Secondary lymphoedema of the lower leg as an unusual side-effect of a liquid silicone injection in the hips and buttocks.

We report an unusual case of secondary lymphoedema of the lower extremities as a result of injections of liquid silicone. A 30-year-old transsexual had received large-volume injections of silicone in the hips and buttocks for cosmetic purposes in order to obtain a female body form. Painful silicone granulomas developed in both the treated areas and areas outside the original injection location, and a progressive lymphoedema of feet and legs developed during a period of 5 years. Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel