Biogel Removal

More than 15 years ago, it was popular in Ukraine to augment breasts with biogel. But after a while, it turned out that the material was toxic. Patients developed complications, and the material itself could move and ‘migrate’ through the body. Despite this, there are still women who have not gotten rid of biogel. As plastic surgeons, the Yurchenko Team insists on removing the biogel. This is a dangerous, toxic material that seriously affects health.

After biogel removal, mammoplasty can be performed. If there are no inflammatory processes, biogel removal and implant placement can be performed simultaneously, under the same anaesthetic. Sometimes, after biogel removal, it is necessary to wait about 6 months and only then undergo a second mammoplasty. Everything is decided individually and depends on the condition of the tissues.

Removal of biopolymer from the breast: preparation for surgery

• Examination. The doctor assesses the condition of the tissues, measures breast prolapse or asymmetry. Beforehand, the patient undergoes an MRI of the mammary glands and adjacent areas, which allows determining the area of biogel distribution.
• Comprehensive examination. The operation is possible only after undergoing a diagnostic examination (ultrasound of the mammary glands, ECG), a set of tests (general blood and urine tests, biochemical blood test, blood sugar, coagulogram, test for AIDS, HIV, hepatitis B and C, Wasserman reaction, blood group and Rh factor), examination by a gynaecologist, therapist, anaesthetist.

How the operation is performed

Removal of the biopolymer gel from the breast takes up to 1.5 hours. General anaesthesia is used. The biogel is completely removed from the breast. The plastic surgeon thoroughly rinses the tissues with antiseptics to completely eliminate the presence of residual material. If there is no inflammation, the doctor installs Polytech Replicon polyurethane implants. They fix the shape of the breast as much as possible. The implants are certified. Manufacturers provide a lifetime warranty for their integrity.

If necessary, the doctor performs a lift. He uses self-absorbable sutures for suturing. I also put in special drains that are removed after 24 hours.

If the condition of the tissues is unsatisfactory, repeated mammoplasty with implants is performed at least 6 months after the removal of the biogel.

Rehabilitation

After biogel removal and implant placement, patients are under 24-hour observation in the clinic. On the 3rd, 7th, 14th day, the doctor prescribes follow-up consultations to examine the condition of the breast, disinfect the sutures, and replace the plasters.

For the first 14 days after the operation, it is necessary to avoid any water ingress into the incision. The shoulder joint should be given complete rest – you should not raise your arms above the shoulder, drive a car, and you should avoid fitness and other physical activity.

The operation went well, and now the most important period is rehabilitation. Here’s what you need to do:

• Do not raise your arms above your shoulders for the first month.
• Avoid sudden movements with your hands.
• Follow your medical prescriptions, including antibiotics. No alcohol for the first week.
• Do not drive for the next two weeks.
• Avoid flying for two weeks.
• Do not wet your breasts for 12 days after surgery. After the last dressing, if everything is fine, the doctor will allow you to take a shower. Then treat the stitches with an antiseptic for up to one month.
• Sleep semi-sitting, especially during the first week. You should not sleep on your stomach for up to 6 months, on your side for up to 3 months.
• Wear compression garments for a month after the operation, thanks to which the breast is fixed in the correct position. In the future, compression garments should be worn for nighttime sleep.
• Avoid physical activity for a month after the operation. You can return to the gym very gradually, only under the supervision of a trainer. In order to avoid the risk of implant displacement, you should completely avoid loads on the shoulder girdle. After 4-6 months, you can fully exercise in the gym.

Complications

Some of the most common complications after biogel removal from the breast are infections, seromas, and breast deformities.

Infections can occur due to bacteria entering the surgical site. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, fever, and purulent discharge from the wound. To prevent infections, strict asepsis and antisepsis rules must be followed during surgery and the postoperative wound must be carefully cared for, including taking prescribed antibiotics.

Seroma is an accumulation of serous fluid in the cavity that forms after biogel removal. It can be manifested by swelling, pain, and a feeling of fluid under the skin. To prevent grey, it is important to use drainage systems during surgery, wear compression bandages, and avoid physical activity in the postoperative period.

Regular visits to the doctor to monitor the condition of the wound will also help to detect and treat this complication in time.

Breast deformities can occur due to the removal of a large amount of tissue along with the biogel or uneven removal of the material. This can lead to asymmetry, bumps or changes in the shape of the breast. To prevent deformities, it is necessary to carefully plan the operation, taking into account the patient’s anatomical features, and perform the procedure with maximum accuracy. After surgery, additional corrective procedures may be recommended to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result.

Why you should have surgery at Yurchenko Team

You should not be afraid of biogel removal surgery if it is performed by professionals from the Yurchenko Team. With more than 70 types of plastic surgery, each has many nuances. The division of responsibilities allows our doctors to improve their skills in a specific area, which ensures high-quality work. This is our philosophy. That’s why plastic surgery on the breast is performed by Denys Yurchenko, a plastic surgeon and the team’s ideological inspirer.

Doctors from the Yurchenko Team are available at three clinics in Kyiv, Bukovel and Limassol.