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  • 2017-02-16 (xsd:date)
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  • Does Olive Oil 'Fix' Sagging Breasts? (en)
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  • On 12 February 2017, the Facebook page GreenYatra published an image that bore the claim that olive oil can be used to prevent or reverse sagging breasts: The image-based claim didn't link to any articles or other corroborating information, saying only: According to the claim, topical application of olive oil either circumvents or reverses loss of elasticity in breasts. No specific reason was provided for the claim that olive oil, versus any other type of oil, could replicate the effect shown. The efficacy of topical treatments for sagging breasts or loss of skin elasticity is often discussed in cosmetic circles, thanks in part to the cost and invasiveness of surgical approaches. But research demonstrating any single topical ingredient can prevent (much less reverse) loss of skin elasticity is notably skimpy: Research from 2012 indicates that anxioxidants could potentially prevent damage to facial skin, but evidence was limited and reversal was not referenced. Only 1.5 percent of olive oil contains antioxidants (and that fraction is not composed entirely of antioxidants). Other foods are described as being higher in antioxidants, but no memes recommended rubbing a berry paste onto breasts for firmness. Research overwhelmingly examined efficacy of topical treatment for facial skin, which lacks the weight and density of breast tissue. And although topicals designed for facial skin need only penetrate a few dermal layers, any product designed or intended for use on breasts would have to enter the breast tissue to lift or prevent elasticity loss (a far taller order). A blog post written by Miami-based cosmetic surgeon Dr. Ary Krau directly addresses the question of whether any specific topical substance (including olive oil) had ever shown promise to improve loss of elasticity for breast tissue in clinical research: We contacted Dr. Krau's office, and a representative for the clinic told us that no effective topical treatment appears to exist. A thorough search of related studies turned up no strong evidence facial skin or breast tissue could be firmed by topical treatments at all. A 5 percent concentration of Vitamin C (not olive oil) showed moderate success in treatment of photo-aging in a small 2003 study, but those findings were not relevant to breast tissue or olive oil. There is research [PDF] (conducted by individuals who contracted with cosmetic medical firms) that indicates some success in the ongoing development of a topical version of botulinum toxin type A (popularly known by the brand name Botox) and intended solely for the face. However, that research only concerns a clinically prescribed substance (botulinum toxin, not a pantry product) and included no indications that it could be used on breast tissue. (en)
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