Can silicone gel in the body be excreted or metabolized? Where does it end up?

Question

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Silicone is an inert substance, it does not cause any severe reactions.  It does not breakdown and is not absorbed by the body.   The body instead will "wall it off" with scar tissue, as it does with anything that is not normally found on the body.  It therefore tends to stay where it is.  It can rarely be taken up by the lymphatic system and end up in lymph nodes, but this is uncommon.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Silicone in the body does not break down or metabolize. It stays there. The only way to get it out is to excise and surgically remove it. This is why it is illegal in many states to inject it (NOT for implants, but for actual silicone injections). Also, this is why I don't like it. Your body will continue to age around it, and so many times the person with the silicone will end up looking quite deformed."This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Can silicone gel in the body be excreted or metabolized? Where does it end up?

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Can silicone gel in the body be excreted or metabolized? Where does it end up?

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Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

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