Macrolane™- Injectable Body Contouring
Macrolane™ injectable body contouring injections have received a lot of press since their launch in 2008, with millions of women keen to know how to boost their cup size without the need for surgery. Developed by Q-Med, the manufacturers of the dermal filler Restylane, Macrolane™ is an injectable hyaluronic acid gel designed to enhance, contour and augment areas of the body. Not suitable for use in the face, Macrolane’s most popular use is in the breast, where it can increase your cup size by 1-2 cup sizes in just an hour. Don’t be fooled by ‘lunchtime boob job’ headlines however, Macrolane™ is a minor surgical procedure and although it requires significantly less downtime than surgery, you will need to take it easy for a couple of days afterwards. The treatment is fairly costly (£2,500-£3,500) and, as the results last around 18 months, you will need to have repeat procedures to maintain the results. However, for those who want a subtle augmentation with less risk and recovery time, Macrolane™ is an ideal treatment option.
Macrolane™ – Am I a Candidate?
Macrolane™ is ideal for people who wish to augment specific areas of their body without surgery. It is currently recommended for shaping the breasts, calves and buttocks and also for evening out discrepancies in skin surface, such as those occasionally caused by liposuction.
Before Your Macrolane™ Treatment
You should have a detailed consultation with a practitioner before embarking on a Macrolane™ procedure to ensure you are suitable for treatment and that the procedure can deliver the results you desire. It may be that a more invasive procedure, such as a surgical breast augmentation, may be a better option for you.
The Procedure
A local anaesthesic will be used in the treatment area, so you will remain comfortable and awake throughout the procedure. Macrolane™ treatment involves a small 2-3mm incision in the area, (normally the crease under each breast or buttock), then the filler is injected using a thin cannula or large needle deep into the subcutaneous skin layer above the muscle. The whole treatment lasts 30-45 minutes. Due to the fact that the body will metabolise the hyaluronic acid contained within Macrolane over time, yearly top-ups are required to maintain the optimal results.
Recovery after Macrolane™
You may be required to rest for an hour or so following treatment, but normal activities can usually be resumed the following day. It is best to avoid vigorous physical activity or sports for 1-2 weeks after this procedure and a support garment, such as a sports bra or lycra cycling shorts may be worn.
Macrolane™ Results
The results are seen immediately but the initial effects will fade over 12-18 months as the hyaluronic acid breaks down. Depending on the area treated and the amount of volume used, you will require top-ups after a year or so.
Benefits of Macrolane™
Macrolane™ is a non-invasive solution for reshaping and boosting volume in specific areas of the body. The treatment requires no general anaesthetic, major surgery or overnight hospital stay and produces significantly less scarring than an invasive surgical procedure. An additional bonus is that this non-invasive approach can deliver a more natural result.
Risks and Complications with Macrolane™
The actual procedure is generally well tolerated, due to the local anaesthesic. You may feel a tugging sensation during treatment as the needle moves around to evenly distribute the filler, but you should not feel pain. Post-procedure, you may experience some mild swelling, bruising or tenderness, which will be uncomfortable for the first few days but should resolve in around a week.
Macrolane™ Cost
Costs for injectable body contouring treatment depend on the size of the area being treated and the amount of product required. Typically, a breast shaping treatment using 200ml of Macrolane™ (100ml for each breast) will cost in the region of £2,500-£3,000. The cost of top-up treatments is likely to decrease as less of the product will be needed over time to maintain the results.
Choosing a Macrolane™ Practitioner
Ideally, Macrolane™ treatment should be carried out by a qualified cosmetic or plastic surgeon who has experience in body augmentation procedures, as well as having had bespoke training with the product. Be sure to verify the training credentials of any practitioner offering such treatments.
