Technique is commonly referred to in Europe as “The Boob Jab”
Macrolane is a gel compound made up of nonanimal hyaluronic acid. It’s similar to Restylane and Juvederm. It is made by a company called Q-Med. The substance has been on the market in the UK since early 2008. It is touted as an alternative to surgical breast enhancement. The proponents state that it only requires a local anesthetic and will not leave a scar. Bruising, swelling, and discomfort for a few days are expected.
The results are quite modest, (usually one cup size). The injection needles are on the large side. The effect reportedly lasts for 12 months, after which further injections are required. The cost of this procedure is close to the price of a standard augmentation with an implant. The procedure has drawn criticism since its long term effects are unknown. It is not FDA approved for use in the United States, nor is it approved for use in Canada.
The idea of injecting substances into the breast is not new. Silicone, (out of the drum), was injected into women in Korea during the war as they desired larger breasts to attract the American G.I.’s. The result was crippling scarring and contracture that often needed formal mastectomy and reconstructive surgery to correct.
Fat for breast augmentation has also been tried decades ago and was a failure. Cysts, seromas, necrosis, and scarring occurred. Arguably worse, fat can calcify in the breast. Calcifications on mammogram are cancer until proven otherwise. Many women had biopsies or even mastectomies because of this. Some plastic surgeons with extensive experience in fat transplantation have a renewed interest in a limited fashion, and so there are some ongoing studies.
“The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, (ASAPS), and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, (ASPS), in the interest of patient safety, do not recommend fat grafting for breast enhancement at this time. Because there is little clinical evidence available to document safety and efficacy, we urge patients to consider the procedure as one undergoing continued evaluation.”
In light of the fact that 1 in 8 women will have breast cancer, the idea of injecting material, (although safe in other areas), into the breast tissue is not recommended. If breast volume is what is desired, the best option as of this writing remains a standard breast augmentation.
References:
McCleave MJ. Is Breast Augmentation Using Hyaluronic Acid Safe? Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2009 Dec 5.
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
http://www.surgery.org/media/news-releases/fat-grafting-for-breast-augmentation-%E2%80%93-what-women-should-know–
