The problems occur when silicone shifts within the body or enters the bloodstream. Loose silicone forms internal lumps and scars in the body. And if it is wrongly injected into a vein, the complications can be deadly. Blood carries the silicone to the heart and lungs, which appears to be the case with the Florida woman. If you block the blood supply to the lungs, you can't get that exchange of oxygen, and you die.
Cosmetic enhancements are mainstream today.
Implants can enlarge the breasts, cheek bones and calves, and injections of collagen and other substances can create fuller lips and erase wrinkles. About 50,000 plastic surgeons operate in the United States. Although licensed doctors are permitted legally to use products for purposes not intended on the label, doctors do not perform cosmetic silicone injections, said Dr. Daniel Morello, president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Cosmetic surgery is erroneously viewed as less risky than other medical procedures, according to Morello. Some customers shop for the best surgery price as they would for a new car, with little regard for quality.