A non-surgical breast lift, as the name suggests, refers to a breast lift that does not require invasive surgical intervention.
However, a non-surgical breast lift isn’t a standard treatment. Various treatments are used to achieve a lifting effect by targeting different areas of the breast. And it’s important to note that not all of them are non-invasive.
Some of the non-surgical breast lifts are invasive, even if minimally (small incisions). And depending on the type of treatment you’re undergoing, it can also require the use of local anaesthesia.
Still, some people prefer non-surgical breast lifts over surgical ones due to the shorter recovery time. But the results of the two aren’t comparable. This guide will help you learn more about non-surgical breast lifts and how they differ from surgical ones.
Is There A Non-Surgical Breast Lift?
Many treatments are marketed as “non-surgical breast lifts.” Some of them may work, but there are others that are unlikely to make any difference.
Here, it’s important to understand that your breasts can sag due to many different reasons. For instance, it could be due to:
- Ageing
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Weight fluctuations
- Smoking
- Gravity
It’s well-known that your skin loses elasticity with age. That’s one reason why your breasts sag.
However, hormonal changes can also make the breasts sag due to weight gain, enlargement of milk ducts, and the loosening of the ligaments supporting your breasts (Cooper’s ligaments).
So, keep in mind that breasts can sag due to changes in many different areas. And not all of the non-surgical breast lifts target these concern areas at once. They might also not be able to do so.
For instance, if hanging skin is your problem, non-surgical techniques won’t cut out the excess skin tissue. So, your breasts will continue to sag even with treatment.
Some treatments require making small incisions, but the goal is to insert an instrument (like a cannula), not remove anything. And because some treatments can be painful, you may also need local anaesthesia.
How Does A Non-Surgical Breast Lift Work?
Non-surgical breast lifts can use different techniques like platelet-rich plasma, hyaluronic acid, Botox, PDO threads, radiofrequency therapy, electrical currents, or even simple blood circulation to try and get a breast lift.
Therefore, how a non-surgical breast lift works can vary depending on this. Let’s take a closer look at how the different techniques work.
PDO Threads
Polydioxanone (PDO) breast thread lift has been around for a few years now. And like a thread facelift, it uses barbed threads to latch into the skin, which then lift and support the breasts.
Because it can cause pain, it’s done under local anaesthesia. However, soon after you’re done, you’ll immediately see the results of the procedure. It will also continue to get better in a few of the following weeks.
The problem with this procedure, however, is that the results don’t last for a long time. And if you have a significant sag, these threads might not be able to hold your breasts in place for a long while.
This is even when it’s said that the results can last for up to 2 years. And these threads can stimulate the production of collagen for a further improvement in results.
Vampire Breast Lift
Vampire breast lift got much of its hype due to the vampire facelift that came before it.
Just like its predecessor, it uses platelet-rich plasma injections, which are made from the patient’s own blood. However, the goal here is to firm up the breast so they appear tauter and lifted.
But the effect might only be minimal. It’s also not permanent and may only last for 1-2 years.
Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy
In radiofrequency treatments, the deeper layer of the skin is heated, contracted and the production of collagen is stimulated. This, too, is believed to help make the breasts slightly perkier and lifted.
There are different technologies using radiofrequency that have been used for a non-surgical breast lift, such as BodyTite or ThermiBreast.
However, saying that these devices can achieve an actual “lift” is a rather loose usage of the term. That’s because the goal of these devices is to contract the skin, so the lifting effect (again, if any) is going to be very minimal.
Some say that you’re not able to get a lift of more than 2 cm with BodyTite. And the same goes for ThermiBreast.
Also, both these treatments can require making incisions into the skin for inserting their respective RF probes. So, it’s not entirely non-invasive, either.
Still, it’s only more suitable for younger patients who have mild breast-sagging issues. Your results will continue to get better in the following months, but they’re temporary (can last a few years).
