We're all for promoting self-confidence and body positivity, but we also believe there should be no shame in looking for breast enlargement options if it's something that will help you look and feel like the best version of yourself. Especially when studies show that breast enhancements can help with self-esteem, body image, and even sexual satisfaction. And if you're looking for that, you're not alone. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that almost 300,000 people received breast implants in 2019, making it the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure available, especially for women. 1 The problem is that one of the main options available is breast augmentation surgery (breast implants), but the effects of surgery can be grueling. The procedure is invasive, painful, and has a long recovery time. Not to mention it's expensive! Collagen injections are now becoming more popular among women as a safer, easier option for breast growth that doesn't require going under the knife, and doesn't come without the sometimes negative daily symptoms of surgery. There is also an array of "natural" breast enlargement pills and breast enhancement supplements emerging on the market every day now, but these products are certainly not without their flaws and side effects. If you are looking for a natural breast enhancement, something to give you a lift without the need for plastic surgery, it can be hard to know what's safe for your health and what really works. There are a number of health and safety risks and potential side effects, not to mention the financial risk of paying for a procedure or regime of breast enhancement supplements that simply might not work. It's a minefield for us women! All this has got us wondering, could we look to collagen supplements for help with our breasts and overall health? We know that collagen is effective in firming and filling the skin, and that there are plenty of natural supplements available that are free of side effects. But, can taking collagen supplements increase breast size too? Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about the non-surgical options for breast enlargement available on the market today. Read more about our best skin care products here. What Is Breast Enhancement, And Is It Necessary? Breast enhancement, breast enlargement, and breast augmentation are all terms used to describe the array of products, procedures, and pills available on the market today, all of which are designed to increase your cup size and perk up your breasts without the need for surgery. We will start by saying that breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and bigger breasts do not necessarily equal better breasts! However, many women want to pursue a form of natural breast enhancement for aesthetic reasons, whether it's to increase their cup size, firm up their bust, combat sagging, or simply to feel more content in their body. It's all in the name of confidence, and we're here to support you in doing whatever makes you feel your best while keeping your overall health safe. What Is Breast Ptosis? One of the main reasons that many women want to seek breast enlargement or enhancement is to combat the process of breast ptosis, a medical term for the way in which breasts may sag and droop over time.2 This is because collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for joint, muscle, tissue, skin, and bone health in our bodies begin to decline as we age. Once we reach our mid-thirties, our collagen and elastin content reduces, resulting in sagging skin, wrinkles, weaker joints and muscles, and a loss of firmness in our breasts. The skin, tissue, and muscles used to hold the breasts up and keep them perky just aren't at their best anymore.3 Breast ptosis can be exaggerated by extreme weight loss, and it's a common complaint among women who are breastfeeding. Hormones also play a big factor in breast ptosis, namely estrogen, which is essential to maintaining collagen in the body. Collagen forms a lot of the connective tissue in the skin, and when estrogen levels decline (particularly during menopause) various side effects can occur, most notably drooping breasts. High levels of estrogen can also cause the milk glands in the breasts to swell and increase in size (during pregnancy, in particular), and a loss of estrogen can have the opposite effect. Some prescription drugs like birth control pills may increase your estrogen and progesterone levels, and these can cause a temporary increase in breast size. However, this growth is a side effect and, therefore, not the recommended reason to go on birth control pills. For health and safety reasons, you should always talk openly to your health care provider before taking any regime of prescription drugs or birth control pills. More helpful reading on smoker lips by Renew Alliance. Breast Enhancement Pills & the Ingredients in These Products Breast enhancement supplements or breast enlargement pills are designed specifically to target your breasts and increase your cup size, with no injections or surgery needed. If that sounds like it's too good to be true, you might be right. So, What Are Breast Enhancement Pills & Breast Enhancement Supplements Made Of? Most breast enhancement pills or products are advertised to women as an all-natural route to bigger bust size, typically comprised of herbs, fennel seeds, and roots. Let's take a look at some of the most common ingredients in these breast enhancement supplements, pills, and products. Saw Palmetto When it comes to herbs, saw palmetto has to be one of the most popular ones out there. Saw palmetto is often used as a natural remedy in products for preventing