Nothing is quite as beautiful as soft, smooth, wrinkle-free skin. Unfortunately, skin changes are part of the natural aging process.
Over time, our skin becomes less elastic. Smoking, stress, sun exposure, excessive alcohol, pollutants in the air and illness all conspire to create lines, wrinkles and scars.
Until now, our only solution to this problem has been bovine (cow) collagen injections, which can cause allergic reactions, and are temporary. Silicone injections are offered by our doctor for patients in our region to provide a safe, long-lasting, medical grade, FDA-approved alternative to bovine and other short-lasting tissue fillers.
What, you thought Silicone was unsafe?
In 1991, during all of the accusations that silicone breast implants caused autoimmune disease, the FDA stopped companies from marketing “liquid silicone” for cosmetic purposes. This was despite the 22 year's worth of good clinical experience and 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 its unanimous conclusion that there is no evidence whatsoever that links silicone to any systemic disease.
Are micro-injections of Silicone oil legal?
Yes. The FDA has approved the use of Silicone oil (Silikon 1000) as a medical device primarily used in the repair of retinal detachments. According to the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, a licensed medical practitioner may prescribe or administer any legally marketed device to any legitimate patient.
How do micro-injections of Silicone oil work?
Silicone oil is injected by our physician in micro-droplets, through a tiny needle at multiple points under the skin, to treat facial contour defects. Over time skin cells called fibroblasts produce new collagen, which in turn grows around the silicone droplets. More collagen growth is stimulated by continued injections, spread over time. As this progression continues, the collagen-encapsulated silicone droplets gradually fill in the depression or wrinkle.
How many Silicone oil treatments will I need?
Most patients do not receive their desired level of improvement during the first visit. Typically treatments are spread over several months. The number of treatments required will vary depending on the depth of the depression and the length of the wrinkle. Since the results are progressive, you will notice more correction with each treatment. As full correction approaches, treatments can be expanded to 3 - 6 month intervals.
Will Silicone oil injections hurt?
Even though Silicone oil is injected through a tiny needle, most patients prefer to have some local anesthetic, especially if they are having their lips treated.
What areas respond the best to Silicone oil treatments?
The most common treatment areas include:
- peri-oral lines
- lips
- frown lines
- depressed scars
Cosmetic surgeons worldwide are choosing this medical-grade Silicone oil as their preferred treatment for a more permanent replacement material.
Some of the benefits of Silicone oil are:
- There is no need to harvest tissue from another site on your body
- Silicone oil can be used alone or in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels or facial surgery
What will I feel like after my Silicone oil treatment?
After our doctor performs Silicone oil micro-injections for fine lines, acne scars, forehead lines, the nasal labial fold area, crow's feet or the lips, patients are up and around immediately. Discomfort is minimal. Slight swelling may be present after treatment. This will subside in a few days. There may be some bruising, which can be covered with make-up. Any discomfort following the procedure can be controlled with medication.
Most patients return to normal activities the same day. What our patients like the most about Silicone oil is that it lasts and they look great!