:: MACROLANE for Volume Restoration and Body Shaping

The Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic is pleased to introduce Macrolane to our comprehensive range of treatments.

Macrolane VRF is an innovative product currently indicated for volume restoration and shaping of body surfaces, for example, the breasts, the calves and buttocks. Macrolane can also even out discrepancies in the skin surface, for example those caused by liposuction , or other depressed scars.

Macrolane is an injectable treatment based on Q-Med's patented technology, NASHA™, for the production of stabilized non-animal hyaluronic acid.

:: What is Macrolane™?

Macrolane - the first body shaping treatment using hyaluronic acid. It is based on Q-Med's unique patented NASHA™ technology (Stabilized Non-Animal Hyaluronic Acid) which has been used in over 9 million treatments in over 70 countries worldwide. Use of NASHA has been clinically proven and well documented in facial aesthetics for over 10 years.

:: What is NASHA™?

Stabilized, Non-Animal Hyaluronic acid (NASHA) is unique to Q-Med, manufacturers of Macrolane. Naturally occuring hyaluronic acid (HA) undergoes a process where less than one percent is stabilized to form a permanent three-dimensional HA network without damaging the original chemical structure. This stabilization process produces a biologically degradable NASHA gel that carries minimal risk of allergic reaction or transmission of infectious substances and enables a longer durability.

:: What are the benefits of Macrolane to patients?

Market research has shown there to be a significant number of women who would like to adjust the shape of their body in a natural, non-permanent way that does not involve the use of implants or body fat in a major surgical procedure. Many women are also very 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.

:: What are the treatment indications for Macrolane?

Macrolane is an innovative product currently indicated for volume restoration and shaping of body surfaces, for example, the calves and buttocks. Macrolane can also even out discrepancies in the skin surface, for example, those caused by liposuction and surgical scars.

:: Can Macrolane be used for facial aesthetic treatments?

No, Macrolane is a specifically formulated NASHA gel that gives increased volume. As a result it should only be used for volume restoration and shaping of body surfaces.

:: Can Macrolane VRF be used for breast shaping?

Use of Macrolane in the breast is currently available under the body shaping indication. Ongoing research is being conducted to further evaluate the efficacy of Macrolane in the breast and improve breast shaping injection techniques. Q-Med, the manufacturer of Macrolane is committed to continuous research and development with patient safety a high priority.

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

Patient safety is a priority for Q-Med and undertaking scientific research to provide reassurance for women undergoing mammography following breast shaping with Macrolane has been a paramount consideration. In January 2008, at a major aesthetics meeting, a poster presentation representing the findings of a group of highly respected surgeons, all very experienced in the use of Macrolane in this indication, concluded that; "The presence of Macrolane in the breast does not compromise the detection, diagnosis or management of breast disease"¹

:: How is the Macrolane treatment performed?

General anaesthesia is not required and the procedure can be carried out in a clean environment similar to minor surgery, only requiring between 30 and 90 minutes depending on the site and quantity of gel injected.

:: How can I find a Macrolane expert?

Only physicians whom have undergone specific Macrolane training, provided by Q-Med, can use Macrolane. It is important that you ask to see their training certificate to check that the physician is able to carry out your treatment.

:: How long does Macrolane last?

Macrolane is intended to last for 12-18 months. Each individual treatment programme will include a yearly top-up as required to maintain optimal treatment results.

:: What will a treatment with Macrolane cost?

Treatment cost is dependant on the area treated and the amount of product used. Typically an initial breast shaping treatment using 200ml (100ml for each breast) will cost in the region of £2800 with follow top up treatment in a year's time in the region of £1400, but the cost of the top up treatments is likely to decrease because less product is needed over time to sustain optimum results.

1 Breast Augmentation with Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid Gel of Non Animal Origin: Visualisation of Tissue Behind the Implants - Mangnus Tengvar, Per Heden, Michael Olenius (Poster presented at IMCAS January 2008)