Polyacrylamide hydrogel (
PAAG) has been widely used for injection augmentation
mammaplasty in Russia, China, and Iran for more than 2 decades. In recent years, it has been advocated as a safe permanent filler for soft-tissue augmentation. However, the complications associated with
PAAG injection in soft-tissue augmentation have not been extensively investigated. Augmentation
mammaplasty through
PAAG injection is associated with some complications. The incidence of
infection during breastfeeding was reported to be higher than 50%. Herein, we report 58 cases of
infection in breastfeeding women receiving
PAAG injection, including 50 with unilateral injection (36 on the right, 14 on the left) and 8 bilateral injection. They experienced large breast autoinflation and some severe symptoms, such as local and systemic
fever, breast swelling, nipple bulging, tenderness, and
pain, which lead to surgical removal of
galactocele or intraprosthetic collection of sterile
pus resulting in
deformity. Operation and comprehensive measures including removal of the injected material, clearing residual cavity, and
pharmacotherapy were carried out to control infection and
inflammation for 1 to 2 weeks. In the following 12 months, no relapse or recurrence of residual cavity was noted. Therefore, we do not recommend
PAAG injection for augmentation
mammaplasty, especially in women intending to breastfeed. Patients undergoing
PAAG injection for augmentation
mammaplasty should avoid breastfeeding.
PAAG injection will cause serious consequences resulting in tissue
atrophy and breast resection if inappropriately handled.