Acute Pneumonitis after Subcutaneous Injections of Silicone in Transsexual Men

Abstract

Polydimethylsiloxane fluid (injectable silicone fluid) is widely used in breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures. This substance undergoes little or no change in physical properties as a function of temperature, low surface tension, or aging; this fact, combined with its minimal tissue reaction and lack of immunogenicity, explains the widespread use of silicone fluid for medical purposes. However, animal studies with subcutaneously injected medical-grade silicone have shown that it can subsequently be recovered in various organs.^{1 , 2} Bilateral silicone implants in one patient resulted in high fever, diffuse arthritis, renal failure, and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates.³ Illicit injections of silicone in human . . .