Removal of PMMA New Plastic from cheek/face - Advice? (photos)

Question

I had PMMA injections over 10 years ago to correct lipodystrophy. The product was New Plastic. It gave me my life back and overall I look great. I have no real complaints. There is one location on my cheek where the product has moved up and bumps have appeared and are very close to the top skin. I'd like to know my options. I'm in DC and want to find an expert in permanent filler removal for fear of scarring, if the answer is surgical removal. What about Kenalog injections?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question regarding how to remove an area of injection on your right cheek. Based on your pictures,  this will require an incision. Liposuction cannot safely be performed in this area. Therefore, I would suggest a small incision be placed over the area of concern and the infected skin and probable underlying silicone or PMMA be removed. I truly believe this will heal without problems, but of course Kenalog, 5 FU or a whole collection of lasers can be employed to minimize scarring. I hope this answers your questions regarding removal of PMMA from the face. I specialized in biopolymer and silicone removal and subsequent reconstruction.  Since removing biopolymer and silicone is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in removing silicone from the buttock.  Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 biopolymer and silicone removal surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, buttock silicone removal surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of  the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

A proper assessment is needed to determine the extent of the problem and the Karamanoukian Grade for soft tissue reaction. This will help determine the suitability for surgery. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian#Realself100 surgeon

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.

Luis A. Cenedese, MD, FACS · Answer

Removal of PMMA is possible if the product has pooled into discrete collections.  All of the injected product may not be removable. Deformities resulting after removal of injected products typically require repeat procedures to correct.
Antibiotics may help acute symptoms of infection.  Several injections with Fluorouracil and Kenalog are often helpful.  Kenalog injection alone may cause skin atrophy and discoloration.
Please consult in person with an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon prior to making treatment decisions.

Removal of PMMA New Plastic from cheek/face - Advice? (photos)

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Answer: PMMA Injections Removal

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Removal of PMMA New Plastic from cheek/face - Advice? (photos)

Answers (4)

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