The role of breast imaging in macrolane injection—A review and report of three cases

Abstract

The demand for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures is increasing. Injectable hyaluronic acid is an effective and well tolerated procedure that can be used for breast augmentation and provides predictable long-lasting results if administered appropriately in the correct tissue plane. Concerns already exist regarding the effect of Macrolane™ on breast cancer screening, and we raise a new concern about the need for imaging for its safe administration. We present three cases referred to our centre in the last 2 years with complications associated with Macrolane™ injection, possibly from injection into an incorrect tissue plane. Complications included breast pain, haematoma, cellulitis and abscess formation. We suggest that such aesthetic procedures should be carried out under ultrasound guidance to ensure administration into the correct site, potentially avoiding such complications.