The present invention relates to compositions in the form of oil-in-water dispersions comprising a silicone oil having an average droplet diameter of about 2000 microns or less and a polymeric thickening agent. These compositions are useful for stimulating collagen production in human patients and other mammals, and have applications for soft tissue augmentation for various medical and cosmetic procedures. The present invention also relates to methods for preparing these compositions and to methods for stimulating collagen production in human patients and other mammals in need thereof. In contrast to the prior art, the compositions and methods of the present invention are particularly useful for stimulating the production of high quality collagen that is uniform, smooth, long-lasting, and having good structural integrity
