Is It Possible to Remove Silicone Injected on my Nose Years Ago?

Question

I had a silicone injection in my nose 20 years ago in Asia. I had tried to have it removed ( taken out ) 15 years ago as my nose was and is still is so big and wide. I asked many PS but I was told there is a small chance, almost none, to take the silicone out. As time goes on, my nose is getting wider and uglier. I am not sure if it was I didn't do enough research or it is really true the injection can't be taken out period. Could you possibly help me to provide some answers and or solutions?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi SandySF in Vancouver. Thank you for your question regarding whether it’s possible to remove silicone injected into your nose years ago. Thank you for your history. In general, yes, silicone can be removed from the nose. Typically, an incision is made in the columella, and the nose is dissected and exposed. The injected liquid silicone can either be just underneath the skin or next to the cartilage. If the anterior approach through the columella doesn’t work, another incision can be made across the forehead in the hairline.  The nose can be approached from above. This forehead approach is for patients who have injected silicone and associated scar tissue reactions between their eyebrows.   Silicone in this area can either be from direct injection or migration.  The removal of silicone from the nose is a very difficult surgery. Nobody can ensure 100% silicone removal. However, much of the silicone-associated scar tissue can be removed. Also, during this procedure, refinements can be made to the nose to help you achieve the cosmetic nose you were seeking.  Please consult with plastic surgery experts in the field of silicone removal. I hope I have answered your question regarding whether it’s possible to remove silicone that was injected into your nose years ago. Good luck.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Silicone is a theoretically inert soft tissue filler that has attracted a lot of attention over the last three decades. The ease of injection and the myth of 'permanence with low risk' is an attraction to patients who want an easy answer. I have treated countless patients with silicone complications from all over the world and it remains a difficult task that has no easy answer. In essence, an experienced surgeon should offer a comprehensive timeline with a multidisciplinary approach that includes surgery and non-invasive procedures to reduce the inflammatory, infectious, and volume conditions associated with silicone. Treatment can be difficult, but possible, for silicone granulomas.Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

Silicone injections in various parts of the body has been done quite frequently all over the country. The difficulty with silicone injections begins with the quality of the silicone itself. I have seen many cases where industrial grade silicone has been injected inside the human body. This can be a tremendous disaster. Problems can include infections, granulomas, cellulitis, and persistent skin infections, disfigurement and skin dimpling. It is very easy to have silicone injected, but very difficult to have it removed. The removal can frequently be very complex and involved lengthy surgery. Multiple operation is not uncommon. It is not uncommon to expect scars in locations that would otherwise be undesirable. If you do have silicone, or are having problem with silicone that was injected by a non-healthcare provider then you should certainly seek medical attention. Some solutions include IV antibiotics, oral antibiotics and surgery after the inflammation has subsided. Removing the silicone is not just a cosmetic issue but also an issue of better health. Depending on the type of silicone injected concerns with autoimmune diseases and infections are foremost. Taking medications such as ibuprofen or cortisone is only a temporary measure. The real solution is surgery. Not all plastic surgeons are willing to operate on patients who have had silicone injected in their body. Many of these cases are not covered by insurance because they were performed for cosmetic reasons. My recommendation to anyone that has had silicone injections and wishes to have it removed, is to seek a board certified plastic surgeon who is likely willing to do more than 1 operation as well as willing to do some of these operations in a hospital setting. I have had patients visit me for removal of silicone and the discussion to proceed is never an easy one.

Is It Possible to Remove Silicone Injected on my Nose Years Ago?

Answers (3)

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