Is It Safe to Have CO2 Laser if I Have Liquid Silicone Injection on the Face? (photo)

Question

I've had liquid silicone injection 5 years ago, now I want to get my acne scar treated(mild scaring). According to some post here YAG laser is safe for people with silicone injection but how about CO2 laser/Fraxel. or are these two procedure too much for my skin problem. many thanks.

Carlos Alberto Ríos García, MD · Answer

Regards, 
Liquid silicone is unsafe, please do not use it ever. The autoimmune response could be triggered by this substance, if you look around on the Internet, you will find patients that have a lot of problems with this product. The use for lips and other areas is off label. 
According to your question, it is safe that you do CO2 laser after silicone injections because it is superficial. However, the best solution is to remove the product as much as possible, but remember that you can never remove it completely, it is not possible.
Please remember to be aware, do not let any permanenrt filler to be injected into your face, breast, buttocks, calfs, genitalia, etc. The safest way to increase buttocks is through your own fat injections or through silicone implants.
I hope the information was usefull, have a nice day! Dr Carlos Rios.

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

Silicone injections in various parts of the body has been done quite frequently all over the country.  The difficulty with silicone injections begins with the quality of the silicone itself.  I have seen many cases where industrial grade silicone has been injected inside the human body.  This can be a tremendous disaster.  Problems can include infections, granulomas, cellulitis, and persistent skin infections, disfigurement and skin dimpling.  It is very easy to have silicone injected, but very difficult to have it removed.  The removal can frequently be very complex and involved lengthy surgery. Multiple operation is not uncommon.   It is not uncommon to expect scars in locations that would otherwise be undesirable.  If you do have silicone, or are having problem with silicone that was injected by a non-healthcare provider then you should certainly seek medical attention.  Some solutions include IV antibiotics, oral antibiotics and surgery after the inflammation has subsided.  Removing the silicone is not just a cosmetic issue but also an issue of better health.  Depending on the type of silicone injected concerns with autoimmune diseases and infections are foremost.  Taking medications such as ibuprofen or cortisone is only a temporary measure.  The real solution is surgery.  Not all plastic surgeons are willing to operate on patients who have had silicone injected in their body.  Many of these cases are not covered by insurance because they were performed for cosmetic reasons.  My recommendation to anyone that has had silicone injections and wishes to have it removed, is to seek a board certified plastic surgeon who is likely willing to do more than 1 operation as well as willing to do some of these operations in a hospital setting. I have had patients visit me for removal of silicone and the discussion to proceed is never an easy one.

Channing R. Barnett, MD · Answer

It is safe for you to get CO2 laser treatments after having had silicone injections. My Father and colleague has been injecting silicone for over 40 years and myself over 5 years, and many of our patients go on to safely have all different types of laser treatments. Hope this helps!

Is It Safe to Have CO2 Laser if I Have Liquid Silicone Injection on the Face? (photo)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Silicone Injections

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is It Safe to Have CO2 Laser if I Have Liquid Silicone Injection on the Face? (photo)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Silicone Injections

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.