The Shape of Things to Come

Created on 25th February 2009

Lisa Jennings explores the latest developments in breast shaping

Breast enhancement has come a long way in the last few years. Where once implants were easy to spot and scarring was a major concern, now new technologies are making a natural look easier to obtain. The latest breast enhancement technique is Macrolane: an injectable treatment that offers natural breast shaping rather than breast enlargement, although some patients do experience an increase in cup size.

Unlike traditional breast enhancement, Macrolane is a non-invasive treatment, leaving no scars. Rather than cutting into the patient to insert an implant, a small incision is made through which Macrolane is injected. This gives the breasts a fuller natural appearance, reflecting the new trend of subtle rather than radical cosmetic procedures.

The process takes a mere fifteen minutes under local anaesthetic in a sterile, clinical environment, such as a minor treatments room. However, despite the speedy results, the makers of Macrolane are keen to reinforce that it isn't a ‘lunchtime boob job'. Patients have a consultation before the treatment and also go back two weeks after the treatment for a check up.

Recovery time is quicker than conventional surgery but the treated area will feel tender for a few days and patients may wish to adjust their day to day activities. Although the breasts may initially feel firm, as with any breast enhancement procedure, they return to feeling normal within a fortnight.

Petra Lind was one of the first people to try Macrolane. She says, "The actual treatment didn't take more than ten to fifteen minutes. Then I lay there for an hour before taking the bus home. I experienced some initial soreness which lasted a few days. But then it cleared up and I was so delighted. I did the treatment four and a half years ago and wouldn't think twice before doing it again."

Increased volume
Macrolane is particularly suited for women wishing to increase by a cup size and seeking increased shape as opposed to breast augmentation, making it ideal for women who've suffered loss of volume as a result of breast feeding or weight loss. And it's not just for breasts. Macrolane can also be used to fill out cavities and balance up asymmetrical breasts, for volume restoration and shaping of body surfaces such as calves and buttocks, or to even out discrepancies in the skin surface, for example, those caused by liposuction. Macrolane lasts twelve to eighteen months and needs a yearly top up to maintain optimal results. However, less product will be needed over time to sustain optimum results.

The science of Macrolane
Macrolane was developed after seven years of research and is manufactured in Sweden by Q-Med. It's made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the human body, thus avoiding infection or rejection. The hyaluronic acid is made more durable by being stabilised using a patented gel called NASHA (Non-Animal Stabilised Hyaluronic Acid).

Although the treatment is relatively new, there are a number of studies on Macrolane which show that Macrolane is safe to use for body contouring and ongoing clinical trials are still going on to ensure the highest level of patient safety.

Consultant plastic surgeon at London Bridge Plastic Surgery, Christopher Inglefield, is leading the Macrolane clinical research in the UK. He says, "Macrolane is an exciting development which offers patients new nonsurgical treatment options where previously treatment alternatives have been limited. Clinical experience to date has been encouraging and rewarding as my patients have been delighted with the results. With Macrolane it is possible to correct body indentations or shape breasts which means I can make small changes to body shape which make a big difference to my patients. "

So if you want an enhancement to your figure, that's subtle enough to pass off as natural, Macrolane could be the option for you. CSMUK