Hydrogel/silicone butt injections: is this safe and legal?

The reason it is hard to find a qualified Plastic Surgeon is because this hydrogel is not an FDA approved product for Butt Augmentation. Furthermore, media reports are not good, and some are terrifying. I have seen several patients who have been deformed by Hydrogel Injections by another practitioner. The sad thing is that non-physicians are  engaged in providing this service.  When things go wrong, they have no idea what to do.

If you desire Butt Augmentation, it is best to use your own adipose fat. This procedure is called the Brazilian Butt Lift.  It is natural and safe. Save your money until you can afford it. If not, it is better to not do anything . Or-- just buy a pair of butt enhancing Spanx! 

More information about the risks for Hydrogel Injections are provided in the link below.

Dr. Ricardo Rodriguez

It would be hard to find a surgeon to perform hydrogel injections because it is not FDA approved and there are several risks associated with this procedure. It is best to use your own fat in a Brazilian Butt Lift procedure for the best results. I recommend finding a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to further discuss the safest options to get you the results you desire.

Thank you for your question. There are two common ways to enhance a buttock, but each requires surgery. The most common method is through the use of fat-grafting, popularized as the "Brazilian Butt Lift", or BBL. This procedure involves performing liposuction of diet and exercise resistant areas of the body (typically the abdomen, waist, hips, and back), followed by processing and purifying the fat before injecting the fat back into the glutes. This fat can be used to recontour the buttock region, while adding volume and firmness. The second method of butt augmentation is through the use of buttock implants, a better option for those with otherwise little body fat. Injections of any other material is at best, unsafe, and at worst, can be dangerous to your health. Please do not entertain this option.  Specifically Hydrogel and silicone butt injects are not safe, and are not legal in the US. Hope that this helps.

Unfortunately, injecting silicone, hydrogel, or other substances has not been shown to be safe.  Despite this, you can find people even here in the United States who are doing this.   I would strongly caution against it as it can have very serious complications.  That being said, there are two very safe and effective ways to augment your buttocks if you are interested.  The first is to have liposuction performed elsewhere on your body and then have the fat transferred into the buttocks.  This is known as a Brazilian Butt Lift.  The second is to have implants placed.  Both are great options in the right patient.  Best of luck.

Simply DO NOT do this.  Period.  There are so many safer, proven techniques of buttock enhancement.  Good luck and be safe.John T. Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

I would NOT have silicone
injections or any other substances injected into your buttock that is not
fat. That is a set-up for life long
problems. Some people have these
injections and are fine, but the people that have problems have them for
life. Do not have silicone injections to
your buttock.



The only injection that you
should use to enhance your buttock is fat.
Anything else would not be recommended.
Patients have had tremendous results with the Brazilian Butt Lift (fat
transfer to the buttock). This procedure
allows your surgeon to shape your entire body.



With that said I would tell you
that when it comes to your body, I would not choose your surgeon by who is the
cheapest or have something injected just because it is easy. It is important to have several consultations
with board certified plastic surgeons.
Also make sure that your surgery is being performed in an accredited
surgery center or hospital.



It is
important to ask the right questions during your consultation:



1.Is your surgeon a board certified plastic surgeon?a.Be sure he or she is a plastic surgeon, there are a lot surgeons that
are cosmetic surgeons or board certified in other fields other than plastic
surgery. They do not do the same
training as a plastic surgeon. b.You can check the American Board of Plastic Surgery website for a list
of plastic surgeons in your area.





2.Does your
surgeon commonly perform this procedure?a.Ask to see
before and after pictures or look online for reviews on the procedure.



3.Where is the
surgery performeda.Is the
procedure performed in an accredited surgery center or hospital?



4.Who performs
the anesthesia for the procedure?a.Is an
anesthesiologist performing the anesthesia?



I would advise you to see a board
certified plastic surgeon that performs a lot of fat transfer procedures. In my practice the Brazilian Butt Lift is one
of the procedures where patient are extremely happy after surgery.



I hope this helps. 

1. This is not approved in the US by the FDA.  A big tip off right there. 
2. This procedure has had several reported problems with infections and other complications.
3. It is not necessary to use Hydrogel when more superior ways such as fat injections or a very nice implant are the way to go.
4. Many times fat injection can be done in combination with an implant to obtain a more custom shape.
5. Don’t trust you backside to anyone but a Boarded Plastic Surgeon with plenty of before & after photos as well as happy patients you can speak with.

Good luck!!

You have heard numerous warnings here of the possible risks associated with injection of synthetic materials, such as hydrogel, into the buttocks. Because of the potential danger and lack of approval from the FDA you will not find a reputable Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performs such procedures. I have now treated serious complications in several patients at my hospital who have undergone Hydrogel injections in South America. But other substances such as liquid silicone and PMMA are not safe alternatives either. So there is no shortcut to safe, quality results and careful surgical treatment remains the best and only sensible option.

This substance is not approved by the FDA for soft tissue fill.  It has been the cause of numerous problems and hardening of the buttock area.  The best treatment is fat grafting to the buttocks.

The reason it is hard to find a surgeon who does these injections is because it is not approved by the FDA.  There have been many serious complications described.

We perform Natural Fill which is using your own fat to enhance your buttocks.  This is done without general anesthesia.