Pure Hyaluronic Acid      

PERFECT C How to increase breast size without surgery

Date: 5th April 2008, Source: Althealth News

We should all raise a glass - or maybe a cup - in farewell salute to the “comedy” breast. Pneumatic, silicone-packed Barbie breasts may finally be on the way out, replaced by softer, more natural breast enhancements.

Macrolane, launched last month, is a breast and body-contouring cosmetic filler, which its makers claim can increase breasts by one cup size with just an injection. It is proving to be a must-have for the small-breasted in search of enhancement, but does it work? And are there other, less invasive ways of giving your boobs a boost? We look at the evidence.

MACROLANE

What is it? After seven years of research, this breast augmentation treatment has been launched in the UK. Stabilised hyaluronic acid is injected into the breast, allowing the breast to be shaped to suit the figure of the client. “Skin is 40 per cent hyaluronic acid and Macrolane is specially stabilised hyaluronic acid. It is what provides the padding within the natural framework of collagen,” says Christopher Inglefield, a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at London Bridge Hospital. It makes an immediate difference and gives a smooth appearance with no lumps and bumps. Treatment takes between 30 and 90 minutes, so it is do-able in a lunch hour, although it will be uncomfortable for the next few days.

Does it work? Results are said to be immediate, giving a natural fullness. It's also said to be good for volume restoration in the upper part of the breast. However, Chris Caddy, a plastic surgeon and member of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, is not convinced. “The improvement is subtle,” he says. “My view is that if you tell patients they look gorgeous, they will feel gorgeous. It's a beauty treatment in a money-making industry. In 12 months you are left with nothing.”

How safe is it? Very, according to Q-Med, the company behind Macrolane. Plus, it says that Macrolane gives better translucency in mammography over silicone implants, and the presence of the gel doesn't compromise the diagnosis or management of breast disease. Tommy Gullbo, Q-Med's director of strategic marketing, says: “There have been a number of clinical trials to investigate possible side-effects or complications, including a large clinical trial involving over 1,000 patients in Japan. It is company policy to continue our research into Macrolane and more clinical trials are planned.” The company sells Macrolane only to doctors who have been trained in its use, and a list is available from www.macrolaneuk.com .

But Caddy strikes a note of caution. “There is very little in the way of evidence that this is a good product and the study that was done was supported by Q-Med. Anyone who has Macrolane now will be recruited into Europe-wide research, and will be the guinea-pigs. I am not going to use an untried product on my patients.” Side-effects are a slight swelling and pain or transient hardness, which usually resolves itself after a week.

How long does it last? The effect lasts between 12 and 18 months.

Cost An initial breast-shaping treatment using 200ml (100ml for each breast) will cost about £2,800, with top-up treatment in a year's time, costing about £1,400.

PERFECT C

What is it? If you'd rather go down the supplement route to up your cup, Perfect C tablets claim to use botanicals with natural oestrogenic properties to increase oestrogen levels in the body, which stimulates the production of new breast tissue. Herbs with oestrogenic properties include fennel seed and Mexican wild yam.

Does it work? Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and Sienna Miller are fans of the product, apparently. And, hormonally, the most receptive age group for Perfect C is between 23 and 35. After two months, the makers of the product claim you will see an improvement with fuller, firmer, larger breasts. If you're over 35, you might have to wait six months for the desired results.

How safe is it? It does not use synthetic hormones and, apparently, has no side-effects. The makers of Perfect C also claim that your skin may improve while you are using the product. Inglefield believes that herbal remedies can increase breast size, although how they do it is unclear. Research is being done on the long-term effects of stimulating oestrogen levels. Check with your doctor that the supplements won't interfere with any medication you are taking.

How long does it last? The results are supposed to be long-lasting, but the product recommends taking two capsules three times a week for a couple of months after you reach your target size.

Cost £199 for three months' supply.

Visit www.althealth.co.uk

BRAVA

What is it? For anyone who has breast-fed a baby the words “breast pump” are usually enough to send shivers down your spine (and other rather more sensitive areas), which could well put you off the Brava (www.mybrava.org.uk ). It looks like an alien bra, made up of two semi-rigid domes, controlled by a SmartBox mini-computer which analyses the breast tissue and tension on it. The device uses a gentle three-dimensional pull on the breasts, which results in new breast tissue forming.

Does it work? Yes, Inglefield claims. The technique is used to grow tissue for several medical procedures, including breast reconstruction. The results range from increases of half a cup to a full cup size of tissue growth. The tension is gentle but needs to be sustained for at least 11 hours a day over the entire area.

How safe is it? It's a relatively new product so long-term results are not available. “You have to wear it religiously,” says Caddy. “The problem is that when you stop wearing it you go back to how you were before. It does not seem to be a permanent growth.”

How long does it last? “There is no data yet on whether the growth remains stable in the long term,” says Inglefield.

Cost £790

EXERCISES

What is it? There is no doubting the fact that breast exercises are the safest and most simple way for you to try to enlarge your breasts. Exercises include palm pushes, in which you press your palms together in front of your breasts, hold for five seconds, relax and then repeat ten times. The forearm grip requires you to grasp your forearms at shoulder level and then pull outward without letting go and repeat ten times, and for the finger lock you curl your fingers, lock them together at shoulder height, and pull. Hold for five seconds and repeat ten times.

Does it work? Inglefield says: “Exercise is always recommended, as it tones breasts and stops them drooping. The size of the breast won't be affected by exercise, but it will look more youthful because of the improved shape.” If the rest of you looks toned, you'll be providing a better showcase for your breasts, whatever their size.

Is it safe? The only side-effects could be an increase in your overall fitness, which can't be bad. Just don't concentrate on your breasts to the extent that you neglect your back, and don't overdo it.

How much does it cost? The only cost is to your dignity if you are caught muttering to yourself “I must, I must, improve my bust” over and over again.

HOW TO STOP YOUR BREASTS HEADING SOUTH

Hazel Wilson, a bra fitter at Beales department store, Bournemouth, explains how to combat sagging.

After 35, the pectoral muscles above the breast begin to relax. The best thing is to keep these muscles strong. Swimming is good for the pectorals, as is putting a couple of bags of sugar in the crook of your arm and taking the arm up behind the neck. The worst thing you can do for your breasts is to go jogging without a sports bra, as the movement can permanently stretch ligaments that support the breasts.