Liquid silicone for soft tissue augmentation

BACKGROUND. The use of liquid silicone for soft tissue augmentation has been associated with a great deal of controversy and negative publicity. It is hoped that this monograph will clarifysome of the substantive issues behind the controversy. OBJECTIVE. To outline and discuss the history, legal status, indications, contraindications, technique, and complications associated with the use of liquid silicone for soft tissue augmentation. METHODS. Impressions derived from a 22-year experience involving the treatment of over 3,000 patients using liquid silicone are presented, along with data abstracted from the scientific and the lay literature. CONCLUSION. Pure liquid silicone may be superior to any currently available agent in properly selected patients for permanent correction of certain types of defects. Physicians who use it, however, must be advised that the misuse of this agent or other materials masquerading as liquid silicone have created a pervasive climate of distrust and a veritable minefield of extraordinarily unpleasant medicolegal possibilities.