How to Remove Silicone Filler?

The silicone that was injected can be removed at any time but will require surgical intervention.
In my practice, we see patients that have had silicone injected in their face or body. Many of these were done outside of the United States as most dermatologists and plastic surgeons recognize the problems that can occur with injecting free silicone into someone.
The body will form scar tissue around the silicone, however depending on the injection techniques, removal can be challenging (Dr. K reviews some of the issues around injection techniques and the quality of silicone).
Removal of injected silicone from your nose may require an open rhinoplasty approach. You may also need a procedure to reconstruct the defect at a later time.
Find a board certified plastic surgeon to help you with this difficult problem.
I hope this helps.

Hello, thank you for your question about how to remove silicone from the nose. I would suggest surgical direct excision ASAP. The sooner the better. It is best to remove the silicone as soon as possible before any scar tissue build. The more scar tissue, the more difficult the removal becomes. Steroids, antibiotics, hyaluronidase and filler will not remove or melt silicone. The nasal silicone is permanent and needs to be removed with surgery. I specialized in lip biopolymer and silicone removal and subsequent reconstruction with fat grafting and/or implants. I am the lead investigator and founder of the Silicone Removal Institute. Since removing silicone is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in removing silicone. Do your research. Make sure they have performed many silicone removal surgeries and have 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, 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.)

In theory, silicone is an inert facial filler with minimal risk of developing foreign body reaction. However, the number of documented cases of silicone granuloma, silicone inflammation, silicone deformity, and sensitivity to injected silicone is enormous.


The first step in dealing with silicone problems is to identify the exact source of the silicone injected.




Was it medical grade?




Where was it manufactured?




What is the lot number and expiration date?




Was sterile technique adhered to?




Once this information is acquired, the two components of silicone deformity need to be addressed separately:




Inflammatory phase

Foreign body filler

Treating silicone deformities is difficult. Our office specializes in silicone filler removal.