The use of liquid silicone for cosmetic injections can result in death and cause long-term health problems, a study has shown.
The Thailand Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has released the study.
Cholthis Sinratchatanant, chairman of the academy, said the use of solid silicone had been widely used for cosmetic surgery, although it has now given way to liquid silicone.
Silicone is injected into parts of the body of those who seek to improve their appearance such as the nose, forehead, cheek bones, or those who come in search of a larger penis or breasts.
He said liquid silicone injections are easier and cheaper than surgery which involves cutting open the body to implant solid silicone.
However, liquid silicone has tiny particles which can seep into the cardiovascular system the lungs and the brain and cause dangerous clots which are very difficult to remove and could be fatal, Dr Cholthis said.
He said the study shows that liquid silicone causes severe damage to tissue and inner cells.
Dr Cholthis is also a member of a subcommittee protecting consumers from substandard plastic surgery services, set up by the Medical Council of Thailand. He said the use of liquid silicone for cosmetic injections should be banned.