POSTED UNDER Aquamid Reviews
stay away from aquamid or any permanent fillers
UPDATED FROM mona8876
8 months post
here is another article i found from a doctor in NY that also talk about the laser removal method
mona8876February 5, 2017
$4,000
Dr. Narins
New York — Experts believe many side effects of fillers are caused by biofilms, but these infections are difficult to document because biofilms are hard to culture, says Rhoda Narins, M.D., of the Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center, New York, and clinical professor of dermatology, New York University Medical Center, New York.
Once a biofilm is suspected, however, choosing the right course of action is critical in effectively managing the condition.
Community of bacteria
Biofilms are complex collections of bacteria that behave differently than single bacteria, excreting a protective and adhesive matrix, Dr. Narins says.
"As biofilms progress, they become more antibiotic and culture resistant," she says. The matrix allows the community of bacteria cellular protection. "They can communicate through different biochemical signals and the bacteria ... cooperate."
Biofilms live in a quiescent state, but an active infection can be triggered by dental manipulation, trauma or other factors.
"It's a low-grade smoldering infection with a low response from the host," Dr. Narins says. "The bacterial activity is very low."
But biofilm can cause a local infection, a systemic infection or a granulomatous or inflammatory response.
"There are lots of things that can happen once you activate a biofilm," she says.
Treating the infection
While the physician plans a course of action, antibiotic treatment is the first step in treating a patient with suspected biofilm, even if the culture is negative. Dr. Narins says intralesional steroids should not be used before antibiotics; doing so can prolong the problem.
If a patient with a hyaluronic acid filler calls about a bump that is pain-free and not inflamed, Dr. Narins says the clinician can check the patient in a couple of weeks. If the bump is painful, red, or both, the doctor should see the patient for treatment.
After beginning treatment with an antibiotic in a patient with a hyaluronic acid filler, Dr. Narins suggests using hyaluronidase, making a nick in the skin and trying to press the substance out, or using a 16-gauge needle attached to a syringe with negative pressure on the plunger to extract the substance.
"With any biofilm, whether it's a permanent or a shorter-acting filler, once you get rid of the substance, you get rid of the biofilm," she says.
For polymethylmethacrylate fillers, she says, Daniel Cassuto, M.D., of Milan, has a laser that can melt the plastic of the substance so that it pours out of the area; however, the laser is not available in the United States.
Clinicians also can excise the material to get rid of the filler, which eliminates the biofilm.
Warning signs
In the long term, biofilms can cause a persistent nodule or granuloma or recurrent infection or abscess.
"Sometimes you have no choice. If you have a patient on one or two antibiotics and you can't excise or use hyaluronidase on the area, you might have to chronically treat it with antibiotics or treat it with intralesional steroids just to get it down," Dr. Narins says, "but you would not do that until after the patient is on an antibiotic and you've tried to get rid of it another way."
In some cases, filler problems may not be caused by a biofilm but by the body's response to the product.
"For instance, something like Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid, Medicis) is a substance that causes the body to make collagen and occasionally it makes too much collagen in an area," she says. "The nodule, which is not red but just a firm nodule, may be due not to a biofilm, but just to overproduction for some reason of collagen."
Some filler materials, such as Artefill (collagen gel/polymethylmethacrylate, Suneva Medical), may respond only to a very high dose of Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide, Bristol-Myers Squibb), but the patient should be warned of the risk of atrophy, she says.
Proceed with caution
Fortunately, biofilms are very rare with most filler products used in the United States, Dr. Narins says, but it's important to take precautions to prevent infection when injecting fillers. Clinicians should follow normal infection-prevention procedures, such as injecting the product as sterilely as possible and making sure the face is as clean as possible.
When signs of a biofilm are evident, however, the proper treatment is critical. "When you see a reaction to fillers, don't start with steroids immediately," Dr. Narins says. "Think about using an antibiotic first."
Disclosures: Dr. Narins has been an investigator and consultant for many filler companies.
New York — Experts believe many side effects of fillers are caused by biofilms, but these infections are difficult to document because biofilms are hard to culture, says Rhoda Narins, M.D., of the Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center, New York, and clinical professor of dermatology, New York University Medical Center, New York.
Once a biofilm is suspected, however, choosing the right course of action is critical in effectively managing the condition.
Community of bacteria
Biofilms are complex collections of bacteria that behave differently than single bacteria, excreting a protective and adhesive matrix, Dr. Narins says.
