How can I remove silicone fillers from lips? (photo)

Hi reliable6396, Thank you for your question regarding removing silicone lip injections. This is a very common problem for patients at my practice. Depending on how much silicone and where the silicone is, usually, I make an incision inside the upper and lower lip. A strip of lip mucosa, silicone, and associated scar tissue are removed. Then the incision is closed with sutures. The upper and lower incision is placed inside the pink/red part of the lip so the lip scar is not visible.  The absorbable sutures fall out about 2-3 weeks after the procedure. The upper and lower silicone lip removal procedure takes approximately 1 hour to complete.   The upper and lower silicone lip removal procedure can be done either in the operating room or the office under local anesthesia.  I hope that I have answered your questions removing silicone from the upper and lower lip. Before you make any decisions regarding silicone removal from the upper and lower lip, I would suggest you seek consultation with a silicone removal expert. Please seek an experienced, board-certified, plastic surgeon.  Travel out of state if you must to find such a silicone removal expert. If you have any more questions regarding silicone removal from the upper and lower lip or plastic surgery in general, please contact my office.  Sincerely, Dr. J. Timothy Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and member of the American Society Plastic Surgeons, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and Fellow of American College of Surgeons and American Board for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Awardee: RealSelf 100.)

Hi Reliable6396!

It’s very possible to surgically remove permanent lip fillers such as silicone or biopolymer, but the approach depends on the extent and type of material, how your body has reacted to it over time, and how much scar tissue has developed around it. The first step is usually an in-depth clinical evaluation, often supported by imaging such as MRI. This helps determine how much silicone is present, whether it has migrated, if there is associated fibrosis or granuloma formation and the depth and distribution (superficial vs deep plane). If the silicone is causing persistent deformity, asymmetry, or chronic inflammation, surgical removal is the most definitive option. This typically involves a direct excision through intraoral or external approaches, depending on the location and extent. Once removal is complete, reconstructive techniques to preserve or restore lip shape can be performed. This may include autologous fat grafting from a separate donor site to the lips to restore structural integrity and functional mobility. Non-surgical management after removal may include dermal filler augmentation (which would be temporary and need to be maintained) to restore lip, contour and correct minor asymmetry or divots following the initial excision. The most effective way to remove silicone is through surgical removal and reconstruction by a plastic surgeon experienced in silicone excision and lip reshaping. Please note - insurance can cover these procedures if your insurance plan holds out of network coverage and the procedure is deemed medically necessary. I am a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with a specialized focus on silicone and biopolymer removal. Over the years, I have dedicated my practice to safely addressing complications arising from these materials. Recognizing the unique challenges they pose, I developed a removal and reconstruction technique that is designed to ensure the most complete removal possible while minimizing risks and optimizing patient outcomes. I'd be happy to see you for a clinical evaluation whether it be complimentary virtual consultation or an in-office appointment to discuss your options. We can also check your existing insurance coverage to determine if this can be billed through your policy. (516) 279-2616. Please remember, you’re not alone — many people have been through this, and there are paths forward. But it takes the right expertise and realistic expectations. The goal with any surgery is not just to make you look better, but to restore function and normal feeling, which you deeply need right now. Best of luck on your silicone removal journey.

Silicone biopolymers are being used throughout the world for facial and body volume augmentation. Results are longer-lasting that Juvederm or Restylane. 
Bellafill and Artefill are known to cause granulomas and permanent nodules with swelling. This is not the case for everyone. Silicone biopolymers can also cause similar chronic inflammatory conditions. 
In my practice, I specialize in the removal of Bellafill and Artefill injections, in addition to silicone biopolymers, from the face and body. Initially, treatments are non-surgical with corticosteroids and immune modulators. If unable to be corrected, we can also perform surgery in some cases. 
Silicone biopolymers can also be removed from the body if there are signs of migration or inflammation. All of these filler-types should be removed as early as possible. 
Lastly, our office is conducting ongoing studies of plasma-assisted corticosteroid application, which allows for diffusion of the treatment medication in superficial tissue without causing atrophy. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

You should consider evaluating your case for an expert in silicone injection removal; you need an open surgery in the aesthetic subunit to improve your lip swelling and avoid local complications in the near future related to biopolymers.

The difference between real dermalfillers as hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxiapatite is that they stay were we inject it and do not move, and of coirse it will absorb within a period of no more than 12 to 16 months dependind on the case and area. Alloplastic material such silicone and PMMA the invade the cells citoplasma and integrate with the closer tissues, also they migarte and causes deformitis with compromise of the micro circulation, a real nightmare. In some cases we can remove part of it, neve all of it, trying to recreate a temporal normality in the lips or someother areas of the face with the risk of severe deformities. It’s so important that prior to do cosmetic facial injections you verify the doctor choosen by you, and search about the brand of the product that this professional is pffering to you. Recently we posted a documentary in our youtube channel Lopeztallaj, Besos de plástico explaining everything involved with those ilegal injections for a real prevention. It has english subtitles.

Thank you for your question and picture! Ultherapy is a nonsurgical procedure that uses ultrasound to breakdown and soften the silicone, this might be a good option if you are looking for a minimally invasive procedure to help (but not solve) the issue. The other option is excision of the silicone which would involve a cut made on the inside of your lip. The incisions on the inside of the lip heal very nicely and you could replace the lost volume with temporary fillers or your own fat. I recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon in person to discuss your concerns and discuss what would be the best option for you.

I remove the silicone through an open incision from the inside of the mouth. The scars are not visible and heal beautifully. I can refill them with fat which is soft and permanent at a later time