Silicone injections, while sometimes used for cosmetic purposes, can lead to various complications and undesirable results. Unlike most currently available fillers which have natural ingredients which are found in the human body, Silicon is not naturally found in our body. Oftentimes, the human body does not know how to deal with this chemical which does not belong in it. Therefore, it tries to wall it off or separate if form our normal tissue. This is a natural protective mechanism. The body’s “rejection” of this substance leads to various complications. These include lumps, bumps, asymmetry, or inflammation. These complications continue to magnify with time, sometimes only manifesting years, or decades after the initial silicon injection. There are few options at our disposal to remove silicon or mitigate its complications. Surgical removal is an option of last resort because it can leave disfiguring scars. Also, silicon microdroplets can be so integrated into our tissue that it may be hard to find or fully remove surgically. Although doctors have also tried the CO2 laser to remove silicon, this is often ineffective. Fortunately, Dr. Rokhsar has another solution to address complications of silicon injections in New York. One such option is the use of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) injections in combination with steroid injections.
5-Fluorouracil, commonly referred to as 5-FU, is a medication that has been used for decades in dermatology to treat various skin conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antimetabolites and works by interfering with the growth of abnormal cells.
When silicone injection complications occur, they often result from the formation of fibrous tissue around the silicone, leading to lumps or nodules. 5-FU is an effective treatment because it can break down and reduce the fibrous tissue, softening the affected area and improving the overall appearance. When combined with steroids, it also suppresses the inflammatory response often associated with bad silicon injections.
The treatment process typically involves a series of injections into the affected area. Dr. Rokhsar will determine the exact dosage and frequency of injections based on the patient’s individual needs. Usually, the injections are spaced 1-2 months apart. During the treatment, 5-FU in combinations with a steroid (typically Kenalog) is carefully administered to the affected area. Pain is minimized through mixing of lidocaine in the medication mix. Multiple injections sessions are often necessary to slowly break down the silicon, the scar tissue around the silicon and decrease the inflammation around the silicon nodules or granulomas.
Patients should understand that the results of 5-FU Kenalog combination injections may take some time to become apparent. Improvement is often gradual, with multiple sessions needed to achieve the desired outcome. The treatment can help reduce the size and appearance of lumps or nodules caused by silicone injections, leading to a more natural and pleasing appearance. It can also decrease pain or inflammation associated with silicon lumps and bumps or silicone granulomas.
5-FU Kenalog injections can be an effective option for correcting silicone injection complications occurring on the face or any other body surface area, helping patients regain their confidence and achieve more natural-looking results. If you or someone you know is experiencing issues related to silicone injections, Dr. Rokhsar can help assess the problem and help you fix your bad silicon injections. Dr. Cameron Rokhsar is a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon and an associate professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC where he teaches the cosmetic dermatology clinic to residents. Dr. Rokhsar advises avoiding silicon injections altogether as it is the source of many complications and many unhappy patients over time.
You cannot go wrong with scheduling an appointment with Dr. Cameron Rokhsar to help you find the best way forward after receiving botched silicone injections elsewhere. He is known for his patient-centered care that focuses on helping patients realize their desired results. Give his office a call today.
Doctors who are specialized in plastic and reconstructive surgery, especially those with experience in revision procedures, are the ones typically sought after to correct or remove bad silicone injections. In the case of facial injections, dermatological surgeons are best trained to deal with filler injections and their complications. Dermatologists or dermatologic surgeons typically do more fillers than any other specialty. If complications arise, other specialists might be required, such as vascular surgeons or interventional radiologists, depending on the nature and location of the problem.
Silicone injections involve the use of liquid silicone, which is injected directly into tissues to augment or fill them. Historically, they have been used for various cosmetic and medical purposes. However, it’s important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved liquid silicone for injection to augment or enhance body parts, except for specific formulations used within the eye for detached retina procedures.
Unlike other fillers that are absorbed by the body over time, silicone is a permanent filler. Once injected, it does not degrade or dissipate. This permanence is one of the reasons it can be problematic: if there’s an undesirable outcome or complication, it does not simply resolve over time. The other issue is that silicon often grows over time leading to lumps, bumps, asymmetry, facial deformity, redness, and inflammation as well as pain in the injected areas. Silicon may also travel through tissue and end up somewhere distant than the original area of injections.
Historically, people have sought silicone injections for various body parts to enhance or alter their appearance. Common areas include:
However, due to the associated risks and lack of FDA approval for most of these uses, medical professionals generally advise against silicone injections for body augmentation or facial injections.
There are numerous complications and side effects associated with silicone injections, including:
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