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.perfectcbreastenhancer.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.
In answer to Sara Chan, there are many herbal supplements of the kind you mention. Websites such as Breast Nexus and NBE Quest try to keep a tab on them.
Eve M, London, UK
I am in remission from breast cancer and it really scares me to think women are prepared to inject stuff into their breasts to make them bigger. How do they know they are not storing up trouble for the future?
Linda, Fife,
I'LL TELL YOU A BIG SECRET!
From a man's perspective, when it comes to seeking a wife, this whole business of breast size is totally overblown! Of all the qualities that a man looks for in a woman...BIG breasts are way down on the list of priorities!
FAR MORE IMPORTANT....is the QUALITY of the woman..her personality, character, intelligence, loyalty, dignity and sense of self-worth! I'll take a LADY, thank you!
Naturally, a man wants a beautiful, or reasonably attractive wife: No problem there! However, I think that if you ask the vast majority of intelligent, quality men if they would ever want a girlfriend or potential wife to have implants..most would say: "NO WAY! Average, normal, healthy breasts are far better than inflated, artificial bazooms that are likely to cause health problems in the future!"
So, Ladies, save your time, your health and your money! Believe it or not.!.. What is in your head is FAR more important than the size of your boobs!
Garth Strong, San Diego, USA
Two thousand, eight hundred quid for 200ml? Are there futures available in this substance?
Pfffill, Shanghai, China
I think a lot of women are hypocritical when it comes to this subject. On the one hand they'll r give a man the "Wot you looking at" stare (Unless he's got a lot of money) if we look at her breast and yet, apart from the women who have it done for medical reasons the MAJORITY of women have breast enhancements to attract the opposite sex.
They do it to feel attractive for their husbands or boyfriends or they do it to attract a new partner after a recent divorce or break-up from a partner.What ever way you wanna dress It up,it's all about sex!
Sam, Lewisham,
whatever happended to the exercises whilst chanting "i must, i must, i must improve my bust"?! actually as Im still an A cup lets take that as evidence it does not work....
cass, winchester, uk
I think the perfect solution for breast augmentation would be a HELIUM INFLATION technique, which would also bring a certain lilt to the step of the newly top-heavy...
Also, if they installed a small inner-tube device, which could be accessed by way of a pipette, on blue days women could suckle themselves or their boyfriends and talk to each other in cartoon voices... What a marvelous party trick as well.
Thus, I present in one elegant proposition, a solution for communication between the sexes.
Hurray!!!
Elan Durham, Santa Monica, CA/US
I wonder if Sarah Beeny uses any of these. She knows all about inflated assets after all.
Paul, Coventry,
I really like the idea of the perfect C. Those people who say 'be happy with what you've got' actually have no idea what it's like not to be.
Chell , Manchester,
Please, Please, Please. Can women just be left alone to be women. Whatever their breast size? Just think what it would be like if men had to endure constant criticism, comparisons, jokes, 'this season's breast size should be...' Breast size doth not maketh the woman! So Please - STOP.
Kit, Co Down,
I have size 34G breasts and from a purely fashion point of view find them irritating when I can't find clothes to fit me properley but I'm certainly not going under the knife to change them. Girls, be happy with what you have and spend your money on clothes that flatter, not on surgery. If the man you are sleeping with doesn't like your breasts, then maybe you should change him, not your body!
Ambrosia Sakkadas, Nicosia, Cyprus
I wonder whether there will always be strong and widespread preference for larger breasts. I mean after such breast enlarging practices becoming widely available and affordable, and small breasted women using them to get their breasts one cup larger, would preferences shift in a direction that will in turn make those women go and try to get their breasts even bigger?
Alternatively, if some popularly understood version of ideal shaped breasts become so widespread, would the focus on breast size diminish?
I like bigger breasts, I must say.
Ollie Sachs, London,
There is a very simple and economical way to enlarge breasts ..without surgery and its attendant costs and risks to your health: The secret? Caressing of the breasts by a male lover! This method:
1) Is healthy, natural and... costs nothing!
2) Promotes blood flow to the breasts and thereby stimulates the growth of all the breast tissues.
3) Is highly pleasurable, relaxing and creates a wonderful feeling of well-being.
4) Stimulates the release of natural hormones which
promote health throughout the body, but especially in the brain, heart, lungs and reproductive system.
5) Calms and relaxes the mind, and improves the quality of your life!
Try it...you'll like it!
Garth Rex, Glendale Heights, USA
What about Erdic? This is a herbal supplement, which was reviewed in the Sunday Times several years ago and found to be quite effective. Its effects were apparently permanent. I do not know about long-term safety.
Sara Chan, London, UK
What about Erdic? This is a herbal supplement, which was reviewed in the Sunday Times several years ago and found to be quite effective. Its effects were apparently permanent. I do not know about long-term safety.
Sara Chan, London, UK