Nonsurgical Breast Enlargement Using an External Soft-Tissue Expansion System

Abstract

Less than 1 percent of the women interested in having larger breasts elect to have surgical augmentation mammaplasty with insertion of breast implants. The purpose of this report is to describe and test the efficacy of a nonsurgical method for breast enlargement that is based on the ability of tissues to grow when subjected to controlled distractive mechanical forces. Seventeen healthy women (aged 18 to 40 years) who were motivated to achieve breast enlargement were enrolled in a single-group study. The participants were asked to wear a brassiere-like system that applies a 20-mmHg vacuum distraction force to each breast for 10 to 12 hours/day over a 10-week period. Breast size was measured by three separate methods at regular intervals during and after treatment. Breast tissue water density and architecture were visualized before and after treatment by magnetic resonance imaging scans obtained in the same phase of the menstrual cycle. Twelve subjects completed the study; five withdrawals occurred due to protocol noncompliance. Breast size increased in all women over the 10-week treatment course and peaked at week 10 (final treatment); the average increase per woman was 98 +/- 67 percent over starting size. Partial recoil was seen in the first week after terminating treatment, with no significant further size reduction after up to 30 weeks of follow-up. The stable long-term increase in breast size was 55 percent (range, 15 to 115 percent). Magnetic resonance images showed no edema and confirmed the proportionate enlargement of both adipose and fibroglandular tissue components. A statistically significant decrease in body weight occurred during the course of the study, and scores on the self-esteem questionnaire improved significantly. All participants were very pleased with the outcome and reported that the device was comfortable to wear. No adverse events were recorded during the use of the device or after treatment. We conclude that true breast enlargement can be achieved with the daily use of an appropriately designed external expansion system. This nonsurgical and noninvasive alternative for breast enlargement is effective and well tolerated.

Tolérance de la pré-expansion BRAVA en complément des transferts graisseux dans le sein

“…Le principe du lipomodelage du sein [1,2] est de transférer de fines particules de graisse (spaghettis de graisse) de diamètre inférieur à deux millimètres de façon à assurer une bonne prise de la greffe de tissu graisseux dans une matrice récep-trice (assimilable à une « boîte de spaghettis »). Aussi, une fois que la technique est maîtrisée [2], et que le chirurgien a [3] ont proposé le système de pré-expansion externe appelé BRAVA. Le protocole du port du BRAVA a été basé sur celui qu'utilisent Khouri et al [3].…”

“…Aussi, une fois que la technique est maîtrisée [2], et que le chirurgien a [3] ont proposé le système de pré-expansion externe appelé BRAVA. Le protocole du port du BRAVA a été basé sur celui qu'utilisent Khouri et al [3]. La pré-expansion tissulaire préopératoire augmenterait le site receveur.…”

“…Aussi, des techniques adjuvantes ont été mises en place pour aider à améliorer le site receveur. Le système BRAVA 1 est une technique innovante qui permettrait d'augmenter la compliance du site receveur [3]. Il s'agit en effet d'un système de pré-expansion tissulaire externe qui augmenterait la matrice réceptrice de tissu graisseux.…”

“…Il s'agit en effet d'un système de pré-expansion tissulaire externe qui augmenterait la matrice réceptrice de tissu graisseux. La pré-expansion du site receveur [3] crée-rait de l'espace en augmentant l'espace interstitiel et la vascularisation. Les contraintes liées au port de ce dispositif ne sont pas négligeables et la mauvaise tolérance du système est mise en avant par certains pour ne pas utiliser ce système ou expliquer la mauvaise compliance au port du BRAVA.…”

Autologous Fat Grafting - Factors of Influence on the Therapeutic Results

“…There are still some controversies on applying the method for breast augmentation. Though many surgeons think that the technique impedes breast cancer diagnosis by formation of micro calcifications and cicatrices it works quite well in the hands of others if the fat is not directly injected into the gland (Gradinger 1987;Hartrampf 1987;Ousterhout 1987;Khouri et al, 2000;Delay 2009). Initially designed to fulfill the esthetic surgery needs nowadays the method has a broad spectrum of reconstructive indications though there is still a certain lack of distinctness which defect or condition is appropriate for such a surgical solution.…”