How Long Does It Take To Recover From Silicone Injection Removal?

By: Dr. J. Timothy Katzen

10/14/2021

We have all made choices that we ultimately regret. In the case of illegal silicone injections, the consequences can be particularly devastating. Fortunately, many of these problems are avoidable and/or treatable when the silicone is removed as early as possible. At J. Timothy Katzen, M.D. Beverly Hills, top plastic surgeon Dr. J. Timothy Katzen is a leading expert in the complex process of silicone injection removal and is proud to help patients restore their natural appearance, find relief from painful symptoms, and safeguard their health with this sometimes, life-saving procedure. Read on for more information on what to expect before, during, and after silicone injection removal, including how long your recovery may take.

Why are silicone injections dangerous?

Illegal silicone injections are extremely dangerous for a number of reasons. First and foremost, these illegal injections typically contain non-medical grade silicone, which poses a number of health risks to the patient. Furthermore, the majority of illegal silicone injections are performed by an untrained, unlicensed, and inexperienced person using an improper technique in an unsterile environment. The cosmetic and health hazards of illegal silicone injections include, but are not limited to:

  • Deformity
  • Permanent disfigurement
  • Numbness
  • Pain
  • Tingling/itching
  • Skin irritation
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Infection
  • Electrolyte imbalance
  • Organ failure
  • Cancer
  • Death

Should I have my silicone injections removed?

Yes. Illegal silicone injections should be removed, even if you are not yet experiencing symptoms, in order to avoid severe health problems –including cancer or death – in the future. Depending on the nature of your concerns, the location of your silicone injections, the amount of silicone that needs to be removed, and other factors, Dr. Katzen will use one of the following silicone removal approaches:

  • UVASS (Ultra-Sound Guided, Vaser Assisted Silicone Suction): This technique involves locating the silicone with ultrasound imaging, melting scar tissue with VASER energy, and removing the silicone and associated scar tissue with suction.

  • Direct excision: During direct excision silicone injection removal, Dr. Katzen makes an incision near the silicone injection sites, removes the silicone and surrounding the silicone and scar tissue and closes the incision with sutures.

Once the patient has fully healed and recovered from silicone injection removal surgery, it may be possible to perform an augmentation procedure to help restore their desired look. Usually, most patients are ready for reconstruction four months after silicone removal.

How long is recovery after silicone injection removal?

The length, intensity, and other aspects of your recovery after silicone injection removal will depend on your overall health, any symptoms or complications you were experiencing prior to surgery, the surgical approach, and other factors. In the first 2 – 3 weeks after silicone injection removal, patients can expect some level of swelling, bruising, and discomfort. However, many of the symptoms and health issues associated with illegal silicone injections will improve quickly after removal. On average, patients can expect their silicone removal recovery to take up to about 2-3 weeks for UVASS and 4-6 weeks for direct excision.

Get the peace of mind you deserve with silicone injection removal in Beverly Hills, CA

Silicone injections are both illegal and exceedingly dangerous. Whether you’re hoping to avoid future complications or are already experiencing uncomfortable and frightening symptoms associated with your silicone injections, we can help. Take the first step toward restoring your health and protecting your future by calling J. Timothy Katzen, M.D. Beverly Hills to schedule your silicone injection removal consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. J. Timothy Katzen today.

Call TODAY to schedule a consultation. For your convenience, Dr. Katzen has offices in Beverly Hills, CA, Las Vegas, NV, and Dubai, UAE. Physical or virtual consultations can be arranged. Virtual consultation options include FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, and WhatsApp. Call (310) 859 - 7770 today to schedule your consultation to protect your health, safety, and future!

before and after
* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.