'Macrolane' the new breast contour filler by Dr. Patrick Treacy

Macrolane is a breast and body-contour filler marketed by Q-Med. It has received attention as a less invasive alternative to surgical breast enlargement, offering an increase of one cup size through injections that only take between 30 and 90 minutes
By: Dr. Patrick Treacy
 
March 20, 2009 - PRLog -- The treatment involves injecting stabilised hyaluronic acid into the breast, buttock or other areas, and then moulding to the desired shape. The benefits are that it requires only a local anaesthetic and will leave no scarring, although bruising, swelling and discomfort for a few days are expected. The effect however only lasts for 12 months, after which further injections are required. The procedure has also drawn criticism as its long term effects are relatively unknown. The only medical trial was supported by the manufacturers, involving 1000 patients in Japan, and anybody taking the procedure will be entered into a European-wide research trial.

Initially, treatment in Ireland was reasonably expensive, costing about €3,5000 for the initial injections, followed by €1600 for repeat injections each year in order to maintain the effect. The cost of initial injections has dropped as the treatment grows in popularity.

Dr. Patrick Treacy is one of only a handful of plastic surgeons and cosmetic doctors in Ireland and the UK to be trained in the use of Macrolane™ to date. As part of the select group of practitioners who are leading the way with developing protocols for the technique, he has been using the product at his Ailesbury Clinic practices practice since February 2008 and is seeing fantastic results. Marie Loftus caught up with him for interview.

ML:  What exactly is Macrolane™?

Dr. PT; Macrolane is the first HA (hyaluronic acid) gel used to contour breasts. This technology has been used in facial dermal fillers for more than 10 years with well-documented clinical data showing its safety and efficacy in this area. It was officially launched in Ireland earlier this year, but had been trialled in Japan for the previous two years with about 200,000 patients receiving treatments with almost no problems encountered. It is the first hyaluronic acid gel injection indicated for volume restoration including shaping of the breasts and correction of body asymmetry, depressed scars and post liposuction concave deformities.

ML:  Where does Macrolane™ come from?

It is made by biotechnology. It is based on previous patented NASHA™ technology, of non-animal origin and very pure. Macrolane is similar to Restylane but it is further cross-linked to produce a biologically degradable gel that has a long durability in the body and carries a minimal risk of transmission of infectious substances. There is little doubt that the demand for body shaping treatments is rapidly growing with an increased availability of less invasive, non-surgical techniques, which take away the fear associated with surgery.

ML:  Why is it so popular?

Market research has shown there to be a significant number of women who would like to adjust the shape of their breasts in a natural, non-permanent way, which does not involve major surgery. These women are usually hesitant about undergoing general anaesthesia or being left with a scar. With Macrolane, the procedure is short and requires only local anaesthetic and minimal time away from work or after-work activities.

ML:  How is a breast treatment with Macrolane performed?

Dr. PT: The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia in a clean environment, similar to that used for minor surgical procedures. The procedure itself takes about 20-30 minutes depending on the quantity of gel injected. Most people inject 100-120mls per breast in one session and return a few weeks later if more is required

ML:  What happens after a treatment with Macrolane?

Dr. PT:  The results are instant. Some patients experience a little pain for a few days and it is advisable to bring along a bigger sized sports/support bra to wear for the first week. The breasts may appear harder for the first few weeks. The doctor may ask you to take prophylactic antibiotics for a few days. During the first week after the treatment you should avoid strenuous exercise or any activity that could put pressure on the treatment area.

ML:  How long does Macrolane last?

Dr. PT: Macrolane reduces to 50% of its size in 18months and is designed to be topped up after a period of a year. Usually each individual treatment programme will include a yearly top-up as required to maintain optimal treatment results.

ML:  Will Macrolane adversely affect the efficiency of mammograms and / or breast tissue?

Dr. PT: Women who are considering breast shaping with Macrolane can be assured that the implant will not adversely affect the efficiency of future mammograms and/or the breast tissue itself. One clinical study evaluated patients after Macrolane injection for breast augmentation and concluded that mammograms from these patients were easy to evaluate. A second study showed it had no effect on MRIs.

ML:  Is there anything else a patient should know?

Dr. PT: Breast cancer is a relatively common disease in Ireland and somebody with Macrolane will develop concurrent illness. In order to reduce problems and screen out pathology initially, Ailesbury Clinic advise and enforce the following protocol.
All patients are checked before hand for evidence of breast asymmetry, breast volume and nipple height.
+All patients are checked for evidence of breast cysts, nodules and fibroadenomas.  
+All patients 35 and above with a family history of breast cancer are referred for breast ultrasound
+All patients 40 and above requires a breast mammogram

ML:  Have you seen any problems to date?

Dr. PT: Certainly nothing of concern. I have seen two patients out of 150 with small Macrolane lumps that required aspiration.  Every new lump has to be treated with immediate respect. I think it is a wonderful product and it will be here for many years to come

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The Ailesbury Clinic opened in Dublin in 2002. It was awarded Best Medical Practice at the 2005 Irish Healthcare Pharmaceutical Awards. It was selected as runner-up in the finals of the Best Aesthetic Medical Clinic in the UK and Ireland. The Ailesbury Clinic is the only Irish clinic to have the honour to be selected.

Medical Director of the clinic, Dr. Patrick J. Treacy is a world-renowned exponent in all areas of cosmetic dermatology and minor surgical procedures. Dr Treacy recently formed the Irish Association of Cosmetic Doctors and he is Faculty member of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors.
End
Source:Dr. Patrick Treacy
Email:***@ailesburyclinic.ie Email Verified
Zip:Dublin 4
Tags:Macrolane, Breast Surgery, Patrick Treacy, Breast Augmentation, Cosmetic Surgery
Industry:Medical, Health, Technology
Location:Dublin - Dublin - Ireland
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