure they have performed facial 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, facial silicone removal surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic 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

There are many options to treat silicone foreign body reaction. Some patients are surgical candidates, but this depends on the anatomic location and the feasibility of surgical removal. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Carlos Alberto Ríos García, MD · Answer

Regards, Dr Carlos Alberto Rios regrets that you have been victim of the terrible practice of biopolymers.

For your information, in 1898 Dr. Robert Gersuny, Austrian surgeon, injected paraffin into the scrotum of a patient who was orquiectomizado (testicles removed). Here began the history of the injection of external substances to give volume to the face and body. This practice became very popular and now, there are whole chapters in plastic surgery books that explain how to try to correct and rebuild the serious effects of the application of paraffin.

About your question, It is important to know wthat procedure used your surgeon and It is also necesary an MRI STIR to evaluate the extension and severity of your case. Then I will know if you need surgery or the best option.

Please remember to be aware, do not let any permanenrt filler to be injected into your face, breast, buttocks, calfs, genitalia, etc. The safest way to increase buttocks is through your own fat injections or through silicone implants.

I hope the information was usefull, have a nice day! Dr Carlos Rios.

Silicone Removal Outcome (Photo)

Answers (4)