Surgical Removal of Facial Silicone Injection Improves Lips, Cheeks and Comfort*

Silicone injections to the face can cause problems that last for many years, especially when the material begins to trigger swelling, discoloration, and discomfort. Our patient is a 64-year-old White female who had silicone injections placed into her face, specifically the cheeks and both the upper and lower lips, 19 years ago. Over time, she developed facial swelling, changes in skin color, and pain related to the injected product, leading her to seek treatment from Dr. J. Timothy Katzen. Under general anesthesia, Dr. Katzen performed silicone injection removal of the face and lips to carefully address the foreign material that had been sitting in the tissues for nearly two decades. This facial silicone removal procedure involves identifying and excising the abnormal injected material, along with scarred or damaged tissue when necessary, while preserving as much healthy cheek and lip tissue as possible. Removal of silicone from the face is a delicate reconstructive plastic surgery procedure because the cheeks and lips are highly visible and essential to natural facial expression and balance. The goal is not only to remove harmful foreign material but also to reduce swelling, improve skin tone irregularities, relieve discomfort, and restore a more natural facial contour. Her photos were taken 3 months after surgery and already show remarkable improvement in facial appearance, with less swelling, better contour, improved skin color, and relief of most of her pain. Her early results highlight how facial silicone removal surgery can achieve meaningful reconstructive and aesthetic improvements.