Oleomas mimicking cutaneous xanthomas following breast augmentation by injection of liquid silicone

Oleoma is defined as a foreign body granuloma resulting from the injection of oily substances into the skin or subcutaneous tissue. Liquid injectable silicone has been used extensively over the last five decades for soft tissue augmentation. Although initially considered as a biologically inert material, it has been implicated in a variety of adverse reactions, sometimes with latent periods of decades.

We describe the case of a 44-year-old Peruvian woman presenting with multiple painless yellowish papules and plaques limited to the lower half of the breasts, that seemed to be cutaneous xanthomas. A skin biopsy showed granulomatous inflammation with multiple clear vacuoles corresponding to injected liquid silicone particles, diagnosed as oleoma. The patient was then re-evaluated and she reported that she underwent breast augmentation by injection of liquid silicone five prior to presentation in our department. Thus, the diagnosis of oleoma was confirmed.

We describe a case with yellowish papules on both breasts in a woman that underwent breast augmentation by injection of liquid silicone. Since this unusual presentation of oleomas can be confused with cutaneous xanthomas, a biopsy is essential for diagnosis.