Complications from injectable materials used for breast augmentation.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Breast augmentation has a long and complex history.
• Early augmentation methods involved injecting substances like paraffin or oil, or implanting materials such as ivory or glass.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the four distinct eras of breast augmentation.
• To provide the current status of various injection materials used in breast augmentation.
• To present a case report on polyacrylamide hydrogel injections.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of breast augmentation techniques and materials.
• Analysis of the evolution of injection materials over four distinct periods.
• Case report detailing polyacrylamide hydrogel injection in Iran.

Main Results:

• The history of breast augmentation is marked by recurring challenges with injected substances.
• Various materials, including paraffin, oil, liquid silicone, and polyacrylamide hydrogel, have been used with varying outcomes.
• A case report highlights the ongoing use and status of polyacrylamide hydrogel.

Conclusions:

• The history of breast augmentation demonstrates a pattern of repeated issues with injection materials across different eras.
• Understanding the historical context is crucial for evaluating current and future breast augmentation materials.
• Polyacrylamide hydrogel represents a contemporary example of materials with a complex and evolving status in breast augmentation.