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Beauty enhancement surgeries are pretty common across the world. Now, people do not have to spend their days without any option to adjust their appearances how they want. They can change them anytime according to their liking by spending a handsome amount of money. These cosmetic surgeries include but do not limit to breast enhancement, buttock enhancement, body, and facial contouring. However, the drawback of having these surgeries is an integration of foreign chemicals into your body, such as biopolymers, industrial-grade silicone, hydrogel, aqua gel, etc. These chemicals can pose serious health threats.

When it comes to cosmetic surgery, silicone is an inevitable subject. Silicone is also a substance formulated in a laboratory, containing chemicals like oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. It is a very controversial material and can cause serious health risks. Still, its usage is prevalent in cosmetics and related surgical procedures, especially for breasts and buttocks implants. Due to the fluid and unstable nature of silicone in these injections, they pose extremely high health risks. Similarly, silicon can circulate to other parts of the body, leading to severe medical issues. For instance, if silicon is injected into the buttocks, it can cause pain in the thighs, calves, and even feet after it gets transmitted to these parts of the body. Implants using silicone injections can also cause serious infections, particularly when contaminated or not medical-grade material is used. Some patients have experienced severe tissue damage, ultimately reaching the point of loss of limbs. Fortunately, silicone surgery can be reversed.

• What Is Silicone Removal Surgery?

At present, two approved surgical procedures are available for biopolymer removal. Direct excision is the common surgery carried out by cosmetic surgeons where they cut out the silicone affected parts such as scar tissues, hard nodules, and tumors called granulomas. On the other hand, VASER liposuction is guided by ultrasound and used for removing silicone injections and implants.

Silicone removal surgery is complicated and challenging, but it is the only way to cure the damage caused by silicone injections. However, the complete removal of silicone is impossible if it is circulated to other parts of the body. In this case, patients have to adopt a comprehensive treatment plan for multiple surgeries. Before surgery, MRI is performed to pinpoint the exact location of the silicone accumulation. The choice of surgical treatment depends on the type of area affected by the biopolymer and the severity of the problems. Some surgeons recommend liposuction techniques, whereas others suggest going for excision surgery for silicone removal.

• Why Go For Silicone Removal Surgery?

Silicone in fluid form is used as a dermal filler in various cosmetic procedures for lips, face, breasts, and buttocks. The response of the body after foreign material enters it can range from minor infection or rashes to significant health conditions like necrosis, skin hardening, sagging, and even stroke. The injection of silicone into the body often leads to serious complications and side effects.

Silicone removal surgery is ideal for those who have undergone medical procedures using a silicone implant but are unsatisfied with the results or have developed side effects post-treatment. In some cases, silicone removal surgery can even be crucial for the health of patients. The most common reason to remove implants is the hardness of scar tissue around the implants, causing capsular contracture. It can cause pain and discomfort in the implant area. Other reasons include breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, calcium buildup around the implant, leaking or shifting of the implant, and so on.

• How Much Does Silicone Removal Surgery Cost?

The average cost of silicone removal surgery is estimated to be around $3,049. Depending on the body area, the plastic surgeon’s expertise and professional experience, surgical technique, or location, the cost of silicone removal surgery can vary. Other expenses may include the surgeon’s fees, surgical facility costs, medical tests and x-rays, anesthesia fees, prescriptions for medication, and post-surgery garments. You can get insurance for some of these medical procedures needed before or after surgery. Before you decide to proceed with the surgery, it is best to consult your surgeon and insurance provider for guidelines regarding the cost coverage under the insurance policy.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Silicone Removal Surgery?

Here are some pros and cons of silicone removal surgery that you should consider before deciding to go forward with the removal process.

Pros

• Silicone removal surgery reduces the health risks caused by implants such as itching, redness, hardness, infections, swelling, and inflammation. Removing the silicone results in decreasing the chances of tissue damage, cancer, stroke, and embolism.
• After healing from surgery, the affected area can be re-contoured with fat transfer, making it look and feel more natural. This contributes to the overall comfort of the body.

Cons

• Silicone removal surgery can take a long time for healing. During that time, you have to rest for a minimum of two weeks, with variations depending on the area of surgery.
• After surgery, some patients can develop tenderness or soreness for up to six weeks.
• You have to avoid driving and strenuous activities like heavy lifting during the recovery period.
• The post-surgery time may be difficult as it can cause pain, bruising, and swelling. You also need to wear special garments to reduce swelling and fluid retention.
• Silicone removal surgery can result in dents, scarring, and other deformities. However, you can correct them by using reconstructive plastic surgery.

Silicone surgery removal is the safest option that can return you to your natural body again. It is possible to gain the original state and shape of your body by adopting fat grafting techniques after undergoing silicone removal surgery. These surgeries take excess fat from other body areas and inject them elsewhere, permanently adding volume. Just keep in mind that you must consult a surgeon who can understand your concerns and address them. Also, discuss your medical history before going for surgery for better outcomes. Early intervention and extraction of harmful biopolymers such as silicone is critical to both healing your body and maintaining your overall health.