I Had Breast Enlargement After Breastfeeding: A Case Study

Natalie Noonan, 27 had breastfed her son Charlie, now two, for six months, and when she stopped she noticed that her breasts had lost their shape and volume, particularly in the upper pole of the breast. That made her very self-conscious about what she was wearing, and really cut down on the number of tops she felt comfortable in.

Natalie's Story

Like many women I thought about having surgery, but as I wanted to have more kids and breastfeed I didn't think it was a realistic option. I had enjoyed breastfeeding a lot and Charlie thrived on it, so I wanted something non-invasive to make my breasts fuller and help them regain their shape.

A friend had surgical breast augmentation which set me thinking, but I also didn't want a long down time. I run a nursery and have a very active toddler, and I need to keep on the go. And I wanted to have natural results, not a surgically enhanced look.

Macrolane for Non-Invasive Augmentation

Then I read about a gel called Macrolane in a number of women’s magazines and on the Internet. I spoke to someone who had done research into it, and it seemed perfect for me. After further research I had a consultation with Maurizio Viel, plastic surgeon at the London Centre of Aesthetic Surgery.

Maurizio was very easy to talk to and answered all my questions. He assured me that I would get a very good treatment result with Macrolane, which is mainly made up of hyaluronic acid, which is already present in the body.

I was tired of wearing padded gel bras every day, and never being able to wear the low-cut tops I wanted. As I think I have a good body apart from my breasts, it was even more frustrating. So I booked an appointment to have breast enlargement with Macrolane.

The Treatment

The treatment room looked like a small operating theatre. I had butterflies in my stomach but soon relaxed. The local anaesthetic stung a bit then I felt nothing. It was a weird sensation when the Macrolane is injected, but not painful. Amazingly, I saw my right breast increase in size before my eyes!

Maurizio gently massaged the gel into place, then treated my left breast with the gel injections. Before I knew it, I was sitting up looking into a mirror. I was amazed – I had round, perfectly shaped breasts!

After talking to the nurse about how to take care of the treated area for the next few days, I went home to rest up. Going to the gym was not advised until my breasts settled down - I was very happy with that advice, I have to admit! They felt a bit tender for a few days, similar to if you had a workout at the gym and maybe did a bit too much.

I paid about £2,000 for the initial injections, which I was told can last up to 15 months, until they are dissolved safely into the body. Although it's not that common in the UK, Macrolane has been used in a lot of countries for a long period of time, and nobody yet has had a bad reaction to it. Pregnant or breastfeeding women shouldn't have the treatment at all.

Enormous Difference

To say that I am thrilled with the results is an understatement. I have gone up an entire bra cup size. I was a very small 34A before, and am now a 34B. Best of all, my breasts are a lot fuller, which is exactly what I wanted. They look and feel entirely natural and move naturally as well..

I have no real scars as they just made a tiny little incision under each breast. And I was able to go back to work the following afternoon, and stopped taking painkillers within 36 hours.

My new shape is fantastic and I love it. Very soon after my treatment I went shopping for new lingerie and a selection of close-fitting, low-cut tops. I never wanted to have big breasts, I just wanted them to feel and look more sensuous. And they do!

This treatment has made a huge difference to me, a big boost to my confidence and self-esteem. It cost a lot but the benefits definitely have been worth it. It’s great to feel sexy again!