Dr. Katzen Removes Migrated Silicone With Open Silicone Removal Technique*

A 27-year-old Hispanic transgender woman came to Dr. Katzen seeking help after experiencing complications from foreign body injections to her buttocks and hips that she had been told were silicone.  Over time, she developed increasing pain, burning, itching, redness, discoloration, hard lumps, and signs that the material had migrated into surrounding areas.  Concerned about these symptoms, she underwent a thorough evaluation with Dr. Katzen.  To address her condition, Dr. Katzen recommended open removal of the foreign material from the hips, abdomen, and groin lymph node regions, along with a bilateral buttock lift revision following a previous procedure performed elsewhere.  The surgery was completed under general anesthesia.  Using an open surgical approach, Dr. Katzen carefully accessed the affected tissues and removed as much silicone, scar tissue, inflammatory tissue, and damaged tissue as safely possible.  This technique is often beneficial when injected materials have spread, become embedded in tissue, or are causing significant discomfort.  Following removal, the bilateral buttock lift revision helped restore contour and support after the excision of compromised tissue and the effects of prior surgery.  These photos were taken 2 months after surgery.  The patient experienced significant improvement in both her appearance and comfort, with relief from most of her pain. This case highlights how open silicone removal and revision surgery can help patients affected by migrated foreign-body injections and related complications.