J-Plasma
J-plasma, as the name indicates, is a device that uses plasma to (also) tighten the skin. So, a non-surgical breast lift is essentially an extended application of it.
The plasma generated through radiofrequency and helium gas heats up and contracts the skin. It also makes new collagen in the body.
This also doesn’t give permanent results, and the difference in your breasts might only be minimal.
Laser Lifting
Just like radiofrequency, the laser also tightens the skin and promotes collagen production. The goal of laser devices is also to contract the skin rather than lift the breasts.
The problem with this treatment is also the same: it’s temporary with minimal results. You might also need multiple sessions to see any difference, and the final results can take some time to show.
Caci Bust Treatment
Caci bust treatment uses electrical currents to “strengthen” and “firm up” the muscles around the breasts. So, essentially, its goal is to tone up the muscles for a breast lift.
But we can’t really say how long it will take for you to see results from this. And you’ll likely need multiple treatment sessions since the muscles will have to be continually stimulated.
This is very similar to the idea of doing chest exercises to lift the breasts. Those are also very less likely to actually help you.
Botox
Botox breast lift is another new non-surgical breast lift technique. It works by stopping muscle contraction, which is then believed to “subtly” lift the breasts.
Other than being temporary (Botox usually lasts for 3-4 months), the issue with the Botox breast lift is that it can also be dangerous for your health (risk of breathing difficulties).
So, you should find a qualified practitioner and make sure to discuss all its pros and cons before deciding to go ahead with it.
Dermal Fillers
Even dermal fillers have been touted as a novel non-surgical breast lift procedure. But the goal of dermal fillers is to “fill” an area – not lift it.
Some types of fillers can also stimulate collagen production, but again, the overall effect might not be desirable. Because remember, breasts can sag due to different reasons.
If, for instance, the problem lies in your skin elasticity, dermal fillers won’t do anything to get rid of it.
Additionally, there are some concerns regarding the use of fillers in breasts as well. So, make sure that you’re aware of all the possible risks and complications.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting refers to the process of taking fat from one part of the body and putting it into another one (like BBL). This procedure may also help lift the breasts a little.
However, just like with fillers, you need to keep in mind that fat grafting fills up an area with fat. It can add volume to the breasts, but it might not necessarily lift them.
Vacuum Breast Lift
In a vacuum breast lift, suction cups are placed on the breasts to “strengthen muscles” and “promote blood circulation.” The idea is to firm up the breasts and, in turn, lift them up.
But considering how it works, the effects of a vacuum breast lift are likely to be very short-term. And it might not work at all.
It’s almost similar to the idea that massages or even hydrotherapy can perk up the breasts by stimulating blood flow. But you should be wary of any tall claims being made about them.
Lifting Bras
While it’s not exactly a “non-surgical breast lift” in the traditional sense, it can be considered one since it can temporarily achieve a lift.
Push-up bras, for instance, can be helpful for saggy breasts since they literally push the breasts up.
But there are others, like a balconette or underwire, that can also help you with lifting your breasts non-surgically.
Breast Lift Tape
Boob tapes or boobytapes have become especially popular in recent years. Even celebs have worn them to try and lift their breasts without the need for a bra.
And while it can work, it’s, of course, very temporary. And depending on how large your boobs are, the tapes might not even be enough to hold them in place.
Do Non-Surgical Breast Lifts Work?
Non-surgical breast lifts may work to a certain extent, but they are definitely not alternatives to surgical breast lifts.
Some of the treatments may slightly lift or perk up the breasts and make them somewhat firmer (due to collagen production).
But others like caci bust, massages, or fat grafting are very unlikely to give you good results.
They might work for you if you’re young and only have a mild sag.
What Is The Most Effective Non-Surgical Breast Lift?
Of all the different types of non-surgical breast lifts, a PDO thread lift can actually lift the breasts. Others, like radiofrequency, laser, PRP, etc., might only lift the breasts as a secondary effect of the treatment.
