Dermoepidermal graft as treatment of lower extremity siliconoma

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the evidence of poor performance and risks of using silicone subcutaneous injections to improve body contour, this technique is still used by untrained people, generating an iatrogenic entity with serious complications.

Case report: 56 year old female presented left lower extremity cellulitis. A history of previous intervention with silicone injections in face, back of hands, buttocks and legs in year 2000 was obtained. An inflammatory process progressed locally and systemically with multiple abscesses, subcutaneous thickness in the entire leg and sepsis, requiring multiple surgical procedures, reaching fascial and muscle planes exposition of the left leg. The patient underwent local therapy with negative pressure systems and subsequent dermoepidermal graft. Multidisciplinary management was performed on a critical unit. The results were satisfactory, preserving the limb with full coverage. She was discharged after four months of inpatient management.

Conclusion: Despite knowing the risks of silicone injection (industrial or medical) it remains a common procedure. In our patient she presented as leg fasciitis, requiring aggressive surgical treatment. Knowing this entity, its diagnosis and treatment is essential to treat patients with serious complications.