Highly purified liquid silicone placed in microdroplets to gradually rebuild select depressed acne scars by stimulating the skin’s own collagen, over conservative staged sessions.
Highly purified liquid injectable silicone (LIS) can be used in carefully selected patients to improve depressed acne scars by stimulating the body’s own collagen production. When injected using a microdroplet serial-puncture technique, silicone acts as a scaffold for gradual soft-tissue rebuilding rather than a temporary filler.
This is a specialized acne scar treatment reserved for appropriate candidates and performed conservatively over multiple sessions.
A recently published study (Highly Purified Microdroplet Liquid Injectable Silicone for the Treatment of Acne Scars in Lighter and Darker Skin Types, Salame and Brody, Dermatologic Surgery 2023) demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of silicone microdroplet treatment for distensible acne scars.
Silicone microdroplet injections use medical-grade, highly purified liquid silicone placed in microscopic amounts beneath depressed scars. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, silicone is not absorbed. Instead it is inert, remains stable, and stimulates controlled collagen formation around each droplet.
In our clinic, we use silicone injections only for acne scarring. We do not use it for any other indication, nor do we use it in the lips.
Silicone injections are not designed for instant volume replacement and are not appropriate for all scar types.
Silicone is injected beneath individual scars using a very fine needle. Because silicone is chemically inert, it remains unchanged in the tissue.
Over the following weeks to months:
Fibroblasts produce new collagen around each microdroplet.
Repeated treatments gradually elevate depressed scars.
Temporary swelling may occur immediately after treatment, but true improvement develops slowly and progressively, which is intentional and safer.
Silicone microdroplet injections may be considered for patients with:
A detailed acne scar evaluation is essential before treatment.
Silicone acne scar correction is progressive.
Spacing treatments appropriately is critical to avoid overcorrection.
Most patients experience:
Patients usually return to normal activities the same day, and makeup can typically be used shortly after treatment.
When performed properly using pure medical-grade silicone and a microdroplet technique, complications are uncommon but possible.
These risks are minimized through conservative dosing, proper technique, and appropriate patient selection.
Concerns about silicone largely stem from historical misuse, including:
Medical-grade liquid silicone has been used in medicine for decades. In 1998, an independent National Science Panel found no evidence linking silicone to systemic disease.
In December 1998, a specially appointed National Science Panel, composed of four eminent scientists from immunology, epidemiology, toxicology, and rheumatology, reported its unanimous conclusion that there was no evidence linking silicone in breast implants to any systemic disease. The panel’s report was based on a year-long analysis of the most rigorously tested and relevant scientific information available.
Yes. Liquid injectable silicone is FDA-approved as a medical device. U.S. law allows licensed physicians to use legally marketed devices within a legitimate physician-patient relationship.
Silicone injections are frequently combined with:
Combination treatment often produces superior results compared to any single modality.
Silicone microdroplet injections use highly purified liquid injectable silicone placed in tiny amounts beneath select depressed acne scars. The goal is gradual soft-tissue building as the skin forms collagen around each microdroplet over time.
They are best for select depressed (atrophic) scars, including certain well-defined acne scars and some chickenpox scars. They are not used for raised keloid or hypertrophic scars.
Temporary fillers provide immediate volume but are absorbed over time. Silicone microdroplets are placed conservatively in staged sessions and can create long-lasting correction by stimulating collagen formation around each droplet.
Most patients need multiple sessions. Early treatments are often spaced about one month apart, and later sessions are spaced farther apart, commonly 3 to 6 months, to evaluate collagen formation and reduce the risk of overcorrection.
You may see temporary swelling immediately after treatment, but true improvement is gradual and develops over weeks to months as collagen forms around the microdroplets.
When pure, medical-grade liquid injectable silicone is used with a conservative microdroplet technique and appropriate patient selection, complications are uncommon. Risks exist and should be reviewed during your consultation.
Migration has historically been associated with large-volume injections and improper techniques. With the conservative microdroplet serial-puncture technique, migration is not seen.
Common short-term effects include temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, and occasional bruising. Less common risks include overcorrection or surface irregularities, firmness, discoloration in very thin skin, and rare inflammatory reactions. If a raised bump were to develop around the silicone, it sometimes will not respond to injections and may require surgical removal.
Liquid injectable silicone is FDA-approved as a medical device. U.S. law permits licensed clinicians to use legally marketed devices within a legitimate clinician-patient relationship. Dr. Singer can discuss how this applies to your care.
Yes. Silicone microdroplet injections are often part of a combination plan that may include subcision, TCA CROSS, punch excision, laser resurfacing, microneedling, and chemical peels.
No. Silicone microdroplet treatment is intentionally staged over time. The goal is controlled, progressive correction rather than immediate large-volume filling.
There is some discomfort, since multiple needle injections are required, often dozens in a single session. Topical anesthesia is a must. Some people prefer oral Xanax as well, but if you choose oral Xanax you will need a driver with you.
Craig Singer MD Dermatology is located at 31000 Telegraph Rd., Suite 260, Bingham Farms, MI 48025. Call (248) 792-3785 to schedule a consultation.
The placement of silicone is permanent and will not dissolve. Silicone and the collagen it stimulates are long-lasting. However, aging continues and additional treatments may be desired over time. In the largest published study, people were followed for an average of 6 years and continued to show the benefit they had achieved.
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Recognized dermatologist
Located in Bingham Farms, Acne Center Of Michigan was founded by Dr. Craig Singer, a board-certified dermatologist.
We specialize in the treatment of acne and acne scarring, offering numerous therapeutic options tailored to each patient’s needs.
Dr. Singer experienced significant acne when he was in college and has personal experience with his teenage children’s acne as well. He has helped thousands of patients look their best.
Acne Center of Michigan offers the most advanced acne treatments, drawing from both traditional and alternative approaches. Dermatologists across the region refer their most complex acne-scar cases to Dr. Singer, and patients travel from across Michigan, neighboring states, and Canada for his care.
Dermatologist
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