A histological and immunohistochemical study of medical-grade fluid silicone

BACKGROUND. Medical-grade injectable silicone for use in soft tissue augmentation is administered subcutaneously by injections of the pure material. OBJECTIVE. TO examine histologically and immunohistochemically the characteristics of medical-grade silicone and to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the serial puncture technique. RESULTS. In early biopsies, perivascular lymphocytic infiltration with the characteristic reaction of delayed hypersensitivity (doses, 0.05-0.07 mL) was observed. Immunohistochemically, small local deposits of IgG and IgA were observed around the walls of small vessels. In later biopsies, the inflammation had progressed to a fibroblastic reaction. Additionally, the implantation of large doses provoked giant cell granulomas. CONCLUSIONS. Small doses (0.05-0.07 mt) of injected silicone produce an immunologic and fibroblastic reaction in the skin. The use of this substance with the serial puncture technique is not hazardous when proper technique is used. (C) 1998 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Dermatol Surg 1998;24:867-870.