The largest experience with Artecol and silicone injections is outside the U.S. Neither is FDA-approved in the U.S. for cosmetic indications.
ArteFill is similar in principle to Artecol and is U.S. FDA-approved; it is used for filling deeper static facial creases, but is not recommended for the lips. The use of these products for lip enhancement has been described, but there have been several warnings for using these products in the lip enhancement area.
Over time, these products have been shown to be associated with a risk for "angry bumps" that develop and are difficult to correct. These bumps can cause difficulty for the patient, both in terms of their appearance and their ability to use the lips.
I currently have two patients in my practice, who had silicone injection to the lips years ago and now have a deformity that will require surgical correction. Fat injection is a safe and effective alternative to non-permanent fillers. Fat injection is very effective, lasting years in many cases, and without significant risk.
