What is the Difference Between Silicone and Silikon 1000?

  Silikon 1000 is highly purified, medical grade, injectable silicone oil, made by Alcon. Silicone can be made by anyone and not be of medical grade.  It sounds like you might be better served having an HA filler like Restylane or Juvederm for your lip augmentation.

Hello NYCGuy1890, and thank you for your question about the difference between silicone and Silikon 1000, and their use in lip augmentation.

To clarify, Silikon 1000 is a medical-grade liquid silicone approved for use in certain ophthalmic procedures. It is often used off-label for cosmetic purposes, including lip augmentation. Silicone in a general sense refers to the material itself, which can vary in grade and intended use (e.g., industrial vs. medical). When used in cosmetic applications, both Silikon 1000 and other liquid silicone products are permanent fillers, meaning the material remains in the body indefinitely.

While they may sound appealing as a long-term solution, silicone-based fillers are not safe for lip augmentation. Over time, they can cause significant complications, including migration, where the silicone shifts from its original injection site, causing deformities or asymmetry. They can also trigger the formation of scar tissue and granulomas, leading to hard lumps, swelling, or chronic inflammation. These reactions are not uncommon and can occur years after the initial injection.

If complications arise, the only way to address them is through surgical removal, which often involves excising part of the lips. This can result in permanent changes to the shape, size, or structure of the lips and may leave visible scarring. Additionally, injecting another filler on top of silicone is generally not advisable, as it can exacerbate existing issues or create new ones.

For someone like you, who wants temporary enhancement, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane are much safer and more appropriate options. These fillers provide excellent, natural-looking results and can be dissolved if necessary. They also allow for adjustments over time, giving you flexibility as your aesthetic preferences change. While HA fillers require periodic touch-ups, they carry far fewer risks compared to permanent fillers like silicone.

I recommend avoiding silicone or Silikon 1000 altogether for lip enhancement. Instead, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist to discuss safer, temporary alternatives that align with your goals. I hope this helps clarify the risks and differences between these products and guides you toward a safer option for achieving your desired look.

Sincerely,
J. Timothy Katzen, MD

Broadly speaking, Silikon1000 is a liquid form of silicone, and silicones are long synthetic polymers that contain silicon, oxygen, and carbon groups. Silicones can vary in viscosity from liquid to solid, and solid rubberized silicone implants are used for chin augmentation. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph.