Can I remove permanent filler?

Question

I went to a doctor 8 years ago and he injected some kind of filler. He said that it will fade or go after one year or so. 8 years later it still there. It looks ugly. I don't know what to do, and i don't want to end up with a scar on my lips.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest posting a photo of what you are speaking of for us to give you a better idea.  Permanent fillers are permanent and the only way to remove them is with surgery, especially if scar tissue has developed around them or if there is a sterile abscess or biofilm.  An inperson consultation is needed to give you the best assessment.  Calling the doctor and finding out what was injected would help dramatically as well.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

you may have had a permanent filler used, or it is possible that scar tissue formed that is not still present.  Either way, you may need surgery to have this corrected.  An in-person assessment is your next step.  Find a board certified plastic surgeon who is able to assess you and help you, as not many do these procedures

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Dalal.Aldhafeeri,

From your clinical history, it appears that eight years ago
some type of soft tissue and dermal filler was injected into your lips.  At this point in time, eight years later, if
there is still some palpable remnant of the product or biologic reaction to the
product, you would need to carefully weigh the options on whether removing the
product will cause excessive scarring or deformation of the lips.  It would be important to seek out the
original physician to find out the exact name of the product by getting a copy
of your chart. Some products, such as
Artecoll®, Radiesse® and Sculptra®, elicit a biologic host response in
production of your own collagen around the product.  If the product has dissipated, you may be
left with excessive collagen response and this may be treatable without surgery
with simple injections.  Conversely, you
may have a long-term product that did not fade or dissipate and the actual
product itself may need to be extracted. 
However, many products can be extracted with needle techniques rather
than surgery, but in the final analysis, you may require surgical reduction of
the product if it has left you with a lumpy, irregular and unattractive
lip.

This is clearly a difficult situation and you’ll want to
visit with a plastic surgeon with extensive experience with soft tissue fillers
and, importantly, removing permanent or long-term fillers or the consequences
of those fillers.

The good news is, done expertly and with great care and
attention to detail, the aesthetic impact upon your lips themselves can be
greatly minimized and, postoperatively, soft tissue fillers can often be
deployed to restore contour, volume and shape safely and effectively.

I hope this information has been of some assistance and best
of luck.

Sincerely,

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Can I remove permanent filler?

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Can I remove permanent filler?

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