Options Available For Non-surgical Breast Enhancement
We should all raise a glass – or maybe a cup – in farewell salute to the “comedy” breast. Pneumatic, silicone-packed, surgically-enhanced Barbie-doll breasts may finally be on the way out, replaced by softer and more natural, non-surgical breast enhancement options available today.
We discuss each of these options:
- Herbal Breast Enhancement
- Macrolane
- Brava System
- Breast Exercises
Herbal Breast Enhancement
What is it?
If you want to go down the supplement route to enlarge your breasts without surgery, herbal breast enhancement pills and creams use botanicals with natural estrogenic properties to increase estrogen levels in the body. This stimulates the production of new breast tissue. Herbs with estrogenic properties include fennel seed and Mexican wild yam.
Does it work?
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and Sienna Miller apparently are fans of herbal breast enlargement. Christopher Inglefield, consultant plastic surgeon at London Bridge Hospital, believes that herbal remedies can increase breast size, although how they do so is not entirely clear. Hormonally, the most receptive age group for herbal breast enhancement is between 23 and 35. After two months, you will see an improvement with fuller, firmer, larger breasts. If you’re over 35, you might have to wait six months for the desired results.
How safe is it?
The good brands do not use synthetic hormones and have no known side-effects. Users of some herbal breast pills also report improvement of the skin while using the product. Research is being done on the long-term effects of stimulating estrogen levels. Check with your doctor that the supplements won’t interfere with any medication you are taking.
How long does it last?
The results are long-lasting and you can discontinue taking the pills once you reach your target size.
Cost
Depending on the brand, between US$ 250 to 400 for six months’ supply, which is all you should need.
One herbal breast enhancement product that we can recommend are is:
- Breast Actives program – does it work? See Before and After Breast Actives pictures.
Macrolane
What is Macrolane?
After seven years of research, this treatment for breast enlargement without surgery has been launched in the UK. Stabilised hyaluronic acid is injected into the breast, allowing the breast to be shaped to suit the figure of the client. “ Skin is 40 per cent hyaluronic acid and Macrolane is specially stabilised hyaluronic acid. It is what provides the padding within the natural framework of collagen,” says Christopher Inglefield, a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at London Bridge Hospital. It makes an immediate difference and gives a smooth appearance with no lumps and bumps. Treatment takes between 30 and 90 minutes, so it is do-able in a lunch hour, although it will be uncomfortable for the next few days.
How safe is it?
Very, according to Q-Med, the company behind Macrolane. Plus, it says that Macrolane gives better translucency in mammography over silicone implants, and the presence of the gel doesn’t compromise the diagnosis or management of breast disease. Tommy Gullbo, Q-Med’s director of strategic marketing, says: “There have been a number of clinical trials to investigate possible side-effects or complications, including a large clinical trial involving over 1,000 patients in Japan. It is company policy to continue our research into Macrolane and more clinical trials are planned.” The company sells Macrolane only to doctors who have been trained in its use, and a list is available from ww.macrolane.co.uk
But Caddy strikes a note of caution. “There is very little in the way of evidence that this is a good product and the study that was done was supported by Q-Med. Anyone who has Macrolane now will be recruited into Europe-wide research, and will be the guinea-pigs. I am not going to use an untried product on my patients.”
Does it work?
Results are said to be immediate, giving the breasts a natural fullness. It’s also said to be good for volume restoration in the upper part of the breast. However, Chris Caddy, a plastic surgeon and member of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, is not convinced. “The improvement is subtle,” he says. “My view is that if you tell patients they look gorgeous, they will feel gorgeous. It’s a beauty treatment in a money-making industry. In 12 months you are left with nothing.”
How long does it last?
The effect lasts between 12 and 18 months, after which it needs to be topped up.
Cost
An initial breast enlargement treatment using 200ml (100ml for each breast) will cost about US$ 3780, with top-up treatment in a year’s time, costing about US$1,800.
Brava
What is Brava?
On the Brava website, it is claimed that this is a clinically proven option for breast enlargement without surgery. But, for anyone who has breast-fed a baby, the words “breast pump” are usually enough to send shivers down your spine (and other rather more sensitive areas), which could well put you off the Brava. It looks like an alien bra, made up of two semi-rigid domes, controlled by a SmartBox mini-computer which analyses the breast tissue and tension on it. The device uses a gentle three-dimensional pull on the breasts, which results in new breast tissue forming.
Does it work?
Yes, Inglefield claims. The technique is used to grow tissue for several medical procedures, including breast reconstruction. The results range from increases of half a cup to a full cup size of tissue growth. The tension is gentle but needs to be sustained for at least 11 hours a day over the entire area.
How safe is it?
It’s a relatively new product so long-term results are not available. “You have to wear it religiously,” says Caddy. “The problem is that when you stop wearing it you go back to how you were before. It does not seem to be a permanent growth.”
How long does it last?
“There is no data yet on whether the growth remains stable in the long term,” says Inglefield.
Cost
US$ 1300
Breast Exercises
Do exercises work?
Exercise is, of course, always good. Breast exercises will tone and uplift the breasts and prevent them from drooping. According to expert opinion, such as that of Inglefield, exercise by itself cannot actually increase breast size, but it does improve the shape and tone and gives the breasts a more youthful appearance. And if, with general exercise and work-outs, you make your body look good and shapely, you will provide a better showcase for your boobs, irrespective of what their size may be. The Breast Actives system of herbal non-surgical breast enhancement with pills and cream includes a set of recommended breast exercises, which can significantly improve the overall results of this system for breast enlargement without surgery.
Is it safe?
Exercise is always safe and there are no side -effects other than improved general fitness. But doing breast exercises should not result in neglect of general exercise and exercise must not be over-done.
How much does it cost?
There is no cost at all except for the effort involved in finding the time and the privacy to do the exercises regularly, every day.