Priscilla Presley suffered facial damage and inflammation after an unlicensed practitioner injected industrial silicone into her face in Los Angeles in 2003.
Daniel Serrano, an Argentine who presented himself as a doctor, offered aesthetic treatments using injections. He did not hold a license to practice medicine in the United States.
Serrano used industrial silicone to treat wrinkles and add volume to the face. The substance had been brought into the country illegally from Argentina.
Presley, the ex-wife of singer Elvis Presley, developed irregularities and inflammation across different areas of her face. She later underwent treatments in an attempt to repair the damage.
An investigation uncovered Serrano's use of industrial silicone. A court sentenced the fake doctor to 18 months in prison.
Permanent tissue damage
Industrial silicone is not a facial filler and has nothing to do with the materials used in legitimate aesthetic medicine. Once introduced into facial tissues, it can cause inflammation, fibrosis, nodules and deformities.
These reactions can persist for years. Removing the silicone is highly difficult because it mixes with the surrounding tissues and causes internal scarring.
Complete removal is sometimes impossible, while other cases require multiple surgical interventions.
When a surgeon attempts to correct the damage, they must work with inflamed tissues, fibrosis and the alterations caused by the silicone. Patients may need to have parts of the material surgically removed and the affected areas reconstructed or remodeled.
Treatments can also be used to control the inflammation and improve the condition of the tissues.
Patience for recovery
Industrial silicone can remain in the body for years. Once the damage occurs, the goal of the patient shifts from rejuvenating the face to trying to restore their original appearance.
The case highlights that an injectable product is not automatically safe just because someone calls it a filler. It also shows the importance of checking a professional's medical qualifications before undergoing any procedure.
Other facial modifications
Jocelyn Wildenstein has also experienced significant changes to her appearance. Her cheekbones, eyes, jaw and other areas of her face have been modified over time, creating an image completely different from her original look. This highlights the danger of retouching a face in parts.
Amanda Lepore, the model and artist, has spoken about her numerous aesthetic interventions and how she modified her features. She altered her lips, cheekbones, nose, eyes and jaw over time, rather than just correcting a single feature.
Meg Ryan
