Complication after Aquafilling® gel-mediated augmentation mammoplasty—galactocele formation in a lactating woman: a case report and review of literature

Augmentation mammoplasty using hydrogel fillers such as polyacrylamide gel (PAAG) or Aquafilling® has been performed commonly in some countries as an alternative to breast augmentation with saline or silicone implants. However, the safety of this procedure remains controversial, and many complications associated with the use of large-volume hydrogel injection have been reported in recent years. We present the case of a 33-year-old woman with a history of bilateral Aquafilling® injection augmentation mammoplasty who presented with an enlarged left breast while breastfeeding. Based on the clinical presentation and ultrasound findings, the patient underwent surgical incision as abscess formation caused by infection of the filler material could not be ruled out with certainty. Surgery revealed a galactocele with drainage of large amounts of milky fluid. Remaining filler material was removed as thoroughly as possible, and vacuum assisted wound dressing was performed. Galactocele formation in lactating women is a known complication after injection of hydrogel. Hence, it is important to be familiar with this uncommon but possibly severe complication in order to make an accurate diagnosis and initiate adequate treatment. To that end, it is recommended that patients who underwent Aquafilling® injection for breast augmentation should avoid lactation and that women intending to breastfeed should not undergo augmentation mammoplasty with injection of Aquafilling®.Level of Evidence: Level V, risk / prognostic stud