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From: The Times, U.K.
How to Increase Breast Size Without
Surgery
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 GBP2,800, with top-up
treatment in a year's time, costing about GBP1,400.
HERBAL BREAST ENLARGEMENT
What is it?
If you'd rather go down the supplement route to up
your cup,
Breast Actives tablets use botanicals
with natural estrogenic properties to increase
estrogen levels in the body, which stimulates the
production of new breast tissue. Herbs with
estrogenic properties include fennel seed and Mexican
wild yam.
Does it work?
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and Sienna Miller are fans of
herbal breast enlargement apparently, although they
supposedly use a different product. And, hormonally, the most
receptive age group for Breast Actives 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 Breast Actives 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 estrogen 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 and the
manufacturer states that you can discontinue taking
the pills once you reach your
target size.
Cost
£199 for three months' supply.
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
GBP790
EXERCISES
What is it?
There is no doubt that breast exercises
are a safe very simple way for you to try to
enlarge your breasts. Exercises include:
-
Palm pushes - press your palms together in front of
your breasts, hold for five seconds then relax. Repeat ten times.
-
Forearm grip -
grasp your forearms at shoulder level and then pull
outward without letting go. Repeat ten times.
-
Finger lock - curl your fingers, lock them
together at shoulder height, and pull outwards. Hold for five
seconds, then relax. Repeat ten times.
Does
exercises work?
Inglefield says: “Exercise is always recommended, as
it tones breasts and stops them drooping. The size of
the breasts won't actually increase by exercise alone, but
your bust line 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?
Exercise is always 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.
Once women cross the age of 35, the pectoral muscles above the breast begin
to loosen, unless they are kept firm by exercise. The
solution is to keep these muscles
strong. Swimming is good exercise for the pectoral
muscles, as is
putting a couple of bags of sugar in the crook of your
arm and taking the arm up behind the neck. A word of
caution: never go jogging
without a sports bra - the vigorous up and down movement
of the breasts can permanently
stretch the ligaments that support the breasts and
cause irreversible sagging.
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