Biopolymer Removal in New York City

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What Is Silicone Biopolymer Injection Removal?

Silicone biopolymer injection removal is a specialized surgical procedure designed to extract or reduce foreign substances that were previously injected into the body for volume or contouring. These substances may include industrial-grade silicone or biopolymers that were not approved for cosmetic use. Over time, they can harden, migrate, or trigger chronic inflammation.

Biopolymer injection removal is highly individualized. Complete removal is not always possible, but careful surgical techniques can significantly reduce material, relieve symptoms, and improve contour irregularities while preserving surrounding tissue as much as possible.

What Are the Benefits of Silicone Injection Removal?

Silicone injection removal is often pursued to address both physical symptoms and appearance-related concerns caused by prior injectable materials.

Potential benefits include:

• Reduced pain, swelling, and chronic inflammation
• Improved contour and overall appearance in affected areas
• Lower risk of ongoing or future complications
• Increased comfort and, in some cases, improved mobility
• Stabilization of damaged or irritated tissue
• Creation of a healthier foundation for future reconstructive or corrective procedures when appropriate

While results vary, many patients report noticeable relief and improved day-to-day comfort after filler removal treatment.

Areas Treated for Silicone Biopolymer Removal

Biopolymers are notorious for migrating away from the original injection site, often causing inflammation and tissue damage in various parts of the body.

We offer specialized removal in the following areas:

• Buttocks: Often the result of unregulated “BBL” alternatives, biopolymers in the buttocks can cause chronic pain, skin discoloration, and difficulty sitting.
• Breasts: Removal is critical here to prevent the material from interfering with mammograms or causing systemic inflammatory responses.
• Face & Lips: We address “silicone nodules” or hardening in the lips, cheeks, and chin to restore natural facial expressions and symmetry.
• Arms & Thighs: Migration into the limbs can lead to restricted movement and localized infections that require prompt intervention.

Because silicone biopolymers behave differently in each area of the body, every removal plan is carefully customized based on the location, extent of migration, and the patient’s symptoms.

Biopolymer Removal Techniques

Because every case of biopolymer injection removal is unique, we utilize a range of advanced surgical and minimally invasive methods:

Minimally-Invasive Biopolymer Removal

For localized deposits or liquid-state materials, we may use small-incision techniques. This often involves specialized cannulas to “vacuum” out the substance while minimizing scarring and downtime. This is a preferred method for filler removal when the surrounding tissue is still healthy.

Surgical / Open Biopolymer Removal

In cases where the silicone has hardened into “granulomas” or integrated deeply into the muscle and fat, an open surgical approach is necessary. Dr. Shokrian performs direct excision to remove the maximum amount of foreign material along with any damaged or necrotic tissue, ensuring the safest possible outcome.

Laser-Assisted / Ultrasound-Guided Removal

We often utilize Ultrasound-Guided Removal to map the exact location of the biopolymers before surgery. Additionally, Laser-Assisted technology can help liquefy certain materials, making them easier to extract through smaller openings and reducing trauma to the surrounding healthy tissue.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Silicone Injection Removal?

Silicone filler removal may be appropriate for patients experiencing symptoms or changes following past injections.

Candidates often include individuals who have:

• Persistent pain, firmness, or tenderness in treated areas
• Visible asymmetry or contour irregularities
• Skin changes, discoloration, or inflammation
• Evidence of material migration over time
• Worsening symptoms years after the original injections

Strong candidates also typically:

• Are in stable overall health
• Understand that outcomes depend on the amount and location of injected material

A detailed consultation and imaging evaluation with Dr. Shokrian helps determine whether filler removal in our NYC office is appropriate and what level of improvement can realistically be achieved.

Why Choose Dr. David Shokrian

With over 15 years of experience, Dr. David Shokrian specializes in complex revision and corrective procedures. He has completed advanced fellowships in plastic surgery and burn reconstruction and has performed thousands of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures across the face and body.

Dr. Shokrian takes a methodical, patient-focused approach. He carefully evaluates each case, tailoring techniques to the location and extent of prior injections, minimizing risks, and optimizing contour and functional results. His expertise is enhanced by ongoing training in the latest surgical techniques and technologies, ensuring evidence-informed care.
Patients seeking silicone injection removal in NYC choose Millennial Plastic Surgery for Dr. Shokrian’s surgical precision, clear communication, compassionate guidance, and experience managing challenging cases involving prior cosmetic complications. Dr. Shokrian listens, explains each step, and involves patients in decision-making, building trust throughout the surgical journey.

Biopolymer Removal Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

It is important for patients to understand that Biopolymer Removal is a corrective, reconstructive procedure—not a simple “undo” button.

Unlike standard hyaluronic acid fillers that can be dissolved with an enzyme, synthetic biopolymers and liquid silicone physically bond with your natural tissues, muscles, and blood vessels. Because of this, it is often medically impossible and unsafe to remove 100% of the material without causing permanent damage to vital structures.

Our goal is “debulking”—removing as much of the toxic substance as possible to alleviate symptoms, stop migration, and improve the aesthetic appearance. This nuanced approach reduces legal and liability risks by setting realistic medical expectations: we prioritize your safety and long-term health over “total” removal that could compromise your bodily function.

Silicone Biopolymer Covered by Insurance

In some cases, silicone biopolymer removal procedures may be eligible for insurance coverage when deemed medically necessary. This can include documented pain, inflammation, infection, or functional impairment related to injected materials. Coverage depends on medical documentation and individual plan requirements.

Millennial Plastic Surgery works with major commercial insurance providers and has successfully helped patients obtain coverage for qualifying silicone biopolymer removal procedures. While coverage varies by plan, our team assists with insurance verification, authorization, and required documentation whenever possible.

We commonly work with the following insurance providers:

• NYSHIP
• Aetna
• 1199
• UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
• Anthem Blue Cross
• Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
• EmblemHealth (GHI)
• Cigna
• BlueCross BlueShield
• UFT (United Federation of Teachers)

If your insurance provider is not listed, please contact our office. We are happy to help determine eligibility and review coverage options at no cost.

If you are dealing with complications from prior injections and are exploring options for biopolymer removal, expert evaluation matters. At Millennial Plastic Surgery in New York City, Dr. David Shokrian offers thoughtful, patient-focused care for individuals seeking safe and responsible correction. We welcome patients throughout NYC who want clear answers, realistic expectations, and a surgical plan built around their specific needs.

YEARSPLUS EXPERIENCE

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