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Marinicheva I.G.

Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University;
Medlaz;
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia

Gritsyuk A.M.

Medlaz NJSC, Department of Plastic Surgery

Magritt E.A.

Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University

Danilin N.A.

Medlaz

Ganshin I.B.

Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia

Removal of polyacrylamide gels from lower extremity soft tissues: a retrospective analysis of 25-year experience

Authors:

Marinicheva I.G., Gritsyuk A.M., Magritt E.A., Danilin N.A., Ganshin I.B.

More about the authors

Journal: Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine. 2025;(2‑2): 25‑34

DOI: 10.17116/plast.hirurgia202502225

Read: 533 times

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Table of contents

REMOVAL OF POLYACRYLAMIDE GELS FROM LOWER EXTREMITY SOFT TISSUES: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF 25-YEAR EXPERIENCE
REMOVAL OF POLYACRYLAMIDE GELS FROM LOWER EXTREMITY SOFT TISSUES: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF 25-YEAR EXPERIENCE

To cite this article:

Marinicheva IG, Gritsyuk AM, Magritt EA, Danilin NA, Ganshin IB. Removal of polyacrylamide gels from lower extremity soft tissues: a retrospective analysis of 25-year experience. Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine. 2025;(2‑2):25‑34. (In Russ., In Engl.)
https://doi.org/10.17116/plast.hirurgia202502225

Подписка 2026 Пластическая хирургия и эстетическая медицина (Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine)
 
МСФ на ЯМ
Использование инфографики авторами научных работ
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Abstract:

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of various methods of polyacrylamide gels (PAAG) removal from soft tissues of lower extremities.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The authors present a 25-year experience of PAAG removal in 138 female patients. In 125 cases, PAAG was localized in soft tissues of lower legs, in 47 — thighs, in 9 — gluteal region. In 31 patients, PAAG was removed from multiple anatomical regions at intervals 8—26 months. These ones were analyzed as separate cases. Open method of gel removal was used in 18 cases, closed method with active aspiration — 55, closed method with pulsating cavity technique — in 96 cases.

RESULTS

Open method had no advantages and resulted unaesthetic scarring in 39% of cases. Closed aspiration method was followed by residual free PAAG in 71% of cases that required repeated surgeries in 49% of cases. Pulsating-cavity method yielded better results: residual free PAAG — 20% of cases (p<0.001), redo surgery rate — 5% (p<0.001). However, tissue hyperhydration exacerbated pre-existing lymphatic and venous insufficiency and led to fluid collections. This required punctures in 22% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Preserving the compromised soft tissues in PAAG removal is justified to minimize the risk of secondary defects. Closed removal techniques offer aesthetic advantages over open approaches. PAAG removal requires careful individualized approach regarding potential complications and risks. Pulsating-cavity method may significantly improve postoperative outcomes, although condition of lymphatic and venous systems should be considered.

Keywords:

PAAG removal
polyacrylamide gel
calf contouring
thigh contouring

Authors:

Marinicheva I.G.

Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University;
Medlaz;
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia

Gritsyuk A.M.

Medlaz NJSC, Department of Plastic Surgery

Magritt E.A.

Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University

Danilin N.A.

Medlaz

Ganshin I.B.

Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia

Received:

04.04.2025

Accepted:

12.05.2025

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