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Is There a Non-surgical Way to Get Firmer Breasts?
Surgery has long been the gold standard for correcting sagging breasts and achieving a firmer, lifted appearance. However, not everyone is ready to commit to a surgical procedure. Whether due to personal preferences, recovery time or other factors, some women want to know if there are less-invasive options to firm up and lift their breasts and if they are effective.
Will certain exercises, skin-tightening treatments or even laser therapies provide noticeable results? If so, are they even worth the effort or cost?
The tried and true surgical options like a breast lift or breast augmentation will also be reviewed as relates to breast firmness.
Can Exercise Firm Sagging Breasts?
Breast tissue is composed of fat and glandular tissue, not muscle, so exercises cannot directly firm or lift the breasts themselves. However, strengthening the chest wall muscles (pectoralis major) beneath the breasts can, at most, create the illusion of slightly perkier breasts by improving upper body tone and posture.
Some popular exercises for chest strengthening include:
- Push-ups
- Chest presses
- Dumbbell flyes
While these exercises can enhance your overall physique, they do not in any way result in the reduction of sagging or loose skin of the breasts.
Non-surgical Skin Tightening Treatments
Technological advancements have made non-surgical skin tightening an alternative option for very minimal breast sagging. These treatments work by stimulating collagen production to improve skin elasticity and firmness. Common modalities include:
- Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy: Uses heat energy to tighten skin and stimulate collagen production. Thermage, ThermiTight and BodyTite are marketed for this usage.
- Ultrasound Therapy: Penetrates deeper layers of tissue to improve skin tightness.
- Laser Treatments: Focuses on improving skin texture and firmness by delivering controlled heat to the skin with a laser that results in shrinkage of collagen leading to a tightening.
While these procedures are non-invasive and have little to no downtime, at best, they may only have some marginal effectiveness for minor sagging and require multiple sessions to achieve some results. In addition, the costs to possibly achieve these types of results can be quite considerable.
If you want true and substantial correction of drooping, then surgery is your only choice.
Why Surgery Provides the Most Dramatic Results
As previously stated, non-surgical skin tightening techniques generally yield minimal improvements for marginally saggy breasts. On the other hand, surgery provides for the recontouring of droopy breasts, skin tightening, re-elevation of the breast tissue and nipple-areola complexes, resizing of the nipple-areola complexes and the removal of breast tissue strategically when indicated.
Surgical procedures, such as a breast lift (mastopexy) with/without breast implants or a breast augmentation, offer more comprehensive correction in the proper situation.
- Breast Lift: Removes excess skin and tightens the remaining tissue as well as lifts the breasts on the chest wall and repositions the nipples.
- Breast Augmentation: Increases volume and can tighten lax tissue. It can be combined with a lift for optimal, complete results.
While surgery involves downtime and a higher upfront cost, the results are far more dramatic, long-lasting, and customizable to meet your aesthetic goals.
The Importance of Choosing a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
When considering surgical or non-surgical treatments for firmer breasts, choosing a qualified and reputable plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is crucial for helping you safely achieve the results that you desire. Board-certified plastic surgeons undergo rigorous training that also demands adherence to high medical standards.
Take the Next Step Toward Firmer Breasts
Dr. Steven H. Turkeltaub is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has over 35 years of experience helping patients in Scottsdale, Phoenix, across Arizona and beyond achieve their aesthetic goals. He can help you explore your options and determine what the best approach is for you in seeking to rejuvenate your breasts.
Let us help you feel confident and beautiful. Call us today at (480) 451-3000 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation.