The Dangers of Silicone Injections and Alternate Options for Body Contouring

Silicone injections in cosmetic procedures are used to enhance and reshape various body areas, providing a non-surgical option for people looking for cosmetic changes. These injections can be used to make the face, lips, buttocks, and breasts appear larger. However, the FDA does not permit using injectable silicone for body sculpting and augmentation due to numerous health risks or any other cosmetic use. Artificial silicone injections usually contain liquid silicone, which is a synthetic polymer composed of silicon, oxygen, and other substances. Some unapproved biopolymer butt injections may also include oil, petroleum substances, or even cement. If you know or suspect that you have had biopolymer silicone injections, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Solomon Azouz can also safely remove the silicone and prioritize your health. Dr. Azouz also offers safer options for enhancing the natural contours of the face, lips, buttocks, and breasts.

Dangers of Silicone Injections

Silicone injections are well-known for their long-term effectiveness in smoothing wrinkles, adding volume, and improving overall skin texture. Liquid silicone is injected into the body during a cosmetic treatment called a silicone injection to improve or change the appearance of certain body parts, like the lips, buttocks, or facial contours. These injections carry a high risk of serious health problems, even if they are a non-surgical treatment.

• Chronic Infection: Chronic inflammation is one of the most frequent side effects of silicone injections. When foreign chemicals are present, the body reacts adversely, causing chronic pain and swelling. Severe instances of this inflammation may lead to permanent tissue damage and infection, which may take a long time to treat medically.
• Silicone migration: The substance silicone is not stable once the body has been injected. It is prone to moving away from the place of injection and perhaps entering other body areas. This may result in embolization, a condition in which silicone particles block blood vessels, perhaps fatally or causing serious side effects, including a stroke or pulmonary embolism.
• Nodules and Granulomas: Granulomas, or masses of inflammatory tissue, can also occur as a result of the body’s immunological reaction to silicone. Hard nodules that cause severe discomfort and alter the appearance of the injected area can be produced by these granulomas.
• Delayed Adverse Effects: Injections of silicone can have long-term negative effects. Problems can occasionally surface years after the initial surgery. This delayed onset may make the patient’s health and well-being even worse, which can make it harder to diagnose and treat.

Silicone Injection Removal in Texas

Dr. Azouz skillfully manages the difficult process of removing silicone injections, prioritizing patient safety and the best possible outcomes. Typically, removing silicone injections requires a thorough surgical operation. Dr. Azouz begins by performing an extensive examination to determine the degree and placement of the silicone. A local anesthetic with sedation is used to keep the patient comfortable during surgery. The procedure entails carefully making incisions to access and remove the silicone material while minimizing injury to adjacent tissues. Dr. Azouz uses advanced techniques to ensure precise removal while minimizing the risk of consequences, including scarring or deformity. Following surgery, patients are given personalized aftercare recommendations that promote healing and retain the best possible results.

Silicone Injection Alternatives

When exploring alternatives to silicone injections, Dr. Azouz provides a variety of innovative techniques designed to enhance natural beauty. Breast augmentation with fat transfer uses the patient’s own fat to create larger, more natural-looking breasts while reducing the risks associated with implants. Facial fat transfer restores volume and smoothness to the face by filling in wrinkles and enhancing contours using liposuction from other parts of the body. Another popular alternative is the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), which involves transferring fat to the buttocks to provide a lifted, shapely appearance. For those looking for lip enhancement, the lip flip uses neurotoxin to carefully shift the top lip outward, providing a larger appearance without fillers. Dr. Azouz offers these safe and effective solutions, ensuring individualized outcomes that fulfill your aesthetic goals.

Book your Appointment with Dr. Azouz

It’s important that any cosmetic procedure is safe and prioritizes the patient’s health. However, injectable silicone or biopolymers have gained popularity and pose serious health risks. If you have been offered or have received silicone injections, contact our office online or call us at (972) 702-8888 to schedule your appointment. Dr. Azouz will discuss your medical history and your unique goals to determine safe options to remove the silicone and prioritize your health.

Written by Surbhi Joshi and Rhiya Patel on behalf of Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery