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 mL) 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.
Naoum
C
C
Department of Dermatology, Evagelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Dasiou-Plakida
D
D
Pantelidaki
K
K
Dara
C
C
Chrisanthakis
D
D
Perissios
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001706:Biopsy; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000209:etiology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D005355:Fibrosis; D006101:Granuloma, Giant Cell / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000209:etiology; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011677:Punctures; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012307:Risk Factors; D012828:Silicones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D012828:Silicones