OBJECTIVETo investigate the technique of repeated operation for removement of polyacrylamide hydrogel from breast.

METHODS17 cases after uncomplete removement of PHG were reoperated through inferior periareolar incision. The PHG and affected denatured muscle and gland tissue were removed.

RESULTSPreoperative MRI or CT showed PHG distributed diffusely in muscle and gland. There was only minimal residual PHG after operation. Histological examination showed PHG distributed in the denatured and proliferative fibrous tissue, including giant cells, many neutrophilic cells infiltration, and foreign body granuloma. The symptoms, such as intramammary pump or nodule, chest and back pain, infection, were relieved after operation.

CONCLUSIONSBlinded suction technique can not remove PHG completely and can also result in malposition of PHG and make the tissue denaturation worse. We suggest open approach to remove the PHG and denatured tissue completely through periareolar incision.