Skin ulcer: a long-term complication after massive liquid silicone oil infiltration

Clinical Management of Complications Following Filler Injection

AIM

Dermal fillers have been progressively used for cosmetic procedures. Concurrently, the rates of filler complications have also increased. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical management and treatment we performed in patients with complications occurred after filler injection.

METHODS

From March 2000 to February 2020, 197 patients have been evaluated for complications due to filler injection. For each patient type of material, symptoms and signs were recorded. Ultrasound evaluation was used to obtain information about the type, amount and location of the injected material. Magnetic Resonance Imaging was performed in those patients who were candidate for surgery. Based on the clinical manifestations, we performed a targeted therapy.

RESULTS

The local and systemic medical therapy allowed us a complete remission of the clinical signs and symptoms in all patients presented with edema and erythema. We obtained optimal results with surgery, where a complete removal of the injected material was possible. In all the cases in which the complete removal of the infiltrated area could have led to functional impairments, we performed partial removal with poor outcomes.

CONCLUSION

We observed complex clinical manifestations in the patients subjected to permanent fillers. An accurate knowledge upon the effects of the materials on tissues, a specific instrumental evaluation and a targeted therapy are crucial. We suggest the use of absorbable fillers. Patient should be subjected to filler implant in authorized structures by an expert specialist with experience in filler injection and with a thorough knowledge of the anatomical structures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

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Survey of Dermatologic Procedures in Transgender Adults

BACKGROUND

Dermatologists have the opportunity to provide medically necessary procedures, including laser hair removal, to transgender patients for gender affirmation. Further research is required to better assess the unique dermatologic needs of this population.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prevalence of dermatologic procedures among transgender people in the context of gender-affirming treatment.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study examined survey responses from 696 transgender persons enrolled in the Study of Transition, Outcomes, and Gender cohort. Prevalence of self-reported dermatologic procedures was examined and compared across participant subgroups.

RESULTS

Electrolysis was the most commonly reported procedure (32.9%). Transfeminine patients were more likely to use dermatologic procedures compared with transmasculine patients. Only 19 participants (2.8%) reported the use of dermal filler injections.

CONCLUSION

Differences in utilization of dermatologic procedures were noted in transgender populations. Motivations, barriers, and optimal timing for gender-affirming dermatologic procedures among transgender persons should be examined in future studies.

Siliconomas of the lower limb: Tumour-like excision and reconstruction

Background:

Silicone oil injection can cause several complications including pain, cellulitis, abscesses, skin compromise, migration, embolism and multiorgan failure. Oil-infested tissue excision remains the solely treatment to prevent such complications.

Objectives:

The authors evaluate tumor-like excision of the oil-infested tissue as a treatment for patients experiencing silicone injections in the lower limbs, to both preserve aesthetic appearance and solve further risk of complication from silicone.

Methods:

Between January 2004 and January 2011 a total of 12 consecutive, nonrandomized female patients underwent surgical management of siliconoma of the lower limb. The mean age was 41-years, range from 22 to 61 years and all patients didn’t referred comorbidities. Eight siliconomas were located on the leg and 4 were on the thigh. The mean area of siliconoma was 35 cm², range from 25 to 60 cm². Each patient was evaluated by ultrasonography and EchocolorDoppler of the soft tissue and in order to achieve a “staging” of siliconoma.

Results:

Healing was uneventful in all cases. Three patients (25%) suffering hypertrophic scarring underwent further injection of corticosteroids to improve hypertrophic scars quality. Two patients (16.6%) required a further session of structural fat grafting to improve thigh's profile. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results and indispositions requiring medical therapy disappeared.

Conclusions:

Tumor-like excision and immediate reconstruction appears to be a safe and consistent surgical option that preserves aesthetic appearance for patients victims of illegal oil silicone injection of the lower limbs.

Medical dermatologic conditions in transgender women

Many previous reviews and studies on transgender dermatology have highlighted the expected dermatologic manifestations of hormone affirmation therapy in transgender patients. Others have highlighted attitudes and practices of both transgender patients and medical professionals taking care of these patients. This review compiles data from other, lesser known aspects of transgender dermatology, including neovaginal concerns, neoplastic concerns (both neovaginal and cutaneous), autoimmune conditions, and the sequelae of injectable substances that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This review, like others, will be a stepping-stone and serve as an impetus for future research in transgender dermatology.

A case of recurrent leg necrotic ulcers secondary to silicone migration in a transgender patient: radiographic, ultrasound and MRI findings

Injection of massive quantities of liquid silicone into body parts for cosmetic purposes is a popular practice among the transgender population. Although a myriad of short-term complications associated with this procedure have been described, few reports of chronic and persistent ailments exist. We present the case of a male-to-female transgender with recurrent necrotic leg ulcers associated with migration of the silicone material injected in the buttocks 25 years ago. We review the imaging findings as well as the clinical and pathological aspects of this presentation, with an emphasis on the necessity of a high degree of suspicion for silicone-associated complications in a transgender patient presenting with leg wounds. We highlight the importance of the characteristic sonographic snowstorm artefact generated by free silicone material in soft tissues in the diagnosis of this entity.