Silicone Removal in Washington DC
Conveniently located to serve Washington DC, Arlington, Bethesda
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Remove Dangerous Injection Materials For Better Health
Silicone removal is a specialized procedure for people who have had free silicone or other substances injected into the body to increase volume. These materials can cause problems months or years later and may migrate beyond the original injection area. At District Plastic Surgery, Dr. Praful Ramineni and Dr. Sarah Eidelson perform silicone removal in Washington DC using an individualized combination of surgical techniques.
Why is Silicone Removal Necessary?
Free silicone injections are not legal in the United States. Some patients may have received silicone injections in various areas of the body for cosmetic enhancement, including at illegal “plumping parties,” from unlicensed practitioners, or during procedures performed out of the country.
In many cases, patients do not know exactly what was injected. The material might be silicone, cement, or another unknown substance. District Plastic Surgery has even seen patients who were injected with tire repair materials such as Fix-a-Flat. These substances can drift from the original injection site and become incorporated into surrounding tissues.
The injected material may initially look good, but complications often develop over time. Patients can experience:
- RHeaviness
- RGeneral illness or fatigue
- RPain
- RSkin darkening
- RInfection
- RScarring
The body’s immune system can also continue to attack the foreign material, contributing to ongoing symptoms.
Good Candidates for Silicone Removal
Silicone removal is appropriate for patients who have received free silicone or unknown injections and are experiencing physical symptoms, tissue changes, and/or cosmetic concerns.
We have seen and treated patients with injected material in areas like the:
- RButtocks
- RHips
- RInner and outer thighs
- RHands
- RLips
- RCheeks
- RCalves
Patients should have realistic expectations about what surgery can accomplish. It is impossible to remove all of the injected silicone because some material may be present within the skin or muscle or around nerves and blood vessels, where attempting complete removal could damage healthy structures.
Your Silicone Removal Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Ramineni or Dr. Eidelson will examine the affected area, review your symptoms, and discuss everything you know about the original injections. Because these substances commonly drift to other areas, your evaluation is not necessarily limited to the location where the injections were originally performed.
Each area requires a personalized approach. Your surgeon will determine which techniques can be used to safely remove or reduce the foreign material and explain the limitations and expected outcomes of treatment.
The Silicone Removal Procedure
Your silicone removal procedure will be performed in our surgery center located in Washington DC. Surgery may require directly excising the affected area, “debulking” it with large-bore liposuction cannulas, or using a combination of these approaches.
The objective is to remove as much problematic material as can safely be addressed while preserving important healthy tissues. Treatment can often soften the affected area, improve symptoms, and improve cosmesis.
The Recovery Process
Recovery depends on the areas treated and whether excision, debulking, or both were performed. Dr. Ramineni or Dr. Eidelson will provide specific instructions for caring for the treated area, limiting physical activity, and gradually returning to normal activities.
Follow-up appointments allow your surgeon to monitor your recovery and evaluate how the tissues are healing. More extensive cases may require a longer recovery period or additional treatment.
Benefits of Silicone Removal
- RReduces the amount of problematic foreign material
- RAlleviates pain, heaviness, and other symptoms
- RSoftens areas affected by injected substances
- RImproves the contour and appearance of treated areas
- RAddresses material that has migrated from its original location
- RProvides an individualized surgical solution
How Much Does Silicone Removal Cost?
The cost of silicone removal varies according to the location and extent of the injected material, the number of areas requiring treatment, and the surgical techniques necessary. After evaluating your condition and developing a treatment plan, District Plastic Surgery can provide information about the expected price of your procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need compression garments after silicone removal?
A compression garment may be recommended in certain cases to provide support during healing and help manage postoperative swelling. Whether you need one and how long you wear it will depend on the treatment area and surgical technique.
Can silicone removal be combined with reconstructive surgery?
In select cases, reconstructive or contouring techniques may be performed in conjunction with removal. In other situations, reconstruction may be delayed until the tissues have had time to heal.
Experience Relief With Silicone Removal
If you received silicone or another unknown material from an unlicensed practitioner, at a plumping party, or outside the United States, District Plastic Surgery can evaluate your concerns and discuss possible treatment. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Praful Ramineni or Dr. Sarah Eidelson and learn more about silicone removal for Washington DC, Arlington, Bethesda, and surrounding-area patients.
Dr. Praful Ramineni
Plastic Surgeon in Washington D.C.
Dr. Ramineni is the founder of District Plastic Surgery. He is board certified and has over 20 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He started his career as one of the busiest surgeons at Medstar Washington Hospital Center with a focus on complex reconstructive surgery including cancer and trauma reconstruction, microsurgery and aesthetic surgery.
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