2023-07-11 09:30:00
PMMA, also known as polymethylmethacrylate or acrylic, is a synthetic polymer, that is, a type of plastic used as raw material for different areas of health, such as dentistry, orthopedics, ophthalmology, in the manufacture of contact lenses, among others.
It is also used in small skin fillers, such as body and facial imperfections. In this case, it is used in the form of microspheres, similar to a gel texture.
Commonly used on the face and buttocks, PMMA is a definitive and synthetic substance, that is, it is not absorbed by the body and its removal from the body is extremely difficult.
Although in Brazil there are records with ANVISA for products with polymethylmethacrylate for more than 10 years, its use is considered high risk and should only be done by qualified professionals.
Continue reading the article to learn more about PMMA, its applications and the contraindications of this substance.
Table of Contents – In this article, you will find:
What is PMMA used for?How is the application done?How long does PMMA last in the body?What is the difference between hydrogel and PMMA?Is PMMA allowed?Is PMMA safe? What are the risks?Contraindications
What is PMMA used for?
PMMA is a polymer used in several health sectors, such as for making contact lenses, orthopedic cement, among others.
In addition, one of its most common uses is in small facial and body fillers, as in cases of lipodystrophy. In this way, it serves as a repairer of imperfections and depressions in a procedure called bioplasty.
How is the application done?
The application is made with the aid of cannulas that take the substance to the desired location, which may vary due to the difference in polymethylmethacrylate concentration, that is, it can be injected into the deep dermis, intramuscular, subcutaneous tissue, among others.
It is also necessary to do a local anesthesia, because although less invasive than other procedures, the region can be sore.
The quantity and number of applications must be determined by a qualified physician, based on the needs of each patient, and always considering the health history of each one.
How long does PMMA last in the body?
PMMA is a type of plastic that is not absorbable by the body, that is, once applied, it remains in the region and can only move to areas close to the application.
Its removal can only be done through the use of laser or surgical procedures. However, it is considered impossible for the substance to be completely removed from the body without causing damage, as it adheres to tissues such as muscle.
What is the difference between hydrogel and PMMA?
Both are a polymer, i.e. a type of plastic. Therefore, taking into account only the medical point of view, what differs hydrogel from PMAA is the question of compatibility with the human body.
The hydrogel is a gel compound that contains 98% water and 2% polyamide. Polyamide is widely used in the textile industry, in the production of materials such as nylon.
PMMA, on the other hand, has a history of use in health procedures involving different modalities, such as ophthalmologists, orthopedists, among others.
Another difference is that the hydrogel is absorbable by the organism, while the PMMA is a substance that remains permanently in the applied region.
It is worth mentioning that both procedures are risky and can result in serious complications, especially if they are not performed by a specialized professional.
Read more: Hyaluronic acid (filler, cream): what is it for?
Is PMMA allowed?
Yes, PMMA is allowed by ANVISA (National Health Surveillance Agency), but with restrictions. The surveillance agency allows use in only two situations, as long as the product used is duly registered.
Volumetric correction: andm cases of facial and body irregularities;Lipodystrophy correction: in cases of lipodystrophy syndrome.
Lipodystrophy is a health condition in which there is loss of fat in certain parts of the body, which can be inherited and caused by other diseases or due to the use of medications, such as antiretrovirals administered to patients with AIDS.
There may also be restrictions regarding the amount of polymethylmethacrylate in the product used and the application sites, which may be for injection in the deep dermis, subcutaneous tissue and even intramuscular, varying according to the concentration of PMMA.
Is PMMA safe? What are the risks?
The use of PMMA can be safe, as long as it is used in small portions and with guidance and application by a qualified professional. However, it is important to highlight that ANVISA considers the use of this substance to be of high risk.
If applied in large quantities or on large parts of the body, the polymer can cause complications and irreversible damage, this is due to the adhesion that may exist between PMMA and body tissues, such as bones and muscles, making its removal extremely difficult.
Because it is a material that the human body cannot absorb, its presence can cause infections and inflammation, resulting in serious complications such as necrosis, embolism, clot formation, among others.
In addition, in very serious cases, the complications resulting from the application of PMMA can lead to death.
Therefore, the material should only be used when advised by your doctor, the application must be carried out by a specialized professional and the product used must be duly registered with ANVISA.
Another risk involving the use of PMMA is the possibility of migration of the applied content from one region to another nearby, which can cause deformities in the area.
Contraindications
The use of PMMA is contraindicated in aesthetic procedures, such as buttock augmentation, by the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP) and by the SBD (Brazilian Society of Dermatology). This is due to the high risk of complications, which can even be fatal.
Furthermore, polymethylmethacrylate should only be used if duly registered with ANVISA and only by qualified physicians. The indiscriminate use of this substance can cause irreversible harm to the patient.
Every aesthetic procedure, if not done by a specialized doctor, can pose extremely serious risks to the health of patients.
Before any elective surgery, it is important to research the subject and consult with experienced professionals. And don’t hesitate to seek different medical opinions before making a decision that, in addition to being permanent, could be fatal.
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References
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