The breast lift cosmetic surgical procedure may not be ideal for any patient. Many women are concerned about the recovery process, side effects, risks, and scarring. As a result, many women are searching for ways to get the effect of a breast lift without going under the knife. For these women, exercises to support the pectoral muscles or a properly fitted breast lift bra may provide some degree of improvement. However, it is important that women realize that if the breast envelope has become stretched and the nipples are pointing downwards, breast lift surgery is the only truly effective option.

Breast Lift Bras

These bras are designed to lift the breasts, making them appear as though they sit higher on the chest. A balcony design bra will lift from below, creating the illusion of a breast lift. It will also provide more cleavage, for a well-rounded profile. Another option to provide the illusion of a breast lift is a push up bra, which lifts the breasts up higher.

The key to a good bra that provides the look of a breast lift is to have it be properly fitted. The nipples should rest at a point that would be about halfway between the shoulder and the elbow. There should not be any spillage over either the sides or the top. Because the bra band must do the majority of the lifting, it is important for it to be the right size. This can be determined by seeing if there is enough room to insert two fingers between the band and the rib cage. If so, the band may be too large. In some cases, women may need to go up a cup size and down a band size; a 40C may provide a better fit than a 38B.

Breast Exercises

There are exercises that can tone the pectoral chest muscles that sit behind the breasts. Well-toned pectoral muscles can provide better support for the breasts. Push ups will work all the pectoral muscles. Using dumbbells on an incline board will tone the upper pectorals, while doing the same exercise on a decline will tone the lower pectoral muscles. One good way to prevent the body from "plateau-ing," wherein muscles stop toning, is to do what is known as a "confusion exercise routine." This involves regular changes to the exercise routine to work the muscles in different ways and on different days. As an example, days can be alternated between working the lower and upper pectoral muscles. This will give much faster results than doing the same routine every time.

While breast exercises are capable of toning the pectoral muscles, they will have no affect on sagging skin or drooping nipples. These problems can be corrected with surgical intervention.

At Dr. Paul Pin's Dallas practice, he performs the breast augmentation and/or the breast lift procedure to produce the appearance of lifted, fuller breasts. Patients can contact his practice today to find out if they are good candidates for these procedures.