Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether prior silicone injection increases the risks associated with carbon dioxide laser resurfacing.

DESIGN:

Laboratory determination of the effect of laser energy on liquid silicone; histologic evaluation of silicone-injected skin after lasing; and histologic demonstration of silicone deposits in all layers of dermis years after injection of silicone as filler fluid.

SETTING:

Tertiary care medical center. PATIENT-RELATED DATA: Histologic examination of freshly excised skin injected with microdroplets of liquid silicone and subjected to application of carbon dioxide laser energy; histologic examination of skin excised years after silicone injection.

INTERVENTIONS:

High-speed clinical photographic imaging of the effect of laser energy on silicone fluid; histologic examination of hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections of skin injected with liquid silicone and subsequently lased.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Response of liquid silicone to application of laser energy; effect of this response on surrounding normal skin.

RESULTS:

Exposure of microdroplets of liquid silicone to carbon dioxide laser energy produced flaring with frank flame. Flaring of dermal silicone caused collateral skin damage.

CONCLUSIONS:

Prior injection with liquid silicone is a relative contraindication to cutaneous resurfacing with the carbon dioxide laser. Surgical excision of silicone-injected skin may be preferable for many patients. A strenuous needs assessment should be done, alternatives for skin rejuvenation considered, and comprehensive informed consent obtained from the patient before embarking on laser resurfacing of silicone-injected skin.