Is Silikon 1000 a Bad Idea?

  As you can see, there is no uniform opinion on this subject.  I read in a journal that about 40% of doctors who do lip injections use Silikon 1000 and love it and the other 60% who do not use it swear that it is unsafe and that it should not be used.  Yes, it is an off label use this product but so is using Botox for cosmetic purposes in any location other than the frown lines between the eyebrows. Personally, I think Silikon 1000 is an ideal filler, used in the proper manner, by an experienced injector.

Hello snl1989, and thank you for your question about Silikon 1000 injections for fuller lips. I strongly advise against using permanent fillers like Silikon 1000 for several important reasons. While it is a liquid silicone, its permanence comes with significant long-term risks. Unlike temporary fillers, such as hyaluronic acid fillers, silicone cannot be dissolved or safely metabolized by the body. Once injected, it stays in your tissues permanently, and any complications that arise—whether immediately or years later—are extremely difficult to correct.

One major concern is migration, where the silicone can move from the injection site over time, leading to asymmetry or deformities. Another risk is the formation of scar tissue and hard nodules as your body reacts to the silicone. Over time, this can cause unevenness, lumps, or firmness in the lips. Additionally, silicone can trigger chronic inflammation, and in severe cases, issues like necrosis (tissue death) or systemic autoimmune responses (ASIA syndrome). Even if the injection initially appears fine, complications such as drooping, deformity, or swelling can develop years down the line.

If you decide later that you no longer want the silicone, removal is a significant challenge. In the lips, this typically requires surgical excision, which involves cutting out the silicone and the surrounding tissue. This can lead to permanent changes in the size and shape of your lips, as well as visible scarring. These risks make silicone an incredibly high-stakes choice compared to temporary fillers.

If you’re looking for fuller lips, I highly recommend temporary hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane. These fillers provide excellent, customizable results and can be dissolved if needed. While temporary fillers may require periodic touch-ups, they come with significantly lower risks and allow for adjustments over time.

I understand your concern about avoiding sagging or deformed lips later in life, and for this reason, I cannot recommend permanent fillers like Silikon 1000. I hope this information helps you make an informed decision. Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist to discuss safer, more reliable options for achieving your desired look.

Sincerely,
J. Timothy Katzen, MD

I would be very careful about receiving Silikon 1000 injections for volume enhancement.  The microdroplet technique is supposed to diminish the disastrous results seen from bulk injections of a few decades ago.  The negative side effects might not show up for many months or years so I would proceed with caution.  Undoing an unwanted result might be impossible.