An honest appraisal of alternatives to breast augmentation using implants

There are three main alternatives to breast augmentation using implants:

1. Pills and creams. There are a large number of hormonal and homeopathic pills and creams that promise breast enhancement, but little existing proof of their effectiveness.
2. The Brava breast enhancement system. Brava is a noninvasive treatment that involves wearing a special brassiere-type device for at least ten hours a day for ten weeks or more. Studies have shown a modest increase in bust size (about 1 cup size) after ten weeks of use, but how long the bust remains enlarged after treatment is stopped remains unclear.
3. Breast enlargement via fat transfer. Fat transfer has been used recently with some success in reconstructing defects in breast cancer patients. There are, however, a number of questions that need to be studied before it gains widespread acceptance for cosmetic breast enhancement. For example, will the injected fat make breast cancer more difficult to detect?

In summary, breast augmentation using implants is currently the best method for achieving breast augmentation. Implants may not be perfect, but because we have a long history of using them, we know what their benefits and complications are.