Fluid Silicone Implantation Treatment
Given the complexity of their structures and the tremendous force loads they endure on a regular basis, it is not surprising that feet and ankles can develop an array of issues. This means there is no “catch all” treatment to fix everything. Instead, podiatrists rely on various tools and techniques to provide relief from painful symptoms and restore functionality for our patients.
One of the tools we uniquely use here at Foot and Ankle Wellness Clinic to address cushioning issues and keep your feet protected is liquid silicone implantation. Let’s take a look at this effective treatment option and the various conditions and situations where it is used.
Fluid Silicone Implantation Treatment
If you are unfamiliar with this advanced treatment method, we start by evaluating your unique foot structure and gait and identifying any areas that contribute to problems. After this assessment, we inject an FDA-approved, medical-grade silicone that serves to provide extra internal cushioning and comfort to those areas that otherwise put the foot at risk for problems.
The silicone we use at Foot and Ankle Wellness Clinic is clear, colorless, and chemically inert (inactive). It is a synthetic oil that has been classified by FDA as “an injectable material” (which means that it is safe to be injected into the human body). In addition to being safe, silicone implants are also long-lasting. Although booster implants may be needed, this does not happen until years after the initial treatment.
When the silicone is injected, it both combines with fatty tissue found naturally in the foot and induces the formation of new collagen fibers. Collagen fibers are responsible for providing the primary supportive network for both skin and soft tissues. When the silicone merges with fatty tissue and creates collagen it provides a nest of cushioning that can help reduce the risk of various pressure related medical conditions.
Conditions Benefiting from Silicone Injections
Generally, we perform the silicone injection procedure to treat pain in areas of the feet that are subject to greater amounts of friction, force, or other physical stress. This can help to treat, and even prevent, such issues as:
Painful corns and calluses
Any metatarsal pain due to pressure
Lack of fatty tissue (necessary for foot cushioning) on ball of foot or heel
The lack of fatty tissue can become a major problem as humans age. Over time, the plantar fat pad becomes a victim of age-related degeneration, thereby giving feet less protective cushioning than intended. Additionally, multiple cortisone injections can cause tissue degenerations and subsequently, pressure related pain.
Silicone Implantation and Diabetic Ulcer Prevention
This treatment has many benefits, but perhaps the greatest is the way that it can help to prevent diabetic ulceration. Individuals who live with diabetes are at heightened risk for having minor problems become major medical emergencies. This is the case, with diabetic ulcers, that can develop when forces are not equitably distributed across the foot, and an area that receives excessive pressure becomes damaged.
Our liquid silicone foot implantation can be placed strategically in those areas that would otherwise be subjected to abnormal force loads. Doing so helps keep diabetic patients safe from a condition that could potentially lead to ulceration, gangrene, and possible amputation.
Silicone Treatment Risks
It is only natural for patients to inquire about the risks that come with this particular treatment option and we are always pleased to let them know that issues are quite rare. When they are present, issues are usually limited a painless shifting or moving of the silicone over time or perhaps a slight discoloration. There is a chance that skin tags or lumps will develop and need to be removed, but this tends to be rather unlikely.
Comprehensive Foot Care Services in Southern California
Foot and Ankle Wellness Clinic is proud to offer many different non-surgical foot care services, including liquid silicone foot implantation, for our patients from across the Southern California community and beyond. We are committed to providing state-of-the-art treatment methods so our patients can experience optimal pain relief and safety.
Depending on the nature of your foot or ankle issue, we may recommend this procedure, but that discussion can only begin when you come see us at either of our southern California offices. Contact us for more information by calling (323) 937-6903 for our LA office or (818) 240-7673 for our Glendale office.
About Dr. Mancherian
At The Foot and Ankle Wellness Clinic, in Los Angeles, California and Glendale, California, Dr. Suzanne Mancherian treats patients throughout the area and provides care for ankle and foot injuries, ingrown toenails, nail replacement, neuromas, corns and calluses, laser toenail fungus treatment, prescription orthotics and plantar fasciitis.
Dr. Mancherian obtained her Bachelor’s in Political Science at the University of California-San Diego. She then went on to graduate with a degree in Biology from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Following this, she obtained her graduate degree as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Her residency training was completed at the Veterans Affairs hospital in North Chicago specializing in Medicine and then at St. Joseph’s Hospital affiliated with Northwestern University also in Chicago, specializing in Surgery. She is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, the California Podiatric Medical Association, and the Los Angeles County Podiatric
RELIEF IS A STEP AWAY!
Given the complexity of their structures and the tremendous force loads they endure on a regular basis, it is not surprising that feet and ankles can develop an array of issues. This means there is no “catch all” treatment to fix everything. Instead, podiatrists rely on various tools and techniques to provide relief from painful symptoms and restore functionality for our patients.
One of the tools we uniquely use here at Foot and Ankle Wellness Clinic to address cushioning issues and keep your feet protected is liquid silicone implantation. Let’s take a look at this effective treatment option and the various conditions and situations where it is used.
Insurance Information
We accept most PPO insurance plans as well as Medicare.
Please call to confirm your insurance coverage.