Complications After Silicone Injection Therapy

Complications after silicone injection therapy in aesthetic plastic surgery

Silicone injection therapy plays a significant, but limited, role in soft tissue augmentation. It is confined only to a tissue defect, folds, and deep wrinkles of the face. It is important to use only a small amount of injectable silicone (1–2 ml) in one area of the face at a time. Massage is applied over the injected area for 5–6 minutes. The following side effects and complications are observed: diminished volume, descending of silicone fluid due to the gravity, and silicone granuloma formation.

The risks associated with soft tissue augmentation typically depend on the chosen implant or filler and the amount injected . Complications can occur many years post treatment; they are irreversible and can not be treated or corrected . Injected silicone may create a variety of medical problems. Documented reactions have included respiratory distress, infection, toxic shock syndrome, granuloma, scleroderma, cancer, neuropathy, lymphadenopathy, rheumatic symptoms, synovitis, and severe autoimmune and connective tissue disorders. Use of dirty needles places the individual at risk for HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases .

Liquid silicone should be available, for the time being, only to surgeons for experimental purposes, because of the danger of complications and abuse. In this experimental study, the author applied 1,677 silicone injections (only in the face).