Carbon dioxide laser vaporization of facial siliconomas: flash in the pan or way of the future?

Abstract

In 1988, Becker first described the "laser silicone flash" encountered while using the CO2 laser to remove breast siliconosis, but no subsequent use of the CO2 laser to remove siliconomas has been reported since. To our knowledge, lasers have not been described to treat facial silicone granulomas. Three cases of facial silicone granuloma (cheek, upper eyelids, and chin) were treated using the technique of CO2 laser vaporization.We describe a novel and effective method to remove facial siliconomas. This technique could avoid the need for radical resection of functional facial tissues such as nerves. Tiny globules of injected silicone in the face were vaporized without any untoward effects. Whether larger siliconomas can be treated in the same way remains to be seen and is an area of potential study.