Warning to women over 'lunchtime boob jobs' filling agent

Published on Sunday 7 June 2009 22:07

PLASTIC surgeons issued a warning today over the risks of cosmetic fillers used in "lunchtime boob jobs".

Some have seen between ten and 12 women in the past year suffering complications following treatment with the injectable filler, Macrolane, according to the poll for the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).

The jab, which can cost up to 3,000 and is manufactured by the firm Q-Med, contains a gel to help contour the body.

Fillers are injectable substances commonly used to target wrinkles and smooth or plump up the skin.

There are dozens of such products on the market, either offering a temporary "fix" or a more permanent effect.

Today, BAAPS issued a warning over "botched" procedures using Macrolane, saying almost one in three of 26 surgeons questioned had seen between one and 12 patients in the past year with problems.

The survey found that most complications appear to be with permanent fillers, with one in four surgeons saying they had carried out procedures to correct problems linked to their use.

Almost two in five (38 per cent) of surgeons said they had seen between one and three patients in the past year with complications caused by permanent facial fillers.

Another 4 per cent of surgeons have seen between four and six patients over the same period.

Almost a quarter (23 per cent) of surgeons said between one and three patients had needed surgery to correct errors caused by permanent fillers.

Nobody from Q-Med was available for comment.