‘Lunchtime boob job’ f iller pulled by maker

A FILLER used for so-called “lunchtime boob jobs” has been discontinued.

Macrolane was marketed as a temporary breast enlarger but was withdrawn for this purpose by maker Q-Med, amid concerns it interfered with mammogram readings.

A Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) spokesman said: “Q-Med has decided to discontinue the injectable dermal filler Macrolane for use in breast augmentation.

“This is not because of safety concerns with the product itself but because the product may interfere with the reading of mammograms and could make diagnosis [of breast disease] more difficult.

“The product can still be used in its other indications, such as augmenting body contour and correcting soft tissue defects.”

All customers have been sent a letter by Q-Med, which makes the product in Sweden, and the MHRA has informed other professional bodies and healthcare providers. The spokesman added: “There are no safety concerns with the product. However, if women have been injected with Macrolane and subsequently had a mammogram, they should contact their GP to see if they need further screening.”

In a survey of its members, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) said one in four surgeons reported patient complications after the use of Macrolane.

Consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS president Fazel Fatah said: “The concept of simply injecting a temporary filler to augment the breast may seem appealing – especially to those marketing ‘lunchtime boob jobs’ – but any treatment can only be considered safe once it is known what long-term effect it has on cancer screening.

“Without good long-term studies over five to ten years it is wise that Macrolane has been withdrawn for breast use.

“At the BAAPS we have been calling for dermal fillers to be reclassified as medicines, which will require further studies into their efficacy.”