Body contouring, Brazilian Butt Lifts, and facial fillers continue to be popular cosmetic procedures that offer gorgeous results and improved confidence. However, not every procedure is guaranteed safe, especially if it isn’t performed by a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon.
Silicone and biopolymer injections are illegal methods of body enhancement that many people have used without fully understanding the risks associated with them. Dr. Josef Hadeed is a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs the safe and effective removal of these materials as well as the reconstruction and recontouring of the affected areas.
Where Are Silicone and Biopolymers Injected?
Silicone and biopolymer injections are often advertised as “permanent fillers,” but while they may stay in your body indefinitely, the health problems that may result can be severe. The most common areas of injection include:
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Thighs
- Face (cheeks, lips)
- Breasts
- Pubic area
What Are the Risks and Complications of Silicone and Biopolymer Injections?
Injecting silicone and biopolymers can cause numerous health issues ranging from mild to severe, including (but not limited to):
- Chronic inflammation
- Soft tissue infection and necrosis
- Tissue fibrosis and hardening
- Migration of the silicone and biopolymer to other areas of the body
- Granuloma formation
- Stroke or death
The above complications can occur at any time after silicone and biopolymer injections. Your body may react immediately, or symptoms may take time to develop, so it is essential to remove the substance and monitor your health if you’ve undergone one of these illicit treatments.
During your consultation in Beverly Hills, Dr. Hadeed will help determine the safest and most effective way to remove your silicone and biopolymer injections.
Schedule A ConsultationSigns You Need Silicone and Biopolymer Injection Removal Surgery
If you’ve had silicone or biopolymer injections, you may not have symptoms yet, and the best way to prevent further damage to your body is to remove the substance immediately. However, you may have also noticed one or more of the following symptoms:
Physical Symptoms
- Persistent pain or discomfort in the treatment area
- Recurring infections in the injection area
- Chronic swelling
- Hardness or lumps under your skin (granulomas)
- Changes in skin color or dying skin (necrosis)
- Silicone embolisms
Cosmetic Concerns
- Asymmetry, deformity, or irregular contour in the treatment area
- Changes in body or facial contour due to silicone migration or tissue reaction
- Signs of silicone migration, such as lumps or other changes in body or facial contour
- Noticeable changes to the color or quality of the skin around the treatment area
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is imperative that you contact a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in silicone and biopolymer removal as soon as possible.
See many examples of real patients before & after results
Treatment Options for Silicone and Biopolymer Injection Removal
Because removing silicone and biopolymer injections is complex and requires specific training and technique, you need to find a board-certified plastic surgeon with the skill and experience to perform the procedure safely. There are several treatment options, and the method used for you will depend on factors like location and amount of the silicone and biopolymer injections, the extent of damage to your body, and your overall health.
Surgical Excision of Silicone and Biopolymer Injections
Surgical excision can be used to remove significant amounts of silicone and biopolymers, especially when the injections have resulted in granulomas or large masses. Dr. Hadeed will make incisions around the area with the silicone and biopolymer deposits and remove the material and any scar tissue that has formed. Once the silicone and biopolymer material has been removed, the incisions are carefully sutured closed.
This technique is typically best for those who have experienced extensive migration of the material, have localized deposits, or have large areas of hardened tissue or granulomas. While this method is highly effective for removing large amounts of silicone and biopolymer material, the incisions may also cause more noticeable scarring and require extended downtime for healing.
Ultrasound-guided Removal of Silicone and Biopolymer Injections
This technique for silicone and biopolymer injection removal uses high-resolution ultrasound imaging to assist Dr. Hadeed in locating the silicone material, allowing him to see the extent of the deposits and their exact location. Once the silicone and biopolymer deposits are located, incisions or liposuction can be used to remove the material.
Ultrasound-guided removal is less invasive than the surgical excision method, potentially leaving less scarring. It also allows for more precise removal, especially when the deposits are smaller or more challenging to see. However, this method may not be optimal for patients with more extensive or concentrated silicone and biopolymer material in their bodies or who have significant tissue damage.
