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Macrolane is a breast and body-contour filler marketed by Q-Med in the UK since early 2008.^[1] It has received attention as a less invasive alternative to surgical breast enlargement, offering an increase of one cup size through injections that only take between 30 and 90 minutes - heralding the term "30 minute boob job".^[2]

The treatment involves injecting stabilised hyaluronic acid into the breast, buttock or other areas, and then moulding to the desired shape.^[3] The benefits are that it requires only a local anaesthetic and will leave no scarring, although bruising, swelling and discomfort for a few days are expected. The effect however only lasts for 12 months, after which further injections are required. The procedure has also drawn criticism as its long term effects are relatively unknown. The only medical trial was supported by the manufacturers, involving 1000 patients in Japan, and anybody taking the procedure will be entered into a European-wide research trial.^[3]

Initially, treatment in the UK was reasonably expensive, costing about £3000 for the initial injections, followed by £1400 for repeat injections each year in order to maintain the effect.^[3] The cost of initial injections has dropped as the treatment grows in popularity.^{[citation needed]}

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