Slimming method will be banned

LIPOTOMY, a kind of slimming therapy, is expected to be banned because of health risks.

The technique, which was pioneered by a Paris doctor in the late 1990s, involves injecting a solution which is meant to break up fat deposits, especially cellulite.

According to Le Parisien, which said it had seen an internal Health Ministry document, the procedure is going to be banned, because too many cases had resulted in “serious complications”.

These were said to include “17 cases of severe skin infections”.

Sources close to Junior Health Minister Nora Berra told Le Parisien problems included “haematomas and multiple fungal infections requiring medical, including surgical, treatment and some times evolving into septicaemia”.

A decree banning lipotomy is expected to be sent out by Health Minister Xavier Bertand, based on the opinions of health watchdog the Haute Autorité de la Santé which is understood to consider the technique dangerous.

The national plastic surgeons union had warned against the method several years ago, however practioners said it was due to professional jealousy, as lipotomy is seen as an alternative to surgical liposuction.