VASER® Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction Removal of Silicone and Biopolymer Injections
VASER® technology is a liposuction technique that utilizes waves of ultrasound energy to produce heat, liquefying the silicone and biopolymer deposits and scar tissue before removing them via suction. Small incisions are made in the treatment area, and tumescent fluid is injected to help numb and loosen the silicone and biopolymer injections from the surrounding tissue. The VASER® probe is then inserted into the incisions.
After performing VASER® to emulsify the silicone, Dr. Hadeed will then perform power-assisted liposuction to remove the silicone and biopolymer particles. In some cases, skin-tightening procedures using radiofrequency, such as Renuvion®, may be necessary to improve the contour.
This technique is best for patients with smaller silicone and biopolymer deposits dispersed throughout a larger area of the body. It is also less invasive and offers less scarring than open excision of the material. However, it may take several treatments to remove all of the silicone and biopolymer material entirely, and it may not be suitable for patients with large masses of concentrated material for removal.
Combined Techniques for Removal of Silicone and Biopolymer Injections
In some cases, eliminating the silicone and biopolymer material in your body may require a combination of techniques to ensure complete removal. You may require staged removal or more treatments to ensure all of the deposits have been removed. Once the materials are completely removed, you may need additional cosmetic procedures to reconstruct or restore contour to the affected areas.
Dr. Hadeed will work with you to create a customized treatment plan to ensure that the silicone and biopolymer injections are removed safely and completely and that your shape and contour are restored as beautifully as possible.
What Can I Expect During My Recovery From Silicone and Biopolymer Injection Removal?
Recovery from your silicone or biopolymer injection removal will vary according to several factors, including the removal method used, the extent of the removal, and your overall health. In most cases, it is an outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home the same day.
After your silicone and biopolymer injection removal surgery, you will likely experience some discomfort or minor pain, but this is easily managed with prescription or over-the-counter medication. You may also be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection, especially if you had a more invasive surgical excision procedure.
You will have swelling and bruising in the treatment areas, which should resolve in a couple of weeks. You will wear a compression garment to help provide support and minimize swelling in the surgical areas. You will need to rest and limit your activity for a week or so and gradually return to your regular routine over four to six weeks or when cleared by Dr. Hadeed.
See many examples of real patients
before & after results
View Photo Gallery
Silicone and Biopolymer Injection Removal FAQ
How can I avoid silicone and biopolymer injections?
It may seem like an easy question, but the best ways to avoid getting silicone and biopolymer injections include:
- Only receiving body contouring from a board-certified plastic surgeon
- Only receiving facial filler injections from reputable, trained providers
- Knowing exactly what filler you’re receiving and ensuring it is FDA approved
- Avoiding “too good to be true” scenarios, like cheap filler offers or “home filler parties”
Doing your research and taking your time to find the right surgeon or provider can go a long way toward keeping you safe from potentially deadly and disfiguring treatments like silicone and biopolymer injections.
What are the risks and complications associated with silicone and biopolymer injection removal?
Silicone and biopolymer injection removal surgery is considered safe when performed by a trained, board-certified plastic surgeon. However, like any surgery, there are some potential risks, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Scarring
- Incomplete removal of silicone or biopolymer material
- Asymmetrical body contour
- Changes in sensation in the treatment area
Following Dr. Hadeed’s post-operative instructions is essential to avoid risks and complications after your surgery. If you experience any concerning symptoms during recovery, contact our office immediately.
What are alternatives to silicone and biopolymer injections?
There are a variety of safe, FDA-approved alternatives to silicone and biopolymer injections, including:
- Dermal fillers like Restylane® or JUVÉDERM® for facial rejuvenation
- Fat transfer procedures for facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, or buttock augmentation
- Silicone implants for buttock or breast augmentation
- Sculptra® injections for buttock or hip augmentation
How much does silicone and biopolymer injection removal cost in Beverly Hills, CA?
The cost of silicone and biopolymer injection removal depends on various factors, including the size of the treatment area, method of removal, and number of areas affected. Dr. Hadeed offers financing options for his patients so they can remove the injected silicone and biopolymer as soon as possible.
Beverly Hills, California
9454 Wilshire Blvd
Suite 710
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
