Kare Plastic Surgery · Santa Monica, Los Angeles
Schedule Your Silicone Removal Consultation with Dr. Karamanoukian
Serious and Life-Threatening Complications
In addition to the local effects described above, silicone and biopolymer injections can cause serious systemic complications that affect organs throughout the body. These include silicone embolism syndrome, in which silicone particles travel through the bloodstream to the lungs and cause respiratory failure. Patients may also develop chronic inflammatory responses that affect joint health, kidney function, and overall immune function.
Some rare cases of silicone injection complications have been associated with cancer of the lymph nodes and other tissues in contact with the injected material. Any patient who has received silicone or biopolymer injections and is experiencing unexplained pain, swelling, shortness of breath, or systemic symptoms should seek immediate medical evaluation. Call (310) 998-5533 to speak with Dr. Karamanoukian at Kare Plastic Surgery.
How Dr. Karamanoukian Removes Silicone and Biopolymer Injections
Surgical removal is the most effective treatment for silicone and biopolymer injection complications. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the injected material as possible along with the surrounding inflammatory tissue, granulomas, and scarring that have formed in response to the foreign substance.
MRI Mapping Before Surgery
Before performing removal surgery, Dr. Karamanoukian recommends an MRI to determine the location and extent of the injected material, including any areas of migration. The MRI serves as a guide during surgery, helping to ensure that all affected areas are addressed and that no material is inadvertently left behind. This step is especially important when injections were given in large volumes or over multiple sessions.
Open Surgical Removal
Open surgical removal allows Dr. Karamanoukian to directly visualize and remove injected material along with surrounding granulomatous tissue. This approach is thorough and is preferred for complex cases involving large volumes of material, extensive migration, or significant tissue involvement. The incisions used for removal are planned to minimize visible scarring.
Granuloma Excision
Granulomas that have formed around injected silicone or biopolymers are removed during the same surgical session. Removing the granuloma together with the material it contains reduces the risk of recurrent inflammation and improves the contour of the treated area. Dr. Karamanoukian pays careful attention to the boundaries of each granuloma to achieve the most complete removal possible.
Recontouring and Reconstruction
After the injected material and surrounding tissue are removed, the remaining tissue may require recontouring to restore a smooth and natural appearance. Dr. Karamanoukian evaluates each patient individually to determine whether additional procedures such as fat grafting or tissue rearrangement are appropriate to improve the final contour after removal. These steps are discussed in detail during your consultation at Kare Plastic Surgery.
Patients from across Los Angeles are seen at Kare Plastic Surgery: Dr. Karamanoukian evaluates and treats patients with silicone and biopolymer injection complications from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Malibu, and the San Fernando Valley. Bring any available information about what was injected, where, and when to your consultation. This information helps plan the safest and most complete removal. Call (310) 998-5533 for a same-week consultation appointment.
Who is a Candidate for Silicone and Biopolymer Removal at Kare Plastic Surgery?
Any patient who has received silicone or biopolymer injections and is experiencing complications is a potential candidate for surgical removal. Ideal candidates are in good general health, do not smoke, have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve, and understand that complete removal of all material may not always be possible depending on how extensively it has integrated with surrounding tissue.
Even patients who have not yet developed symptoms may benefit from evaluation, since early removal before significant migration and granuloma formation has occurred can produce a better outcome. Dr. Karamanoukian reviews each patient's situation individually and provides a clear, honest assessment of what surgery can realistically accomplish. Call (310) 998-5533.
"Patients who come to me after silicone or biopolymer injections are often dealing with pain, disfigurement, and fear about what these substances are doing inside their bodies. My goal is to give them a thorough evaluation, a clear understanding of their options, and the safest possible surgical plan to remove the material and restore their health and quality of life."
— Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian · Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon · Kare Plastic Surgery, Los Angeles
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common side effects of silicone and biopolymer injections?
The most common side effects include chronic pain at the injection site, firm lumps and granulomas beneath the skin, migration of the material to other areas of the body, persistent swelling, skin hardening and discoloration, and recurrent infection. Severe cases can involve systemic complications affecting the lungs, joints, and immune system. Dr. Karamanoukian at Kare Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles evaluates patients with all types and degrees of silicone and biopolymer complications. Call (310) 998-5533.
Can silicone and biopolymer injections be completely removed?
In many cases, a large portion of the injected material can be removed surgically. However, when material has deeply integrated with surrounding tissue or migrated extensively, complete removal of every particle may not be possible. Dr. Karamanoukian performs a thorough removal that addresses all accessible material and the surrounding granulomatous tissue, with the goal of reducing pain, improving appearance, and lowering the risk of further complications. Call (310) 998-5533.
Is an MRI needed before silicone removal surgery?
An MRI can be useful before silicone or biopolymer removal surgery to map the location and extent of the injected material, including any areas where migration has occurred. Diagnostic imaging helps Dr. Karamanoukian plan the safest and most thorough removal approach at Kare Plastic Surgery in Santa Monica and Los Angeles. Call (310) 998-5533.
What areas of the body can be treated for silicone and biopolymer removal?
Dr. Karamanoukian performs silicone and biopolymer removal from the buttocks, hips, thighs, abdomen, breasts, face, lips, cheeks, and nose. Regardless of where the material was originally injected, migration to surrounding areas can extend the zone of involvement. A thorough consultation and imaging study determine the full extent of the problem before surgery is planned. Call (310) 998-5533.
What is recovery like after silicone and biopolymer removal surgery?
Recovery depends on the extent of the removal. Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort in the treated area for one to three weeks after surgery. Activity restrictions are in place for several weeks to allow proper healing. Dr. Karamanoukian provides detailed aftercare instructions and follows each patient closely after surgery at Kare Plastic Surgery. Call (310) 998-5533.
Schedule Your Silicone Biopolymer Removal Consultation