Silicone removal - removing Biopolymers (Photo)

Question

Hello doctors and ladies who have had surgery. I have read a lot about silicone removal however I am not ready to have open surgery to remove it. I read mixed opinions about removing via lipo, some doctors prefer this method while others think it is a waste of time and money. I do not have any hard lumps, everything is soft and nothing hurts thankfully. I just want my body back and I am tired of avoiding mirrors and bathing suits. Shed some light?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, I would strongly recommend you have an open technique to remove your buttock silicone.  If some reason, you "cannot" have the open technique, I would strongly suggest a technique that has worked well for many of my patients, namely ultrasound guided VASER assisted silicone suction.  In my hands and for my patients, ultrasound guided VASER assisted silicone suction definitely does work and silicone is removed.  If performed correctly, ultrasound guided VASER assisted silicone suction is NOT a waste of money and has helped many of my patients with illegal butt shots.  I specialize in treating patients with illegal butt silicone shots and in the removal of silicone from the buttock and subsequent reconstruction of the buttock.  I am a lead investigator and founder of the Silicone Removal Institute. 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 your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 buttock silicone removal surgeries and has 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. 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 Poisoned,
Thank you for this submission! I know it's not the answer most patients want to hear, but in my experience, open surgical removal is the only way to remove this substance. I perform hundreds of operations every year, and I also perform many revisionary procedures on those who have previously attempted removal via liposuction. Attempting to liposuction this material is not only unsuccessful, it often makes the condition much worse. You can see a video on my Instagram account where I show removed silicone foreign body while in the OR; the size and density of this material is far too big and too thick to fit through a liposuction cannula. 
I wish you the best in your search for treatment!
-Dr. Nik

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

The feasibility of Silicone biopolymer removal depends on the degree of inflammation and symptoms associated with the fillers. In our office, we gauge the level of soft tissue reaction in order to assess the candidacy for surgical excision vs. non-surgical management. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

No method can 100% removed these illegally injected substances. whether excision/deforming or attempted liposuction. I require a $20,000 fee because the lipo machine will be rendered useless for other patients. A new Lipo unit costs $9,000. If you try desire removal seek only in person opinions..

Silicone removal - removing Biopolymers (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Silicone removal - removing Biopolymers

Answer: Silicone removal - removing Biopolymers

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.

Silicone removal - removing Biopolymers (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Silicone removal - removing Biopolymers

Answer: Silicone removal - removing Biopolymers

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.