Silicone granulomas are a skin condition that occur as a reaction to liquid silicones, and are characterized by the formation of nodules.[1]: 46
Formation of a granuloma is a common tissue response to a range of foreign bodies. Silicone can be directly injected into tissue as part of a cosmetic procedure or it can leak from silicone implants. The formation and consequences of silicon-induced granulomas is not well described or understood. The extent of damage that they cause is controversial.[2]
Treatment of silicone granulomas and removal of unwanted silicone have historically been very challenging. Anti-inflammatory agents (e.g., oral corticosteroids, allopurinol, colchicine, isotretinoin, cyclosporine, imiquimod, antibiotics) may help treat the granulomatous inflammation,[17] but do not address or remove the underlying source silicone material. Surgical excision allows for removal of the underlying source of inflammation, but is often deferred due to associated scarring.[18]
More recently, a case of successful removal of injected silicone using microcoring technology was reported, providing a potential scar-less option for its removal.[18]
^Schwartzfarb, E. M.; Hametti, J. M.; Romanelli, P; Ricotti, C (2008). "Foreign body granuloma formation secondary to silicone injection". Dermatology Online Journal. 14 (7): 20. doi:10.5070/D37JX780XV. PMID18718204.
^Poveda, R; Bagán, J. V.; Murillo, J; Jiménez, Y (2006). "Granulomatous facial reaction to injected cosmetic fillers--a presentation of five cases". Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral y Cirugia Bucal. 11 (1): E1–5. PMID16388285.
^Blum, A; Abboud, W; Shajrawi, I; Tatour, I (2007). "Prolonged fever due to silicone granulomatosis". The Israel Medical Association Journal. 9 (2): 121–2. PMID17348488.
^Emekli, U; Tümerdem, B; Demiryont, M (2002). "Rupture of a silicone gel mammary prosthesis and amyloidosis: A case report". Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 26 (5): 383–7. doi:10.1007/s00266-002-2022-x. PMID12432480. S2CID6865930.
^Goldman, A. B.; Bansal, M (1996). "Amyloidosis and silicone synovitis: Updated classification, updated pathophysiology, and synovial articular abnormalities". Radiologic Clinics of North America. 34 (2): 375–94, xi. doi:10.1016/S0033-8389(22)00474-2. PMID8633122. S2CID251523786.