On November 14, the FDA warned that it has never approved the use of silicone injections for body augmentation. Injecting silicone into the body can cause pain, scarring, disfigurement, embolism, and death.
Injectable silicone is being illegally advertised as “butt fillers” or “breast fillers” by unqualified doctors who falsely claim that patients are getting FDA-approved dermal filler.
The advertisements claim that silicone can be used to enlarge buttocks, breasts, and other body parts, but the FDA has only approved injectable dermal fillers for use in the face and hands.
We’ve seen serious adverse events result from products, which are sometimes industrial-grade silicone, being used for these unapproved medical purposes.”
The FDA warns consumers to:
- Never get an injectable filler, such as silicone, as a butt or breast filler, or as a means to filling spaces between muscles
- Never get injectable fillers from unlicensed healthcare professionals or in non-medical settings, like a hotel or private home.
- Never buy dermal fillers on the internet
- Never receive any filler or liquid silicone injections for large-scale body contouring or enhancement
The agency is also asking consumers to report the unauthorized use of injectable silicone to its criminal activity division.