hair loss and regulating testosterone levels. This ingredient is used in products like breast enhancement supplements to promote breast growth through a reduction in testosterone (masculine hormone) levels in the body. Blessed Thistle Blessed thistle is an ingredient that has been used since the Middle Ages when it was used to treat people during the bubonic plague. Today, this continues to be one of the most popular and safe herbs to boost breast milk production, aid digestion, and treat coughs and colds. It is featured in breast enlargement pills because it is thought to aid breast growth by stimulating the milk glands. Wild Yam Wild yam is a tuberous vine packed with phytoestrogens, often promoted as one of those herbs or supplements that can ease menopause and PMS symptoms. Many breast enlargement pills and products contain wild yam as it is thought to increase breast size in many women. Fennel Seed Many enhancement pills and products contain fennel seed. Fennel seed is thought to be effective in enhancing libido, increasing blood flow during menstruation, and boosting breast size. However, no known studies have been done on the safety of using fennel seed for these purposes on women. What Are Phytoestrogens? Phytoestrogens are compounds naturally found in plants and herbs, and we eat them in our diets on a daily basis. However, they are also widely featured as dietary supplements and are a commonly used ingredient in breast enlargement pills and breast enhancement supplements. Phytoestrogens can mimic the function of estrogen, the hormone responsible for maintaining the female reproductive system and, therefore, affecting our menstrual cycles and leading to menopause symptoms and side effects. In breast enlargement pills, it is claimed that phytoestrogens can directly increase your breast size in the same way that a boost of estrogen would (similar to birth control pills). Breast enhancement pills are often supplemented by cream or gel products to use on the skin around the chest. Some even come with recommended daily exercise regimes designed to target muscles under the breast tissue. What Is Wrong With Breast Enhancement Pills? Breast enhancement pills make big promises to give you perkier, bigger breasts. Being composed of herbs, fennel seeds, and roots, they are often advertised as "natural" breast enlargement solutions that can seem totally harmless and safe. Unfortunately, breast growth and enlargement pills do in fact have serious potential safety issues and side effects in their interactions with other medications, particularly if you already use blood-thinning prescription drugs.4 Moreover, not enough research has been done on the safety or long-term effects of phytoestrogens and breast enlargement. It is thought that overdosing on phytoestrogens via breast enhancement pills may cause an estrogen imbalance, which could negatively impact sex drive, fertility, and menstrual cycle for many women.5 We also found a lack of research specific to breast enlargement pills surrounding the safety of ingredients like wild yam, blessed thistle, saw palmetto, fennel, and other herbs. While herbs have historically been prescribed for achieving a fuller bust, this may be more myth than fact. The reality today is that these herbs and breast enlargement pills are widely not recommended by doctors, and they may not work for you.6 As for the daily exercise regimes? Exercise is always best for maintaining a healthy, firm body and we're all for promoting the benefits of exercise in achieving radiant skin. Unfortunately, there are no muscles in breast tissue (only fat and milk ducts), so no amount of exercise will work to entirely prevent breast ptosis. If you are still curious about breast enlargement pills, it's best to consult your health care provider for detailed health and safety information before beginning any regime of pills, products, herbs, or creams. They can guide you in the right direction and make sure that you avoid any unwanted symptoms in your pursuit of natural breast enlargement. Find more helpful reading about herbs for skin here. Collagen Injections Collagen injections are becoming more and more popular as an alternative way to not just improve the look of your skin but also to give the appearance of natural breast enlargement. Collagen injections work by inserting collagen into the skin using a needle, filling out gaps and wrinkles, and making your skin appear like it has more collagen than it does. The results? Your skin looks firmer and fuller. They can even improve the look of stretch marks. Collagen injections can be used around the breast tissue to the same effect, enhancing the skin and providing a lift to enhance and enlarge the bust, helping you boost a cup size or two. More helpful reading from RenewSkin Inc.: https://www.renewskinco.com/blogs/i/stretch-marks-5-ways-to-prevent-and-get-rid-of-them The Pros of Collagen Injections Many women love that collagen injections are low cost and low risk, without the need for invasive surgery followed by a lengthy recovery time. Patients are usually in and out of the doctor’s office in no time and the results last several months. Unlike breast enlargement pills, injections can work to provide breast growth results you can see instantly. They are also backed by more research and administered by top medical professionals, and many skilled doctors can even make their effects seem 100% natural. The Cons of Collagen Injections Despite the above advantages, collagen injections are not without their downsides. Take for example the fact that they don’t last forever and require a bit more long-term maintenance than if you went under the knife for breast