Silicone Injection Research Articles (Page 1)

Implant-based breast augmentation remains widely practiced but is increasingly scrutinized due to complications such as rupture, capsular contracture, and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Fat grafting provides a natural alternative but is limited by variable resorption. To overcome these limitations, we investigated a hybrid autologous approach combining bilateral pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flaps with supplementary fat grafting. This prospective, single-center case series included 55 female patients treated between June 2022 and September 2024 for indications including implant removal, free silicone injection complications, and post-pregnancy hypoplasia. Bilateral pedicled TRAM flaps were inset in the subglandular plane, and autologous fat grafting was performed for volume refinement. Outcomes were evaluated using 3 Tesla MRI and BREAST-Q (Version 2.0) questionnaire over a 6-12 month follow-up. Fat retention was calculated by subtracting known flap volume from total postoperative breast volume. Complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification. A post hoc power analysis was performed. All flaps were viable with no partial or total loss. The mean TRAM flap volume was 227cc; mean fat graft volume was 53.9cc per breast. MRI confirmed a mean fat retention rate of 83.0%, exceeding published benchmarks. No Grade II or higher complications occurred. Patient satisfaction was high: 98.2% agreed that surgical outcomes met expectations. The mean BREAST-Q score was 64.5 (Rasch scale), with a positive correlation between graft volume and satisfaction (r=0.288). A moderate inverse correlation was noted between ideal breast size and perceived life impact (r=-0.375, p=0.005). Post hoc analysis confirmed >80% power to detect medium effect sizes. The TRAM flap plus fat grafting technique provides a durable, safe, and highly satisfying autologous solution for complex breast revision cases. It offers robust volume restoration and aesthetic refinement with minimal morbidity. MRI and validated patient-reported outcomes support its efficacy as a targeted alternative in selected patients. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A Patient with Polyuria and Polydipsia Following Silicone Injections.

Corneal intrastromal silicone injection in severe corneal decompensation as a last resort for pain management: A case series.

Clinical Presentations and Complications of Illicit and Large Volume Silicone Injections Performed in Medical Spa Facilities.

Facial Gender-Affirming Surgery: Lower Face Feminization.

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) affects 14% of the population. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is standard, but commercially available interfaces may be ineffective due to poor fit. Three-dimensional (3D) printing can customise PAP therapy interfaces. Is it feasible to manufacture and use 3D-printed customised oronasal PAP interfaces in clinical practice? Do customised interfaces improve patient comfort and reduce side effects compared to off-the-shelf interfaces? A single-site feasibility study involving 10 healthy and 10 patient participants was undertaken. A 3D facial scan was used to 3D print a mould, injected with medical-grade silicone to create a oronasal customised interface. Participants underwent a 10-minute trial with both off-the-shelf and customised interfaces. Comfort (Visual Analogue Scale), skin reactions, and interface leak (L/min) were measured. Patient participants used the customised interface for five nights at home, with data collected on Apnoea Hypopnoea Index (AHI), interface leak, and PAP therapy concordance. The study recruited 20 participants. Customised oronasal interfaces showed a failure rate in manufacturing (23.75% 3D printing, 50%: silicone injection). Adverse reactions were 10% in the patient study. Comfort scores were similar between interfaces. Interface leak was lower with customised interfaces after five nights. AHI was reduced with customised interfaces, but with a trend towards decreased PAP therapy concordance. The study demonstrated 3D-printed customised oronasal PAP interfaces can be manufactured, with potential benefits of reduced interface leak and AHI. Improvements in manufacturing processes are needed to reduce failure rates. Further research via a randomised controlled trial with a longer duration is warranted.

