Liquid silicone or oil in the intimate area: how it is treated
Liquid silicone, oil and unknown substances cannot be broken down by the body. Problems may appear a few months after injection, or ten years later. The doctor starts by finding out what is inside, then plans with you whether to monitor, treat with medication, or operate.
What happens when these substances are injected?
Liquid silicone, paraffin and various oils cannot be broken down by the body, so it tries to wall them off with inflammation and scar tissue until lumps form (siliconoma or lipogranuloma). Some of the substance may migrate to the groin, inner thigh or inner labia. How soon problems appear cannot be predicted. Some women have no symptoms for years.
What are the symptoms?
- Hard lumps you can feel, or an uneven surface
- Swelling, inflammation or redness that comes and goes
- Skin discolouration, darkening, or tight, hardened skin
- Asymmetry or a distorted shape
- The substance migrating to the groin or inner thigh
- Pain when sitting for long periods, walking or during intercourse
The enzyme hyaluronidase dissolves only HA filler. Liquid silicone and oil are embedded in the tissue and scar tissue. They cannot be suctioned or squeezed out, and trying makes the inflammation worse.
Our approach to care
Injecting filler or anything else over an area containing silicone or oil raises the risk of inflammation and makes correction even harder. Always get an assessment and a plan first.
Liquid silicone and oil: how much can be removed, and when to act
This section is for women who know, or suspect, they were injected with a permanent substance and want to know what the road ahead really looks like, with no false comfort and no scare tactics.
Why do suction, dissolving injections and laser not work?
These substances do not sit in a single pocket. They spread as tiny droplets through the tissue, each wrapped in fibrous scar. No enzyme or injectable medication dissolves them. Laser reaches only the superficial skin. Suction removes very little and leaves cavities that inflame easily. If a clinic offers to dissolve silicone with an injection, ask what substance they use and ask to see its registration documents.
Symptoms that mean it is time to act
Lumps that get harder or bigger, pain when sitting or during sex, skin over the lump that thins and turns dark or shiny, inflammation that comes and goes, or substance drifting into the groin. The symptoms usually worsen gradually and do not resolve on their own. If you have a fever or the skin has broken open and is weeping, the infection must be treated straight away.
Surgical removal, and what to expect
The surgeon removes as much infiltrated tissue as possible while preserving the important structures. In practice most of it comes out, but not necessarily every droplet, especially where it sits deep near the urethra. The goal is to be free of pain and live normally, not a perfect shape. There may be scarring and some change in shape after surgery. The doctor shows you real results from similar cases in the examination room.
Dr. Kate assesses you, prepares you, and settles any inflammation first. The surgery is performed by a surgical team at a facility with an operating theatre. The doctor tells you the name of the facility and the operating surgeon on planning day.
Options if you are not ready for surgery
If the lump is not painful and not growing, it can be monitored with ultrasound every 6–12 months. Occasional inflammation is treated with oral medication. We avoid injecting steroids into the lump, which thins the skin and makes surgery harder. And filler must never be injected on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
I had the injection many years ago. Can it still be treated?
Yes, but the longer it has been there, the more scar tissue there usually is. The doctor checks the extent with ultrasound before planning.
Can it be removed with laser or suction?
No. These substances are embedded in the tissue. Suction or laser cannot remove them completely and risks inflammation. If removal is needed, the main method is surgery.
If I have no symptoms, does it need to be removed?
Not in every case. The doctor examines you and tells you whether to monitor or treat.
Will surgery change my sexual sensation?
Most of the substance sits in the layer beneath the skin of the outer contours, not in the areas with the densest nerve endings. Surgery in the correct layer usually does not affect sensation. Early on there is pain and tightness, which improves as the wound heals.
Do I need to stay in hospital?
It depends on the extent. Small cases go home the same day. Cases with wider excision or reconstructive suturing may stay 1–2 nights. The surgeon decides.
Roughly how much does the surgery cost?
It depends on the method and the extent. The doctor can give you a price range after the ultrasound, and the surgical team confirms the final price before the operation is booked.
WhatsAppRelated services
Correction of filler from elsewhere
Lumpy, migrated or uneven filler, or earlier injections of silicone or unknown substances.
Intimate filler
Restores fullness with Thai FDA-registered HA. No surgery, and it can be dissolved if you change your mind.
Women's health
Pelvic exams, cervical cancer screening, menopause advice and PRP.