Is Silikon 1000 truly permanent? Doesn't this collagen degrade slowly over time?

Question

I understand that the silicon itself never degrades, but most of the volume that results from Silikon 1000 fillers is the collagen response, not the microdroplets of silicon. Doesn't this collagen degrade slowly over time like normal collagen? Sculptra is a stimulating filler and is considered semi-permanent. Does the collagen that gets produced from silicone injections stick around permanently?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Your body’s response to Silikon-1000 injections may lead to less collagen production than you think. The microdroplets that may be deposited do not cause the body to produce significant amounts of collagen - people’s results 2 weeks post injection do not continue to augment with time. Sculptra is very different than Silikon-1000 as a filler. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Victoria1988, and thank you for your question regarding Silikon 1000 and its permanence.

You are correct that the silicone itself does not degrade, making Silikon 1000 a permanent filler. While it is true that much of the initial volume after silicone injections comes from the body’s collagen response, this collagen does not degrade in the same way that collagen from temporary fillers like Sculptra does. Instead, the collagen formed around silicone injections is part of the body’s attempt to encapsulate the silicone as a foreign material. This is a permanent response because the silicone particles remain in the tissue indefinitely, continuing to stimulate the production of collagen.

Unlike Sculptra, which is designed to stimulate collagen that naturally diminishes over time, the body’s response to silicone is often unpredictable. Over time, this ongoing stimulation can lead to scar tissue formation, nodules, and hard lumps, making the volume and texture highly variable and sometimes disfiguring. Moreover, the encapsulation process can trap the silicone in ways that make it difficult to control or remove if complications occur.

Even though the collagen may initially contribute to the volume and structure, the presence of silicone ensures that the results—and potential complications—are permanent. If issues like migration, asymmetry, or inflammation arise, they cannot be reversed by simply removing the collagen, as the silicone remains embedded in the tissue. Surgical removal is the only way to address such complications, which can involve significant scarring and tissue damage.

For these reasons, I strongly caution against the use of permanent fillers like Silikon 1000. The risks far outweigh the benefits, particularly given the unpredictable nature of the body’s long-term response. Safer, temporary fillers like hyaluronic acid products provide more predictable and reversible results. I hope this information clarifies the permanence of Silikon 1000 and the associated risks.

Sincerely,
J. Timothy Katzen, MD

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I have a large series of patients in whom I have successfully removed silicone. The technique is usually surgical and removes excess silicone granulomas. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianRealself100 Surgeon

Lawrence Kass, MD · Answer

You seem to have a good understanding of the benefits of Silikon 1000.  Although you had only one doctor before me who answered your question, you were fortunate that it was Dr. Joseph who has lots of experience, as I do, with Silikon 1000.  I believe that the greatest volume effect from the use of this ideal filler is the collagen production which forms around each microdroplet I inject.  I do not believe that the collagen which forms degrades any sooner than the rest of your body's collagen which will slowly degrades with time and with aging.   Personally, I have seen no problem with using Silikon 1000 for over ten years.  Good luck!

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, it is truly permanent. Silikon-1000  is not a collagen product.  It is a manmade product and is the liquid form of what is also fabricated in the solid form of tubes, shunts, artificial heart valves, and artificial joints.  Moderate medicine could not be what it is without medical-grade silicone in both solid and liquid form.

Is Silikon 1000 truly permanent? Doesn't this collagen degrade slowly over time?

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Answer: Is Silikon 1000 permanent?

Answer: Is Silikon 1000 permanent?

Answer: Yes it is truly permanent.

Answer: Yes it is truly permanent.

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Everything you need to know about Silikon 1000

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Is Silikon 1000 truly permanent? Doesn't this collagen degrade slowly over time?

Answers (5)

Answer: Is Silikon 1000 permanent?

Answer: Is Silikon 1000 permanent?

Answer: Yes it is truly permanent.

Answer: Yes it is truly permanent.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Silikon 1000

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.