In France, banned injections of hyaluronic acid for breast augmentation
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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The French Agency for the Health Control of Health Products (Afssaps) has banned the use of injections of hyaluronic acid for breast augmentation, reports AFP. This decision is explained by the fact that the presence of hyaluronic acid in the tissues of the breast can complicate the diagnosis of malignant tumors.
The only approved product in France intended for breast augmentation in this way is the drug Macrolane (Macrolane) produced by the British company Q-Med. Breast augmentation with silicone injections was banned in France back in 2000.
As noted in the press release of Afssaps, the decision to ban the use of hyaluronic acid for breast augmentation is taken as a precaution, despite the lack of data on the specific risks associated with such procedures. In this case, injections of this substance in other cosmetic procedures are still permitted.
The conclusion that the introduction of hyaluronic acid can complicate radiological examinations and self-examinations for the diagnosis of breast tumors was obtained in a study begun in France in 2008.
According to the Afssaps, about 2.5 thousand women in France underwent breast enlargement with injections of hyaluronic acid. The Supervisory Authority acknowledges that during the three-year follow-up of these patients, there were no serious health effects associated with the use of this technique.
Hyaluronic acid decomposes in the human body, so the effect of breast enlargement with this substance persists for 18 months to 2 years, after which repeated injections are required.
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