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Characteristics of individuals subjected to infiltration of foreign materials for aesthetic purposes and subject to a judicial investigation in Colombia

Abstract:

Background and Objective. Infiltration of materials such as silicone in soft tissues is a documented clandestine practice in several places around the world.These substances seek to improve the aesthetic appearance of the patient, and have become popular in the general population. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of individuals that were under infiltration of foreign materials in soft tissues for aesthetic purposes in which a judicial inquiry was conducted in Bogotá, Colombia. Methods.We present a case series of 26 patients who were part of a legal investigation by the Colombian General Prosecution in Bogotá, Colombia, due to death or complications associated to these procedures between 2005 and 2015. Results. Most of the patients in our clinical serie were women (62%). The most frequently performed procedure was buttock augmentation, mainly done by a beautician in aesthetic clinics or beauty centers. Of the total of patients 58% died due to pulmonary embolism of silicone; among the survivors, the most frequent complication was anesthetic scar. Conclusions. Infiltration of foreign materials into soft tissue is a procedure that reports complications and a high frequency of mortality; most of these procedures are performed in illegal places and with unauthorized materials, and done by unqualified personnel. Thus remarks the importance of generating actions that prevent this type of practices.