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.
Department of Dermatology, Evagelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece.
C
C
Naoum
D
D
Dasiou-Plakida
K
K
Pantelidaki
C
C
Dara
D
D
Chrisanthakis
A
A
Perissios
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