Medical regulation of aesthetic substances in Brazil

Medical authorities and scientific entities in Brazil are moving to restrict various substances used for aesthetic purposes due to safety concerns.

In September 2026, the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM) banned the use of PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) as an injectable dermal filler for both aesthetic and restorative purposes. The ban, enacted via Resolution CFM No. 2.461/2026, was prompted by evidence of serious complications such as granuloma formation, infections, necrosis, and impaired renal function. The only exception is the treatment of lipodystrophy in patients living with HIV/AIDS, which must be conducted through accredited high-complexity units.

By October 2026, twelve national and international medical organizations, including the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology, issued the Rio de Janeiro Letter. This document urges the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) to implement a total ban on compounded hormonal implants, frequently referred to as “beauty chips.” Signatories warn that these implants lack sufficient clinical evidence to prove safety or efficacy for their marketed uses, such as weight loss or libido enhancement.