Silicone has a broad range of medical applications and plays an important role, for example, in
plastic reconstruction. The use of
silicone, however, may result in unpredictable consequences for the patient. These range from swelling and
erythema at the site of injection and regional
lymphadenopathy to the development of disseminated
granulomas distant from the administration site. We report a woman who developed extensive distally-spreading ulcerations in both buttocks several years after gluteal
silicone injection. Potential systemic reactions of
silicone include intrapulmonary
granulomas,
embolism and related
pneumonitis. Moreover, an association with the development of
autoimmune diseases and
neoplasias has been discussed. Therapeutic options include surgically removing the
silicone and topical or systemic anti-inflammatory
drug therapy. However, due to the diffuse dissemination of
silicone, the former is often not completely possible and for the latter empirical data are limited and follow-up studies are missing. Liquid
silicone is no longer authorized in Europe or in the U.S.A. When
silicone implants are used, the decision should be weighed carefully and the patient adequately counseled. In addition,
follow-up care on a regular basis is mandatory for both those with implants and those who obtained
injections of liquid
silicone in the past.