What is Silicone?
Silicone is a widely used material in various aspects of life, including industry and medicine. Its versatility allows it to meet the diverse demands of different fields, leading to various forms and applications. In the beauty industry, silicone is commonly used as a cheap and quick filler.
Silicone is a chemical compound consisting of the element silicon combined with oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and organic radicals like ethyl, methyl, phenyl, etc. This results in different variations of silicone, such as liquid, gel, paste, and solid.
Unforeseen complications of silicone injections
In the past, liquid silicone was widely used in cosmetic procedures. It gained popularity after being certified by an organization in the United States, where it was directly injected into the skin to enhance body volume, like breast or chin augmentation, and to smooth wrinkles. For a while, silicone became a trendy choice in beauty treatments. However, the serious complications associated with liquid silicone use were publicly recognized in the late 1980s. Studies revealed alarming complications ranging from mild allergies to severe outcomes like tissue necrosis and the risk of cancer.
When liquid silicone is injected into the body, vascular occlusion is one of the hazardous complications that can occur. Vascular occlusion happens when the liquid silicone solidifies or forms clumps within blood vessels, obstructing blood flow. This can lead to tissue death in the injected areas, such as the eyes, lips, and nose, causing severe consequences. The consequences of vascular occlusion are grave and, in some cases, can even lead to death.
As a result, regulations were put in place to ban the use of liquid silicone for cosmetic purposes. Currently, using liquid silicone for beauty treatments is no longer accepted and is strictly restricted. However, there are still instances where unscrupulous beauty establishments or uninformed consumers ignore these restrictions, resulting in serious complications. Such complications cause not only physical pain but also psychological distress for those affected.
Is Silicone still used?
Regarding regulations, silicone is no longer used for beauty treatments. Physicians themselves are aware of the potential dangers it poses to patients. However, some doctors may occasionally treat cases of accidents and complications resulting from the use of silicone for nose, breast, or buttock augmentation. Unfortunately, there are people who have undergone such procedures performed by unqualified individuals who often operate in unregulated spas and lack the necessary knowledge, leading to unfortunate outcomes.
Precautions for injectable fillers:
When deciding to undergo beauty treatments, women should be cautious and never fall for the temptation of cheap injectable fillers without knowing their origin and components. If one lacks sufficient knowledge and does not trust reliable sources, they should not follow the advice of friends or family to seek treatments at unreliable beauty establishments:
- For those interested in injectable fillers, it is essential to choose specialized cosmetic hospitals or clinics. Injectable fillers should only be administered by certified cosmetic surgeons who have undergone proper training in the field. Additionally, the beauty establishment must possess the required licenses to provide such services.
- Before getting injectable fillers, it is crucial for individuals to carefully read the information on the product’s label. Pay particular attention to the components, such as HA (Hyaluronic Acid), and avoid using products that contain silicon. Also, make sure to check the manufacturer’s information and expiration date to ensure that the product is approved for circulation in Vietnam.
- Choosing the right beauty establishment and safe products is of utmost importance to protect one’s health and ensure the effectiveness of the beauty procedure. Prioritize safety and health, and do not hesitate to thoroughly verify and select beauty services for yourself.
