A breast lift (mastopexy) is an operation that addresses drooping breasts by removing surplus skin and tightening the remaining tissue. The outcome is less sagging with more shaped, contoured breasts.
Per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, surgical breast lifts have increased about 70 percent since 2000. This surgery now outnumbers other breast procedures like implants.
Even with growing demand for mastopexy, a rising number of patients are choosing nonsurgical breast-lift alternatives.
In a nonsurgical breast lift, there are no incisions or open cuts and you typically avoid general anesthesia.
These less invasive options are often considered safer because they don’t carry the same risks as a mastopexy, such as:
- infection
- bleeding
- scarring
Nonsurgical approaches won’t match the dramatic transformation of a surgical lift. Still, they can be useful if you want to perk up your breasts with fewer risks and lower costs.
Below are 11 nonsurgical breast-lift methods you can review with a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon to determine if any are suitable for you.
1. Aptos threading
Aptos threading aims to physically reposition the skin around the breasts in an upward direction.
Often called the “breast feather lift,” this technique employs small, barbed Aptos threads.
A cosmetic surgeon places the threads beneath the skin through a hypodermic needle. The threads are then anchored and drawn upward toward the collarbone.
Although threads are implanted, Aptos is still a minimally invasive option, with effects lasting up to about 2 years.
It also avoids the scars associated with traditional incisions, and the sutures dissolve within one to two years.
Average cost
A RealSelf survey places the average Aptos thread-lift cost at $2,250.
2. Caci bust treatment
Originally developed to treat muscle injuries, the Caci bust procedure targets the chest musculature. Using a handheld device, a clinician directs electrical pulses to the muscles around the breasts.
The result is firmer chest muscles that help create a lifted, smoother breast appearance.
As with any muscle-toning regimen, outcomes depend on consistency. Providers typically recommend multiple sessions per week over several weeks to achieve noticeable change.
Average cost
Packages of Caci sessions can cost as much as $2,000.
3. Laser treatments
Laser therapy uses concentrated energy to remove dead skin cells while stimulating collagen production. It’s commonly applied to reduce wrinkles, age spots, and scars.
Boosted collagen can modestly improve skin elasticity on the chest, but any lifting is usually slight and temporary. Ongoing treatments are needed to maintain visible improvement.
Part of the limitation is that breast ligaments and tissues differ from facial structures, so lasers that tighten facial skin may not produce the same degree of tightening on the breasts.
Laser therapy can lead to:
- scarring
- bleeding
- pain
Changes in skin pigmentation are also a possible side effect.
Average cost
Laser skin-resurfacing treatments typically range from $1,144 to $2,071.
4. Thermage
Thermage is another collagen-stimulating treatment that uses radiofrequency to tighten skin protein fibers.
During the procedure, a provider uses a ThermaCool device to deliver radiofrequency energy to deeper layers of skin. Many patients observe some tightening immediately after treatment.
Tightening of collagen fibers in the chest can accentuate natural contours, but results are temporary and repeat sessions are often required. Thermage is most effective for mild sagging.
Average cost
The average cost per Thermage session is about $1,802.
5. The Renuvion/J-Plasma device
Renuvion (J-Plasma) is a newer, less-invasive tightening technology. Cold plasma energy induces skin contraction and encourages new collagen formation.
The device delivers targeted rejuvenation using helium gas ionized by radiofrequency (RF) energy to refine the body’s natural contours.
Like some other techniques, the surgeon inserts a probe beneath the skin to apply plasma energy. Some tightening is seen immediately, with fuller results developing over several months as collagen builds.
Typically, a single treatment is sufficient.
Average cost
Renuvion/J-Plasma treatments can cost between $3,000 and $15,000. As a newer method, pricing can vary; consult your surgeon for specifics.
6. Vampire breast lift
The vampire breast lift (VBL) is an anti-aging approach that uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from your own blood. The aim is a subtle lift—comparable to what a push-up bra might achieve.
