Complications and management of breast augmentation using two different types of fillers: a case series

Abstract

An advantage of breast augmentation with injectable fillers is that the desired size can be determined and achieved under local anesthesia with a short recovery time. However, a high complication rate is a critical disadvantage. Some fillers are challenging to remove, resulting in breast deformity and scarring. Five patients who underwent surgery to manage a foreign body in the breasts in 2021 were enrolled in this study. Two had copolyamide filler injections, while the other three had polyacrylamide hydrogel filler injections. A physical examination was performed, and preoperative and intraoperative photographs were obtained. Two patients underwent subcutaneous mastectomy because most of the filler had infiltrated into the normal breast tissue. In contrast, the other patients underwent filler removal and debridement because most of the filler had remained separate from the normal breast tissue. All patients who had a subcutaneous mastectomy and one who underwent only filler removal underwent immediate breast reconstruction with cohesive gel implants. The other patients rejected immediate reconstruction, and only filler removal was performed. All patients recovered without complications. We propose an algorithm for diagnosis and treatment based on our cases, which we hope can help clinicians manage the complications of filler injections for breast augmentation.