Is Brava Breast Enhancement System a Scam?

Question

I am wondering about this alternative to breast implants called brava. Their web site says that it works by creating tension on the breast to get more breast tissue to grow. They promise larger and fuller breasts without pills or surgery.  Also they state it is clinically tested.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Janet,
The Brava system works if you are a good candidate.  However, it takes considerable patient effort and time.  You have to wear the device for several weeks to months (all day long - including to work or whatever you do during the day).  Also, the best results I have seen presented at meetings are when the Brava is combined with fat grafting once the breast is distended with the system.  So when you are considering breast surgery, contrast this to a one to two hour surgery to place implants followed by a few days of discomfort.   It all depends on how motivated you are and how much time you have to dedicate.  I hope this is helpful.

Roberto Gonzalez, MD · Answer

Brava is a device which was invented to promote external tissue expansion on the breast.  By doing negative pressure (brava pulls on the breast tissue to expand it)  the body will create swelling and increase circulation to promote a larger area for fat transfer.  It does work but the down side is that the patient has to initially use the device for longer periods of time (usually all night or part of day if you do not work).  Also, depending on the size the patient wishes to get, it may require serial procedures, including liposuction and use of Brava to get larger breast.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.There is some evidence that the Brava does make a modest increase in breast size.  Unfortunately, it takes are rather committed person to embark upon this treatment for a modest gain.Some Physicians are combining the Brava with fat grafting to the breast but this continues to be controversial.  When the breast is grafted with fat, much of the fact is reabsorbed and can lead to calcifications on mammogram that some radiologists will confuse with breast cancer.  Even when successful a fat grafting breast augmentation can only give a limited amount of volume enhancement.For patients looking for a subtle improvement this may be worth trying.  But it suddenly does not give the immediate gratification or upper pole fullness that is seen with breast implants.Best

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

If you are interested in a small augmentation - about a half of a cup size and willing to undergo the regimen for using BRAVA then this warrants consideration but results varies. On the other hand use of breast implants are predictable with the ability to enlarge your breast to your desire in most cases

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for women to look for non surgical methods for breast enhancement.  These fall into several categories including drugs, creams, and exercise.  None of these methods have been shown to be effective for increasing breast size,
	The brava system is another non surgical method for breast enhancement.  This technique utilizes a suction apparatus which is applied to the breast over the course of time.  Low continuous suction over prolonged periods of time has been shown to result in mild increases in breast size.  The vast majority of patients report an increase in breast size of no more than a half cup size.
	Maintenance is required to preserve this increase in breast size.  The technique is labor intensive and in most cases results in minimal increases in breast size.  Based on these observations, I feel that for the majority of patients breast augmentation with implants is still the best alternative.  If your considering breast enhancement, consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is still the best option.

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Brava is a system originally designed for stand alone breast augmentation.  As you can see from the comments that it does not work well in this fashion. If combined with fat grafting to the breast - excellent results can be achieved.

	 

	With Warm Regards,

	Trevor M Born MD

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

In highly selected patients, it got women a very slight improvement.  It was disappointing in the eyes of most plastic surgeons.  Best way to increase breast size remains breast augmentation surgery.

Sanjay Grover, MD, FACS · Answer

Limited results have been reported, but do you want to wear this apparatus for so long? I do not personally know any plastic surgeons in our area who utilize this system and there are approximately 70 plastic surgeons on staff at our local hospital.

David L. Kaufman, MD FACS · Answer

There are very few patients who will be satisfied with the results of the Brava system, given the amount of effort.  I've had quite a few patients that have tried it, but then saw me for breast augmentation - surgically.  While in theory, modest results can be obtained with vacuum expansion, don't expect much.
Hope this is helpful.
Dr. Kaufman

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

From the knowledge that I have, it is true that Brava will achieve an increase in breast size.
HOWEVER, for most of the patients that I have seen that have utilized this system, the size increase is inadequate. To be fair, I never see the happy Brava patient.
Apparently, they claim (and I quote from their website): "Women who used the BRAVA System report an increase of 1/2 to 2-cup sizes of lasting growth." 
The vast majority of the Brava patients that have gone on to have breast implants experienced unsatisfactory enlargement which was in the 1.2 cup range.
Is this is all you are seeking then it may be good for your purposes.

Is Brava Breast Enhancement System a Scam?

Answers (20)