"As biofilms progress, they become more antibiotic and culture resistant," she says. The matrix allows the community of bacteria cellular protection. "They can communicate through different biochemical signals and the bacteria ... cooperate."
Biofilms live in a quiescent state, but an active infection can be triggered by dental manipulation, trauma or other factors.
"It's a low-grade smoldering infection with a low response from the host," Dr. Narins says. "The bacterial activity is very low."
But biofilm can cause a local infection, a systemic infection or a granulomatous or inflammatory response.
"There are lots of things that can happen once you activate a biofilm," she says.
Treating the infection
While the physician plans a course of action, antibiotic treatment is the first step in treating a patient with suspected biofilm, even if the culture is negative. Dr. Narins says intralesional steroids should not be used before antibiotics; doing so can prolong the problem.
If a patient with a hyaluronic acid filler calls about a bump that is pain-free and not inflamed, Dr. Narins says the clinician can check the patient in a couple of weeks. If the bump is painful, red, or both, the doctor should see the patient for treatment.
After beginning treatment with an antibiotic in a patient with a hyaluronic acid filler, Dr. Narins suggests using hyaluronidase, making a nick in the skin and trying to press the substance out, or using a 16-gauge needle attached to a syringe with negative pressure on the plunger to extract the substance.
"With any biofilm, whether it's a permanent or a shorter-acting filler, once you get rid of the substance, you get rid of the biofilm," she says.
For polymethylmethacrylate fillers, she says, Daniel Cassuto, M.D., of Milan, has a laser that can melt the plastic of the substance so that it pours out of the area; however, the laser is not available in the United States.
Clinicians also can excise the material to get rid of the filler, which eliminates the biofilm.
Warning signs
In the long term, biofilms can cause a persistent nodule or granuloma or recurrent infection or abscess.
"Sometimes you have no choice. If you have a patient on one or two antibiotics and you can't excise or use hyaluronidase on the area, you might have to chronically treat it with antibiotics or treat it with intralesional steroids just to get it down," Dr. Narins says, "but you would not do that until after the patient is on an antibiotic and you've tried to get rid of it another way."
In some cases, filler problems may not be caused by a biofilm but by the body's response to the product.
"For instance, something like Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid, Medicis) is a substance that causes the body to make collagen and occasionally it makes too much collagen in an area," she says. "The nodule, which is not red but just a firm nodule, may be due not to a biofilm, but just to overproduction for some reason of collagen."
Some filler materials, such as Artefill (collagen gel/polymethylmethacrylate, Suneva Medical), may respond only to a very high dose of Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide, Bristol-Myers Squibb), but the patient should be warned of the risk of atrophy, she says.
Proceed with caution
Fortunately, biofilms are very rare with most filler products used in the United States, Dr. Narins says, but it's important to take precautions to prevent infection when injecting fillers. Clinicians should follow normal infection-prevention procedures, such as injecting the product as sterilely as possible and making sure the face is as clean as possible.
When signs of a biofilm are evident, however, the proper treatment is critical. "When you see a reaction to fillers, don't start with steroids immediately," Dr. Narins says. "Think about using an antibiotic first."
Disclosures: Dr. Narins has been an investigator and consultant for many filler companies.
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Replies (1)
UPDATED FROM mona8876
8 months post
aquamid- polyacrylamide disaster update!!! permanent filler removal
mona8876February 4, 2017
update
since a few days ago i started having lumps appear inside of my lips that aren't noticeable to the naked eye but i can feel the tingling sensation and i feel it with my tongue and to the touch. its been very stressful. I contacted Dr Ellis in Toronto he said he has no experience removing aquamid but could try the same method as bio-alcamid and artecoll and see if it works. i went ahead and made a consultation with him and I'm going to make a decision based on the consutation but i feel like it would be a waste of time to be honest as he has no experience with aquamid.
i had the fillers done in my lips at a young age i was stupid and naive i wish i could go back to that day and reverse this damage i did to myself. my friend at the time had fillers done with him and her lips looked fine without any complications and i was told the fillers last 2 years. here i am 7 years later with my lips deformed.
i have been doing extensive research and most people that had successful results removing permanent fillers had it removed by a laser in main theres 3 sourgeons that do them Dr Daniel Cassuto (well known professor that has cured many permanent filler cases from the face), Dr Raffaele siniscalco ( facial reconstructive surgeon very popular in europe you can find his videos on youtube and website dannidafiller.com)Dr nicola zerbinati (all from Itally i think Milan he also has treated successful cases with permanent filler)
i feel like at this point i have no choice but to go try this laser procedure in Italy a lot of women were very happy with the results some require 2 or 3 sessions 2 months apart each depending on the type of filler and the amount. it suppose to liquify the filer and it just pours out of the whole i contacted Dr raffaele he said 500 euro a session.
