There are a range of non-surgical breast augmentation devices on the market these days, including the breast enlargement pump. Manufacturers of breast enlargement pumps claim that they permanently enlarge breasts, and though some of the devices are regulated by government agencies for safety, they are not generally evaluated for efficacy. If you turn to science; however, you will see that the question of whether such pumps work is murky.

Almost every breast enlargement pump works the same way. Two plastic domes or cylinders with silicone gel rims are placed over the breasts. Hoses extend from the domes to a small computer that maintains vacuum pressure within the domes. The entire system is usually relatively lightweight (about one to two pounds), but it is bulky. It can be worn under clothes during the day, but is best worn at night when you sleep. Breast enlargement pump systems are usually held in place by a specialized bra and usually must be worn daily for weeks.

The pumps are based on several dubiously scientific claims. First, manufacturers say that regular stimulation of the breast tissue signals the pituitary gland to increase production of the hormones that cause breast development. Also, manufacturers claim that stretching breast tissue stimulates expansion of currently existing tissue and growth of new tissue. Another claim is that the suction action of the breast enlargement pump causes fat and fluids to flow into vacuums created in the breast tissue and cells, causing the breasts to swell.

As to the first claim about the pituitary gland, it is physiologically impossible to stimulate pituitary activity from outside the body. There are ways to increase hormone production, but placing your breasts in a vacuum tube isn’t among them. Secondly, as any woman who has ever had a child can attest to, stretching your breasts or breast tissue does nothing but cause them to lose elasticity. Chances are, regular stretching of the breasts, no matter how gentle, will only stretch your skin and possibly damage tissue. As for the claim that a breast pump causes fat and fluids to flow into vacuums created in the breast, well, it is more likely that blood rushes into the area, causing temporary expansion.

The natural size of any woman’s breast is determined by how much fat and glandular ductwork she has. This is determined by age, weight, and genetics only. In other words, there are non-surgical methods to enhance the appearance of your breasts, but there are no non-surgical methods to significantly enlarge your breasts. This includes breast enlargement pumps.

Finally, a minor but probably important distinction. There are devices on the market that look and work just like breast enlargement pumps, but they are intended to provide pleasure to users rather than physical change. Manufacturers of some devices claim to temporarily enlarge the breasts or nipples through suction, and those claims are probably true.

While most breast enlargement pumps are cheaper than surgery, the ones that provide the most long-lasting temporary effects can be just as expensive as surgery. If you want a non-invasive alternative to surgery, chest exercise probably gives the same results for free. If you still insist on purchasing a breast enlargement pump, which I really hope you don’t, be sure to purchase a pump intended to enhance your breasts to avoid any unsafe complications during use.

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