Modern hepatic resections need to consider hepatic vein variations to reduce surgical complications. In this study we determined the variation in the branching pattern of hepatic veins by modified luminal casting technique and evaluated the association of the hepatic vein variations with morphological variations of the liver. The morphological features of thirty formalin-fixed livers were noted. The branching pattern of the hepatic veins was studied by retrograde injection of silicone into the hepatic veins through the inferior vena cava. According to the descriptions given by previous studies, the right, middle, left hepatic veins, and combined middle and left hepatic venous branching patterns were categorized. The data was analyzed statistically. The predominant hepatic vein patterns were De Cecchis type I right hepatic vein (30%), Neumann type I middle hepatic vein (67%), and Reichert type I left hepatic vein (70%). A common trunk for the middle and left hepatic vein was present in 60% and Wind’s type II was more common (30%) followed by type I (20%) and type III (10%). While there was no association between the De Cecchis and Wind types, 90% of the conical-shaped livers exhibited type II middle/left hepatic vein pattern of Wind’s classification. The present study also observed a rare variation of an accessory inferior left hepatic vein.

Augmenting the interpretation: Imaging the head and face implants and their complications.

Microvascular decompression (MVD) is the standard surgical treatment for hemifacial spasm (HFS), with the retrosigmoid (RA) and modified transjugular (MTA) approaches being the most commonly used. Cadaveric models play a crucial role in neurosurgical training by providing anatomical accuracy and hands-on experience. However, traditional cadaveric models have notable limitations, including the absence of intraoperative bleeding, brain pulsations, and natural tissue elasticity, all of which reduce the realism of surgical simulations. Formalin fixation preserves tissue structure but increases stiffness, altering the tactile feedback essential for precise surgical maneuvers. Similarly, while silicone injection enhances vascular visualization, it does not simulate active bleeding, preventing trainees from practicing hemostatic techniques. Latex injection has been proposed as an alternative, offering better vessel flexibility and more realistic perfusion. Another key limitation is the lack of pulsatility, a critical factor in live surgeries where rhythmic vessel movements influence precision. Rumi Faizer's study on pulsatile cadaveric models demonstrated enhanced vascular training by improving realism in vessel handling and procedural execution. Applying similar pulsatile perfusion techniques to MVD training could create more dynamic simulations, allowing trainees to refine their skills in conditions that closely mimic live surgery. Incorporating fresh cadavers, latex perfusion, and pulsatile models into neurosurgical education could significantly enhance training fidelity, ensuring better preparedness and improved surgical outcomes.

The objective of this study was to measure and compare the mechanical properties of conventional and three additively manufactured soft tissue silicone materials, while evaluating the precision of additively manufactured (AMed) materials through different printing angles. Three additively manufactured soft tissue silicone materials were used, in addition to one conventional self-curing injectable silicone material as a control. AMed materials were divided into three groups with three build angles. Mechanical testing was conducted for tensile and compressive strength by a universal testing machine and Shore A hardness by a durometer. Accuracy analysis of additively manufactured materials (n = 20/group) was performed following superimposition and root mean square (RMS) calculation. Statistical differences between the groups were assessed with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test at a significance level of p < 0.05. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed for fracture surface analyses. The tensile strength of all additively manufactured silicone soft tissue materials was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) than that of the control material. All additively manufactured soft tissue material groups had significantly higher compressive strengths (p < 0.0001) and Shore A hardness values. Accuracy analysis showed no significant difference between the groups when compared at the same printing angle (0°, 45°, and 90°); however, within each material group, printing at 45° had higher RMS values than specimens printed at an angle of 0° and 90°. The conventional soft tissue material (control) had a significantly higher tensile strength than all the AMed soft tissue materials, whereas the opposite trend was found for flexural strength and shore hardness. When selecting an AMed material for soft tissue casts used during implant restoration fabrication, it is recommended to print the soft tissues at either 0° or 90°.

The purpose of this report was to highlight a case of migratory conjunctival silicone granuloma formation years after silicone breast implantation. A 65-year-old woman with history of silicone breast implant placement presented with an elevated yellow lesion on the bulbar conjunctiva. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography showed subepithelial cystic spaces. Excisional biopsy demonstrated silicone granulomata. After conjunctival biopsy with amniotic membrane reconstruction, her conjunctiva healed nicely and there was no residual visible lesion. This case report contributes to our current understanding of the possibility of silicone migration from a distant implant site to the ocular adnexa, specifically the conjunctiva. It is important for corneal specialists and general ophthalmologists to gather a history of exogenous silicone use that could trigger systemic inflammatory responses and granuloma formation distant from the original site of silicone injection or implantation.

In the current landscape of hearing rehabilitation, ear mold manufacturing typically involves the injection of silicone into the external ear canal (EEC) of each patient. This invasive procedure poses several risks, including the potential for silicone residue retention and tympanic membrane perforation, which may necessitate surgical intervention. To mitigate these risks, we present the design of a video otoscope that integrates a scanner capable of capturing high-precision, real-time images of the EEC’s geometry. The developed device allows (i) the generation of a 3D CAD model leading to the direct, quick, and low-cost production of customized hearing aids using 3D printing and (ii) the establishment of medical protocols for carrying out diagnoses and monitoring of hearing pathology evolution using methodologies based on Artificial Intelligence. Furthermore, the use of customized hearing aids that allow the application of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) and music therapy enhances audiology as an alternative and innovative way to treat cognitive and degenerative diseases, as well as pathological disorders.

Dysmobility of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) often arises following trauma, inflammation, or surgery, leading to joint stiffness and reduced range of motion. This condition results from capsular shortening and the development of arthrofibrosis, which restricts mobility and contributes to contracture formation. This study investigates the influence of joint position on capsular space volume distribution in the PIPJ, hypothesizing that the mid-flexion position maximizes capsular space, contributing to ligament shortening and arthrofibrosis. This study investigates the influence of joint position on capsular space volumen distribution in PIPJ, hypothesizing that the mid- flexion position maximizes capsular space, contributing to ligament shortening and arthrofibrosis. A cadaveric study examining capsuloligamentous dynamics of the PIPJ across various joint positions. Fifteen fingers from five fresh frozen cadaver specimens were evaluated through three studies: RESULTS: 1. The PIPJdemonstrated close-packed positions at full flexion and extension, with maximum capsular space volume observed in the mid-flexion position (30°-40° flexion). 2. Silicone injection consistently held the joint in a mid-flexion position, indicating maximal capsular volume. 3. Latex distribution varied with joint position, concentrating dorsally in extension, spreading equally volar-dorsal in mid-flexion and shifting volarly in flexion. We propose call to call the mid-flexion position(of 30º-40º flexion) the "neutral" position. This position maximizes capsular space volume, facilitating ligament shortening and arthrofibrosis. Extension minimizes volar capsularspace volume and may be essential for preventing flexion contractures. Clinically, immobilizing the proximal interphalangeal joint in extension with dorsal compression may help prevent contracture and reduce edema, while manual therapy should target the mid-flexion position to enhance joint mobilization.

In facial cosmetic surgery, injectable liquid silicone has been used to augment the cheek and the lips and to camouflage facial wrinkles. However, complications started to arise in 1964 as postoperative silicone granuloma formation. The purpose of this study is to introduce our experience in facial reconstruction after injectable silicon oil with a sequential 3-step approach: transoral surgical excision, full-face fat grafting, and hyaluronic acid filler. A retrospective study was conducted for all patients affected by facial granulomatosis due to liquid silicone injection who underwent surgical treatment between January 2018 and June 2020 at the Unit of Maxillo-Facial Surgery at the Hospital "Policlinico San Martino" (Genoa, Italy). Three female patients completed the entire surgical pathway. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 58.7 years (range, 52-65y). There was no clinical recurrence of the facial deformity during a mean follow-up of 14 months. Apart from the standard postoperative discomforts such as bruising, edema, and pain, the authors did not observe major complications. Our 3-step approach is a safe and viable option that can be offered to motivated patients affected by granulomatous facial reactions. Level 3.

Liquid Injectable Silicone (LIS) has become a widely utilized material in various cosmetic interventions such as body contouring and enhancement. While these applications often yield positive aesthetic and functional outcomes, the use of silicone is not without risks, earning an FDA warning. This cautionary stance prompts some patients to seek LIS treatment from unlicensed practitioners inside and outside of the US. Adverse effects of LIS use can vary, from infections, necrosis and embolization. Silicone-induced granulomas, though infrequently reported, represent a challenging complication that can manifest in the aftermath of cosmetic procedures acutely and many years later. This case report aims to contribute to the growing body of literature on silicone-induced granulomas by presenting a unique clinical case.

