Following World War II, there were reports that some Asian girls who found that American soldiers preferred large breasts attempted to enlarge their breasts with injections of industrial-grade liquid silicone. The injections led to numerous complications. The injected liquid would migrate to other parts of the body, causing infections, formation of hard lumps called granulomas, blood clots to the lungs, cancer and death. Japanese doctors reported in medical journals that women injected with silicone showed symptoms of immune system disorders.

In South Florida and other parts of the country, there has been a recent resurgence of the use of injectible silicone in under-ground "parties." People attending the parties get injections in their buttocks and other areas of their bodies. The silicone is often mixed with oil to make an injectible solution. There have been reported deaths related to silicone injections in Miami, New York, and Atlanta.

The FDA has never approved the marketing of liquid silicone for injection for any cosmetic purpose, including the treatment of facial defects or wrinkles, or enlarging the breasts.

Besides the risk of death, the adverse effects of liquid silicone injections have included movement of the silicone to other parts of the body, inflammation and discoloration of surrounding tissues, and the formation of granulomas (nodules of granulated, inflamed tissue).

The FDA prohibits manufacturers or doctors from marketing or promoting unapproved products such as liquid silicone. This means that a doctor cannot legally advertise or sell this material. The only exception is a particular form of liquid silicone currently in use by opthamologists.

Even with conventional plastic surgery there are potential serious risks involved. Though thousands of people have plastic surgery every year without complications, no surgical procedure is risk-free.

First and foremost, never have any medical procedure performed by anyone other than a fully certified, and qualified physician, and never consider having any surgical or invasive treatment of any kind done anywhere but in a medical facility. Complications from improperly performed procedures can lead to disfigurement and even death.

When considering plastic surgery or any body enhancing treatment:

• Maximize Your Safety

• Check Out Your Doctor

• Check Out The Facility

• Know What Your Doctor Needs To Know About YOU

• More Additional Risks For Women

  Statement approved by the The American Society of Plastic Surgeons Board of Directors, June 24, 2000.

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