What is a Non-Surgical Breast Lift?

A non-surgical breast lift refers to a cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the firmness, contour, and elevation of the breasts without requiring invasive surgery. These treatments typically utilize advanced technologies such as radiofrequency, ultrasound, laser therapy, or injections to stimulate collagen production, tighten the skin, and improve overall breast appearance. Non-surgical breast lifts are suitable for individuals seeking subtle improvements with minimal downtime and no surgical scars.
Aging, pregnancy, or certain other factors may cause sagginess of the breasts. A typical surgical breast lift handles sagging breasts by tightening the underlying muscles and removing excess skin. American Society of Plastic Surgeons has reported a 70% increase in surgical breast lifts since 2000.¹ However, non-surgical breast lift methods are gaining popularity as an alternative to surgical treatments.
More patients opt for non-surgical breast lift options due to their painless and non-invasive nature. However, they can only tighten mildly lax breast skin and are ineffective in improving the breasts’ connective tissues or removing excess skin.

In-Office Non-Surgical Breast Lift Procedures

Here are some common in-office non-surgical breast lift options your dermatologic surgeon can recommend. You must visit a clinic to try one of these procedures after consulting with an expert to see if they suit you.

Laser Treatment

The non-surgical breast uplift procedure that utilizes laser technology is designed to enhance the production of collagen, which in turn leads to improved skin elasticity and a more contoured breast appearance. It requires several sessions to achieve noticeable results. Any lifting results would be temporary and minor at best.

Botox Injections

Breast lift non-surgical may involve Botulinum toxin injections. When used in the pectoral muscles, Botox injection relaxes the muscles. Cosmetic surgeons claim that Botox treatment can help reduce slouching shoulders.² Physicians recommend using Botox injections in the pectoral region to enhance and contour the breast. However, it has a temporary effect lasting for up to four months.

CACI Bust Treatment

It is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure initially developed to treat muscle injuries and improve muscle tone. It uses microcurrent technology to stimulate the underlying muscle tissues behind the breast, promoting toning and lifting effects. Over multiple sessions, it can enhance the appearance of the chest by improving muscle strength and skin elasticity, resulting in subtle lifting and smoothing of the breasts. While it does not directly target the breast tissue itself, the treatment aims to support and tone the muscles in the chest area, creating the appearance of a more lifted bust.

APTOS Threading

APTOS (anti-ptosis) threading is a minimally invasive process that involves inserting the thread under the skin via needles. Also known as the Breast feather lift, the procedure results in smoother and in-place breasts. Polydioxanone absorbable threads can produce instant results, improving over the initial few weeks and lasting up to 2 years.³

Dermal Fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA) based dermal fillers can contour the face and breast area. The most commonly used dermal filler contains Poly-L lactic acid. It stimulates collagen production in that area and requires multiple sessions to show the enhanced effects. However, the long-term safety of breastfillers is still questionable.⁴

Thermage

Thermage uses a device to send radio waves to heat the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen remodeling and production. The results are prominent immediately after the treatment. Thermage tightens the chest’s skin to improve the breast’s natural contour. The treatment has a short duration, almost 2 to 4 months, and you may need to repeat it several times to maintain the breast lift.
A minimally invasive breast lift method using thermal energy is ThermiBra. Radiofrequency (RF) waves stimulate the new elastin production, tightening the breast skin. Doctors use local anesthetics before starting the process and apply micro pins under the skin with a few micro entry points. The procedure is ideal for mild to moderate sagging breasts, giving quick results after 2 hours of treatment. You will feel a significant difference between non-surgical breast lifts before and after. The final results will appear in 6 to 12 months.

BodyTite

The BodyTite is an ideal contouring method for the breasts. The device consists of an electrode and a cannula implanted beneath the skin. It transmits the RF waves into the skin tissue and helps in more collagen production, resulting in breast lift.

Vampire Breast Lift

It is an anti-aging technique that increases blood circulation to lift your breast, using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from your blood. Not ideal for severely sagging breasts, the treatment may lessen wrinkles and spots in this delicate area. The advantages take a few months to become apparent. It is not advised for nursing, pregnant women, or those with a history of breast cancer.

Vacuum Breast Lift

Focusing on pectoral muscles, the procedure helps lift loose skin. Also, it promotes lymph and blood circulation to the breast, helping soften localized fatty deposits and shaping your breast. Cups are placed over each breast for a specific duration, and vacuum suction is performed. The only discomfort is due to vacuum suctions, but you can adjust it to make yourself feel relaxed.⁵

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU):

HIFU is a non-invasive method that delivers precise ultrasound energy to the deep layers of tissue to enhance skin elasticity and provide a lifting effect.⁶

At-Home Procedures for Non-Surgical Breast Lift

Looking for some natural ways to lift your breast? You can lift your breasts naturally with simple lifestyle changes and wardrobe choices. Here are some simple non-surgical breast lift options to try at home.

Creams

Breast lift creams can reverse the normal aging process. It’s a good option for a non-surgical breast lift at home. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) or Ubiquinone is used to re-energize the cells. CoQ10 is a naturally found component in the skin that promotes freshness.
There is some scientific evidence suggesting that topical application of CoQ10 may have certain benefits for the skin.⁷ It is believed to possess antioxidant properties, which can help protect the skin from oxidative stress and potentially improve its appearance. With the advancing age, a decrease in the production of Coenzyme Q10 may result in breast sagging.

Exercises

Pushups, swimming, bench presses, pec decks, chest presses, dips, dumbbell flies, and cable crossover can build chest muscles. You can also try upper body exercises like triceps, dips, and pushups. Such activities reduce body fat cells, strengthen the pectoral muscles, and give a lifted appearance.

