The Brava External Tissue Expander:Is Breast Enlargement Without Surgery a Reality?

By Ingrid Schlenz, M.D. & Alexandra Kaider, MSc
Published in Plast Reconstru Surg 2007, 120;6:1680–1689

Introduction

In 1999 an external breast expander for breast enlargement was introduced as a non surgical alternative to augmentation of the breast with an implant. The Brava device consisted of 2 silicone domes which were placed around the breast and built up a constant negative pressure by a small electric pump. A 1 cup increase was achieved by the device.

Patients and Methods

In the authors 2 year investigation, 50 patients were examined with the Brava device. Requirements included having the patients wear the device a minimum number of 10 hours a day for a minimum of 10 weeks. A final visit and documentation of the satisfaction about the achieved result was obtained at least 10 months after the last treatment day.

Results

Of the 50 patients enrolled, 40 were evaluated. Ten of the patients dropped out because of low compliance and not following treatment protocol. The median breast volume increased 155cc. The treatment was painless for every patient. Side effects included skin rashes, itches, wetting and skin irritation. However, 75% of the patients were satisfied. The authors also that the lesser a patient weighed before the treatment (low BMI, body mass index), the lesser the tissue gain.

Discussion

The external soft-tissue expander for breast enlargement did show an increase in breast volume. It seemed to be a good alternative for patients, who did not want to undergo surgery and who were satisfied with a moderate increase by one cup. However, the breast volume increase was limited and some patients were disappointed, especially because of the rigorous wear schedule. Ten hours per day over 10 weeks was a reasonable amount of time to spend on a treatment The authors also found that 10 weeks was not sufficient enough to achieve the maximum result. Many patients used the device for over 1 weeks. As a result, 50% of the tissue enlargement was due to the initial swelling of the tissue, which is subsiding. The motivation seemed difficult as well, since many patients did not see a significant result after a few weeks. Side effects like swelling, itching and skin rashes were another downside of the lengthy process for a moderate result.

The abstract author recommends patients who are absolutely against surgery and willing to accept not only a lengthy and time consuming treatment, but a small or moderate increase in their breast volume as candidates.

Reprint requests to: Ingrid Schlenz, M.D., Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wilhelminenspital, Montleartstrasse 37, 1160 Vienna, Austria.