Polyacrylamide gel migration after injection for breast augmentation: A case report

• Published in: Chinese journal of plastic and reconstructive surgery Vol. 4; no. 1; pp. 20 - 24
• Main Authors: Yan, Rongshuai, Lan, Yujie, Lei, Zeyuan, Chen, Yao, Fan, Dongli, Zhang, Yiming, Wang, Shaoliang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.03.2022; Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery,Xinqiao Hospital,Army Medical University,Chongqing 400037,China; KeAi Communications Co. Ltd
• Subjects: Breast augmentation; Material migration; Polyacrylamide hydrogel; Surgical complication; Breast augmentation; Surgical complication; Polyacrylamide hydrogel; Material migration
• ISSN: 2096-6911; 2096-6911
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cjprs.2022.02.001

Polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) was once considered a safe, reliable, and compatible injected filler and was widely used in breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and other cosmetic surgeries. However, numerous complications, such as implant migration, have been observed after PAAG injections. Herein, we report a rare case of distant implant migration after PAAG injection for breast augmentation in which the material became displaced along the abdominal wall to the perineum and pelvic extraperitoneal space. After a well-prepared preoperative evaluation involving magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) examinations and three-dimensional hologram, debridement surgery was performed to remove the injected material. After the operation, the patient was followed up for two years and was not scheduled for a second operation. Postoperative complications of breast augmentation after PAAG injection, especially gel migration, still affect thousands of patients. Once material migration occurs, surgical removal becomes difficult. Early diagnosis and treatment are recommended.