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The Department of Health today (April 13) expressed concern about the use of a chemical substance called Polyacrylamide Gel (PAAG) for breast enlargement and called on members of the public to consult qualified medical practitioners before receiving this kind of procedure.
"As there is little evidence about the safety of PAAG being used for such purposes, the department does not recommend the use of such material for breast augmentation," a department spokesman said.
The appeal followed notification by the Consumer Council of a spate of cases in which at least 53 women suffered from complications including induration, infection, abscesses and haematoma (solid swelling of blood) after receiving injections of PAAG into their breasts.
About 90% of those affected received the injection on the Mainland, the rest in Hong Kong and in Thailand.
Six of the women needed to have surgical removal of parts of their breasts afterwards.
The spokesman said PAAG was a combination of synthetic polymer and water, which is non-biodegradable and cannot be absorbed into the body.
"According to local plastic surgery specialists, breast augmentation by direct injection with material is an obsolete practice and has been replaced by breast implants with shells," he said.
The spokesman said that the department had informed medical doctors and health professional associations about the risk of using PAAG in breast augmentation and had asked doctors to report any related adverse effects to the department.
The department is liaising with Customs and Excise Department on how the use of PAAG for breast augmentation can be banned under the current regulatory regime.
The spokesman reiterated that any female planning to enlarge her breast by means of injection or implantation of materials should seek medical advice beforehand.
Anyone who has health problems after receiving injections of PAAG for breast augmentation is also advised to seek medical consultation as soon as possible.
The department has also set up a hotline, 2575 1221, to provide relevant health advice to members of the public during office hours.
Ends/Thursday, April 13, 2006
Issued at HKT 10:50
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