Removing Silicone Injections on Butt?

Question

I also have had silicon injected in my buttock and I want to have it removed, I believe I have developed some granulomas and I am very uncomfortable at night and sleeping. I am scared and want it removed if possible.I was very young and stupid and I am still young and want to make sure I have a long and healthy life - so anything you can tell me to help would be helpful.

Jeremy S. Nikfarjam, MD · Answer

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.

I have seen thousands of patients who have been victimized by illegal silicone injections. The symptoms I see range from mild to moderate to severe- requiring emergent hospital admissions. What you report is a familiar story that we here in the office- pain in the buttocks, back, and legs. Sometimes this pain is accompanied by intermittent tingling in the extremities. After training in hospitals in The Bronx in the early '00s, I saw countless patients present to the emergency room with symptoms related to silicone disease but were not given any substantial treatment. They were given antibiotics and pain medications and sent home. It was then that I decided to pioneer the silicone removal center in New York. You can read more through the link below. Ultimately, I perform a two-stage open removal procedure (through a small incision inside the buttocks crease) with a third stage reconstructive BBL. All three stages are pre-authorized through a patient's health insurance. I only perform these procedures in a hospital setting with a dedicated team that I have handpicked to assist in these unique procedures. I believe this is a medical problem that needs real, medical treatment (in the U.S., in a hospital, with a board-certified plastic surgeon). Of course, the aesthetic component is very important, and as a plastic surgeon, I do everything I can to make sure my patients look great afterwards as well. Please feel free to contact my team to inquire about your particular insurance policy. My Silicone Coordinator has undergone silicone removal and reconstruction and would be happy to share her silicone journey with you and see how we can help with yours.  (516) 279-2616

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, I am sorry you had silicone injected into your buttock and that now you are having problems.  Also, I am sorry that you now have buttock granulomas.   Unfortunately, silicone is permanent and will not dissolve or disappear with steroids or antibiotics.  Your buttock silicone needs to be surgically removed.  I would highly suggest you have your buttock silicone, granulomas, and associated scar tissue removed as soon as possible.  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 many  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.)

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office specializes in the removal and reconstruction of
soft tissue related to the injection of liquid silicone. We have removed
silicone from the face and body with outstanding success.  This allows patients to resume their normal
lives without the interference of the silicone inflammation.  During your consultation, a careful
examination of the soft tissue is required to determine whether the removal is
safe.  Not all patients are candidates
for surgical removal.

Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACS

Plastic Surgery, Los Angeles

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to remove free silicone injections into any tissue. It is most likely in multiple layers an difficult to remove without leaving alot of scarring and depressions.

Removing Silicone Injections on Butt?

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Removing Silicone Injections on Butt?

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Answer: Silicone injections in buttocks

Answer: Silicone injections in buttocks

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Everything you need to know about Silicone Injection Removal

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