Most of us will end up with a bust line that points south sooner or later, but bra innovators claim that liquid bras can work wonders on tired, sagging breasts. But can they really help?
Why Breasts Sag
Breasts consist of muscles, layered with fat, and covered by skin, with ligaments leading from the skin to the muscles to hold them in place. When those ligaments stretch - by extreme exercise, weight gain and loss, pregnancy, and primarily gravity -- they don't snap back to their former tightness, causing breasts to droop.
What Is a Liquid Bra?
Liquid bras contain fixed or removable pouches of liquid gel or water compounds that add volume and lift. The liquid placement in the cups can help to create additional cleavage. Because they consist of flexible ingredients, liquid bras can look and feel more natural than other augmentation aids which may look lumpy.
What's In Liquid Bras?
Some of these contain a water and oil compound, while others consist of silicone or gel. Some advocate that water bras seem more natural, while others claim that gel-based bras are more supportive. However, reviews and opinions vary widely and your best choice is finding the best fit since there aren't clear advantages to one kind.
Who Are They Best for?
Liquid bras generally add at least a cup size, so they may not be the best choice for women who don't want any augmentation.
How Do You Care for Them?
Liquid bras need to be hand washed in gentle detergent; most can't go into the washing machine or dryer.
What Are the Disadvantages of Liquid Bras?
There is a very small chance that you could puncture your bra and it could leak. Luckily, this rarely occurs and since the components aren't harmful, your biggest risk is embarrassment.
Other Options for Rejuvenating Breasts
Some people have found that exercises, such as bench-pressing free weights, can help lift the breasts by strengthening the pectoral muscles. Spas and treatment centers have also started offering procedures to combat sagging breasts. One treatment recently in the news combines natural clay compound containing caffeine and algae with electrical stimulation. It requires multiple treatments and has subtle results, but could work in tandem with the right bra to give you the lift you're looking for without invasive surgery.
Sources
http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6015332.html
Breast Talk
http://www.breasttalk.co.uk/liquid.asp
Ann Deal (first U.S. patent of the Water Bra) website
http://www.fashionforms.com/mission.html
NBC Healthline Red Orbitz video
