Are BRAVA results permanent?

Question

I had my 270cc saline removed 8wks ago, after 15 yrs. I'm now an AA. I'm not interested in implants. I'm slender, so fat transfer may be problematic. I'm looking only to fluff them a little....half a cup would be fabulous! Last post-op visit my PS suggested trying BRAVA. My questions are: 1) if I do get a little improvement from BRAVA (about 100cc of growth), will it be permanent? 2) if not permanent, about how long do results last between sessions? 3) will it ultimately stretch out skin more?

Larry Weinstein, MD · Answer

You look fine, give your self some time with out implants. Revisit the question in 3 months. The Brava system helps fat transfer to the breast. 100cc increase sounds reasonable if you give the fat transfer a chance to take, limiting exercise for 30 days after transfer. The 3D Vectra system might help you to decide on a newer textured implant that may feel and act more like a natural breast. The use of birth control pills may increase the size of your breasts as well. What are your measurements?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Most of the improvement from BRAVA seems to be permanent. Fat transfer even if you have relatively little fat to spare coupled with BRAVA may be the best option if your plastic surgeon thinks you are a good candidate.

Alexander G. Nein, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

A nonsurgical system that has been developed for breast
enlargement is the BRAVA system. This technique applies large suction cups to
the breasts all night and each night for weeks to months. This technique has
been shown to increase breast size by a couple of hundred cc’s (less than a
cup) and the results seem to persist for at least many months although
permanent results are unclear. At this time the BRAVA system is used most commonly
as a method to “prepare” the breasts for fat grafting as a method of breast
enlargement.

For the best results seek the consultation of a plastic
surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. They have a website
listing all the certified plastic surgeons. Members of the American Society of
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery will all be board certified in plastic surgery and
have demonstrated an interest and competence in cosmetic plastic surgery as
well.

Robert B. Louton, MD · Answer

BRAVA is cumbersome and compliance is a real issue.  I have never found any permanence with BRAVA in the absence of fat injections.  The rule of thumb is you gain one cc for every day you use the BRAVA but it tends to last only a few days to a few weeks.  Skin stretch is generally not a problem.To derive 100 cc volume from fat would require an 800cc fat harvest.   It may be possible to find that much fat even on a slender person such as your self.  Fat tends to reabsorb approximately 50% and the processing of fat for injection cuts the harvested volume by 50%.  So four times more fat is needed to obtain the desired results.  The most reliable method for breast augmentation is with the use of implants.  That is why the procedure is so popular.I hope this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If the fat takes the results are permanent. Usually the fat take is not like the amount of an average size breast implant.   It often needs repeating. Best to luck.

Are BRAVA results permanent?

Answers (5)