Amazing Gel, also known as Ao Mei Ding (奥美定), is a semi-permanent cosmetic filler of polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) – once popular in China – that has been linked to severe and long-lasting health complications over the past decade. In the years following its introduction, a significant number of women who had the hydrogel injections began noticing infections and experiencing movement of the gel into the stomach, armpit and back. The only effective treatment of such complications is to remove the PAAG surgically, also known as polyacrylamide gel removal.
BEST CANDIDATES FOR AMAZING GEL REMOVAL
– Alleviate or prevent any complications and take out the Amazing Gel material completely
– Return to a breast size they were before the Amazing Gel surgery
– Correct size differences between the breasts
CONSULTATION
During the consultation, our doctors discuss reasons the patients want to have the Amazing Gel removal and what their goals are for the surgery. We will also take careful measurements of the dimensions of the patient’s current breasts. Our doctors will also need a complete medical history, including existing medical conditions, past surgeries, tobacco usage, daily medications, supplements, and allergies. For patients over 40, our doctors will need to see recent mammogram results. To better visualize the Amazing Gel placement within the breast tissue, the doctor may also request a CT scan of the breasts.
SURGERY DETAILS
The procedure usually takes about 1-2 hours to complete. Our doctors will make a small, thin incision at the inframmary fold (crease underneath the breast). During the surgery, our doctors will drain as much of the Amazing Gel as possible and wash the breast pocket with triple antibiotic solution to prevent any infections. Once the Amazing Gel is drained, a special skin closure technique with multiple layers of dissolvable stitches is used to give the patient the thinnest, most inconspicuous scar.
RECOVERY & POST OPERATION
– Immediately after the surgery, our doctors will add surgical dressings and a support bra to the chest to aid the patient’s recovery.
– Patients may feel stiff and sore in the chest region for about 5 days, but they should be able to walk on their own, which should be done often to promote blood circulation and prevent blood clots.
– Most patients can return to work and light activities in 3 – 7 days, but regular and strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 6 weeks.
– Patients must be careful and gentle with their breasts and attend all follow up appointments with our doctors.
FROM OUR DOCTORS
“We have seen a number of these cases, mostly from international patients, since they often aren’t able to find a local surgeon with experience removing the gel. Most patients we’ve seen are worried about the potential long-term effects of keeping the gel, so we will usually remove the gel, wash out the area thoroughly, and send any suspicious tissue to the laboratory to check for breast cancer or other issues. For many patients, they ask to replace it with an FDA-approved breast implant placed at the same time, so they can maintain their shape and fullness even after the gel is removed.”
– DR. HSU
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can breast augmentation with implants be performed simultaneously while removing Amazing Gel?
This depends on the severity of the harm caused by Amazing Gel to the individual. If the removal of Amazing Gel is carried out before the onset of complications, ensuring good overall health and concentrated distribution of the substance in the body, with low difficulty in its removal, it can provide a good foundation for simultaneous breast augmentation. With our skilled doctors, it may be possible to remove Amazing Gel while performing breast augmentation with implants. However, the specific circumstances should be discussed and decided upon based on the advice of a doctor.
What are the harms of Amazing Gel?
– Systemic migration of injected substance: Amazing Gel is a liquid filler substance that can spread throughout the body due to bodily movements and muscle contractions. It can migrate from the implanted chest area to the brain, abdomen, legs, and back.
– Breast pain: Amazing Gel can stimulate breast hyperplasia, leading to breast pain. It can also erode the nerves between the pectoralis major muscle, mammary glands, and ribs, causing persistent pain.
– Impacts breastfeeding: Women who have undergone Amazing Gel breast augmentation should not breastfeed. If an infant during breastfeeding inhales Amazing Gel, it can lead to severe consequences, including cerebral palsy.
– Fetal deformities: Amazing Gel breast augmentation can have an impact on pregnancy. Also prone to infection during pregnancy, leading to fetal deformities.
– Breast inflammation: Amazing Gel is commonly used as a bacterial culture medium in laboratories. When injected into the breast, it can create a breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in breast inflammation.
– Carcinogenicity: Once Amazing Gel is broken down into monomeric acrylamide after injection, it can trigger various malignant tumors.
Tips to having a successful consultation? Is it necessary to remove Amazing Gel if no abnormalities are observed after injection?
It is best to come prepared and already have a CT scan of the breasts to show the doctor where the Amazing Gel is located within the body.
SCHEDULE A
CONSULTATION
We are looking forward to meeting you in person, hearing your aspirations, and tailoring a surgical plan especially for you. We hope our in-person consultation will answer all of your questions, provide you a sense of confidence and also further your excitement of the path you are on.