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Augmentation Mammaplasty After Breast Enhancement With Hyaluronic Acid
Emilio Trignano1, Antonio Rusciani1, Andrea Felice Armenti1
1Drs Trignano and Rusciani are Consultants and Dr Fallico is a Resident in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; Dr Trignano also is a Consultant for the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Sassari, Italy; Dr Armenti is a Consultant for the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy; Dr Corrias is a Consultant for the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Monserrato University Hospital, Italy.
Background:
Macrolane is a stabilized, hyaluronic acid-based gel that has been available since 2007 as a minimally invasive, nonpermanent option for breast enhancement. However, numerous controversies pertaining to its side effects have highlighted the need for studies involving larger groups of patients.
Objectives:
The authors sought to determine complications of Macrolane injections for breast enhancement and performed surgical evacuation of cysts comprising collections of hyaluronic acid in patients who previously received Macrolane treatment and presented for augmentation mammaplasty.
Methods:
The authors reviewed a case series of 20 patients who were treated elsewhere with intramammary injection of Macrolane for cosmetic purposes and who presented at the authors' medical studio with multiple intramammary and intramuscular cysts. All patients underwent surgical evacuation of the hyaluronic acid-based cysts in association with augmentation mammaplasty.
Results:
Good aesthetic results were achieved in all patients. Three months after surgery, 15 of 20 (75%) patients rated themselves as very much improved; 4 patients (20%) rated themselves as moderately improved, and 1 patient (5%) rated herself as somewhat improved.
Conclusions:
The authors suggest that Macrolane cannot be considered a valid alternative for breast augmentation at this time.
Level Of Evidence:
4 Therapeutic.