While it won’t correct significant sagging, a VBL can improve the appearance of lift by enhancing circulation and reducing the visibility of fine lines and scars.
Performed by cosmetic or dermatologic surgeons, results emerge gradually over months and can last a couple of years.
VBL is not advised for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of breast cancer.
Average cost
The average VBL costs around $1,700.
7. Botox injections
Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections work by relaxing underlying muscles, which can smooth the surface of the skin.
Originally approved for treating fine lines and wrinkles, Botox is also used for chronic migraine and other indications.
Some clinicians inject Botox into pectoral muscles to reduce shoulder slumping, but this is not an FDA-approved breast-lift technique. Effects are modest and typically last up to about 4 months.
Average cost
The average Botox session costs roughly $376. Targeted chest exercises may yield similar benefits at far less expense.
8. Dermal fillers
Some facial injection products are being explored for the breast region, including hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane.
Sculptra, which contains poly-L-lactic acid, is commonly used in this context. It stimulates collagen production and can last several months, usually requiring multiple sessions to notice results.
Though minimally invasive, fillers are not the standard for breast enhancement due to limited long-term data on effectiveness.
Also note that all dermal fillers listed here.
Average cost
Fillers are billed by syringe, so cost depends on quantity used. In 2018, the average HA syringe was about $682.
9. Chest exercises
Exercise reduces body fat and certain routines can strengthen and tone muscles. Upper-body moves like push-ups and triceps dips build chest musculature.
The American Council on Exercise identifies the top three chest exercises as:
- barbell bench presses
- pec deck machine repetitions
- bent-forward cable crossovers
While these workouts firm and tone the chest, no exercise alone will lift breasts to the same degree as surgery or some cosmetic procedures.
Chest exercises are best if your skin elasticity remains good and sagging is minimal to mild. If you’re new to strength training, consider a trainer’s guidance.
10. Try a new bra
Bras provide comfort and support, and many people choose different styles and fabrics for variety.
When aiming to lift your breasts, a properly fitting bra is one of the most accessible and inexpensive options. The correct bra can also help prevent future sagging.
To find out if you need a new size, determine the right fit for your body. If unsure, seek fitting help at a local bra boutique.
11. The skinny on skin creams
Just as anti-aging products can minimize sagging skin on the face, there are shaping creams formulated for the neck and décolletage.
These creams claim to firm the skin and reduce fine lines and age spots.
While cheaper initially, topical creams cannot actually lift the breasts; at best they may improve the look and feel of the skin around them.
Complications
Although nonsurgical breast lifts are less invasive than surgery, they can still cause side effects. You may return to normal activities quickly, but temporary irritation, redness, or discomfort can occur after treatment.
Below are some common issues seen after various nonsurgical breast-lift procedures.
Temporary irritation
Certain nonsurgical lifts can produce short-term irritation such as redness, bruising, swelling, or soreness in the days following treatment.
For example, Aptos threading may produce redness at insertion sites, Caci sessions can leave you mildly sore, and even a new bra fit might irritate skin or muscles.
Usually these effects resolve on their own. If pain, swelling, or skin irritation persists beyond a few days, contact your physician.
Botox-related complications
Choosing Botox for chest use carries the typical Botox risks, including:
- minor bruising
- fatigue
- soreness
- swelling
- allergic reactions
Most reactions are mild and temporary, but seek medical advice if you experience concerning symptoms.
Muscle injury
If you heavily strengthen chest muscles with exercise, avoid overtraining. Excessive focus on one muscle group can lead to strains or pulled muscles.
Takeaway
Nonsurgical breast-lift methods will not match the outcomes of a surgical mastopexy, but they can be good options for those who prefer to avoid surgery.
Discuss alternative breast-lift techniques with a board-certified plastic surgeon to learn which nonsurgical choices you might qualify for.
Always consult an experienced, licensed surgeon and be skeptical of treatments promising dramatic lifting with minimal effort. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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