Silikon 1000 lumps - should I continue with the injections or save up for surgical removal? (Photo)

Question

I received silikon 1000 to my upperl lip only in october 2023. Immediately after the procedure I noticed that my lip line was bumpy. After the swelling went down I quickly developed lumps which turned into hard nodules in the upper lip. There are about 6 of them. The doctor that did the injectiosn said she couldn't treat them so I went to a clinic in Fayetteville NC to try and get treatment. I have since had two kenalog + FU injections into the lumps to try and soften them. I am really upset about my lips as they are still too small and now have lumps all in them. The two in the front show a LOT when I smile. Should I continue with the injections or wait and save up for surgical removal? This picture shows after the kenalog injection and they were swollen, because of this you can dramatically see where each lump is.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

We have been utilizing microdroplet Silikon-1000 for permanent lip augmentation for over 20 years, and we have found it to be an excellent alternative to temporary gel fillers. Small nodules or bumps can occur with any type of injectable filler, however, what you are describing is not the norm. When we inject somebody's lips, we stick the needle between 15 to 20 times into each lip and deposit a very small amount of Silikon-1000. Is your doctor familiar with the microdroplet, serial puncture technique? If not, I would not utilize this doctor for further services so that you could avoid further issues.
In our experience, when somebody has a problem with Silikon-1000, adding more does not fix the issue. We neither recommend nor endorse 5 f u treatments. We do recommend dilute triamcinolone acetonide injections at monthly intervals to decrease scar tissue. If the issue is that you had large boluses of Silikon-1000 injected, you may indeed need to have these bumps removed. This may be the case since you noticed the problem shortly after your treatment. The good news is that removing silikon1000 bumps from the lip is relatively straightforward in experienced hands. And there tends to be minimal if any scarring.

Since a single digital photo is not a replacement for an evaluation, if you are considering having these bumps removed, please ensure that your surgeon is qualified to perform this in a delicate manner. If you would like to reach out to us for a no charge digital consultation about your condition, I have attached a link below for your perusal. I hope this will be helpful, and thank you for posting this question. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Eclectic627874, and thank you for your question regarding the lumps in your upper lip caused by Silikon 1000 injections.

I am sorry to hear about your experience—what you’re describing is a common issue I see in my practice. I perform removal of permanent fillers like Silikon 1000 daily, and your situation highlights the long-term risks of this type of filler.

Adding more treatments like Kenalog or 5FU injections may help temporarily soften the scar tissue around the silicone, but they cannot remove the silicone itself. In fact, continuing with these injections can sometimes lead to additional scar tissue formation, more hard nodules, and even migration of the silicone into surrounding tissues. This can make the problem worse and more difficult to correct later.

For a permanent solution, I recommend saving up for surgical removal of the silicone and associated nodules. Surgical removal is the only way to definitively address the lumps, as it removes both the silicone and the reactive tissue it has caused. While it can be a technically challenging procedure, it is often highly effective when performed by a surgeon experienced in managing permanent fillers.

I understand that the lumps are visible and affecting your confidence, but continuing to inject or treat the area without removing the source of the issue could lead to further complications like inflammation, tissue damage, or even migration of the silicone. Surgical removal, while requiring an investment of time and resources, offers the best chance of restoring a smoother and more natural appearance to your lips.

I hope this guidance helps you feel more confident about your next steps. Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in permanent filler removal to discuss your options.

Sincerely,
J. Timothy Katzen, MD

Shanthala Shivananjappa, MD · Answer

I’m very sorry to hear about your experience with silicone injections in your lips. Silicone injections can indeed lead to long-term complications and side effects, and they are notoriously difficult to remove. It’s unfortunate that you’ve had to undergo Kenalog injections with limited success.

Silicone injections can cause significant issues for both patients and practitioners. Due to their permanence and the complications they can cause, they should not be used in cosmetic procedures. Removing silicone is a complex and challenging process, requiring highly skilled surgeons, and it’s often fraught with difficulties.

Recently, there has been interest in new technologies like the Ultraclear Laser for laser coring. However, it’s important to note that using a laser to treat silicone complications can sometimes exacerbate inflammation and may not be suitable for all cases. There are also mechanical techniques for coring tissue, but the delicate nature of the lips makes this particularly challenging.

Given the complexity of your situation, I strongly recommend consulting with an experienced physician who specializes in treating complications from silicone injections. They can provide you with the most appropriate advice and treatment options tailored to your specific condition.

I truly empathize with your situation and hope you find a solution that brings you relief and satisfaction.

Wishing you all the best,
Dr. Shanthala

Silikon 1000 lumps - should I continue with the injections or save up for surgical removal? (Photo)

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Silikon 1000 lumps - should I continue with the injections or save up for surgical removal? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Silikon 1000

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