The Clinical Analysis of the Effects of Treating Complications Resulted from Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Injection for Augmentation Mammaplasty

Objective To explore the effects of treatment of complications resulted from augmentation mammaplasty with polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAHG) injection. Methods 12 cases underwent augmentation mammaplasty with PAHG fourteen months to fifty-one months ago. Among them, 2 cases suffered from mammary abscess formation. Induration or displacement of PAHG was found in 8 cases. 2 cases felt scared about PAHG and insisted on removal of PAHG. All patients had color Doppler or MRI examination to localize the position of PAHG. PAHG was removed from a peri-areolar approach in 9 cases while in 2 cases from a low inframammary fold for the drainage of the abscess. One stage silicon breast implantation was performed for augmentation mammaplasty in 3 cases. Results The follow-up ranged from three months to one year. All patients were satisfied with the result. The appearance of breasts was symmetry without significant induration. No recurrent infection was found. Postoperative ultrasound examination still detected small amounts of PAHG in the mammary tissues. Conclusions The peri-areolar incision was feasible in removing PAHG due to its direct operational vision. In the case of abscess formation, the low inframammary fold was the approach of the choice. In regarding to one-stage silicon breast implantation, it depended on the extent of involvement of the major pectoralis muscle, the requirement of the patients and the experience of the operators. It is still very difficult to remove PAHG completely. Therefore, an intensive postoperative follow-up and psychological treatment play an important role in care of patients with PAHG implantation.