Can hydrogel buttocks injections be removed without disfiguring the butt?

Question

What’s the best technique? I got biogel - hydrogel buttocks injections 7 years ago. I started getting discoloration, redness In my buttocks. Numbness in my leg and tingling sensation that comes and goes. However my butt it’s not hard. What’s the best technique in my case to get this product remove and what’s the further reconstruction to it.

Jeremy S. Nikfarjam, MD · Answer

Hi Juli,
I perform hundreds of silicone removal surgeries each year and I've found that the best approach (medically and aesthetically) is two separate surgeries. The first is an open technique to remove the product, and the second is a reconstruction with lipo/ fat transfer. It's been my experience that the open technique is the only way to effectively remove this product along with the accompanying fat necrosis and scar tissue that is almost always present in silicone patients. 
I wish you the best in your search for treatment!
-Dr. Nik

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Complications from silicone biopolymers, Artefill, Bellafill, PMMA, and biopolimero should be addressed by an expert in the field.  
In my practice, I specialize in the removal of Bellafill and Artefill injections, in addition to silicone biopolymers, from the face and body. Initially, treatments are non-surgical with corticosteroids and immune modulators. If unable to be corrected, we can also perform surgery in some cases. 
Patients should undergo biometric screening, clinical assessment of Karamanoukian Grade of Soft Tissue Reaction, and ultrasound examination. 
Silicone biopolymers can also be removed from the body if there are signs of migration or inflammation. All of these filler-types should be removed as early as possible. 
Lastly, our office is conducting ongoing studies of plasma-assisted corticosteroid application, which allows for diffusion of the treatment medication in superficial tissue without causing atrophy. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding hydrogel buttock injection. Basically, there are two ways to remove the buttock hydrogel. One is through ultrasound-assisted VASER liposuction, and the other is direct excision. The technique really depends on your plastic surgeon’s preference and experience. If you have a little amount of hydrogel, ultrasound-guided VASER assisted liposuction may be the way to go. If you have a lot of hydrogel and a moderate amount of tissue, you may need direct excision. The incision is usually placed at the upper portion of the buttock, and the hydrogel is directly excised. Please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who has done many hydrogel resections. If you have any more questions, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. There is no way to answer this question without an in-person exam and evaluation. I suggest you call several local plastic surgeons who are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and get some consultations.Best of luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Can hydrogel buttocks injections be removed without disfiguring the butt?

Answers (4)