The Botox Breast Lift

Posted: Wednesday 1 June 2011 12:57pm

A London clinic is offering a controversial new twist on the use of muscle relaxants – The Botox Breast Lift, which promises instant results with no side-effects and no recovery time.

Anti-ageing specialist Dr Cecilia Tregear claims that “injecting Botox in specific areas around the breasts tones and lifts the skin. It shapes the breasts, giving them volume and ironing out wrinkles caused by sun damage on the décolletage.”

She says patients should expect to have fuller-looking breasts with smoother and neater-looking nipples and areolas, with a lift of up to 2cm and an increase in volume of about 10 per cent.

This technique was pioneered by a Thai dermatologist and first presented at the 2009 World Conference of Cosmetic and Anti-ageing Medicine in Monte Carlo.

But Australian surgeons are alarmed that the trend may find its way here.

“This is so absurd it doesn’t even warrant comment,” says plastic surgeon Dr Steve Merten, of Sydney’s Pure Aesthetics. “The principles are ridiculous and it won’t work. A total waste of money. The only reason I can think it is being promoted is as a marketing stunt.”

Dr Robert Drielsma, of Sydney Cosmetic Plastic Surgery adds: “With costs [of the Botox Breast Lift] starting at $1000 and results lasting anywhere between 3-6 months, the procedure certainly does not offer a cost effective alternative to breast lift surgery in the long term.

“There is also little evidence that the Botox Breast Lift will do anything other than smooth out lines and crepiness of the skin around the breast. Botox is used to inhibit muscle contraction and in doing so it smoothes the skin which is why it’s used effectively to treat facial wrinkles. Botox doesn’t enlarge, lift or rejuvenate the breast.

“Certainly women with larger cup sizes who have the most to gain from breast lifting, would find this treatment ineffective.

“A good supportive bra or improved posture would achieve the same outcome.

“In the long run, if you need a breast lift then your best option would be to consider a surgical breast lift with a specialised plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

“Women undergoing breast lift surgery form the happiest group of people in my practice. The procedure is associated with surprising little pain and most people take only one to to week’s off work. And most importantly, the results are long lasting.”

Another alarming trend Australian medicos are keen to quash is the purchase online of cosmetic injectibles such as muscle relaxants and dermal fillers for self-use.

The Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia (CPSA) is warning Australians about the dangers following a recent case that left an Australian woman with severe facial disfigurements and infections.

Consumers here have benefited from a safe and regulated system of medication monitoring and perhaps, rather naively, feel that products purchased over the internet are of the same standard as medication from legitimate Australian sources.

The woman has asked the CPSA to release a number of pictures alerting others to the risks.

The patient, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased a “dermal filler substance” labelled “HA 40 mg/ml” from an overseas website.  It was injected into her cheeks and lips.

Apart from an extremely poor aesthetic result, the patient suffered from a painful reaction to the foreign substance and developed a number of infections.  Her reaction included severe and abnormal swelling where the substance was injected, and the development of large infected abscesses on her face.

Dr Gabrielle Caswell, President of the CPSA, says it is extremely concerning that overseas-based websites are claiming to offer cosmetic “medicines” such as “Botox®” and “dermal fillers,” some of which are packaged with unsafe and unhygienic do-it-yourself injection kits.

“A person cannot guarantee the substance advertised is in fact botulinum toxin or a dermal filler from a legitimate source.  In fact, every pharmaceutical company operating in Australia registers its medicines with the Therapeutic Goods Administration and never sells medicines online. ”

The CPSA advises that there are two brands of botulinum toxin available in Australia – Dysport® and Botox® and neither of these medicines can be purchased over the internet.  Likewise, dermal fillers such as Juvéderm®, Restylane® and Esthelis®, and their formula variations, cannot legitimately be purchased online.

“This fact alone should alert individuals that they cannot purchase such products from a legitimate source online,” Dr Caswell said.

“In Australia, cosmetic medicines such as botulinum toxin and dermal fillers are prescription-only medicines, meaning that an appropriately registered doctor needs to prescribe the medication for the patient after a medical history has been taken, and the patient is examined.

“The general public should be aware that the substance they intend to purchase online may not be sterile (with the potential to cause difficult-to-treat infections); or worse, may be a toxic blend of something unidentifiable, leading to longer-term illness, scarring and disfigurement.

“Legitimate medications can be sourced from an appropriately registered medical practitioner, where patients may be availed of registered, sterile and appropriately manufactured medications.

“Individuals should also be aware that purchasing such alleged medicines from international websites, and importing them into Australia, may also be an illegal activity.”

In the last 12 months Australians spent $560.6 million on non- and minimally invasive treatments such as injectables.

Dr Caswell advises that anyone considering such cosmetic treatments should look for a medically registered doctor who has a focus on cosmetic medicine, such as a CPSA member. Visit www.cosmeticsphysicians.org.au

 

by Jenni Gilbert

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