Silicone granuloma of the facial tissues: a report of seven cases

Abstract

The liquid form of silicone, called dimethicone (dimethylpolysiloxane), has been used extensively in some countries during the past 4 decades for soft tissue augmentation. Although considered biologically inert, this material has been reported as potentially inducing, after tissue injection, a granulomatous inflammatory response of variable severity. Interestingly, a remarkable paucity of reports exists about the development of complications after injections of liquid silicone into the facial tissues, especially considering its high frequency of use. The purpose of this article is to describe the clinical and microscopic features of 7 cases of silicone-induced granulomas that developed after injection of the facial tissues for cosmetic purposes and to discuss the differential diagnosis and management of this condition.