Peter Butler
Patrick Mallucci
Simon Withey
Norman WaterhouseNon-surgical breast enlargement - the facts
As with all areas of cosmetic surgery, there is increasing interest in non-invasive techniques in order to try and avoid ‘the knife’. The idea of being able to change shape or form and look better/younger without going in for surgery is a very attractive one and virtually every area of cosmetic surgery has explored its non-surgical options. Breast surgery is no exception, and whilst breast implants today are safer, more reliable and longer lasting than ever before there are those who might want to explore alternatives.
There are two procedures that are relatively non-invasive which have gained some popularity in certain individuals. Fat transfer is one of them and more recently the introduction of macrolane – VRF. These will be dealt with individually in order to try and explain a little bit about them, who they might be suitable for and what there advantages or disadvantages might be.
MACROLANE – VRF
This is a new and exciting addition to the world of breast augmentation. Macrolane – VRF (volume restoration factor) is a similar product to Restylane – technically known as a NASHA (non animal stabilised hyaluronic acid). Restylane is best known as one of the substances commonly used as a ‘filler’ in and around the face and lips and has now been established for some years with great success. The difference with Macrolane is that it is effectively thicker in its structure than Restylane and therefore stays in the body for longer. Restylane typically lasts 4-6 months whilst Macrolane is thought to last 12-18 months before it is naturally broken down.
Macrolane – VRF was specifically designed for restoration of volume in parts of the body requiring significant enhancement such as buttock and calve re-shaping and now more recently breast re-shaping. One of the great attractions is that it can be carried out under a local anaesthetic in the surgical office or clinic environment without requiring hospital admission or having to undergo a general anaesthetic.
Several studies have now looked at its safety and effectiveness to bring it into the market place.
Macrolane will probably appeal to those who are unsure about breast augmentation and are perhaps thinking about using it as an opportunity to ‘try out’ breast enlargement prior to committing to breast implants. It may also appeal to those who for whatever reason do not wish to undergo ‘surgery’ with an anaesthetic. Some women may want an enhanced look for a special occasion or period of time without necessarily wanting a permanent change. Macrolane would be potentially ideal in all of these situations.
It is not suitable for everybody however, and its suitability would depend on one’s natural breast shape to begin with and also how big an enlargement is being sought. Women with droopier breasts would probably not be good candidates for Macrolane alone and would need other corrective surgery in addition such as a breast lift or tightening. Those looking for a significant increase in size would also not be ideal as the volumes used to date are fairly modest and would probably not enhance more than a cup size.
There is no doubt that Macrolane will find its place in the spectrum of procedures for breast enlargement. If you think you might be a candidate for it, our advice is to discuss this with one of MyBreast's surgeons who will happily advise you.
Advantages
Undoubtedly the most attractive feature of Macrolane-VRF is that it is breast enlargement without having to undergo surgery and not requiring hospital admission. It can be carried out under a local anaesthetic in an ‘office’ surgery environment as a walk-in, walk-out procedure. Macrolane is a naturally occurring molecule which has been tried and tested over a significant period of time as Restylane and related products.
It may well be suited to those who are not after permanent change or for those contemplating breast enlargement but are not ready to commit.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage is that it is only temporary – lasting for up to 12-18 months, after which the procedure needs to be repeated. It may not be suitable for all breast shapes, and will not be suitable for those seeking significant enlargement as only relatively modest volumes are used.
FAT TRANSFER
Fat transfer is used in all parts of the body to enhance and reshape areas. It is sometimes referred to as Coleman fat transfer after Sydney Coleman - An American plastic surgeon responsible for the popularisation of the technique. The principle is that fat is harvested from one part of the body – typically the abdomen/hips or thighs, processed and then transferred into small syringes and injected in a meticulous fashion into the area to be enhanced.
In order for the procedure to be effective, the fat has to survive – if it doesn’t, it simply disappears. It is thought that probably 70% of the injected fat survives whilst the remaining 30% is lost. There is also variation from individual to individual.
Fat transfer has been used in the breast for some time especially where there has been unevenness between two breasts. However, more recently it has been used for breast enlargement in some specific cases. As always, if you think this is a technique which appeals to you, discuss it with your surgeon at MyBreast who will advise you on your suitability.
Advantages
This is breast enlargement using your own body tissue. There is virtually no scarring – small 1- 2mm incisions at the points where the fat is harvested and at the point where it is injected. Once the fat survives it is there for life. It is ‘natural’ breast enlargement.
Disadvantages
It is only suitable for a select few – those who only want a modest increase in size and whose breast shape is suitable to begin with. Even a modest increase in size requires a lot of fat harvest and so it is not suited for those who are very slim. In terms of surgery, it is a long and laborious process and would probably require a general anaesthetic. Because fat survival is unpredictable it might take more than one sitting to get enough volume.
Categories: Enlargement, Breast surgery
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