since a few days ago i started having lumps appear inside of my lips that aren't noticeable to the naked eye but i can feel the tingling sensation and i feel it with my tongue and to the touch. its been very stressful. I contacted Dr Ellis in Toronto he said he has no experience removing aquamid but could try the same method as bio-alcamid and artecoll and see if it works. i went ahead and made a consultation with him and I'm going to make a decision based on the consutation but i feel like it would be a waste of time to be honest as he has no experience with aquamid.
i had the fillers done in my lips at a young age i was stupid and naive i wish i could go back to that day and reverse this damage i did to myself. my friend at the time had fillers done with him and her lips looked fine without any complications and i was told the fillers last 2 years. here i am 7 years later with my lips deformed.
i have been doing extensive research and most people that had successful results removing permanent fillers had it removed by a laser in main theres 3 sourgeons that do them Dr Daniel Cassuto (well known professor that has cured many permanent filler cases from the face), Dr Raffaele siniscalco ( facial reconstructive surgeon very popular in europe you can find his videos on youtube and website dannidafiller.com)Dr nicola zerbinati (all from Itally i think Milan he also has treated successful cases with permanent filler)
i feel like at this point i have no choice but to go try this laser procedure in Italy a lot of women were very happy with the results some require 2 or 3 sessions 2 months apart each depending on the type of filler and the amount. it suppose to liquify the filer and it just pours out of the whole i contacted Dr raffaele he said 500 euro a session.
Replies (5)
February 14, 2017
Hi! Have you tried the laser in Italy now? I have aquamid in my lips and are planning to go soon, but I'm very scared.
February 15, 2017
I'm sorry you also have aquamid its the worst kind of filler very toxic silicone is even better than this garbage
do u have granulomas?
how long have u had it in for?
sorry for all the questions but ur answers will be very helpful
when are you planning on going?
thats the thing
do u have granulomas?
how long have u had it in for?
sorry for all the questions but ur answers will be very helpful
when are you planning on going?
thats the thing
August 11, 2018
hi, I wanted to know whether you ended up going to Rome to try the laser and if so, was it successful? I have the same problem and desperate for a solution.
August 27, 2020
I would like to see Dr Cassuto in Italy to dissolve some silicone in my nasolabial folds. I will make an appointment as soon as it is safe to travel there!
September 13, 2021
Has anyone had any update on the success of this laser? Seems lots of people are desperate for a solution.
October 11, 2021
I’ve had 2 sessions in my lips (I had had a filler called Dermalive). Although Athe laser works as a treatment for an ongoing infection, it doesn’t reduce the volume of the filler. The doctor will instruct you to squeeze it out once home, but nothing really comes out as it solidifies back after a few minutes. Total waste of time, money + my lips have remained big but in a different note unnatural shape. Plus, I’ve been swollen for weeks after the treatment. I finally had the filler removed surgically. I wish I had it done before
UPDATED FROM mona8876
8 months post
Aquamid is Poison
mona8876February 4, 2017
i had aquamid injected in my lips for the first few years it looked
fine, but its a ticking time bomb its not a matter of if its a matter of
when the side effects will start to show. i have been doing extensive
research on this and thankfully found out that there is a way to remove
it without surgery by laser in Italy and apparently there have been a
lot of successful cases so if you do already have it injected don't give
up hope. stay away from any kind of permanent filler!!!! i wish someone
would have warned me before i did it too
fine, but its a ticking time bomb its not a matter of if its a matter of
when the side effects will start to show. i have been doing extensive
research on this and thankfully found out that there is a way to remove
it without surgery by laser in Italy and apparently there have been a
lot of successful cases so if you do already have it injected don't give
up hope. stay away from any kind of permanent filler!!!! i wish someone
would have warned me before i did it too
Replies (4)
February 4, 2017
How do they remove it ? What doctor does this?
