PMMA Injection Complications Treated With Open Injection Removal and Butt Lift*

What was once presented as a simple injection became a painful and complicated medical problem for our patient.  Our patient is a 37-year-old Hispanic female who previously had one session of foreign body injections placed into her buttocks and hips, and was told the product was PMMA.  Over time, she experienced worsening pain, burning, itching, redness, skin discoloration, hard lumps, and suspected migration.  She also reported GI issues, H. pylori, brain fog, and joint issues, which may be associated with foreign body injections and an inflammatory or autoimmune-type response.  Dr. Katzen performed an open silicone injection removal using the open technique combined with a posterior butt lift while she was under general anesthesia.  Through the open technique, Dr. Katzen directly accessed the affected buttock and hip tissues and removed as much permanent filler, scar tissue, inflamed tissue, and damaged tissue as safely possible.  Products like silicone, PMMA, and unknown foreign substances can become trapped in tissue and may not be removable with suction alone.  The posterior butt lift helped remove compromised tissue and lift and reshape the buttocks for a smoother contour.  Her photos were taken 6 months after surgery, and she achieved remarkable results.  Most importantly, our patient reports relief of pain, showing why specialized open injection removal can be life-changing for patients suffering from painful buttock injection complications.