Thank you for sharing this. it takes a lot of strength to speak up, especially about something that causes both physical discomfort and emotional distress. You're absolutely not alone. Many people have had silicone injections in the past without fully knowing the risks. The important thing is that you're taking charge of your health now, and there are safe, effective options for treatment. Free silicone injections (non-medical-grade silicone/biopolymer which is not approved by the FDA) can migrate and trigger chronic inflammation. Your discomfort, especially at night, is likely from silicone-induced granulomas. Your body’s immune response trying to wall off the foreign material. Over time, this can lead to pain, hard lumps, tissue distortion, and even systemic symptoms in some cases (like fatigue or autoimmune-like issues). The first step toward treatment would be to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in silicone/biopolymer removal (it's important to note that not all plastic surgeons are familiar with this type of case). MRI with silicone-specific sequences should be ordered to evaluate how far the silicone has spread. Make sure to discuss your symptoms openly, especially the pain and sleep issues. These are valid medical concerns. Once imaging is performed, your surgeon can create a customized surgical plan to remove the material. Although 100% removal is not possible, as it is not enclosed in a capsule (like a breast implant would be), patients report reduced or diminished symptoms and better quality of life post silicone removal via surgical excision. Be cautious if a surgeon tells you 100% can be removed, or if they claim it can be removed via liposuction. Liposuction is designed to remove fat, not liquid or sticky substances like silicone. Much of the silicone will be left behind, leading to persistent inflammation, nodules, granulomas, and migration. The negative pressure from liposuction can displace silicone to other areas (for example: thighs, lower back, lymph nodes). This can make future removal more difficult or impossible, and may worsen systemic symptoms (autoimmune reactions, fatigue). Silicone can be embedded in muscle, connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. Suctioning blindly can injure these structures, leading to scarring, pain, numbness, or functional impairment. Silicone can trigger granulomatous inflammation, which liposuction does not treat. Inflammation can persist or worsen after liposuction, leading to hardening, discoloration, and disfigurement and fibrosis may make any future excision more complex. In other words, silicone is never a good idea when removing silicone/biopolymer. Just remember - You’re Not Alone! You made a decision when you were younger, like many others, and now you’re doing the right thing for your future. This can be treated. With expert care, you can feel better, reduce or eliminate the granulomas, and improve your long-term health and comfort.
