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Removal of Polyurethane Implants

  • Original Article
  • Breast Surgery
  • Published:
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Abstract

Polyurethane (PU) implants are associated with great difficulties in extraction if secondary surgery is needed. The published data are contradictory, often misleading, making the decision for the secondary surgery complicated, the time period and the procedure itself not optimal, thus negatively influencing the final result.

Materials and Methods

Typical videos of PU implant removal in different periods after primary surgeries with polyurethane implants were selected for the study. The videos show the strength and extent of the tissue ingrowth and the manipulations needed for implant extraction in different periods from the initial procedure. Classifications of the types of adhesion and adhesion patterns are introduced.

Conclusions

The data provided in this article facilitate the decision-making process if secondary surgery is indicated. Secondary surgery should be performed in the first 30 days after the initial surgery or in the period after 6 months. The optimal layer for removal of the PU implant depends on the time after the primary surgery. The polyurethane implant should be exchanged after 1 month if the properties of the polyurethane foam are expected to be used.

Level of Evidence IV

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical Center “Antes Med”, Krasnoarmejskaja Str. 32, 220030, Minsk, Belarus

    D. Batiukov & D. Ladutko

  2. Belorussian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Brovki 3, b. 3, 220013, Minsk, Belarus

    V. Podgaiski

  3. Department of Microsurgery, Minsk Regional Hospital, 223040, Minsk Region, Lesnoj, Belarus

    D. Ladutko

Authors
  1. D. Batiukov
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  2. V. Podgaiski
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  3. D. Ladutko
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to D. Batiukov.

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Conflict of interest

D. Batiukov received a speaker honorarium from POLYTECH Health & Aesthetics. V. Podgaiski and D. Ladutko declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights

This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors

Electronic Supplementary Material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Removal of PU implants 9 years, 13, 9.5 and 6 months after primary surgery

Removal of PU implants 3 months after primary surgery

Removal of PU implants 33 and 36 days after primary surgery

Removal of PU implants 21 and 6 days after primary surgery

Separation of the base of the implant from the capsule

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Batiukov, D., Podgaiski, V. & Ladutko, D. Removal of Polyurethane Implants. Aesth Plast Surg 43, 70–75 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-018-1254-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-018-1254-3

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