Is silicone causing my leg muscles to atrophy?

Question

I’ve had several silicone injections in the past although I don’t have a dramatic result at all, however doctors aren’t able to find anything wrong with me when doing blood work but I’m experiencing some serious muscle wasting in the legs it also looks like I have knock knees all of a sudden and sometimes I stumble walking or standing so they are definitely weaker and my legs look very thin and muscle all lost and sunken sucked in can u tell me what u think it is and wat specialist can help

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the potential link between silicone injections and muscle atrophy in your legs. I understand your concerns related to the difficulties you are experiencing with walking and standing, along with the observed shrinking of your leg muscles.

Injecting silicone into the body can potentially lead to muscle wasting or atrophy. This could occur due to the body's inflammatory response that gets triggered upon silicone injection. Your body naturally responds to the injected silicone by forming scar tissue. This scar tissue can surround and exert pressure on the nearby nerves. In cases where these nerves are chronically compressed, it can lead to muscle atrophy or shrinking.

In your situation, it is crucial that you consult with both a neurologist and a plastic surgeon who specializes in silicone removal. They can collaborate to create a comprehensive diagnostic approach for your situation.

The diagnostic plan should include imaging studies such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of both your buttock and thighs to assess the extent and location of the silicone. The MRI can provide detailed images of the soft tissues and detect any potential pressure on the nerves due to scar tissue formation.

Additionally, an Electromyography (EMG) test should be included in your diagnostic plan. This test evaluates the health condition of muscles and the nerve cells that control them. It can provide useful information regarding any nerve or muscle damage caused by silicone injections.

Bloodwork should also be carried out to rule out any other potential causes of your muscle wasting, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your medical concerns.

In light of the problems you're facing, I strongly recommend considering silicone removal. This step could prevent the further progression of your symptoms and potential complications.

Lastly, you might also be experiencing a group of symptoms known as Asia syndrome. This syndrome, also known as Autoimmune/Inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA), can be experienced by individuals who have had silicone injections. If this is the case, removing the silicone may also help alleviate these symptoms.

Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about muscle wasting due to silicone injections. I hope this information is helpful and encourages you to seek prompt medical attention.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Silicone biopolymers are commonly used in the face and body. They may sometimes cause noticeable symptoms that we gauge using the Karamanoukian Soft Tissue Reaction Grading Scale from I to V. The severity of your complications dictates the interventions needed, ranging from itching and burning to severe necrosis of the soft tissue. Nerve pain and symptomatic swelling is also possible. Insurance may cover your surgery, but that is a discussion that requires you to contact and appeal to your insurance carrier. Options for removal are complex and depend on whether you have the material in your face or body. We reverse BBL with silicone commonly and remove silicone from the lips very commonly. Diffuse silicone in the face is not likely to respond to removal. Filler migration, swelling, and granulomas can cause significant discomfort and cosmetic ramifications. Our office specializes in the use of enzymes and filler reversal techniques without hyaluronidase to help improve the results of botched cosmetic fillers, whether caused by Juvederm, Restylane, or foreign fillers. We can also test for the material to determine the likelihood of silicone granulomas and silicone reaction.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jeremy S. Nikfarjam, MD · Answer

Hi Perrota,
I'm sorry to hear of your symptoms. You should seek out a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in silicone disease. I have a team of other specialists that help my patients who are suffering from silicone disease secondary to illegal injections. There is little published scientific data on this condition, so the best thing we can rely upon is experience right now. The one thing I know about silicone first hand, is that no two cases are alike, and that there are always surprises in how this material affects other systems in the body. Feel free to reach out here and my team can schedule an in-person or virtual consultation. 
I wish you luck in your search for treatment!
Dr. Nik

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

No posted photos? No areas were silicone injected? If was injected into buttock must obtain ultrasound or MRI of buttock to se amounts of silicone present. Then partial excision or buttock de gloving of silicone injected tissue by excision or lipo or both. Maybe decreasing the smiths of silicone present in body could effectively reverse your issues. Fees range from $6,000-$25,000. Best yo virtual consult with…

Is silicone causing my leg muscles to atrophy?

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