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POSTED UNDER Lip Reduction Reviews

Revision Silicone Removal

UPDATED FROM Oceanview1027
7 months post

Pics taken tonight

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Oceanview1027
WORTH IT$3,000
As you can see, more swelling has gone down from the pics posted in the update above (from December). Things look more smooth and soft if you compare them to the very first pics posted prior to any surgery. There is definitely an improvement and I would recommend Dr. Brucker. I will say that if I could do it over, I'd start 5fu before scar tissue could take over, as this is such a big issue with silicone.

Oceanview1027's provider

Michael Brucker, MD

Michael Brucker, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.7 | 51 Reviews
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Oceanview1027

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Replies (4)

January 20, 2017
Looks way better.
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January 21, 2017
Thank you!
January 21, 2017
they look way much better now. Im happy for you :)
But on the left pics the bottom lip looks fuller. Did you use fillers to increase the volume inside the vermilion border? Anyway the bulkness below is way less evident now. i wish you can finally start to live your life without paing too much atention about what others think about your lips. You re a beautiful person
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January 27, 2017
I added filler mostly around the mental crease to camouflage the bulge. I'm glad there is some improvement but I feel that the lip is still far too thick. Thank you for your comment.
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January 30, 2017
I think what you may be seeing is the scar from the last surgery is below the vermillion border. It is continuing to fade though, and when all of this is said and done I will be getting permanent makeup to cover it, and possibly dermabrasion before that too.
January 29, 2017
Looks much better. Good you will enjoy your life and that for you this is over now. I had the silicone cut out: recovery is awful and after two surgeries there is still silicone and I look deformed, but I do feel that the recurrent swelling I had has disappeared. (The current deformity is not worth it thusfar though of course. Hope it will improve). Hard to imagine some surgeons keep injecting silicone in people's faces even now that it is known what it can cause!
January 29, 2017
I think in two surgeries the surgeon was able to remove about 30-40 parts of silicone from the upper lip. There is still some though as I wrote.
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January 30, 2017
I'm sorry to hear that. I too, will need more surgery. It will be my 3rd surgery with this doctor and my 7th surgery on my lips total (two upper lip lifts, two lip reductions). What a mess this stuff is. I still feel awkward when I meet people and do still get some stares. It's better than it was, but it's not natural looking yet. I think it will be someday. Managing expectation and is big with silicone.
January 30, 2017
You put that well: managing expectations is big indeed with silicone. I'm not sure if I will ever reach that point where things look natural but good to hear you're on your way there. I do get lots of stares and questions too.
April 23, 2017
I saw your other post, did he help with your cheeks too?
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April 24, 2017
No. As I've gotten older that has almost sorted itself out because my natural fat is disappearing. There is a spot on my right upper cheek that I'd like to have taken out at some point, bit at this time it's not something I can afford so I'm not focusing on it too much. :)
April 24, 2017
You look great anyway. xx
UPDATED FROM Oceanview1027
7 months post

Update

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Oceanview1027
I went into this trying to be very positive, and I am happy that I've chosen to have this procedure. The thing is that silicone is a jerk and my expectations must be adjusted. Dr. Brucker and his staff have helped me to improve my lips to a big degree, but with some time between my initial procedure and now, I have to be honest with myself: I do need more surgery, but I'm not really sure if I'll go forward with it or not. I get fewer stares than I did prior to having my surgery - but I still get them. I'm just not sure I care what anyone thinks anymore. I'm a great person who made a mistake a long time ago, and if someone wants to be callous and rude and stare at me because of it, well, it says more about them than it does about me and I'm not going to lose my peace because of it. I am going to go on for a consult and talk to Dr. Brucker about my final concerns, and there is a small chance I may have one more surgery - there is also a chance that I might just say, "Forget it." and move on. I have a lot to be grateful for - and I don't want to become consumed by something that in the long run, means nothing. Who cares if I don't look perfect? I have a family that loves me and a great life to look forward to living. Worrying about this isn't adding to my life in a positive way. If I have more surgery I'll keep you all updated. Best of luck to you all who are dealing with this, and know you're not alone. Don't let anyone steal your sunshine.

Replies (2)

February 18, 2018
Hi, I have the same problem with my upper lip. I had silicone removed from my bottom lip years ago, but now need upper done. It’s to my knowledge that the 2 doctors that specialize in it are dr.gallerani in Miami and dr.harrison lee in Beverly Hills. I’ve seen the doctors work in Miami on his website and very impressed. Making appts with both of them this week for a consultation. Hope this helps!
January 5, 2022
I have silicone in my lips not many people know they just think had lips done.But now mid forties olive more natural look.But you are right why put yourself through pain and cost.On acount how others u don't know think of u .They mean nothing so ignore them ad in time your confidence will deflect any meaniess. Bet you look great and believe in you .Thanks fir sharing.
UPDATED FROM Oceanview1027
5 months post

Revision

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Oceanview1027
Due to the nature of silicone, there is almost always a need for more than one surgery to get things back to normal, and that has been my case. I have been more than thrilled with the improvement from my first surgery and yesterday I had another minor procedure. Because the area beneath the lip was so dense, it was not possible to debulk the area beneath the vermilion with lipo as we had hoped. After careful consideration, it was decided to make an incision on the outer area of the lip to more fully address the problem. The thing about a scar is that it can be covered very well by a skilled permanent makeup artist, but there was no way to disguise that lump and it was very embarrassing to me. Even though I'm very swollen I can see that it is tremendously better. I am soooo excited to see how things go. He also did a little more reduction on the upper lip and I can finally see my top teeth when I talk!! It looks really good already.

Another thing I'd to mention is that Jen (the nurse) is great. I just get the feeling that she really cares and is very competent.

Pics coming!

Replies (2)

November 22, 2016
Hey there! I'm really glad to hear you're happy with the results and I wish you an easy healing. Still waiting for some pics :)
January 17, 2017
Hey, how are you now? Did the 5FU work?
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January 18, 2017
My Dr. didn't want to do 5fu, and I am regretting not pushing the issue more. There is a good deal of research showing that it can improve scar tissue with newly forming scars such as a surgical scar. The lump on the lower lip now looks as though it is almost completely back to where it was pre-surgery. That obviously sucks. 5fu stops abnormal tissue growth, such as scar tissue, but doesn't slow the normal tissue growth. When I asked about injections post-op he brought up Kenalog straight away, and I said that Kenalog DOES slow tissue healing, so that's obviously not a good idea - I mentioned that I wanted 5fu -- not Kenalog. He said come back in January. I feel like he's a little too dismissive of my concerns and I'm frustrated. It is such an awful feeling to have such high hopes, but to not feel as though there was enough communication for a good outcome. I know not to expect too much from silicone, but I do think better communication could have resulted in a better surgical outcome.
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January 18, 2017
Adding: he brought up Kenalog and said it wasn't a good idea. I agreed, and noted that I didn't want Kenalog - I wanted 5fu. Just want to clarify; he wasn't suggesting Kenalog post-op. I am just sort of bummed that I didn't push the issue on 5fu because now the window may have passed for me to be able to prevent the scar from reforming. It is pretty common to use 5fu to prevent scar tissue from forming. Breast Aug docs will use it to stop capsular contracture in prone patients. They use it within a month post op. I don't think he is aware of this method though.
January 18, 2017
F5u mixed with kenalog I have heard works best - have you seen others talking about it on here?