Can My Lip Implants Be Removed?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I got lip implants years ago and the problem is a lot of scar issue has formed around the,m and now I feel like my smile is very distorted. I hate absolutely hate taking pictures because I look really bad. I feel like I used to have a really beautiful smile but now it’s terrible. Sadly, it’s of my own doing.

A:When considering removal of lip implants in which the material has allowed soft tissue attachment this can be very challenging and often requires an open approach to do so. … or at least multiple small incisions along the pathway of the implant. But besides the surgical access the other very important issue to be aware is that once the implants are removed there’s going to be scar contracture and the appearance of your smile may not be really improved. Thus it is important to replace the lost volume of the implants with fat grafts to prevent scar contractures and even a worsening appearance of your lips both at rest as well as smiling.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Plastic Surgeon