Liposuction and lipofilling for treatment of symptomatic silicone toxicosis of the gluteal region

Abstract

Silicone has sometimes been injected into tissues indiscriminately causing debilitating pain, infection, skin changes, and deformation. The authors discuss complications of silicone injections, stages of silicone toxicosis, preoperative evaluation, patient selection, imaging, and the technique of ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) for removal of siliconomas. The outcomes have been very good with complete reduction in episodes of cellulitis and infection requiring antibiotics, as well as emergency room visits, which are relatively frequent preoperatively in this population. Although not a cure for this disabling problem, this technique can improve patients’ quality of life, helping to avoid extensive surgical resections as well as achieve favorable aesthetic results.