Therefore, PDO threads can be considered the most effective. However, still these threads are not comparable to a surgical procedure.
How Much Does A Non-Surgical Breast Lift Cost?
The cost of a non-surgical breast lift will depend on the type of treatment you’re undergoing. But in the UK, it might cost anywhere from £500 to £3,000.
The price can vary depending on the experience and qualifications of your practitioner and the location of their clinic. The use of anaesthesia can further bring up the price.
And it’s important to remember that since none of the treatments are permanent, you’ll need multiple treatments sessions. So, it can end up costing a lot in the long run.
Here’s a breakdown of the costs of different treatments:
| Treatment | Cost |
| PDO Threads | £2,500-£3,000 |
| Vampire Breast Lift | £1,500-£3,000 |
| RF Therapies | £2,500-£4,000 |
| J-Plasma | £500-£4,500 |
| Laser Lifting | £1,000-£1,500 |
| Caci Bust | £50-£100 |
| Botox | £300-£350 |
| Dermal Fillers | £500-£700 |
| Fat Grafting | £3,000-£4,000 |
| Lifting Bras | £15-£30 |
| Breast Tape | £5-£15 |
Is Non-Surgical Breast Lift Safe?
Some of the non-surgical breast lift procedures can be considered safe. Still, even they can come with potential risks and complications.
For instance, Botox breast lift may cause breathing problems. Dermal fillers like Sculptra can form lumps or nodules.
Breast thread lift can result in the extrusion of the thread or dimpling of the skin, among other problems.
If you’re getting a non-surgical breast lift, it’s important that you find a qualified practitioner. They can help you in getting a good outcome from your procedure.
How Long Does A Non-Surgical Breast Lift Last?
The longevity of a non-surgical breast lift depends on the procedure itself. However, in most cases, it might last for 1-2 years.
Some might only last for a few months like Botox. In the case of fillers, they might also metabolise quickly. So, for all these non-surgical breast lifts, you’ll need more treatment sessions.
Non-Surgical Breast Lift vs Surgical Breast Lift: What’s The Difference?
A non-surgical breast lift is vastly different from a surgical breast lift. While a non-surgical breast lift may target a specific area of the breasts, surgical lifts can address multiple concerns at once.
A mastopexy or breast lift can get rid of excess tissue through excision and it can tighten the remaining tissues. Moreover, it can reposition your nipple-areola complex.
But, of course, the procedure is invasive, takes place under general anaesthesia and has a downtime of a couple of weeks. Here’s a summary of the differences between the two treatments:
| Non-Surgical Breast Lift | Surgical Breast Lift | |
| Procedure | Lift the breasts with PDO threads, PRP, radiofrequency, laser, plasma, electrical currents, Botox, fillers, fat and/or accessories. | Lift and reshape the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissues. |
| Good Candidates | Young patients with a mild sagging problem | Sagging, pendulous breasts with stretched skin and dropping nipple-areola |
| Anaesthesia | None or local (sometimes) | General |
| Downtime | None | 1-2 weeks |
| Number of Sessions | Multiple | Only 1 may be required |
| Longevity | 3 months-2 years | 10-15 years (can be permanent) |
| Side Effects | Redness, bruising, swelling, irritation, soreness, discomfort (depends on the procedure) | Bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, soreness, scarring |
| Cost | £500 to £3,000 (can be lower depending on the treatment) | UK – £5,000-£7,000Turkey – £2,000 |
Conclusion
Non-surgical breast lifts have more than a certain attraction. They’re marketed as painless, scarless, non-invasive procedures with no downtime whatsoever.
However, this vastly changes depending on the type of treatment you’re undergoing. Incisions can be involved, and a small downtime as well. Also, these treatments are not completely without risk.
So, if you’re thinking of getting a non-surgical breast lift, make sure to consult a board-certified and experienced practitioner first. They’ll prepare a treatment plan for you based on your goals and needs.
Reviewed and approved by Prof. Dr. Fuat Yuksel
