The Department of Health (DH) 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 purpose, the department does not recommend the use of such material for breast augmentation," a DH 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, abscess and haematoma (solid swelling of blood) after receiving injection of PAAG into their breasts. About 90 per cent of the affected persons received the injection in 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. A DH spokesman said PAAG is a combination of a 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plastic surgery specialists, breast augmentation by direct injection with material is an obsolete practice and has been replaced by breast implants with shells," he said.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 DH had informed medical doctors and health professional associations about the risk of using PAAG in breast augmentation and had asked medical doctors to report any related adverse events to the department. DH 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 problem after receiving injection of PAAG for breast augmentation is also advised to seek medical consultation as soon as possible. DH has also set up a hotline 2575 1221 to provide relevant health advice to members of the public during office hours.