Reasons to Avoid Silicone Fillers
Once upon a time, the go-to material for dermal fillers was silicone-based. They lasted a long time and the most common areas for injection included the lips, face, buttocks, and hips.
Interestingly, the FDA never approved silicone fillers for cosmetic purposes. Yet, this didn’t stop some practitioners from continuing to offer these “permanent” fillers as an option.
When some patients began to experience chronic inflammation, lumps, skin discoloration, and/or tissue loss after the procedure, however, it served as a real wake-up call to avoid silicone fillers.
The Many Reasons to Avoid Silicone Fillers
Despite the warnings and continued lack of FDA approval, some less-than-ethical clinics continue to offer silicone fillers. If this is something you’re considering, it’s important you understand the risks involved with silicone.
- Risk of Infection
Silicone-based fillers can get infected. While the inflammation that results from such infections can sometimes be treated with antibiotics, in other cases the bacteria is much more difficult to address. This can lead to both short and long-term health problems.
- Fillers Move to Other Parts of the Body
After the procedure, some patients who’ve opted for silicone-based fillers struggle with inflammation and swelling nowhere near the injection site. This is because the silicone fillers can migrate to other areas of the body where they create problems. For patients unaware of this tendency, experiencing pain and swelling in an unrelated area can be alarming. And it’s not always easy to treat.
- A Hyper Immune Response
The human body’s immune system is wired to react aggressively to foreign material in the body. In the case of objects like implants, a highly negative response warrants the removal of the object. The problem with fillers though is that the silicone can not be easily removed. Materials used in contemporary fillers can be easily dissolved. Silicone-based fillers cannot and it may even require surgery to extract it.
- Swollen Tissues
In line with the above-mentioned immune reaction, silicone can cause inflammation and swelling as a result of allergies. It can also be the result of a lymphatic flow blockage. Massaging the swollen area may help reduce the swelling to some extent.
So Then Why Would Someone Choose Silicone Fillers?
At the top of the list of reasons to choose silicone is that they last a long time. Current fillers in the U.S. last six to 24 months. By contrast, silicone fillers can last for years or decades. Thus, they require fewer injections.
But because of the countless problems incurred, most doctors and practitioners don’t offer them. While you can still find locations who will perform the procedure illegally and by non-medical practitioners, it’s very risky.
Contemporary Fillers
Today, most fillers are made with the body’s natural compound hyaluronic acid that is found in the skin and cartilage. It typically dissolves within 12 to 16 months. Some injectables contain the mineral calcium hydroxylapatite which is a mineral that’s found in the bones. These fillers last closer to 18 months.
A biodegradable synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid is also available. These are the longest lasting at two years. Whatever the case, dermal fillers are a safe option for patients who would rather try a more temporary procedure.
Insist on Safe Fillers
If dermal fillers are in your future, the obvious solution is to avoid silicone fillers.
While today’s modern fillers may not last as long and you’ll need to get more of them, isn’t your health worth it? We think so.
So contact us today to set up a free consultation. You’ll be so glad you did.
