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THE TRUTH ABOUT SILICONE BUTT INJECTIONS

Dr. Rosmy Barrios 31 Mar 2023
THE TRUTH ABOUT SILICONE BUTT INJECTIONS

Silicone butt injections have gained popularity in recent years as a quick and easy way to achieve fuller, more rounded buttocks. However, the potential dangers of these injections cannot be ignored. The procedure involves injecting silicone directly into the buttocks, which can lead to a range of health risks and complications. In this article, we will overview the risks associated with silicone butt injections and why individuals considering this procedure should be aware of the potential dangers.

What are silicone butt injections?

Silicone butt injections are a cosmetic procedure in which silicone is injected into the buttocks to enhance their size and shape. This method of buttock augmentation is considered a form of non-surgical or minimally invasive plastic surgery. The silicone is typically injected directly into the buttock tissue, either with a syringe or via a cannula.

This is a risky and potentially dangerous cosmetic procedure that should not be taken lightly. Those considering silicone butt injections should do their research and seek out a licensed and trained practitioner who uses medical-grade silicone and follows proper safety protocols.

These silicone injections are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the buttocks or any other cosmetic purpose. Therefore, the procedure is often performed by unlicensed or untrained practitioners in non-medical settings, which increases the risk of complications.

The silicone used in these injections can be either medical grade or non-medical grade. Medical grade silicone is a type of silicone that is approved by the FDA for certain medical purposes, such as filling in wrinkles or facial features. Non-medical grade silicone, on the other hand, is not approved for any medical use and is often used illegally in black-market butt injections.

Silicone butt injections can lead to a range of health risks and complications, including infections, scarring, chronic pain, disfigurement, and even death. The silicone can migrate to other parts of the body, causing damage to internal organs and tissue. In some cases, the silicone can also harden, leading to the formation of granulomas (lumps of inflamed tissue) or nodules.

The Cosmetic Effects of Silicone Butt Injections

The cosmetic effect of silicone butt injections is to enhance the size, shape, and contour of the buttocks. The silicone injected into the buttocks can create a fuller, more rounded appearance, giving the impression of a more prominent and lifted buttock. The procedure is often sought after by those who desire a curvier figure or a more pronounced hourglass shape.

However, it is crucial to remember that the cosmetic effects of silicone butt injections are not always consistent and can vary depending on the amount of silicone injected and the site of the injection. In addition, the risks and potential complications associated with the procedure should be carefully considered before undergoing this type of cosmetic enhancement.

Silicone Butt Injection vs. Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery

Silicone butt injections and Brazilian butt lifts (BBL) are two popular cosmetic procedures used to enhance the appearance of the buttocks, but they differ in several ways.

Silicone Butt Injections

Silicone butt injections involve the injection of silicone directly into the buttocks to increase their size and improve their shape. The procedure is typically performed in a non-surgical setting and does not involve the removal of fat from other areas of the body. The results of silicone butt injections can be immediate, but the procedure carries a higher risk of complications such as infections, migration of the silicone, and hardening of the silicone.

Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery

The buttocks can be augmented by a relatively safer surgical procedure, a Brazilian butt lift. This involves removing fat from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, back, or thighs, and transferring it to the buttocks.The fat is harvested using liposuction, purified, and then re-injected into the buttocks to improve their shape and size.

The procedure is typically performed in a surgical setting under general anesthesia, and the recovery time is longer than that of silicone butt injections. However, Brazilian butt lifts carry a lower risk of complications compared to silicone butt injections since they use a patient's fat, which reduces the risk of rejection or allergic reactions.

Potential Risks and Complications

Silicone butt injections carry a range of risks and potential complications. Some of the most common risks include:

Infection:

  • The injection site infection can lead to severe pain, inflammation, and even fever.

​​Migration of Silicone:

  • Silicone can migrate from the injection site to other parts of the body, causing damage to internal organs and tissue.

Granulomas or nodules:

  • Silicone can harden over time, leading to the formation of lumps of inflamed tissue (granulomas or nodules) in the buttocks or other parts of the body.

Chronic pain:

  • Some patients may experience chronic pain in the buttocks, hips, or back after the procedure.

Scarring:

  • The injection site can develop scars or keloids, especially if the silicone is injected improperly or by an unlicensed practitioner.

Disfigurement:

  • Silicone butt injections can lead to asymmetry, irregularities, or other deformities in the buttocks.

Death:

  • In rare cases, silicone butt injections can be fatal due to complications such as pulmonary embolism or infection.

It is crucial to remember that the dangers and potential consequences connected with silicone butt injections might change depending on a number of factors, including the volume and site of the injection, the silicone's quality, and the practitioner's expertise and experience.

The Bottom Line

Silicone butt injections are a dangerous and potentially deadly cosmetic procedure that should be avoided. The procedure involves injecting silicone directly into the buttocks to enhance their look, but this method of buttock augmentation is not approved by the FDA and carries a high risk of serious complications, including infection, migration of the silicone to internal organs, and tissues, chronic pain, and even death.

Those considering silicone butt injections should carefully weigh the potential risks against the benefits and seek out a licensed and experienced practitioner who uses medical-grade silicone and follows proper safety protocols. However, the best way to achieve a toned and attractive buttock is through safe and proven methods, such as exercise and diet or surgical procedures like a Brazilian butt lift.

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About the Author:
Dr. Rosmy Barrios is an aesthetic medicine specialist with international work experience. She earned her physician diploma at the Universidad Del Norte’s School of Medicine in Barranquilla, Colombia, and her specialty at John F. Kennedy University in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Dr. Barrios is a member of Pan-American Aesthetic Medicine Association (PASAM) and the Union Internationale de Medecine Esthetique (UIME). She is an expert health writer with keen interests in aesthetic medicine, regenerative aesthetics, anti-aging, fitness, and nutrition. Currently, Dr. Barrios heads the Regenerative Aesthetics department at a renowned Internal Medicine clinic based in Belgrade, Serbia.

References:

  • Nasseri E. Gluteal Augmentation With Liquid Silicone of Unknown Purity Causes Granulomas in an Adult Female: Case Report and Review of the Literature. J Cutan Med Surg. 2016;20(1):72-79. doi:10.1177/1203475415598065
  • Che DH, Xiao ZB. Gluteal Augmentation with Fat Grafting: Literature Review. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2021;45(4):1633-1641. doi:10.1007/s00266-020-02038-w
  • Soliman SB. Liquid silicone filler migration following illicit gluteal augmentation. Radiol Case Rep. 2023;18(3):984-990. Published 2023 Jan 5. doi:10.1016/j.radcr.2022.12.049
  • Gil-Pallares P, Vázquez-Osorio I, Pérez-Feal P, Suárez-Peñaranda JM. Silicone Granulomas at the Peripheral Intravenous Cannula Puncture Site. Am J Dermatopathol. 2022;44(6):454-455. doi:10.1097/DAD.0000000000002163

 

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