You must have already heard about cosmetic surgeries and injections, like Botox, hyaluronic acid filters, etc. These injectables are a quick and straightforward solution for cosmetic enhancement, and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has declared them safe and effective. But are they harmless in the long term?
Though people count on their board-certified dermatologists and surgeons, these silicone doses have gradually come under the category of surveillance as potential risks and complications are associated with them. They are generally used in various makeup procedures, from facial rejuvenation to buttock augmentation, the side effects linked to them cannot be ignored.
In this article, we will be analyzing in-depth the silicone injections and their significant hazards that people must be familiar with, before going to any such treatments.
What are Silicone Injections?
Before talking about silicone injections, let’s take a look at what it is. So, it is a synthetic substance that is used as a permanent filler to add volume or correct saggy skin. This material is stuffed into the skin with the help of a needle, which is called a silicone-infusing cosmetic procedure.
Complications liquid injectable silicone: Abdomen CT of 57 y/o trans patient shows multiple nodules within the subcutaneous tissue associated with severe edema.
— Sofia Gambetta (@sofia_gambetta) May 23, 2023
– Silicone injections can be harmful, triggering several complications, so it´s important to be aware of! ⚠️ ⛔️ 💉 pic.twitter.com/kLRZ6yvfhY
Silicone is highly demanded, for its ability to imitate the feel of a natural body tissue characteristic. However, the material used in the process is medically approved for the human body, it is essential to acknowledge the nature that makes these fillers look attractive, can also lead to potential dangers as well.
Though these procedures are not technically illegal, the injectable element is not approved by FDA in the USA for cosmetic treatments. Also, the FDA specially warns against these fillings due to the high risk of complications, that can even cause life-threatening situations.
Silicone Injections in Different Body Parts
These needles can be infused in various parts of the human body. For example, they can be used on the face as a cheek or lip filler, or to eliminate wrinkles, and they can also be used to augment breasts and buttocks as well.
These are some of the most common filler treatments taken by people, though button augmentation, specifically, came into the spotlight after many clients suffered severe complications, with some even leading to fatalities.
Despite the risks, the pursuit of well-contoured, aesthetically pleasing buttocks has driven many to opt for silicone injections. However, one must remember that the larger the volume of silicone injected into the buttocks, the higher the possibility of complications. Thus, procedures like buttock augmentation, which typically require substantial amounts of silicone, often come with heightened uncertainty.
Why Do People Opt for Silicone Injections?
These treatments promise immediate results. The quick noticeable changes or enhancing physical personality fascinate many individuals. Another fact that this procedure is less intrusive than surgical methods is what makes it more appealing to a category of people who don’t like to go under the knife.
Though, this fast remedy to enhance the looks cannot overshadow the likely threats and long-term repercussions that these needles can result in. In the following sections, we will throw light on the ten serious risks associated and should be taken into consideration before opting for such decisions.
The 10 Risks of Silicone Injections
Risk 1 – Allergic Reactions
The most common situation that can occur with these injections is allergic reactions. Though, this substance is generally considered biocompatible, in certain people, from mild redness to swelling or even severe systemic reactions can be seen, due to triggered immune response. These allergies do not necessarily occur immediately post-infusing, which makes them hard to predict or prevent.
Risk 2 – Infection
Another risk associated with post-treatment is infection. There can be any reason for infections, like bacteria infiltration in the injected area, or post-injection reactions. If not treated on time, it can spread all over the body and become a life-threatening infection, such as sepsis.
Risk 3 – Scarring
Marks or scars post-treatment is another downside of these injections. As the body recovers, it may produce extra collagen, which can lead to raised scars or marks on that area. In some cases, the silicone moves from one area to another and causes granulomas, or hard nodules beneath the skin that may need surgical removal.
Risk 4 – Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is one of the most serious concerns everyone should be aware of. If the needle gets injected without proper medical knowledge into the wrong place, it can cause nerve damage, pain, numbness, or even paralysis in some cases.
Risk 5 – Silicone Migration
The bad thing about treating #cellulite with silicone injections is that they can move and can get absorbed – and you can't get rid of it.
— No More Cellulite (@NoMoreCellulite) May 20, 2023
Over time, the silicone implanted in one’s body can move from its original direction to the other parts of the body, which can lead to serious complications like disfigurement, pain, and organ, or muscle damage.
Risk 6 – Silicone Granulomas
Granulomas are the hard nodules or lumps that can form when the body reacts with the implanted stuff as a foreign matter. They can be painful and can cause some cosmetic or functional issues. Some cases may even require getting surgical interventions to remove them.
Risk 7 – Blood Clots
These injections can sometimes form blood clots, particularly when the needle damages a blood vessel during the procedure. Unfortunately, these clots can even travel throughout the body and block vital organs functioning like the heart, lungs, etc., which can lead to life-threatening situations.
Risk 8 – Pulmonary Embolism
A blockage in the lung’s blood vessels due to migrating silicone can cause pulmonary embolism. The symptoms associated with it are shortness of breath, chest pain, or sudden death in some cases.
Risk 9 – Cosmetic Irregularities
These cosmetic treatments don’t guarantee the expected results. Sometimes, they can lead to disfigurement, asymmetries, or silicone migration as well.
Risk 10 – Psychological Impact
Last but not least, the psychological impact of these needles on individuals can’t be avoided. Failure of these treatments can lead to anxiety, significant mental distress, or even depression and body dysmorphic disorder.
Alternatives to Silicone Injections
Several safer and more reliable alternatives are available in the market to avoid these silicone injections. Options like hyaluronic acid fillers, fat transfer procedures, surgical implants, etc., are secured choices one can consider under the proper guidance of a medical professional or board-certified plastic surgeon.
These professionals can help in providing personalized advice to individual requirements and circumstances, offering them the safest possible way to achieve desired results.
Conclusion
Silicone injections might offer a rapid solution but can lead to long-term risks. These dangers can range from minor infections to deadly diseases. It is crucial to figure out and consider all the factors before making such decisions. Make sure to weigh the perks and risks associated with them.
