Silicone Oil Removal

Silicone Oil / Permanent Filler
Silicone oil or permanent fillers are substances that cannot decompose and have not been approved by the FDA. However, they are still used for injections because they are inexpensive and can immediately enhance facial features and body proportions to appear more aesthetically pleasing. In addition, there are other non-biodegradable substances used for injections, such as paraffin, bioplastic, artificial fat, and non-standard fillers. These substances often cause numerous adverse effects after injection, such as palpable lumps, red rashes, the appearance of numerous capillaries, uneven or deformed skin, and chronic recurrent inflammation. According to statistical data from Chanisa Cosmetics Clinic, many patients seek consultations and treatments to remove such foreign substances.

Alleviation
1. Dissolving injection
Patients often mistakenly believe that injecting this substance can dissolve permanent fillers, but in reality, there is no medication capable of dissolving them. These substances only provide temporary relief of symptoms. The drug works by breaking down normal tissues along with scar tissue around the area where foreign substances were injected, softening any hardness. Doctors may decide to inject it before or after surgery, depending on their discretion.
Caution must be taken when injecting these substances, as it requires expertise. Improper injection can cause the skin to become uneven, wavy, thinner, more prone to acne, and with increased capillaries. Generally, if there is no significant contraction or excessive hardening of the tissue, it is not recommended to inject this substance.
2. Medication
This is considered a palliative treatment, suitable for patients who are not yet ready for surgery or for those whom the doctor has determined are not fit for surgery at that time. Most patients present with severe inflammation that has spread to other areas, rather than being localized. In such cases, surgery may exacerbate the inflammation.
The group of medications prescribed by the doctor typically includes antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain relievers. Self-medication is not recommended, as it can lead to antibiotic resistance and make further treatment more difficult.
Treatment
1. Dissolving injection
Only for FDA-approved standard fillers.
2. Suction - SOS Technique
- This is another surgical method for removing foreign substances from the body using a technique similar to liposuction. However, the procedure of puncturing or aspirating areas on the face must be performed by a specialized doctor due to the potential risks associated with facial nerves, such as facial drooping or difficulty raising the eyebrow. Patients must understand and accept these risks before the surgery can proceed. The doctor cannot precisely assess how much of the substance can be removed, only giving an approximate estimate based on the condition of the tissue and how hardened it is in the area.
- The aspiration of foreign substances, such as liquid silicone, using the SOS technique is performed when the foreign material has not yet solidified too much. This is a specialized technique used at the clinic that minimizes tissue damage by making a small incision, roughly the size of a needle hole. This approach leads to faster recovery and significantly reduces the risk of scarring.

3. Surgical Removal (SOSR technique)
The clinic’s SOSR technique effectively, precisely, and safely removes liquid substances. The method prioritizes scar concealment to ensure incisions blend seamlessly with the body’s contours. Meticulous suturing results in smooth, flawless outcomes. This technique is an effective way to remove foreign substances from the body. Once these substances harden, they cannot simply be suctioned out but require surgical removal. The procedure can be performed on various areas such as the forehead, upper eyelids, lower eyelids, nose, lips, chin, or other regions, depending on the physician’s assessment. The size of the surgical incision depends on the extent of the issue in the affected area.

Surgical Removal Only is recommended for cases involving well-defined lumps or chronic inflammation in the tissue. The clinic’s SOSR technique ensures efficient, precise, and safe removal of the substance. Additionally, it emphasizes scar concealment, resulting in smooth, natural-looking scars through meticulous suturing.
Removal with Premium Silicone Augmentation is an advanced surgical procedure for patients who have previously received foreign substance injections. In the past, silicone removal surgeries required a waiting period for tissues to recover before addressing deformities or enhancing the affected areas. This delay often necessitated multiple surgeries and left patients with temporary disfigurement. The clinic now offers simultaneous removal and augmentation in a single procedure. This approach prevents tissue collapse or deformity post-removal by reinforcing the structure with a silicone implant. The aesthetic improvements are a result of the augmentation and the silicone implant supporting the structure after removal. However, the feasibility of this procedure depends on the doctor’s assessment of the patient. Common areas for simultaneous removal and augmentation include the forehead, nose, chin, and chest. Limitations include cases of active inflammation or infection in the affected area.

Treatment Approaches
All of the above measures are aimed at reducing potential risks, such as minimizing the spread to nearby areas and reducing tissue deformities. Dr. Anun Suwantewakup, a plastic surgeon at Chanisa Cosmetics Clinic, stated that removing liquid silicone from the body is a surgical treatment to correct deformities, not a cosmetic procedure for aesthetic purposes. It is a treatment for a condition caused by patients’ unawareness or being misled into undergoing the procedure. While it cannot be completely cured, improvements can still be achieved, provided that patients understand that the treatment requires time and patience.
In the early stages after injection, corrections may be easier since the liquid silicone is still confined to a limited area. However, over time, as tissue damage progresses and the skin in the affected area changes in shape, treatment becomes more difficult. It is impossible to completely remove liquid silicone from the body through surgery or to restore the affected area to its original state 100%. Therefore, it is quite unrealistic for the operating physician to guarantee treatment results.

Q&A
According to statistics collected from patients treated at Chanisa Cosmetics Clinic, it has been found that foreign substances such as silicone oil can remain in the body of some individuals without causing a reaction. This means that not everyone who has had silicone oil injected will experience an adverse reaction. A small number of patients show no symptoms following the injection. Therefore, in these cases, surgical removal of the filler may not be necessary unless the individual develops symptoms of rejection, inflammation, or deformities.
The risk of inflammation depends on the type and amount of the substance injected, as well as the individual’s body’s response, which can vary from person to person. In most cases, inflammation occurs 3-5 years after liquid silicone injection, where the body may start to react with rejection, inflammation, or deformities. Therefore, it is highly recommended that patients consult directly with a doctor before being exposed to silicone oil or other foreign substances. They should inquire about the pros and cons of the substances used for injections and whether the doctor can address any unsatisfactory results. It is also important to ensure that the procedure is performed in a hospital or clinic that meets standards and is properly approved by the relevant medical authorities. Patients can verify the expertise of specialized surgeons at http://www.surgery.or.th/sur_list.php and https://www.tmc.or.th/check_md/.