February 4, 2017
read my comment below i wrote the name of all the doctors that do this procedure
Dr Daniel Cassuto (well known professor that has cured many permanent filler cases from the face), Dr Raffaele siniscalco ( facial reconstructive surgeon very popular in europe you can find his videos on youtube and website dannidafiller.com)Dr nicola zerbinati (all from Itally i think Milan he also has treated successful cases with permanent filler)
you can youtube danni da filler
and google their names you will see how its done its done by a laser that heats the filler to liquify then it comes out from the whole which the thin laser needle was inserted in
it works with silicone artecoll aquamid bio-alcamid apparetnly the only one it doesn't work with is PMMA but its supposed to work with most permanent fillers
if anyone has had this laser procedure done please comment and let me know your time and opinion is greatly appreciated as it can help me and a lot of other people in the same situation
Dr Daniel Cassuto (well known professor that has cured many permanent filler cases from the face), Dr Raffaele siniscalco ( facial reconstructive surgeon very popular in europe you can find his videos on youtube and website dannidafiller.com)Dr nicola zerbinati (all from Itally i think Milan he also has treated successful cases with permanent filler)
you can youtube danni da filler
and google their names you will see how its done its done by a laser that heats the filler to liquify then it comes out from the whole which the thin laser needle was inserted in
it works with silicone artecoll aquamid bio-alcamid apparetnly the only one it doesn't work with is PMMA but its supposed to work with most permanent fillers
if anyone has had this laser procedure done please comment and let me know your time and opinion is greatly appreciated as it can help me and a lot of other people in the same situation
February 5, 2017
no problem happy to help
here is the article about the laser I'm going to attach for anyone else interested
if your looking for someone closer doctor David A F Ellis MDToronto does this via needle aspiration or direct excision too
this is his research:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lary.21555/pdf
Simed Mazzini is the leading center for the resolution of the damage filler.
Against the granulomas and the damage caused by permanent fillers it is only used the new laser technology that avoids the surgery to remove them.
Using a new laser intralesional "EUFOTON LASEmaR 1500", now in its third generation, which works from the inside directly into affected tissues.
The laser is equipped with a very thin optical fiber from the very small thickness of only 100-200 microns (1-2 tenths of a millimeter). This optical fiber is inserted directly into the granuloma concerned. Subsequently, the laser energy is delivered by means of the granuloma without causing trauma to the surrounding tissues, and do not result in scarring. It is a diode laser 1470 nm (nanometers) that stimulates fat, water and hemoglobin, to evacuate the filler and interrupt the inflammatory process in a definitive way, without leaving any trace. In granuloma conveyed through the above-mentioned optical fiber, the laser light heats the area to be treated, and the permanent filler is liquefied and then escape from the small holes to insert the optical fiber itself. The invisible holes close again by themselves with no special precautions except for a thorough cleansing and disinfection. After treatment appears a more or less noticeable swelling as the case Treaty, logically caused by the heating of the tissues, which disappears rapidly within 7-14 days.
The duration of treatment is variable and depends on the extent of the area and the size of the granuloma to be treated.
please keep me updated on your process and don't hesitate to contact me for any other questions
here is the article about the laser I'm going to attach for anyone else interested
if your looking for someone closer doctor David A F Ellis MDToronto does this via needle aspiration or direct excision too
this is his research:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lary.21555/pdf
Simed Mazzini is the leading center for the resolution of the damage filler.
Against the granulomas and the damage caused by permanent fillers it is only used the new laser technology that avoids the surgery to remove them.
Using a new laser intralesional "EUFOTON LASEmaR 1500", now in its third generation, which works from the inside directly into affected tissues.
The laser is equipped with a very thin optical fiber from the very small thickness of only 100-200 microns (1-2 tenths of a millimeter). This optical fiber is inserted directly into the granuloma concerned. Subsequently, the laser energy is delivered by means of the granuloma without causing trauma to the surrounding tissues, and do not result in scarring. It is a diode laser 1470 nm (nanometers) that stimulates fat, water and hemoglobin, to evacuate the filler and interrupt the inflammatory process in a definitive way, without leaving any trace. In granuloma conveyed through the above-mentioned optical fiber, the laser light heats the area to be treated, and the permanent filler is liquefied and then escape from the small holes to insert the optical fiber itself. The invisible holes close again by themselves with no special precautions except for a thorough cleansing and disinfection. After treatment appears a more or less noticeable swelling as the case Treaty, logically caused by the heating of the tissues, which disappears rapidly within 7-14 days.
