Anti-ageing fillers 'dangerous and damaging'

By Lana Clements

The scandal over faulty breast implants could be just the tip of the reputation iceberg for the cosmetic surgery industry, as senior surgeons have told the Times that anti-ageing fillers are dangerous and could do long-term damage.

Those who had permanent fillers up to ten years ago are now experiencing infections that can cause deformities. The injections can be carried out by practitioners with no qualifications and there is also a worry that clinics are not properly advising on the risk of long-term fillers.

The gel in particular dispute is called Bio-Alcamid and used for wrinkle smoothing. Some trials have shown that it can move under the skin to cause lumps and infections. There are now calls for all permanent fillers to be banned.

The news follows the controversy of PIP breast implants, which are made of non-medical grade silicone and should not have been used on women. Those who received an implant from the NHS are to be contacted to inform them that they have a PIP implant and outline available information and next steps.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley has called on all private healthcare providers to follow suit and offer free information, consultations and removal, if desired, of the implants.

He says: "Throughout the past few weeks, my main concern has been for the safety of and compassion for women who have had PIP implants. It has been a worrying time for these women.

"The data available to the experts has not been good enough to enable them to give a clear recommendation of the risk posed by PIP implants. We will therefore support women, including removal of the implant, if needed."

The private healthcare companies Nuffield and Spire Healthcare have said they will remove implants for free.