Macrolane ™ – Filler for injection

Macrolane has been on the European market since 2007. It is a highly cross-linked hyaluronic acid (produced using the patented NASHA process, NASHA = Non Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid), which is well suited for filling medium-sized areas. The cross-linking makes it significantly more stable than the hyaluronic acid used for wrinkle injections. Macrolane therefore lasts a little longer – 1-1.5 years (Galderma). No visible scars remain after the injection.

Macrolane can be used for various indications. The main area of application was once breast augmentation . However, this has no longer been possible since 2012, as hyaluronic acid may no longer be used for the indication of breast augmentation due to the suspected poorer assessability of a mammogram, among other reasons. Therefore, breast augmentation with autologous fat can be suggested to women who want a correction without breast implants.

Macrolane is also used for buttock augmentation or buttock shaping, calf augmentation or calf shaping or the filling of small and medium-sized defects is possible. The pre-aged hand can also be rejuvenated with this product. It is even possible to improve the contour of the décolleté.

What is the procedure for a Macrolane treatment and how much does it cost?

Macrolane injections can be performed under local anesthesia. If the patient wishes, a twilight sleep can make the minor procedure more comfortable. The injection takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the amount injected and the area. During the treatment, the patient can express her ideas in the mirror. The result is immediately visible.

The costs for treatment with Macrolane are quite high due to the material costs for large quantities. If the injection is to be carried out under sedation, there are usually additional costs. General anesthesia is more expensive.

What needs to be considered after treatment?

The injected areas should be cooled and protected. Depending on the region and the amount injected, it is advisable to refrain from sport for approx. 2-4 weeks. The treated areas should not be massaged! After the injection with Macrolane, patients can go home. A compression bandage is often applied after the treatment. Concomitant antibiotic treatment is recommended from time to time. Inpatient monitoring is not necessary.

[Breast cancer screening with mammography was also possible after the breast augmentation treatment. However, the long-term assessability of the mammary gland (after years of Macrolane injections) for the early detection of breast cancer was controversially discussed among plastic surgeons and radiologists].

What undesirable side effects can occur with Macrolane?

• During treatment with Macrolane , as with hyaluronic acid injections in general, redness and swelling may occur, which are of a temporary nature.
• Whenever injections are given, there is also a potential but very small risk of infection (injection abscess) or bruising.
• Although there are many older studies on hyaluronic acid treatment of wrinkles, there are still no long-term results after body contouring with Macrolane .
• Hyaluronic acid is a molecular compound that is naturally present in our bodies. Nevertheless, when large quantities are injected, problems can rarely arise with the capsule that forms around each implant. This change is called capsular fibrosis. It leads to a hardening of the breast, which is not visible and barely palpable in the early stages. More severe capsular fibrosis is a rarity during treatment with Macrolane. Capsular fibrosis can also occur during breast augmentation with silicone implants.

As more recent studies can quickly reveal new aspects of a topic as young as Macrolane, you should pay particular attention to the update date listed below!