- The patch makes consuming solid food so painful that wearers are forced to resort to a liquid-only diet
- The dieters having a patch sewn onto their tongues to make eating unbearably painful
Known by different names around the world, in Costa Rica the “Malla Superlingual” or “malla adelgazante”, is a postage stamp-sized a plastic plastic, which is sewn onto the tongue and makes it very difficult to eat is the latest in extreme weight-loss methods.
The patch is made from marlex, a plastic that is commonly used as mesh to repair hernias, and is also the principal material used to make Hula Hoops.
The plastic patch makes consuming solid food so painful that users are forced to resort to a liquid-only diet. Launched in 2009 by Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Nikolas Chugay, the procedure can apparently help you lose up to 15 kgs (30lbs) in one month.
Photo: drchugay.com
The patch can only be worn for a maximum of one month, since after that time, the tongue’s tissue begins to grow back, and the patch can then become incorporated into the tongue.
Costa Rica’s ministerio de Salud (Health Ministry) has issue a warning in general to consumers, medical professionals, importers and distributors of biomedical material, of its use and that it is not registered for use in the country and could pose a health risk.
The product is very popular in Venezuela and Colombia, for example, where people are very beauty-conscious.
Salud officials warn of the nutritional risk involved and consumers should not trust ‘fast’ weight-loss methods.
Complaints can be file with Salud by email at denuncias@ministeriodesalud.go.cr or by phone at: 2258 6765 and 2257-2090.
