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 occurring 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, breast shaping, 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 VRF be used for breast shaping?
Yes, many physicians see advantages of using Macrolane for breast shaping as opposed to more invasive techniques.

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 cause breast cancer?
There has been no causal link found between Macrolane, which is composed of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance already found in the body, and cancer. If cancer develops after the injection of the gel it would be more than likely be caused by factors other than the Macrolane VRF treatment.

Will Macrolane interfere with the reading of mammograms to detect breast cancer or other breast defects?
Patient safety is a priority for Q-Med and the company has carried out clinical trials into the use of Macrolane for women undergoing mammography following breast shaping. In January 2008, at a major aesthetics meeting, scientific evidence in the form of a poster presentation demonstrated that Macrolane did not interfere with mammograms or obstruct the detection of breast defects of any sort.

Can Macrolane be used in reconstructive surgery?
Macrolane does have potential for use in reconstruction in breast cancer patients post lumpectomy, as a stand alone treatment or in conjunction with other reconstructive procedures because of its moulding and shaping qualities. It could be helpful in breast cancer patients whom are small breasted and for whom a lumpectomy would have significant impact on breast shape post surgery.

Is Macrolane safe?
No product can be said to be 100 per cent safe. However, Q-Med values patient safety above all else and has carried out a number of clinical trials on Macrolane to make it as safe and effective as possible. Q-Med will continue to carry out clinical trials on Macrolane as part of the ongoing research into its uses.

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