Can Silicone in my Upper Lip Be Removed?

Question

I've had silicone injected on my upper lip & nasolabial fold since 1997. The area between my nose & lip is very swollen. Is there anything that can be done to remove the silicone?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Silicone injections to the upper lip are amenable to surgical repair and improvement through TAC injection, treatment of the infectious and inflammatory components of swelling, and surgery. I have had great success with surgical treatment in this area in cases where silicone has not been infiltrated into the muscle layer.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding if silicone can be removed from your upper lip and nasolabial fold. Unfortunately, you are not the first to have silicone injected into your lips and your nasolabial folds. I have performed hundreds of silicone removal procedures on the face. During this procedure, a piece of your lip will be dissected and excised along with the silicone and scar tissue. To remove the silicone from the nasolabial fold, I can likely go in through the mouth and remove the silicone in scar tissue from that area. An MRI is in order to locate the areas of silicone. Hopefully, there is no migration, and the silicone is still just in your upper lip and nasolabial fold. Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to do your silicone removal. I wish you the best of luck.

Jeremy S. Nikfarjam, MD · Answer

Hi, MadelinManso! Yes, something can often be done to remove or improve the appearance of areas affected by injected silicone, especially if you're experiencing swelling or distortion. However, treatment depends on the specifics of your case including how much silicone was injected, where it's located, how your body has reacted to it over time, and whether there’s fibrosis, granuloma formation, or migration. The first step would be finding a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in silicone/biopolymer removal as these are often complex procedures. An extensive surgical history removing these substances is crucial. An MRI should be ordered to determine the extent and depth of the silicone, especially if it's migrated or embedded in surrounding tissue. Surgical excision is the most effective for permanent removal when the silicone is well-localized. This typically involves direct excision through small incisions in the upper lip or nasolabial area, access might be intraoral (from inside the mouth) or external depending on the location. This may require reconstruction or cosmetic revision if there’s significant volume loss or scarring after removal.

Injected liquid silicone is permanent and biologically active over time. It can cause inflammation, hardening, migration, or disfigurement even decades later. Removal can be challenging and delicate, especially in high-risk facial areas (like near the nose and mouth). Choose a surgeon with specific experience in silicone or biopolymer removal. This isn’t something every plastic surgeon does routinely. 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.   Please note – insurance can cover these procedures if your plan holds out of network coverage and the procedure is deemed medically necessary. My Silicone Coordinator can look into existing coverage during your initial call. (516) 279-2616

Luis Lopez Tallaj, MD · Answer

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.

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

Silicone injections in various parts of the body has been done quite frequently all over the country. The difficulty with silicone injections begins with the quality of the silicone itself. I have seen many cases where industrial grade silicone has been injected inside the human body. This can be a tremendous disaster. Problems can include infections, granulomas, cellulitis, and persistent skin infections, disfigurement and skin dimpling. It is very easy to have silicone injected, but very difficult to have it removed. The removal can frequently be very complex and involved lengthy surgery. Multiple operation is not uncommon. It is not uncommon to expect scars in locations that would otherwise be undesirable. If you do have silicone, or are having problem with silicone that was injected by a non-healthcare provider then you should certainly seek medical attention. Some solutions include IV antibiotics, oral antibiotics and surgery after the inflammation has subsided. Removing the silicone is not just a cosmetic issue but also an issue of better health. Depending on the type of silicone injected concerns with autoimmune diseases and infections are foremost. Taking medications such as ibuprofen or cortisone is only a temporary measure. The real solution is surgery. Not all plastic surgeons are willing to operate on patients who have had silicone injected in their body. Many of these cases are not covered by insurance because they were performed for cosmetic reasons. My recommendation to anyone that has had silicone injections and wishes to have it removed, is to seek a board certified plastic surgeon who is likely willing to do more than 1 operation as well as willing to do some of these operations in a hospital setting. I have had patients visit me for removal of silicone and the discussion to proceed is never an easy one.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, silicone melts into your tissue and infiltrates all layers of the skin that has been treated.

	This makes it extremely difficult to remove after the injection.

	Your best bet is to work with a board certified plastic surgeon who will be able to place any incisions necessary into the least noticeable areas of the lip.

Can Silicone in my Upper Lip Be Removed?

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