Treatment of Foreign Body Granuloma of the Hand Associated with Unregulated Material Injection for Aesthetic Purpose

ABSTRACT

Recently, rejuvenation of the aging hand has gained popularity. Various medical fillers have recently become popular, and patients have more options to rejuvenate their aging hands. However, in our country, unregulated material injections by unlicensed practitioners are still wide spread and its related complications have been considered as a serious problem. The aim of this retrospective study is to introduce our experiences regarding 17 cases of foreign body granuloma following hand rejuvenation using unregulated material. A retrospective review from December 2002 to October 2012 was performed. We analyzed data for 17 patients who underwent perilesional surgical excision for treatment of a foreign body granuloma of the hand associated with unregulated material injection by unlicensed practitioners. Injected materials include paraffin, silicone oil, and other unknown materials. Four patients were injected with paraffin, 3 patients with silicone oil, and remaining 10 patients with unknown materials. The main symptom was palpable mass and contour deformity. The patients were asked to rate their overall satisfaction following treatment. The average patient satisfaction score was 3.7. To prevent foreign body granuloma following unregulated medical practice, it is very important to inform the public about the disastrous consequence of unregulated material injections by unlicensed practitioners.