augmentation surgery. Many women have found that their results can be reversed if not maintained properly, and they also require a top-rated specialist to ensure a good job is done. A botched job can't be reversed! Some people also experience allergic reactions and side effects, including swelling and tenderness at the site of injection. Furthermore, the FDA has not approved the use of fillers for increasing breast size.7 We spoke to Dr. Henry Gasiorowsky MD, Greenwich Dermatology, about the safety risks associated with collagen injections. “As collagen is sourced externally of the patient’s body, there is a small risk of rejection by the immune system. Infection is also possible, as with any surgical procedure,” he says. Although they are, in the short term, cheaper than breast augmentation surgery, they can add up to be expensive if you want to regularly maintain your fillers, costing upwards of $600 per syringe. So if you are interested in collagen injections for natural breast enlargement, it's best to do your research and find a board-certified health care professional that you can trust, and be sure that they use high-quality collagen. More helpful reading: https://www.renewskinco.com/blogs/i/dermal-fillers-crepey-skin-2019-guide Collagen Supplements So where could collagen supplements come into the world of breast enlargement? Well, a collagen supplement is known to replenish our body's natural supplies of this protein that is responsible for firm, supple skin and healthy hair, nails, joints, and muscles. Unlike breast enlargement pills, many collagen supplements are backed by a huge amount of research. They contain an ingestible form of collagen-boosting substances known as collagen peptides. These are broken down into tiny molecules by a process called hydrolysis, allowing them to reach our blood and get to work quickly and effectively. The skin around our breasts and the connective tissues within them are all held together by collagen proteins. If our bodies can produce more collagen, our skin will feel firmer and fuller, and this could give our bust a little lift too. Types of Collagen Supplements Collagen supplements come in the form of soluble powders or drinks, which can contain a variable concentration of hydrolyzed collagen peptides. The higher peptide content the product has, the more effective the supplement is likely to be. If you are hoping to see results in treating wrinkles or breast sagging, we recommend taking a supplement with a content of at least 10,000mg of hydrolyzed collagen peptides in each dose. It is also best to check the types of sources of the collagen content in your supplement, as there are a few different sources collagen can come from – namely animal or marine collagen. Animal Collagen Animal collagen is a product of bovine, porcine, and chicken sources, it is extracted from the bones of the animal. Some people make their own bone broth products from chicken bones or pork knuckles in order to get a dose of collagen, however, this is more variable than a properly hydrolyzed collagen supplement, and does not offer a guaranteed peptide content or long-term effectiveness. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides in a collagen supplement offer a complete amino acid profile, which makes it easier to ensure appropriate dosage. Animal collagen is generally the cheaper form of collagen supplement on the market, but it has some downsides. First, it is not the most sustainable option, as it relies on the use of animal farming which can negatively impact the environment. Second, it is effective in improving gut and joint health due to its Type II collagen content, but this is less effective for the skin. Marine Collagen Peptides Marine collagen peptides are found in the scales of fish. It is more environmentally friendly than animal collagen, as it is sourced from parts that are otherwise discarded. It is also superior to animal collagen when it comes to helping the skin, as it is composed of Type I collagen which is the specific type of collagen featured in our skin and breast tissue structure. Marine collagen peptides are also much more effective at reaching the blood quickly due to what's known as superior bioavailability. Bioavailability is the rate at which a substance is absorbed through the intestinal wall, and in marine collagen's case, the molecules are smaller than those from animal sources, allowing them to enter our blood more quickly. Read more about marine collagen peptide benefits here. Achieve Fuller, Firmer Skin With Taut Marine Collagen Taut Premium Collagen Drink Advanced Formula features 100% pure marine collagen sourced from wild-caught red snapper fish from the Indian Ocean. Every bottle packs a powerful 13,000mg content of marine collagen peptides, which is the highest potency of collagen currently available. The collagen in our Advanced Formula has undergone a hydrolyzation process, which breaks down the collagen into smaller amino acids called collagen peptides. Research has found that these peptides are better absorbed into the bloodstream and are more effective at triggering the body’s collagen production. In addition, it also boasts other powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid, grape seed extract, and vitamin C, which will further smooth out the imperfections of the skin around your breast area, boosting elasticity and thickness, lifting sagging skin, and even helping to minimize stretch marks. And unlike collagen injections, you don’t even have to visit a doctor or professional in order to see the results. All you have to do is sip one bottle per day for 21 days in order to restore your skin’s youthful glow, all while