Breast enhancement surgery typically involves saline breast implants or a breast lift procedure that adjusts the size, texture and shape of the breasts. However, a lineup of pills, creams and breast enlargement pumps claim to provide similar results without the need for surgery. 

Is breast enlargement without surgery too good to be true?  Here’s a closer look at some of the latest treatments and options available:  

Breast Augmentation with Herbal Supplements

Pills that stimulate hormone production have been linked to increasing the size of the breasts, but there is little evidence that these are a safe solution for breast enhancement. Herbal extracts such as fennel, saw palmetto, wild yam and fenugreek have long been used in herbal medicine treatments to balance the hormones, but CancerHelp.org reports that many of these herbs are not supported by published clinical trials. Most contain a high concentration of phyto-oestogens, the chemicals that can stimulate breast tissue production and will ‘trick’ the body the body into thinking it is pregnant.

There may be other benefits of taking herbal supplements for breast augmentation. The Department of Health Care Sciences at George Washington University School of Medicine published results of a study about herbal breast enhancement supplements in 2003, stating that,  “the effect of phyto-oestrogens on breast tissue isn’t really clear. Some early research suggested that women with diets high in phyto-oestrogens have a lower risk of breast cancer.” (Source:  CancerHelp.org)  

Breast Enhancement with Exercise  

You can tone the abdominal muscles, increase the size of your biceps and even tighten up the glutes with a healthy exercise routine, so why not increase your breast size too? A personal trainer can help you learn exercises that build up the chest muscles underneath the breasts so you tighten and tone the entire area. This may prevent drooping and creates a more youthful, toned look. Shoulder press resistance exercises, palm presses and even light pushups can help you build up strength in the chest area to provide a sturdy foundation for the breasts.  

Breast Enlargement Pumps  

Breast enlargement pumps are now available over the counter with varying (usually temporary) results, but the BRAVA system, one of the latest nonsurgical breast enlargement systems on the market, claims to provide long-lasting results. BRAVA also stimulates breast tissue growth and requires the patient to wear small plastic domes for at least ten hours per day in order to work. The entire treatment process runs for ten weeks, and the system is designed to increase the breasts by at least one cup size. Does BRAVA really work? The company behind the BRAVA system reports that results are dependent on biological factors, overall health and duration of use of the system.  

Breast Augmentation with Macrolane  

Hyaluronic acid is already used extensively as an anti-aging and wrinkle removal treatment; Restylane, Juvederm and Captique are the leading injectables that can enhance the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Since hyaluronic acid can also boost collagen production and increase the volume of skin tissue, it is available as an injectable known as Macrolane for breast enhancement. Marcolane can increase the size of the breasts to create a smooth, natural appearance. Macrolane was created the Swedish company Q-Med, and the procedure is widely available in Europe and Japan. From herbal supplements to breast enlargement pumps, there are several options available for increasing cup size - without going under the knife. Still, most of these treatments cannot imitate the results of breast implants or other surgical procedures and may offer only minimal, temporary results.  

If you’re looking for a permanent way to increase breast size, surgery may be the most effective way to get the results you want. Learn more about breast augmentation procedures in our information guide, or find a breast implants doctor in your area to find the best option for your goals.