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What is Silicone oil?
Silicone oil is a sterile, colorless liquid approved by the FDA as a surgical device. Cosmetic surgeons are choosing medical-grade Silicone oil as their preferred treatment for a more permanent correction.
How do microinjections of Silicone oil work?
Silicone oil is injected in micro-droplets through a tiny needle at multiple points under the skin to treat facial contour defects. Over time skin cells produce new collagen that grows a capsule around the silicone droplets. Collagen growth is stimulated by continued injections over time and gradually fills in the depression or wrinkle.
Are micro-injections of Silicone oil legal?
Yes, the FDA has approved Silicone oil as a medical device. Its primary use is the repair of retinal detachments. According to the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, a licensed practitioner may prescribe or administer any legally marketed device to any legitimate patient. The cosmetic usage of Silicon oil is considered an off-label treatment.
Is it safe?
In 1991, during accusations that silicone breast implants caused autoimmune disease, the FDA stopped companies from marketing silicone for cosmetic purposes. This was despite 22-year’s worth of clinical experience and positive long-term outcomes with injectable, medical-grade Silicone oil. Most reported problems resulted from the use of huge amounts of impure formulations of silicone. In 1998, an independent National Science Panel reported that there is no evidence that links silicone to any systemic disease. Unfortunately, because of such controversies, the product has yet to receive FDA approval for cosmetic usage.
What areas respond the best to Silicone oil treatments?
The most common treatment areas include: depressed scars, frown lines, and lines around the mouth.
How many treatments will I need?
Patients receive their desired level of improvement through a series of treatments spread over several months. This allows the body time to grow new collagen around the silicone droplets. The number of treatments required will vary depending on the depth of the depression and the length of the wrinkle. The results are progressive and you will notice subtle correction with each treatment. As you achieve full correction treatments intervals are expanded to three to six month intervals.
What to do prior to the procedure?
We recommend avoiding alcohol, aspirin, Advil, ibuprofen, Aleve, homeopathic supplements one week prior to the procedure to minimize bruising.
Will the injections hurt?
Discomfort is minimal. Silicone oil is injected through a tiny needle; nevertheless, we recommend you come a half hour prior to your appointment time to have our staff apply a topical anesthetic cream.
How will I feel after my treatment?
You may resume normal activity immediately after. Slight swelling may be present after injection and will resolve in a few days. If there is any bruising, it can be covered with make-up and usually resolves within a week.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call:
212-675-0549