OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between mammaplasty and results after polyacrylamide hydrophilic gel (PAHG) removal from breast.

METHODSFrom Feb. 2003 to Aug. 2009, 130 patients with bilateral breast augmentation by PAHG injection were treated. Preoperative ultrasound examination and MRI were performed to know the distribution of PAHG and infiltration at the surrounding tissue. According to the conditions after removal, the patients were received implant augmentation immediately, or at the second stage, or no implant.

RESULTSThe patients were followed up for 3 months at the most with a very satisfactory rate of 63.84% (83/120), a satisfactory rate of 31.53% (41/120) and a unsatisfactory rate of 4.63% (6/120). Slight capsular contracture (Baker I) occurred in 5 cases with 6 breasts in satisfactory group. All the patients in unsatisfactory groups who selected unsuitable implants by themselves were re-operated to take out the implants. 3 cases with much residue PAHG insisted to receive breast implants. Among them, 2 cases achieved acceptable results even the surface of the breasts were not smooth. No other complication happened.

CONCLUSIONSThe breast reaugmentation after PAHG removal should be performed based on the deformity and condition of breast. Both cosmetic result and psychological relief could be obtained after mammaplasty.