Silicone removal with reconstruction, what's the best technique? (Photos)

Question

I've already had silicone injection removal, I had about 12 pounds removed. I haven't had any reconstruction yet. There is still some silicone left in the skin that needs to be removed, the 2nd photo with red line shows what needs to still be removed. What's the best reconstructive technique, a flap procedure taken from my love handles with a lower incision removing the 6 inch area with the silicone that's left in the skin? I am also not concerned with perfection.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Silicone biopolymers are commonly used in the face and body. They may sometimes cause noticeable symptoms that we gauge using the Karamanoukian Soft Tissue Reaction Grading Scale from I to V. The severity of your complications dictates the interventions needed, ranging from itching and burning to severe necrosis of the soft tissue. Nerve pain and symptomatic swelling is also possible. Insurance may cover your surgery, but that is a discussion that requires you to contact and appeal to your insurance carrier. Options for removal are complex and depend on whether you have the material in your face or body. We reverse BBL with silicone commonly and remove silicone from the lips very commonly. Diffuse silicone in the face is not likely to respond to removal. Filler migration, swelling, and granulomas can cause significant discomfort and cosmetic ramifications. Our office specializes in the use of enzymes and filler reversal techniques without hyaluronidase to help improve the results of botched cosmetic fillers, whether caused by Juvederm, Restylane, or foreign fillers. We can also test for the material to determine the likelihood of silicone granulomas and silicone reaction.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Ollie3553, Thank you for your question regarding the best technique for removing the remaining silicone from the buttock soft tissue and skin.  Thank you for your history and your pictures.  Your first step is to remove any remaining buttock silicone.  I would use your prior incision to dissect down to the area of the remaining silicone.  I would lift and resect any contaminated, residual buttock tissue, including the buttock skin.  That should leave you with tighter buttock skin.  Your scar and the same place you have now. 
Once you are healed from the removal of silicone, you would be an excellent candidate for fat transfer.  Depending on your current weight, you may need to gain some weight for optimal fat transfer.  Fat can be transferred to the buttock fatty layer for buttock reconstruction after silicone removal.  Fat can be grafted into the buttock as well as the buttock scar.  Also, liposuction of love handles can be performed to give you more of an hourglass shape.  Please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in silicone removal of the buttocks and subsequent buttock reconstruction after silicone removal.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Please understand there is no perfect surgery nor result. If the area is the “red line” then might directly excise that area of skin and sub dermal injected tissues. Fee from. $10,000+ But must in person or virtual consult with…..

Silicone removal with reconstruction, what's the best technique? (Photos)

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Silicone removal with reconstruction, what's the best technique? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Silicone Injection Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.