The bra that sucks!

London Evening Standard ^ | 10/09/2002 | Alice Hart-Davis

[UKCajun]

It sounded too good to be true. When the news first emerged that an American surgeon had invented a device - a sort of glorified suction bra - called the Brava, which expands breast tissue and gives lasting results, the initial reaction was incredulity, closely followed by a rush of interest from women fearful of breast implants.

Air is sucked out of the domes, and a gentle vacuum pressure is created, controlled by a microprocessor. If you've ever used a breast pump, that's what it feels like. This stimulates new breast tissue to grow. The contraption must be worn for at least 10 hours a day, every day, for at least 10 weeks, after which the average increase in breast volume is 100cc - one cup size...

[UKCajun]

I can't keep up the posts--I'm laughing so much I can hardly type.....

[Fraulein]

*Frankly, I don't think the "model" needs this thing.

Perhaps the implication is that she has already used it?

[vin-one]

ok where are the pictures,,,,,,,

[sharktrager]

It sounded too good to be true. When the news first emerged that an American surgeon had invented a device - a sort of glorified suction bra - called the Brava, which expands breast tissue and gives lasting results, the initial reaction was incredulity, closely followed by a rush of interest from women fearful of breast implants.

The Brava, which is launched this week, works on the principle of tension induced tissue growth - a phenomenon well known by the medical establishment, which has been used for decades to lengthen limbs, and to expand tissues in post-cancer breast reconstruction. The Brava consists of a large pair of plastic domes which are fitted over the breasts and held in place by a tight black sports bra.

Air is sucked out of the domes, and a gentle vacuum pressure is created, controlled by a microprocessor. If you've ever used a breast pump, that's what it feels like. This stimulates new breast tissue to grow. The contraption must be worn for at least 10 hours a day, every day, for at least 10 weeks, after which the average increase in breast volume is 100cc - one cup size.

Dr Roger Khouri, the Florida-based plastic surgeon who invented the device, is used to people laughing at his idea. "I always thought there should be an alternative to surgery and implants," says Khouri. "Something natural. From my work in reconstructive surgery, I knew that you could stretch tissue and make it grow. It was just a question of putting two and two together."

And does it work? Yes, say thousands of delighted women. According to the intensive clinical studies that have been conducted, the Brava will work on anyone, though, as Khouri points out, the response is very much dependent on compliance. "Some people grow more slowly than others - but it depends what they had to start with."

"Cancer is not an issue at all," says Khouri. "Mechanical tension has never been associated with the growth of cancerous cells. We've looked at this very carefully." The Brava has been reviewed by the FDA (the American Food and Drug Administration), which has approved it for sale as a medical device.

When you see a Brava being worn, it looks terrifying. It's Barbarella meets Lara Croft - and there is something inherently risible about spending so long with your breasts strapped up in a vacuum, all in aid of making them that little bit bigger. But that's what women want. Susan Roots, a 51-year-old photographic model from Twickenham, is one of the first women in the UK to be experimenting with the device, and after three weeks, she's delighted.

"It's a bit daunting initially, but the surprising thing is how quickly you get used to it. I would never ever have contemplated surgery to enhance my breasts - but like most women, I'd be delighted to have them just one size larger than the 34A that they are.''

Can it all be good news? The few dissenting voices so far come from women who have been disappointed by the Brava. Those who have put up with backache (you need to sleep on your back, with those great domes strapped to your front), rashes and skin lesions (from having the suction cups pressed against delicate skin for so long); broken nights (if the vacuum seal is broken, a buzzer sounds to wake you, so you can reset the processor); who grumble that the data is not always efficiently kept, and, after all that, the growth in breast volume is unimpressive.

(The size of the average breast implant is 300cc in the USA, or 200-250cc in the UK, compared to which the 100cc offered by the Brava looks decidedly puny.)

"But," says Dr Khouri, with a smile, "if you have nothing, a little is a lot. We're not making Dolly Partons, but this is the first time you can grow living tissue. And it's the real thing."

The Brava costs £1,950 from the Harley Medical Group (08708 509 444).

[Lost Highway]

I post this only in the interest of medical science. (he he)

http://www.brava.com/how-use.html

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Dude, if they make jocks, you're in luck!

[areafiftyone]

I am trying to decide whether to use seedless or navel oranges. Ooops they just fell out - I need bigger ones!! Anyone have any Sunkist?

[null and void]

Brava? BRAVO!

[Lost Highway]

Doh! You beat me too it. I guess I was gawking too long. :-)

[Alex Murphy]

Air is sucked out of the domes, and a gentle vacuum pressure is created, controlled by a microprocessor.

That's all fine and dandy, but no mention is made of the 17 lb. gas-powered air compressor that must be worn on the back, however.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

BEFORE

AFTER

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Does this gal look like an orchard owner, perhaps?

[vin-one]

how about grapefruits, or cantelopes would work well....

[Willie Green]

after which the average increase in breast volume is 100cc - one cup size...

My conversion charts indicate that 1 cup = 236.587 cc.

Sounds like somebody is cheating.

[null and void]

I can't keep up the posts--I'm laughing so much I can hardly type.....

'sok, were going to milk this...

[Focault's Pendulum]

Now if they could come up with a men's briefs......

[Fraulein]

LOL! Well, at least she's got cool shoes...

[isthisnickcool]

I wonder if BRAVA® has any openings for installers?

[Blood of Tyrants]

The Brava consists of a large pair of plastic domes which are fitted over the breasts and held in place by a tight black sports bra.

Madonna?

[isthisnickcool]

Hi ma'ma, I'm nick with BRAVA®. Here to install the "Domes". Would you like to see out new line of colored t-connector tubing?