Removal of Injected Silicone from Male Breast for Symptom Relief*

After living with chest implant complications and persistent discomfort, our patient chose definitive silicone removal to reduce pain. He is a 36-year-old Hispanic male who came to Dr. Timothy Katzen seeking relief from pain and tightness related to existing silicone injection in his chest. Under general anesthesia, Dr. Katzen carefully reopened the prior incision whenever possible to minimize new scarring, then accessed the implant pocket and evaluated the surrounding capsule, which is the scar tissue the body forms around an implant. Because painful symptoms can be related to inflammation, thickened scar tissue, or injection problems, Dr. Katzen performed a methodical removal, extracting the silicone injections and addressing the scar as needed to reduce irritation and help the chest settle flatter and smoother. The pocket was thoroughly irrigated, bleeding was controlled, and the tissues were carefully contoured to avoid a hollow or uneven look. Dr. Katzen then closed the incision in multiple layers to reduce tension and support clean healing, and post-operative compression and follow-up helped manage swelling and guide scar care. These photos were taken 1 year after surgery, and his long-term results are remarkable, showing the removal of the majority of the injected silicone and improved comfort. Most importantly, our patient reported meaningful relief from pain and discomfort, with a healthier feel that supports daily movement and workouts.