Incidental radiological findings of susuk in the orofacial region

Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2006 Nov;35(6):473-4. doi: 10.1259/dmfr/98411134.

Abstract

Susuk, or charm needles, are inserted and worn subcutaneously in the face and other parts of the body, as they are believed to enhance beauty and youth, and for many other reasons such as treatment of headache, aches and pains in the joints, back or abdomen. The practice of inserting susuk is a traditional belief, genuinely cultural and superstitious, and common in the south-east Asian region. We present 13 cases of susuk, which was found incidentally on the radiographs as the patients came for various types of treatment at our centre.

MeSH terms

  • Cosmetic Techniques
  • Face* / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Malaysia
  • Medicine, Traditional
  • Mouth* / diagnostic imaging
  • Needles
  • Radiography, Panoramic
  • Religion and Medicine