Side Effects of Silicone and Biopolymer Injections
Posted June 24, 2026 in Injections by Josef Hadeed, MD
For years, injectable fillers have been marketed as a quick way to enhance your curves or restore volume without surgery or a recovery period. Unfortunately, not all injectable substances are safe. Many people received silicone or biopolymer injections years ago (often outside of a medical setting), sometimes without fully understanding what exactly was being injected into their bodies. Others were told they were receiving a safe cosmetic filler only to later discover that the product contained permanent synthetic materials.
In this blog, we’ll go over what you need to know about silicone and biopolymer injections and what you may experience if you’ve gotten these types of injections. Understanding the potential side effects is the first step toward removing them and protecting both your immediate and long-term health.
7 Min Read:
Table of Contents
- What Are Biopolymers?
- Are Biopolymer Injections the Same as Liquid Silicone Injections?
- What Is the Difference Between Biopolymer Injections and FDA-Approved Fillers?
- What Are the Short-Term Side Effects of Biopolymer Injections?
- What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Biopolymer Injections?
- Do I Need to Have Silicone and Biopolymer Injections Removed?
- How Does Dr. Josef Hadeed Remove Silicone and Biopolymer Injections?
What Are Biopolymers?
Biopolymers are synthetic substances that have been injected into the body for cosmetic enhancement, most commonly in the buttocks, hips, face, and other areas where people may want increased volume. Unlike FDA-approved dermal fillers, which are designed to be safely and gradually absorbed by the body, biopolymers are permanent foreign materials.
The term “biopolymer” is a blanket term that may refer to a variety of substances, including industrial-grade silicone, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), oils, gels, and other compounds that are not intended for cosmetic use. In many cases, patients do not know exactly what material was injected because the procedures were performed outside legitimate medical environments.
Because biopolymers remain in the body indefinitely, they can trigger concerns such as chronic inflammation, migration, infection, and other complications that may worsen over time.
Are Biopolymer Injections the Same as Liquid Silicone Injections?
Not exactly, but both of these illegal “filler” types are similar. Silicone injections involve the direct injection of liquid silicone into the body. Biopolymer injections may contain silicone, but they can also contain a mixture of other synthetic materials.
Either way, the side effects are similar and can be extremely dangerous. And, from a treatment perspective, patients experiencing complications from either substance require specialized evaluation and surgical removal by a qualified surgeon experienced in managing these often complex cases.
What Is the Difference Between Biopolymer Injections and FDA-Approved Fillers?
Biopolymer injections and FDA-approved fillers differ significantly in terms of safety, composition, and long-term outcomes. First and foremost, biopolymer and silicone injections are illegal. Beyond legality, FDA-approved dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid fillers, are extensively tested to ensure they are safe for cosmetic use, and they are designed to be gradually absorbed by the body. Many can even be dissolved if needed.
Biopolymer injections typically contain permanent synthetic substances and materials that are not approved for cosmetic injection. Because these substances remain in the body indefinitely, they can cause a variety of complications that may show up immediately or even years after the initial injection.
Another crucial difference is transparency. With FDA-approved fillers, patients know exactly which product is being used and its safety and efficacy. Many patients who received biopolymer injections were never told the exact substance injected, making future treatment and management of side effects more difficult.
What Are the Short-Term Side Effects of Biopolymer Injections?
Some complications from biopolymer injections develop shortly after injection. While these symptoms may initially appear mild, they can indicate underlying problems. Short-term side effects may include:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Tenderness or pain
- Bruising
- Firmness or hardening of the injected area
- Lumps or irregular contours
- Skin discoloration
- Localized inflammation
- Infection
In some cases, patients may develop abscesses or severe inflammatory reactions within weeks or months of receiving biopolymer injections. Others may experience discomfort that never resolves. Keep in mind that even if symptoms seem minor, undergoing a medical assessment by a trained professional is important, as complications can progress long after the initial injection.
What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Biopolymer Injections?
Long-term complications from biopolymer injections are often the primary reason patients seek treatment. Because silicone and biopolymers remain in the body permanently, the risk of complications does not disappear with time. Potential long-term side effects include:
Migration of the Material
One of the most common problems with biopolymer injections is material migration. The injected material may migrate from the original treatment area and spread into surrounding tissues. This can create asymmetry, deformities, and lumps in nearby areas.
Chronic Inflammation
The body’s immune system may continuously react to the injected foreign substance, leading to chronic inflammation that can cause persistent pain, swelling, and tissue damage.
Granuloma Formation
Granulomas are inflammatory masses that form when the body attempts to isolate the foreign biopolymer material. These nodules can become painful and are difficult to treat without surgery.
Tissue Hardening and Fibrosis
Over time, scar tissue may develop around the injected silicone or biopolymers. This process, known as fibrosis, can cause firmness, contour distortion, and restricted movement in affected areas.
Recurrent Infections
Some patients experience repeated infections years after their original injections. These infections can be difficult to manage and control because bacteria may become trapped in the foreign material.
Skin Changes
In severe cases, the tissues compromised by biopolymer injections may lead to skin thinning, discoloration, drainage, or ulceration.
Systemic Symptoms
Some patients with biopolymer injections may experience fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches, autoimmune symptoms, and other systemic complaints, which can reflect chronic inflammatory responses to the foreign material.
Do I Need to Have Silicone and Biopolymer Injections Removed?
Yes. Anyone with silicone or biopolymer injections should be evaluated by an experienced specialist such as Dr. Hadeed, even if no symptoms are present. If you do experience symptoms, you may notice:
- Pain or discomfort
- Chronic inflammation
- Lumps or granulomas
- Infection
- Material migration
- Tissue distortion
- Skin changes
- Functional limitations
- Progressive symptoms over time
The technique used to remove silicone or biopolymers depends on the location of the material, the severity of your symptoms, and the extent of the affected tissue. Because these substances often spread into surrounding tissues, safe and effective treatment requires careful planning and expertise.
How Does Dr. Josef Hadeed Remove Silicone and Biopolymer Injections?
Surgical removal of silicone and biopolymer injections is significantly more complex than removing traditional fillers. These substances can infiltrate healthy tissue in the surrounding areas, making safe and complete removal challenging.
Dr. Hadeed typically removes biopolymer and silicone injections by first identifying the affected areas through imaging and physical examination. He then surgically removes the tissue containing the biopolymers or silicone, addressing scar tissue and inflammation while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Once the removal is complete, he will reconstruct the area if necessary to restore contour and symmetry.
Dr. Hadeed typically uses one of the following techniques (or a combination) for silicone injection removal, depending on your specific needs:
- Surgical excision
- Ultrasound-guided removal
- VASER® ultrasound-assisted liposuction removal
In cases involving large volumes of silicone or biopolymer removal or reconstruction of the area, staged procedures may be necessary to ensure your safety. After the silicone and biopolymer removal and healing process is complete, you may be a candidate for fat transfer or alloClae™ injections to address contour irregularities. When you come in for your silicone removal consultation, Dr. Hadeed will let you know which removal method he plans to use, as well as your options for volume restoration.
Learn More About Silicone and Biopolymer Injection Removal in Beverly Hills
Silicone and biopolymer injections can lead to serious complications months or even decades after treatment. If you have received injections of these materials, it’s time for you to schedule an assessment with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Josef Hadeed to learn about the removal process. To make an appointment, call our office today at (310) 970-2940 or complete the online contact form.
