FDA Warns of Body Contouring Dangers

Unapproved injectable silicone for body enhancement could be harmful

(RxWiki News) Injectable silicone for body contouring could be dangerous, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The agency is warning that unapproved silicone products used for body enhancement could cause health problems as serious as strokes or death. The FDA noted that some injectable dermal fillers are approved for use in the hands and face, but no such product is approved for enhancement of large areas of the body.

Injectable fillers for use in the breasts, buttocks or between muscles could lead to serious injuries, including scarring, disfigurement and death, according to the FDA. The agency warned that no one should ever use these products.

The FDA said it has received some reports that people posing as health care providers have administered illegal or unapproved body fillers like silicone or oils to consumers. The FDA also is aware some consumers have been falsely told that they were receiving an FDA-approved dermal filler when they were actually injected with silicone or another unapproved product.

Watch for unusual product labeling and very low prices, the agency recommended. Never purchase dermal fillers on the internet as these may be fake or are contaminated. If you are going to undergo a procedure that involves the use of a dermal filler, always check with a trusted health care provider first.

Silicone is a liquid substance, and injectable silicone is actually permanent and stays in the body. The FDA noted that injectable silicone can move to different parts of the body through blood vessels and cause blockages in the brain, lungs and heart. These types of blockages can be fatal.

If you are considering any procedure that will change the appearance of any part of your body, always discuss your options with a licensed health care provider before making a decision.

Review Date: 
November 18, 2017