Can Silicone in my Upper Lip Be Removed?

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.

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

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.