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Despite fatal risk, silicone black market thrives

Despite fatal risk, silicone black market thrives

Monday, June 04, 2012, 15:57 GMT+7

After giving birth to her second child, Phan Thi My X opted for plastic surgery to make up for the toll that child-rearing had taken on her breasts.

Part 1: Cosmetic surgery on the rise in Vietnam Part 2: Despite fatal risk, silicone black market thrives

But infection followed six weeks later, and ultimately, doctors had to remove her left breast.

"It was painful, and my skin looked bruised," My X, who lives in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 8, said of the infection she went through last year.

Her cautionary tale reflects a growing industry across Vietnam, especially in this southern economic hub. For those who can’t resist the trap of silicone, the cosmetic operations can sometimes prove deadly. Several weeks ago, one young man in district 10 died from infection after having silicone injected into his buttocks.

Still the black trade persists, and with a little asking around, anyone can find a seller.

Penetrating the network

The underground market for silicone is a world of patronage, secret codes, and handshake deals – and it begins with a motorbike taxi driver.

A regular at the Kim Bien Market in District 5, a driver named Phi says he can make an introduction for as little as 20,000 dong. Without his help, he says, dealers will not sell to strangers they don’t trust.

To win over their confidence, potential clients must give silicone traders a password to prove they’ve been vetted. As an alternative, Phi offered to drive a reporter to the right site for 50,000 dong. Eventually, he struck a deal.

silicone 2

A breast implant available at a beauty salon in Ho Chi Minh City

“Many markets have the goods but you can come to Kim Bien and tell any chemical dealer that ‘Mr. Phi introduced you to me,’” he said.

After hearing that phrase, a dealer named Thuy rattled off her merchandise. “You want silicone injections in the chest, bottoms or sex organ? I have it all, coming from the US, UK, or China, quality guaranteed.”

Thuy, who is in her 50s, opened a tube of viscous, odorous liquid. A 250cc tube costs VND1.2 million (US$58) on average.

The trade also abounds at markets An Binh in District 5, Co Giang in District 1 and Ba Chieu in Binh Thanh District.

Deadly trade

Stories of death and permanent defects following silicone treatments have dotted local media coverage in recent weeks.

The risk declines when clients go to beauty salons, where staff can legally offer guidance. But no procedure is risk-free. In 30 percent of the operations, patients undergo infection or other physical complications that could lead to death, according to Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong from Thu Duc Hospital.

Not that that deters dealers.

“If your number is up, you go,” Mr. T. said flatly of the victims. He is a silicone tycoon at An Binh Market. “I am just a trader. Supply follows demand.”

silicone 3

A female client is consulting surgeons at the Phu Nhuan Hospital (Photo: Tuoi Tre)

Tuoi Tre

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