Treatment of postoperative complications after augmentation mammoplasty by polyacrylamide hydrogel injection

Abstract

Objective To explore the complications of augmentation mammoplasty by polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAHG) injection and their management.Methods Preoperatively,174 patients underwent breast ultrasound image,and some patients received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to ascertain the distribution of injected PAHG.We used the periareolar incision and dissection extended to the subcutaneous tissue,mammary gland,and subgland space.We were able to suck most of the gel by the negative pressure machine and remove the abnormal breast tissue.The secondary breast deformity was repaired with subpectoral placement of silicone mammary implants (48 cases immediately,39 cases secondarily after 3-6 months) according to the individual situation.Results Following-up for 3 to 6 months,most of their symptoms were relieved after removal of the polyacrylamide hydrogel.In the patients who were performed with the implants augmentation mammoplasty,77 cases gained satisfactory results on the shape and texture of the breast (44.3％),and 10 cases were not satisfied with texture of the breast (5.7％).79 cases appeared breast atrophy or flat chest (45.4％).The severe breast deformities occurred in 8 cases (4.6％).Conclusions PAHG should be removed with surgical operation as soon as possible.The open operative technique via periareolar incisions may be a better method for the patients.The breast reconstruction is performed with implants prosthesis for those who are suitable and willing after removal of PAHG. Key words: Polyacrylamide hydrogel; Augmentation mammoplasty; Complication