Silicone biopolymer injections, often marketed under names such as "biopolimero," are unauthorized and potentially hazardous substances that are illegally injected into the body for aesthetic purposes. These materials are not approved by the FDA for cosmetic use and can cause chronic inflammation, infection, deformity, and autoimmune-like reactions. Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, is a national leader in the safe and effective removal of silicone biopolymer injections. With over two decades of expertise in complex plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Karamanoukian has helped countless patients reclaim their health and restore their appearance following adverse reactions to these foreign substances.
Biopolimero Reaction and Inflammation
Silicone biopolymer injections are foreign substances that the body cannot naturally metabolize. Once injected, these compounds often trigger a cascade of immune responses. The body perceives biopolymer as a foreign invader, resulting in localized inflammation, chronic pain, swelling, fibrosis, granulomas, and, in some cases, systemic illness.
Scientific literature has documented a broad range of complications, including silicone-induced granuloma formation and systemic inflammatory responses. According to a study in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, patients receiving non-medical-grade silicone injections frequently experience complications requiring surgical intervention (Maddox et al., 2019). Removal becomes essential when these substances migrate or harden, creating disfigurement and long-term health risks.
What is Silicone Biopolimero?
Biopolimero (Biopolimer) is a synthetic compound that is used to volumize the soft tissue of the face and buttocks in South America and Mexico. The product was initially thought to be safe for permanent volume filling when compared to Juvederm or Restylane, but clinicians have noted longterm complications that may lead to chronic health problems in patients.
Silicone biopolimero refers to a non-medical-grade silicone or polymer gel used illicitly for cosmetic augmentation, especially in countries where medical oversight is minimal or lacking. It is frequently injected into areas such as the buttocks, hips, and face in unregulated settings. Often performed by unlicensed individuals, these procedures lack sterility and safety protocols, making the risks exponentially greater.
Once injected, biopolimero cannot be naturally absorbed or broken down by the body. Instead, it spreads through tissues, often causing inflammation, scarring, and chronic pain. The most commonly reported symptoms include firmness, redness, sensitivity, changes in skin texture, and recurrent infections. Alarmingly, these symptoms may develop years after the initial injection.
Peer-reviewed studies, such as those published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, have emphasized the long-term dangers of these injections, including tissue necrosis and systemic autoimmune-like conditions (Velazquez & Sorensen, 2020).
Biopolimero Injection Removal for Brazilian Butt Lift
One of the most frequent sites of silicone biopolymer injection is the buttocks, commonly promoted as a low-cost alternative to the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). However, these illegal injections carry grave risks that far outweigh their initial cosmetic benefit.
Dr. Karamanoukian specializes in biopolymer removal from the gluteal region using meticulous surgical techniques that minimize scarring and maximize safety. He combines ultrasound mapping, preoperative imaging, and tissue-preserving strategies to carefully remove as much of the material as possible without compromising surrounding healthy tissue.
Patients undergoing gluteal biopolymer removal often experience significant improvements in pain, inflammation, mobility, and aesthetics. As a recognized expert in the field, Dr. Karamanoukian uses a multidisciplinary approach to ensure every patient receives a personalized treatment plan that supports both physical and emotional recovery.
Consultation for Biopolimero Removal
At Kare Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, consultations for silicone biopolymer removal are comprehensive and patient-centered. Dr. Karamanoukian evaluates the patient's medical history, symptoms, and prior injection history. Advanced diagnostic tools, including MRI and ultrasound, are often employed to determine the location, volume, and tissue involvement of the injected material.
The consultation also involves an honest discussion of expected outcomes, surgical risks, and recovery timelines. For many patients, biopolimero removal is not just a cosmetic concern but a medical necessity. Dr. Karamanoukian’s dual board certification in plastic surgery and venous/lymphatic medicine enables him to approach complex cases with unparalleled expertise.
Top Biopolimero Removal Surgeon: Meet Dr. Karamanoukian
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian is one of the nation’s most experienced plastic surgeons in the removal of silicone biopolymer injections. As a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, he is uniquely qualified to handle the vascular, lymphatic, and tissue-related complications caused by illegal silicone injections.
His surgical approach is evidence-based, with a strong emphasis on safety, precision, and restoring normal anatomy. Whether treating facial disfigurement, gluteal fibrosis, or systemic symptoms, Dr. Karamanoukian brings a compassionate and scientific approach to every case. His reputation has earned him referrals from across the United States and Latin America, particularly among patients who have struggled for years with unresolved biopolimero complications.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are experiencing symptoms from silicone biopolymer injections or are seeking removal of unsafe materials, contact Kare Plastic Surgery for a confidential consultation. Dr. Karamanoukian and his team provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for evaluation and treatment. Early intervention is key to minimizing long-term damage and achieving the best possible outcome.
Biopolimero Injection Removal FAQs
Is Silicone Biopolymer Injection Removal Surgery Painful?
While any surgery can involve discomfort, Dr. Karamanoukian uses advanced techniques and anesthetic protocols to reduce post-operative pain. Most patients report manageable pain levels and are prescribed appropriate medications to support their recovery. Minimally invasive tools and tissue-sparing methods help reduce downtime and scarring.
Is it Normal if I Am Experiencing Pain and Itching with Biopolimero?
Pain, itching, burning, and swelling are common signs of a chronic inflammatory reaction to silicone biopolymer. These symptoms can become progressively worse over time and may signal infection or tissue breakdown. Early surgical intervention can alleviate these symptoms and prevent further complications. Biopolimero injections can lead to chronic skin inflammation and fatty inflammation that can cause changes in skin quality and soft tissue fibrosis. Patients can also develop granulomas and hard nodularity.
Surgical removal is sometimes required to minimize the volumetric load of the filler. Biopolimero may become integrated into the fatty layer of the body, or may become separated and inflamed, leading to granuloma formation.
Schedule an Appointment
If you suspect you have received silicone biopolymer injections or are experiencing complications, do not delay in seeking professional care. Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian offers expert evaluations and advanced surgical options to help you reclaim your health and confidence.
To schedule your confidential consultation, call Kare Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles or fill out the online request form. You deserve safe, ethical, and expert care—trust your recovery to a nationally recognized leader in biopolimero removal. Patients seeking solutions for Biopolimero removal should contact our office in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills to discuss options for Biopolimer removal. Call (310) 998-5533 to schedule a consultation today.