What Happens During Silicone and Biopolymer Removal Surgery?
Posted July 25, 2026 in Injection Removal by Josef Hadeed, MD
Deciding to have silicone or biopolymer injections removed often comes after a long stretch of not knowing what your options even are, especially when the practice that performed the original injections isn’t equipped to reverse them. This article walks through what the removal procedure actually involves, from evaluation to surgery to what comes next.
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Why This Is a Specialized Procedure
Removing injected silicone or biopolymer material is not the same as standard liposuction. These substances often spread irregularly through the tissue, sometimes migrating well beyond the original injection site, which makes the surgery considerably more complex than removing fat.
This is a revision-heavy specialty that many practices decline to take on. Dr. Josef Hadeed, a double board-certified plastic surgeon and former Chair of the Patient Safety Committee for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, has specific experience with these complex removal cases.
The Evaluation Before Surgery
Because the extent and location of the material varies so much from patient to patient, imaging such as MRI scans is often used to map exactly where the injected substance has spread before any surgical plan is finalized.
This evaluation also assesses the condition of the surrounding tissue and skin, which affects how much material can safely be removed and what your results are likely to look like afterward.
What Happens During the Procedure
The general steps typically include the following, though your specific plan depends on your imaging results and how the material has distributed through your tissue.
- Careful surgical access to the affected area, guided by pre-operative imaging
- Removal of the injected material along with any surrounding damaged or scarred tissue
- Assessment of the remaining tissue and skin to determine whether additional contouring is needed
- Closure and placement of drains if needed to manage fluid during early healing
Why Technique Matters More Than Speed Here
Because the goal is removing foreign material without causing unnecessary damage to healthy tissue, this procedure rewards a slower, more methodical approach over a rushed one.
This is also why choosing a surgeon with specific experience in silicone and biopolymer removal matters as much as, if not more than, the removal itself.
What to Expect: Recovery Timeline
Weeks 1-2: Expect swelling, bruising, and possible drain care, along with continuous compression garment use to support healing.
Weeks 3-6: Swelling gradually decreases and light activity typically resumes, though the treated area remains sensitive.
3-6 Months: Skin and tissue continue settling into their new contour as the last of the swelling resolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does biopolymer removal surgery take?
It varies significantly based on how much material needs to be removed and how widely it has spread, but this procedure often takes longer than standard liposuction.
Is it safe to remove old silicone injections?
When performed by a surgeon experienced in this specific type of revision surgery, removal is generally considered a safe way to address complications from prior injections.
Will all the injected material be removed?
The goal is to remove as much of the material as safely possible, though in most cases, especially with widely migrated material, complete removal isn’t always achievable.
What happens to the skin after removal?
Skin response varies by patient. Some patients see meaningful improvement in contour, while others may benefit from additional procedures to address skin laxity afterward.
Can I combine removal with body contouring?
No. Silicone and biopolymer removal surgery is performed as a separate procedure. Once healing is complete, your surgeon can evaluate the surgical outcome and discuss whether any additional procedures may be appropriate at a later stage, if needed.
Explore Silicone and Biopolymer Removal in Beverly Hills
For related reading, see typical cost considerations for this procedure and possible side effects tied to the original injections.
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of prior silicone or biopolymer injections, understanding your actual options is the first step. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Josef Hadeed has specific experience with this complex revision surgery, and patients travel nationally for that expertise. To learn more, contact our office today at (310) 970-2940 or request a consultation online.
