Health experts have warned people away from using silicone implants. New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene have issued a statement warning against the use of silicone injections.

Silicone is most commonly used in the cosmetic surgery industry in implants such as breast implants. However doctors are increasingly using silicone injections (not implants) for buttock enhancements, facial rejuvenation and in some cases, breast enhancements. The silicone is injected into the skin to plump up the area and reduce the look of wrinkles.

However the FDA have not approved silicone for use in these injections and there are a number of serious side effects associated with this cosmetic procedure.

Recently, one American lady died after having silicone injections. Ms. Fiordaliza Pichardo chose to have this cosmetic procedure to plump up her thighs and buttocks. Unfortunately the injections caused a silicone embolism in her lungs where silicone had travelled from the site of injection into the lungs, making it impossible for her to breathe.

Unfortunately, patients are often not aware they are suffering a reaction to the injections until it is too late and if the reaction is not caught early enough, it can lead to death. ‘Silicone syndrome’, as it has been named, shows itself under a variety of symptoms including fever, cough, chest pains, haemorrhaging and altered consciousness.

Many patients opt for silicone injections as they are cheaper than most other cosmetic surgery procedures. The lack of invasive surgery and the fact there is little recovery time is also a motivator for many patients.