Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results for Ms. Thuy at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi revealed scattered filler substances in her hip, buttocks, thigh, pelvic fossa, and both groins.

Ms. Thuy stated that 5 years prior, she received filler injections at a private clinic to enhance her hip dips, the natural indentations between the pelvis and upper thigh. This cosmetic procedure aims to create a fuller body contour.

"Imaging results combined with her history of filler injections indicate the patient developed an abscess due to liquid silicone migrating to the intimate area", said Associate Professor, Doctor, Level II Specialist Luu Thi Hong, Deputy Director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Center.

Doctor Hong counseling the patient before surgery. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Hong explained that liquid silicone is non-biodegradable and does not remain fixed at the injection site. It can migrate through tissue and fat layers under the skin, influenced by gravity and movement. In this case, the filler infiltrated from the hip, traveled along the inguinal canal, and descended to the right labia majora. This migration stimulated a prolonged inflammatory response, forming an abscess and invading some inguinal lymph nodes. Complications from silicone can manifest months or even years after injection.

Beyond chronic inflammation, abscess formation, and persistent pus discharge, silicone can also infiltrate lymph nodes, cause deformation of the injected area, or lead to tissue necrosis. Because silicone particles infiltrate and adhere to multiple tissue layers, complete removal is almost impossible.

Ms. Thuy was scheduled for surgery to drain the pus, remove as much of the inflammation-causing silicone as possible, and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Doctor Hong described the surgery as complex because the abscess was not simply localized but connected to silicone strands that had infiltrated from the hip to the intimate area. The dissection process required meticulous care to remove the maximum amount of silicone and inflamed tissue, while preserving vital anatomical structures in the groin and vulva, to avoid damaging blood vessels.

Since the liquid silicone had dispersed into multiple tissue layers without clear boundaries, doctors could not remove it entirely in one surgery. The patient continues to receive antibiotic treatment, wound care, and long-term monitoring to detect potential re-inflammation or late complications.

"Some cosmetic facilities advertise liquid silicone under names like 'filler', 'artificial fat', or 'new generation filler', leading people to mistakenly believe these are absorbable fillers", Doctor Hong said, adding that liquid silicone is not permitted for cosmetic filling due to its risk of causing long-term complications.

Doctors advise against injecting liquid silicone or fillers of unknown origin for buttock augmentation, hip dip enhancement, or other body areas. Individuals seeking cosmetic procedures should choose licensed medical facilities and reputable hospitals that use materials approved by the Ministry of Health.

Thuy Hanh