Macrolane

To date the only method of increasing your breast cup size has been to have an implant placed into position whilst you are under a general anaesthetic (asleep) and then an overnight stay in hospital. Macrolane allows certain breast shapes - usually a small cup ( AA, A or B) to be enhanced in size under local aesthetic (you are awake) and is a walk in walk out procedure with no hospital stay. One cup size can usually be achieved as an increase

Developed and manufactured by the forward thinking, pioneering Q Med Swedish manufactures, Macrolane is a dense form of Restylane (Hyluronic acid) but available in a much larger volume. It is a naturally occurring compound in the body and thus does not trigger an allergic reaction, no patch test prior to procedure is necessary

Please read this carefully as it will be part of the informed consent process. Please read it in advance of the consultation and bring it with you so you can ask questions.

Macrolane can provide excellent and quick results to enhance your breast size in this revolutionary pioneering method of breast augmentation. The substance used is Hyaluronic acid and is made in the same way as Restylane and is a NASHA - a “non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid”. This substance, although it is synthesized for use as a filler and a volumiser, does occur naturally in the body (joint fluid and the matrix between living cells) so the body’s natural process breaks it down eventually. QMed blazed the trail for hyaluronic acid fillers which has given rise to a whole genre of new dermal HA fillers. QMed is the world leader in supply of dermal fillers and is a trusted product by doctors and patients.

This is a walk-in-walk-out procedure

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic (you will be awake but the breast numbed before injection) with a small incision under each breast. A proper minor operating theatre, sterilisation of skin and draping is required. You will be lying flat on your back for the duration of the procedure 30-45 minutes. Photogrpahy and marking will take place just before.

The breast is anaesthetised with local anaesthetic solution, whilst you are awake. The Macrolane is injected through a small incision 2mm under the normal breast tissue but above the pectoralis muscle (the “pecs”). The gel sits on the muscle wall below the breast tissue. Due to the structure of the breast and its fibres, the Macrolane does not slip out or move out of place. After a few injections the breast will be moulded into shape and you may need to sit up a few times to ensure good progress and maintain the symmetry. The smaller breast is treated first if there is asymmetry.

There is a natural anatomical plane for the special gel to sit in and push the existing tissue forward. The immediate results are striking but also very natural. In order to avoid infection, antibiotics are taken one hour before (Augmentin, a penicillin base or Erythromycin if you are allergic to penicillin) and then continued for five days. This is mandatory.

Having a consultation is of paramount importance so as to gauge your suitability and establish your expectations. Volume of breast tissue can be lost post pregnancy or the breast may just be small to start with. Some droop can be improved but very droopy breasts or very thin skin may not be suitable. If you want a larger cup size but are not keen on surgery or maybe not suitable for the procedure

Women who are pregnant or breast feeding
Womens with breast disease such as mastitis or other inflamations
Needle phobics
Asymetric breasts
History of family breast cancer or risk of cancer (this will be assessed at consultation)
Chest wall problems - asymetric
Very droopy breast
People who are on aspirin or warfarin or have bleeding problems - such as haemophilia
Those with a local anaesthetic allergy

Whilst bra-less, place a pencil under the breast under the skin fold where it meets the chest. If the nipple lies ABOVE or ABOUT the level skin line to the pencil then the droop can be corrected or improved by Macrolane. If the nipple lies below the pencil line, you may not have a good result or need surgery instead.

Yes, some asymmetry can. Some women have Poland’s disease – almost absence on one side – usually the right – depends on the severity of the problem and you will need a consultation.

You will be tender, swollen with breast firmness for 4-14 days. It is variable – after a week the breast goes softer and we see you again then. Please take Paracetamol and a small dose of Codeine as well. Dr Brookes can supply you with a prescription. Please take it regularly but beware of not exceeding the dose of Paracetamol or Codeine.

The cost is wholly related to the cost of Macrolane and some cost of theatre use and theatre staff. The real cost is that of the Macrolane.

Infection, bleeding, bruising is rare. Injection into the pectoralis muscle or if aberrant anatomy, perforation into the chest wall. This has never been reported.

You will be tender for 7-10 days and need to wear a support garment – a specialized bra for week. You must wear the bra for one week in full and possibly two weeks. YOU CANNOT take the bra off at all for one week and only sponge clean your upper torso. You must not get the bra wet or the injection site. You must complete the course of Augmentin even if you have a little diarrhoea or feel a little nauseous.

It is advised all patients over 40 have a routine pre-procedure mammogram. It has been documented that if you need a mammogram AFTER Macrolane it does not interfere with the interpretation of the mammogram.

This is not a permanent procedure and lasts about 14-16 months. The product is naturally broken down; a top up at one year may be needed.

A top-up of 100mls total can be arranged within 12 months but a modest fee is required to cover the cost of theatre time.

You will be given an estimation of the amount needed, usually 200mls. You will pay for this in ADVANCE on the day you book your procedure. We cannot proceed without this. 48 hrs before the day of the procedure you will pay the balance of the cost. Some breasts, especially an older breast with loss of elasticity can accommodate much more Macrolane. Whilst this is not an issue if carried out properly, this will significantly affect the cost of the procedure.

Dr Brookes will estimate how much you need. If she assesses an additional amount will be needed per breast you will be given a new costing.

Each additional 10mls in total is £100.00 – this is purely the cost of the Macrolane. You may need 20mls per side more i.e. 40mls more i.e £400.00 in addition to the stated basic cost. See below.

Basic cost (standard) - £2200.00

Each further 20mls of Macrolane (10mls per side) - £200.00 on top of the above

200 mls - £2200.00

220 mls - £2400.00

240 mls - £2600.00

280 mls - £2800.00

300 mls - £3000.00

If you want to find out more about Viridian's Macrolane treatments then call or email us to arrange a consultancy.

Macrolane consultancies and procedures take place in our Guildford centre and so are ideally placed for patients in London, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, Sussex & Berkshire.