New Bra

Continuously investing in a good quality fabric bra that fits you best can do a lot to maintain your breast shape and health. The best-size-fitted bras of your size can prevent sagging. This method is inexpensive, and you can afford comfortable bras under budget. Don’t forget to take measurements before buying a new bra by visiting your nearest bra boutique or seeking guidelines from the internet.

Diet

Eating lots of protein can build your pectoral muscles. Select lean protein sources such as chicken, beans, eggs, and nuts, and avoid excessive intake of fatty proteins like red meat and fried foods. Make sure your diet is rich in vitamins, minerals, and calcium. Limit caffeine intake and alcohol consumption, and stop smoking.

Pros and Cons of Non-Surgical Breast Lift

Following are some common advantages and limitations of non-surgical breast lift procedures. Let’s review them!

Advantages

Non-surgical breast uplift does not involve any incisions and does not leave any scars after treatment.
It is a painless procedure, including no medication.
It doesn’t cause serious complications like severe bleeding or unpredicted reactions like an infection.
It costs less than a surgical breast lift. However, some of the non-surgical options may cost the same.

Limitations

A non-surgical breast lift may not always give you the desired results.
The specific approach can take longer than the mentioned period to achieve desired results.
It does not have a long-lasting effect and may result in breast sagging whenever you skip the procedure.

Complications of Non-Surgical Breast Lift

Non-surgical breast lifts can have some adverse effects, although they are much less intrusive than surgical alternatives. Here are some of the most typical issues that can develop following particular non-surgical breast lift procedures.

Local Irritation

Certain non-surgical breast lifts might cause irritation or discomfort in the days following the operation. Aptos threading may cause redness or swelling in the locations where the threads were introduced. Following the Caci bust treatment, you may feel slightly sore. Even wearing a new bra can cause minor skin discomfort or muscular soreness.

Botox issues are common if you choose to have injections in your breasts. They include slight bruising, weariness, pain, swelling, and allergic reactions. Most Botox reactions are transient and minor. You must call your practitioner immediately if you have any concerns.⁸

Muscle Injury

While trying exercises to develop and tone your chest muscles, be careful not to overwork them. Overuse of a single muscle group might result in strains or torn muscles.

Who is an ideal candidate for a Non-surgical breast lift?

Non-surgical breast-lift procedures are ideal for women experiencing loose breast skin due to aging, breastfeeding, or weight gain. If you have good general health and mildly sagging breasts, you are a perfect candidate for a breast lift.

Is there any downtime or recovery period after a non-surgical breast lift?

There is no downtime for non-surgical breast lifts, as they are noninvasive procedures that cause minimal discomfort. You can enjoy your routine life immediately after the breast lift technique you have tried. However, a small amount of swelling, redness, or pain in the treated area is possible in some people. The condition usually goes away in a few days.
It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s after-treatment advice. Take a short break from heavy activity and direct sunlight.

Conclusion

Non-surgical breast lifts may be worth considering if you don’t want to undergo a full mastopexy. Note that the outcomes are not comparable to those of surgical breast lifts. Be sure to consult a licensed cosmetic surgeon for advice on the best option from those above. Also, asking others about their experiences with the consultant is a good idea.

Refrences

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Shahram Salemy, M.D. and Clark, K. Breast lift, American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Retrieved March 2, 2023 from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-lift.
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Deem, M. (2022) Botox cosmetic uses, how long it lasts, Safety & More: Realself, RealSelf.com. Retrieved March 2, 2023, from https://www.realself.com/nonsurgical/botox
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Arora, G., & Arora, S. (2017). Thread Lift in Breast Ptosis. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 10(4), 228-230. Retrieved March 30, 2023 from https://doi.org/10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_91_17
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Hedström K, Falk-Delgado A, Sackey H. Complications after breast augmentation with dermal fillers containing copolyamide: A systematic review. JPRAS Open. 2024 Jan 23;40:19-31. doi: 10.1016/j.jpra.2024.01.009. PMID: 38389650; PMCID: PMC10879692.
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Khouri RK, Schlenz I, Murphy BJ, Baker TJ. Nonsurgical breast enlargement using an external soft-tissue expansion system. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000 Jun;105(7):2500-12; discussion 2513-4. doi: 10.1097/00006534-200006000-00032. PMID: 10845308.
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Khong SML, Ismail AH, Sujani S, Devindaran N, Abdul Rashid MF, Mohd Zaman UMS. Safety and Efficacy of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound and Monopolar Radiofrequency Combination Therapy for Skin Tightening: A Retrospective Study in Malaysia. Malays J Med Sci. 2024 Feb;31(1):114-123. doi: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.1.10. Epub 2024 Feb 28. PMID: 38456105; PMCID: PMC10917599.
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Knott A, Achterberg V, Smuda C, Mielke H, Sperling G, Dunckelmann K, Vogelsang A, Krüger A, Schwengler H, Behtash M, Kristof S, Diekmann H, Eisenberg T, Berroth A, Hildebrand J, Siegner R, Winnefeld M, Teuber F, Fey S, Möbius J, Retzer D, Burkhardt T, Lüttke J, Blatt T. Topical treatment with coenzyme Q10-containing formulas improves skin’s Q10 level and provides antioxidative effects. Biofactors. 2015 Nov-Dec;41(6):383-90. doi: 10.1002/biof.1239. Epub 2015 Dec 9. PMID: 26648450; PMCID: PMC4737275.
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American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. (2015). Non-Surgical Breast Lift: Advances and Limitations. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 35(5), NP102. Retrieved from https://academic.oup.com/asj/article-abstract/35/5/NP102/239754

Non-Surgical Breast Lift: Enhance and Firm Your Bust Naturally

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