Are there any alternatives to breast lift surgery?

Although facelift surgery is generally safe, it involves minor medical risks (bruising, swelling) or major ones (infection, necrosis, anesthesia complications), as well as the possibility of unsatisfactory outcomes. This is why some individuals seek less invasive alternatives. Several options exist to address skin laxity, including thread lifts, radiofrequency treatments, and hyaluronic acid injections.

Tensor threads for mild to moderate skin laxity.

The first less invasive alternative to a breast lift is the thread lift. This method involves tension threads that act as inducers of neocollagenesis: they gradually stimulate the production of collagen. These ultrafine threads have tiny barbs that allow them to latch onto and support tissues more effectively. They are inserted beneath the skin using fine needles or cannulas. Although the basic principle remains the same, there are different types of tension threads. The barbed threads are tension threads equipped with small projections that anchor into subcutaneous tissues. Once inserted, they exert immediate traction, gently reinforcing the skin’s structure. They are particularly suited for mild to moderate laxity. The cone threads are tension threads fitted with small cones that embed into the tissues to deliver a more intense lift than barbed threads. They distribute tension evenly and are better suited for pronounced skin laxity or more significant lifting effects.

However, certain side effects may occur, such as bruising, localized edema, temporary discomfort in the treated areas, and, more rarely, asymmetry or transient visibility of threads beneath the skin.

Radiofrequency: a technique employing electromagnetic waves.

Next, radiofrequency is an alternative that does not require a facelift. In fact, radiofrequency involves using electromagnetic waves to deeply heat the cutaneous or subcutaneous tissues. The goal is to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. The waves penetrate the dermis without damaging the epidermis. The heat induces an instantaneous contraction of collagen fibers, resulting in a visible tightening effect from the first session. It also activates the fibroblasts, promoting collagen and elastin production for progressively firmer skin. A minimally invasive technique combines two energy sources, radiofrequency and ionized helium gas (plasma, the fourth state of matter). For this, a radiofrequency current is delivered through a fine probe inserted under the skin. This current ionizes a flow of helium, an inert gas, to create cold plasma. This plasma, combined with the controlled heat of radiofrequency, precisely heats the subcutaneous tissues without burning the epidermis and allows the tissues to contract instantly, thereby stimulating the fibroblasts that synthesize collagen and elastin.

A study of 15 female patients evaluated the improvement in breast laxity 180 days after helium plasma radiofrequency treatment, performed under sedation with tumescent infiltration and three incisions per breast. The treatment was delivered in the intradermal and subdermal planes, avoiding the mammary gland, with up to six passes. Improvement was assessed in a blinded manner by three independent evaluators using before-and-after photographs, yielding a success rate of 73% at 180 days and 67% at 90 days. Secondary endpoints included reduction of breast ptosis, morphometric measurements, aesthetic improvement scores (I-GAIS and P-GAIS), as well as subjective assessment via the Breast-Q scale and a satisfaction questionnaire. All patients reported improvement at each follow-up. At 180 days, 66.7% rated themselves as “much improved” and 33.3% as “markedly improved,” results confirmed by the investigators. Perceived improvement increased over time.

However, the limited number of patients included does not allow for a statistically significant confirmation of this technique’s effectiveness in improving breast laxity. To validate these findings, the study must be replicated on a larger sample and the experiment’s repeatability assessed.

The most common side effects of radiofrequency therapy are redness, a warming sensation, mild swelling, or temporary skin sensitivity following the session, generally resolving within 24 to 72 hours.

Hyaluronic acid injections to reduce breast laxity.

The gel injection method of hyaluronic acid to improve breast laxity involves injecting the gel directly into the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the breast to stimulate volume, firmness, and skin tone. The goal is to enhance skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of a sagging breast without resorting to invasive surgery, providing a subtle reshaping or volumizing effect. The gel acts as a dermal filler by retaining water and hydrating tissues, while stimulating collagen production around the injection sites, which improves skin quality and structure in the medium term.

The procedure uses microneedles or fine cannulas to inject the gel into the deep dermis or subcutaneous tissue without contacting the mammary gland, with adjustments to the volume and injection sites based on the degree of laxity and aesthetic objectives. This technique is minimally invasive and scar-free, with rapidly visible results and progressive improvement. However, its effects are temporary—typically lasting 6 to 12 months depending on the formulation used—and it does not replace surgical lifting in cases of significant breast ptosis. The risks are minimal but may include bruising, mild inflammation, or the formation of nodules. Therefore, this method represents an interesting non-surgical option for improving breast tone and appearance in cases of mild to moderate laxity.

A study conducted on 194 female patients showed that injections of a hyaluronic acid–based gel resulted in a satisfactory improvement in breast shape with a high level of patient satisfaction. Adverse events were reported in 21% of patients, mostly minor and transient. Perceived efficacy remained high for up to 12 months. However, long-term follow-up is necessary, particularly to assess any potential association with breast cancer.