The duration of treatment is variable and depends on the extent of the area and the size of the granuloma to be treated.
please keep me updated on your process and don't hesitate to contact me for any other questions
November 25, 2017
I traveled to Rome approximately 2 months ago to see Dr. Raffaele Sinalsco after seeing his name mentioned on Realself. I had Artefill injected in the nasolabial folds 5 years ago and all was well until last year when the first granuloma appeared. It was surgically removed but only because surgeon believed it was a cyst. Pathology showed a granuloma and eventually I put all the pieces of the puzzle together. The second granuloma was on the other side of my face and the surgeon treated it with steroid injections which did nothing, if not make it grow. I read about the clinic in Rome and felt like I had no other options. The granuloma was getting larger and starting to distort my face. I made the appointment and traveled to Rome. Upon my initial meeting with Dr. Sinalsco, he informed me that Artefill is the worst of the permanent fillers and he treats many women. We then went immediately to a treatment room and he injected the areas with a local anesthetic. He explained the procedure and how the permanent fillers have little beads in them that can not be broken down except by laser. The laser actually melts the beads and liquifies the granuloma and he squeezes it out like a giant pimple. The procedure is mostly painless except for the local injections and the squeezing afterward. I was out of the office within 45 minutes with some swelling at the sites but mostly from the local injections. The swelling gradually decreased over the next two days and the granulomas slowly shrank and have continued to do so since the procedure. I will probably return in January to have a small touchup done but overall I'm very glad I made the trip. The office staff is very friendly but only one or two who work there speak English.
April 26, 2018
Hi happy to hear that you had success in removing the aquamid. did you return to Italy and have a final touchup? How many areas were you initially injected? Please update if possible. thank you!
May 1, 2018
no i haven't. i still have a very small bump inside my lip thats only noticeable to the touch not visibly i could go back to have that taken are of also but it doesn't bother me. i would say 95% of it ha been removed and I'm just going to leave it alone at this point I'm happy with the outcome
May 9, 2018
Hi Mona, thank you so much for your update, when I found your answer I feel like I finally see some hope for my situation. I had aquamid injected into my nose for augmentation 6 years ago in London, recently I started to feel a tingling sensation , numbness and dull ache around the injected area , It's been more than a month now. There's no visible sign of lesions or nodules yet. I had no idea that the filler is permanent and may lead to complications several years later and necessitate its removal. I have consulted with a MD in Los Angeles , He told me that he would use cortisone injection to treat the inflammation if the symptoms won't go away in a month. I asked him about his view on laser removal , he doesn't believe that it could solve the problem. I did the research on my own, I purchased Dr.Cassuto's paper and I think it is worth trying . I'm not sure about the cortisone injection , I read in the paper that doing so can prolong the problem. I live in Los Angeles now, I understand that here in the Unite States this filler is not FDA approved , it is hard to find a doctor with experience. If my situation gets worse , the only way is surgical removal . Could you please tell me a little bit more about your experience in Italy? Which clinic did you visit ? Who's your doctor ? I've contact
Simed Mazzini and got reply from them, I was told in the email that " there's no side effects . They treat every day this cases successfully from people all over the world" . To be honest I'm scared.... Any information would be very helpful....... thank you so much .
Simed Mazzini and got reply from them, I was told in the email that " there's no side effects . They treat every day this cases successfully from people all over the world" . To be honest I'm scared.... Any information would be very helpful....... thank you so much .
January 21, 2019
Hi, I live in the US now too, and had Aquamid injected 15 years ago with similar sensations as you now. I am considering going to Rome. I'm actually in touch with them now. Don't hesitate if you need more info.
March 5, 2019
Hello. I am also considering flying all the way from Australia to Rome to get aquamid removed from my lips. Did you end up going? Did you have any success? Your advice is appreciated.
October 30, 2025
How are you guys now?? Does anyone know if Doc. Siniscalco is successful at removing fibrotic/encapsulated hyaluronic acid filler with fiber optic laser?
November 26, 2017
I had this procedure done in Italy as well by a different doctor and am so happy i did, it was horrible living with granulomas in my lips and having them look uneven. I'm glad you were able to solve your problem as well.
July 11, 2018
my friend had it removed by a doctor in italy and she has her old face back mostly. she has had to go three times as the first injector was aggressive.
February 14, 2020
I’m happy she is over with this nightmare. I have it too. Would you tell me the name of the doctor please. Thanks
Do you have the e mail address for Dr Cassuto. I am struggling to get in to the Rome clinic 're dates. This will be my second removal of aquamid from cheek area. I hope this will be enough. Do you know Dr Cassuto's guide price for the eufoton.
Your advice appreciated.
Thanks