enjoying its refreshing orange taste. More helpful reading: https://www.renewskinco.com/blogs/i/the-top-eight-health-benefits-of-taking-a-collagen-supplement-1 What Are The Differences Between Collagen Injections And Collagen Supplements? As you now know, the collagen in supplements and injections can be derived from many different sources. Anytime you take something into your body, it’s important that you gather information and purchase the best and highest quality out there to ensure that it’s good for your body and delivers the promised results. Injections typically contain bovine collagen, although some marine options are available. Collagen injections can also be made from human collagen, which is either made from skin extracted from your own body during surgery or cloned from your skin cells (usually taken from behind the ear).8 The main difference between injections and supplements is the way they are taken and the way they affect the body. “Injections are applied topically and are known to improve a specific area of the body, whereas supplements are more generalized treatments,” Dr. Gasiorowsky says. In being a generalized treatment, supplements can have additional benefits. While injections are a topical aesthetic treatment aimed at wrinkle reduction or breast enlargement, you can use collagen supplements to have a positive effect on the whole body, including the skin around your face and neck, as well as the breasts and other areas. Supplements are designed to complement a healthy lifestyle, diet, and skincare routine, enhancing your natural beauty for a more holistic, full-body transformation. More helpful reading: https://www.renewskinco.com/blogs/i/7-tips-for-buying-the-best-collagen-supplement So, Can Collagen Supplements Help With Natural Breast Enlargement? The short answer: Not really. But, they have been found to have other breast-enhancing benefits. “Supplements alone will not increase breast size,” says Dr. Gasiorowsky. “However, collagen supplements can help to firm up the skin around the breasts which will make them perkier and less saggy.” The reason collagen supplements can make the skin around the breasts appear more youthful is because “collagen is a protein which allows the skin to have elasticity,” Dr. Gasiorowsky says. “As we grow older, our bodies are known to produce less collagen, so supplementing our intake of this protein can help to reduce wrinkles and improve complexion.” In short, not only can you use collagen supplements to make the skin around your breasts and décolletage firmer and plumper, but you can also use them to give your complexion a radiant, youthful glow while reducing the appearance of any signs of aging. So there you have it. No, collagen supplements aren't known to provide significant breast enlargement and you may not go up a cup size, but they will make them look firmer, plumper, and more youthful for a more natural breast enhancement. And, your complexion will radiate to match. Transform Your Skin & Body With Our Taut Anti Oxy Foxy Kit Here at Taut, we’re on a mission to renew, refresh, and restore our skin and body, and we truly believe that beautiful healthy skin starts from within. We use only the most premium, clinically-tested, and 'clean' ingredients for our products that work best to nourish and protect your body and skin. Our Taut Collagen Anti Oxy Foxy Kit is a powerful combination of our Taut Collagen Intense Transformation Program and Masquelier's French Pine Bark Extract, a bundle designed to boost your body’s natural production of collagen, delivering powerful antioxidant properties and even fighting against free radicals. With the Taut Collagen Intense Transformation Program, you can feel the effects of our premium marine collagen peptides on your skin in as little as 3 weeks! It contains 3 boxes (24 bottles) of our specially formulated collagen drink, each packed with a 13,000mg punch of marine collagen peptides designed to trigger serious collagen production in your body every day. Avoid the potential side effects of breast enhancement supplements and enhance your skin with a clinically-tested, dermatologist-approved marine collagen drink. This is a natural way to increase your collagen content for a natural breast enhancement, lifting and firming up the skin in a way that benefits your whole body. The Anti-Oxy Foxy Kit allows you to take these premium collagen benefits and combine them with Masquelier's French Pine Bark Extract, a powerful antioxidant tablet with anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic properties. Together, these super supplements target fine lines and wrinkles, reverse the effect of sun damage, and fade scars and stretch marks – for results you can see every day. Meanwhile, antioxidants significantly more powerful than vitamin E and 20 times more powerful than vitamin C can get to work eliminating free radicals from your body. Say hello to firm, beautiful, luminous skin! References: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/plastic-surgery-statistics https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/04/well/live/how-to-perk-up-your-breasts.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptosis_(breasts) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0029784403003624 https://www.healthline.com/health/phytoestrogens#risks-and-side-effects https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/By_the_way_doctor_Do_breast-enhancement_supplements_work https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/fda-warns-against-use-injectable-silicone-body-contouring-and-enhancement-fda-safety-communication https://www.docshop.com/education/dermatology/injectables/collagen