Introduction. Penile siliconoma is an uncommon condition resulting from silicone injections into the penis, often prompted by the desire to enhance sexual performance or physical appearance. However, these procedures are associated with a significant risk of complications, including infection, granuloma formation, and penile deformation. Case. This case report describes a case of penile siliconoma in an 18-year-old male patient from a rural area who underwent penile silicone injection without medical supervision. The patient presented with thickening of the skin on the penile shaft accompanied by sores and severe pain due to self-injecting hair oil. Surgical procedures by urologists with partial excision, extraction of necrotic tissue, and reconstruction are carried out in the hope of preventing further damage to the penis. Conclusion. The case presented here underscores the critical need for patients to exercise caution and seek medical guidance before undergoing any unauthorized cosmetic procedures, particularly those involving the injection of foreign materials into sensitive areas of the body.

Lipoid pneumonia is a rare entity most often associated with inhalation of foreign material (i.e. "fire-eater's lung"), silicone injection, and severe trauma. We present the case of a 61-year old man who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for cholelithiasis. Intensive care supportive therapy included mechanical ventilation, dialysis, and total parenteral nutrition. Unresolved pneumothorax necessitated lobectomy. Histology of the lobectomy specimen demonstrated massive intra-alveolar haemorrhage and numerous alveolar septal macrophages with clear cytoplasmic vacuoles. These findings were diagnostic of interstitial lipoid pneumonia due to intravenous administration of lipid emulsions. The differential diagnosis is also discussed. Although rare, interstitial lipoid pneumonia should be considered in critically ill patients presenting with an interstitial pattern of lung disease after intravenous administration of lipid emulsions.

This research project focuses on the design and fabrication of a deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode used for Parkinson’s disease. It is a combination of technologies, such as 3D printing injection of polymers and silicones at high and low temperatures, used to develop a manufacturing process of a DBS electrode prototype. For the manufacturing process of the DBS electrode, two case studies are proposed, one at high temperature and the other at room temperature. Rings are used for communication at the ends with the deep brain stimulation (DBS). For the development, different types of molds and nozzles were proposed, considering various variables to control the material flow since polymers or copolymers melted at high temperatures behave differently from silicones injected at room temperature. The injection of Polyamide as a coating for a silver core in a mold, as well as the injection of silicone over a steel core, have been applied theoretically and experimentally. The results show a new method and technique to produce DBS electrodes at a low cost.

Inflammatory breast cancer following augmentation with silicone injections is a rare occurrence. We report a case of a 38-year-old female who presented 15 years after receiving silicone breast injections with inflammatory breast cancer. She underwent bilateral modified radical mastectomies after receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The final pathology revealed invasive ductal carcinoma, ER+, PR+, HER2—with tumor cells present in the dermis of the skin. She is now undergoing radiation therapy. Breast cancer after silicone injections should be aggressively screened for with special consideration given to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and contrast-enhanced spectral mammography. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can improve patient outcomes.

Local flaps are commonly used for reconstruction of digital soft-tissue defects. There remains a paucity of options available for small finger volar and dorsal soft-tissue defects distal to the proximal interphalangeal joint. The purpose of this study was to analyze perforators along the hypothenar palmar region arising from the artery of the ulnar side of the small finger as it comes off the superficial palmar arch for consistency and potential to be used for perforator-based flap reconstruction of soft-tissue defects and joint coverage of the small finger. Four cadaveric upper extremities were injected with Microfil silicone injection compound. Dissection was performed from the superficial palmar arch to the ulnar digital artery of the small finger, and perforators were identified and analyzed for consistency and utility. Flap elevation was performed based on these perforators in a small finger reverse ulnar digital artery fashion. All cadaveric dissections showed a suitable perforator pattern along the hypothenar palmar region with a minimum of 5 perforators available from which to base a flap to address dorsal and volar defects of the small finger. Two clinical examples are presented confirming the viability and utility of this flap. A detailed anatomic study with 2 clinical examples of this retrograde pedicle island flap is presented. The small finger reverse ulnar digital artery hypothenar palmar-based perforator flaps are a viable option with a reliable perforator pattern, providing a functional solution for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects and joint coverage of the small finger.