Bigger butts are all the rage but there are some misconceptions about what is safe and what is not. Butt augmentation via injections can be a fairly simple procedure and can safely give a person well rounded and fuller buttocks. However, prospective patients should understand that the few FDA approved cosmetic methods for obtaining a bigger backside include silicone implants and/or autologous fat injections AKA a Brazilian butt lift. Did you see the words “implants” and “fat”? These words are not to be confused or substituted with liquid silicone injections which are highly unsafe and not approved by the FDA. Knowing the dangers of silicone injections can keep patients safe when they are deciding on a method to contour the derrière.
It is important to understand that silicone can be used in implants because it is protected by the barrier of the implant. Furthermore, the silicone of the implant is not in liquid form. Rather, it is a solid gel-like material. Liquid silicone, which is often called free silicone, should never be injected into the body. Liquid silicone can migrate to other parts of the body and cause a whole host of health related problems including:
Some of the more dangerous side effects of silicone injections include skin hardening and scarring due to the body’s natural response to the foreign material impairing the blood supply to the skin. The lack of blood can result in tissue death. In addition, migrating silicone can get into the veins and cause blood clots. If the blood supply to an artery is blocked, it can lead to the loss of a limb. Injected silicone that travels to other parts of the body can also cause major health issues including:
While these symptoms and complications can appear immediately after the injections, some may not occur until 15 or 20 years later.
Black market butt injections are being performed all over the world because many people are looking for the most affordable option to gain their desired look. Many patients have died from illegal cosmetic procedures performed by fraudulent doctors. These “doctors” claim they are licensed and that their product is safe. However, many of these so-called doctors are using non-medical-grade silicone purchased at a local hardware store that is not sterile. In fact, some of these unlicensed doctors are using mineral oil, baby oil and other harmful items as an injectable material for butt augmentation.
Numerous patients have needed follow-up treatment for issues such as silicone injections being used during butt augmentation surgery. Some patients don’t know exactly what substance is being injected into their buttocks while others have a misconception of what is safe to use in the body or how it should be used. Silicone injections cause havoc in the body. Potential patients are urged to have their treatment performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in Brazilian butt lift (BBL) or buttock implants and performs the procedures on a regular basis. The augmentation should take place in an accredited medical facility where any potential complications can be adequately addressed by the doctor performing the treatment.
-SP