Silicon/ Silicone injections for acne scars.

Silicon micro-droplet injections

Although fillers such as Restylane and Hydrafill give excellent results in most areas of the face, there are a number of areas such as marionette lines (the lines that run down from the corner of the mouth to the chin) and smoker’s lines where they give mixed results. This is because these areas are hyper-dynamic and this continuous movement causes conventional hyaluronic acid fillers to break down very quickly leaving many people unhappy with the results.

Why doesn’t this happen with Silicon?

Silicon works in a different way to fillers such as Restylane. Micro-injections of medical grade silicon are injected into the wrinkle area. This causes small amounts of collagen to form around the droplet and cosmetically a filling result.

Is Silicon permanent?

Yes and no- Silicon does give a permanent result. Small injections of steroids can however be used to reverse the effects within the first few months following treatment.

Which areas do you treat with Silicon?

Although it is possible to treat all areas with silicon we only treat areas where there are small defects in the tissue ie acne crater scars or deep lines.

Most common treatment areas:

• Peri-oral (smoker’s) lines
• Frown lines
• Acne scars
• Depressed scars

Is Silicon really safe?

In 1991, during all of the accusations that silicon breast implants caused autoimmune disease, the FDA in the US stopped companies from marketing “liquid silicon” for cosmetic purposes. This was despite the 22 years worth of good clinical experience and long-term outcomes with injectable medical grade Silicon oil. Most reported problems resulted from the use of huge amounts of impure formulations of silicon.

In 1998, an independent National Science Panel reported its unanimous conclusion that there is no evidence whatsoever that links silicon to any systemic disease.

How do micro-injections of Silicon oil work?

Silicon oil is injected in micro-droplets, through a tiny needle at multiple points under the skin. Over time, skin cells called fibroblasts produce new collagen, which in turn grows around the silicon droplets. More collagen growth is stimulated by serial injections, spread over time. As this progression continues, the collagen-encapsulated silicon droplets gradually fill in the depression or wrinkle.

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients do not achieve 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 three and six monthly intervals

What to expect

After injection with silicon oil there may be a little swelling or bruising which will settle quickly. Over the next few weeks there is a gradual build up of collagen which will smooth and reduce the scar.

Are micro-injections of Silicon legal?

Yes. Silicon is classed as a medical device. Its primary use is in the repair of retinal detachments. However a medically qualified doctor or surgeon may prescribe or administer any legally marketed device to any legitimate patient.

For more information email us on info@glowmedical.co.uk or visit us at www.glowmedical.co.uk