Leg Ulcers Following Subcutaneous Injection of a Liquid Silicone Preparation

Authors

Virginia Rae, University of Miami
Rube J. Pardo, University of Miami
Patricia Blackwelder, University of MiamiFollow
Vincent Falanga, University of Miami

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Archives of Dermatology

ISSN

0003-987X

Publication Date

5-1989

Abstract

We present an unusual case of leg ulcers occurring 23 years after the patient had received large-volume subcutaneous injections of a liquid silicone preparation into her legs for cosmetic reasons. Light microscopy of a biopsy specimen from the edge of the ulcer showed optically clear vacuoles in the dermis, together with a mixed cellular infiltrate. Scanning electron microscopic studies revealed amorphous spherules within the vacuoles, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy established the presence of silicon in these spherules. Nearby tissue not containing spherules did not show a silicon peak. This case adds to the growing documentation of morbidity associated with injections of silicone of uncertain purity.

DOI

10.1001/archderm.1989.01670170084015

Volume

125

Issue

5

First Page

650

Last Page

673

Comments

©1989, American Medical Association

NSUWorks Citation

Virginia Rae, Rube J. Pardo, Patricia Blackwelder, and Vincent Falanga. 1989. Leg Ulcers Following Subcutaneous Injection of a Liquid Silicone Preparation .Archives of Dermatology , (5) : 650 -673. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_facarticles/839.