Fact Check: Can massaging with olive oil make breast firmer, toned and bigger ?

A social media post claiming that massaging with olive oil can make breasts firmer, toned and bigger.

Claim: An Instagram post claims that massaging with olive oil makes breasts firmer, toned, and bigger. The post states, "Massaging your breasts with olive oil will help you increase blood flow in your bust and help the lymph to do their job. With olive oil breast massage, you will get firmer, toned, and bigger breasts. Your skin will be soft, moisturized, and more elastic."The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check:

The claim is False.

Sagging Breasts(Breast ptosis)

Sagging of breasts, medically known as breast ptosis, is a natural change that occurs as part of the ageing process in which the breasts lose their elasticity and suppleness, leading to a downward shift. Sagging breasts can affect anyone regardless of age or breast size, but it's often seen in older adults, those with larger breasts, after weight loss, during pregnancy, or due to hormonal changes. This condition impacts both physical appearance and emotional health. In simple terms, breast ptosis occurs when the skin and tissues that support the breast stretch and become less effective. This can happen either because the breast tissue becomes heavier or because of significant weight loss, leading to excess skin that makes the breasts appear saggy. (1)

Why do Breasts sag?

Speaking to the medical dialogues team, Dr Preethika Shetty, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharadi, explained, "Breast sagging or ptosis is a common concern in various women. As women get older, they start to lose the natural shape of their breasts, making them look saggy. The female breasts are made up of various fat and ligaments but lack muscle tissue, which is responsible for providing posture and stability, making breasts look saggy and deflated. One of the major mistakes that can cause breast sagging is not choosing the right type of bra; most of the time, women are highly unaware of their bra size. A well-fitted bra supports your beast and improves their posture, giving them a slight lift. There can be multiple reasons that can cause saggy breasts, such as larger breast size, ageing, decreased skin elasticity, collagen deficiency, wrong posture, higher BMI, and multiple pregnancies. Gaining and losing sudden weight can stretch your skin and the tissues, resulting in stretch marks and sagginess. This stretching and contracting can cause the breasts to lose their firmness and sag. During pregnancy, females' breasts grow larger due to various hormonal changes. After pregnancy, this enlarged breast might shrink and get back to its original size but may not return to its original state due to stretching of skin and ligaments. Although it is completely natural to have breast sag, it can result in poor self-image and lower self-confidence." 

Benefits of Olive oil massage:

The chief active elements of olive oil include oleic acid (a monounsaturated fatty acid), phenolics, and squalene. The major phenolics include hydroxytyrosol, tyrosyls, and oleuropein, which have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties that moisten breast skin, treat breast infection and enhance wound healing (2). The Olive oil breast massage technique is done by massaging the outer sides of the breasts in long strokes up towards the lymph nodes in the axilla (armpit) and massaging the inner sides toward the lymph nodes in the centre of the chest. This technique helps remove fluid from the breast and reduces engorgement (3). 

Can massaging with olive oil make breasts firmer, toned and bigger?

Some studies have shown the effectiveness of Olive oil breast massage in breast engorgement and swelling, but no definitive scientific study supports the claim that breasts are firmer, toned and bigger.

A study by Ghattas et al. mentioned that Olive oil breast massage considerably lowers the signs and symptoms of breast engorgement (redness, discomfort, oedema, and pyrexia) and assists in good latch-on or effective breastfeeding. (4)

Another study by Chaudhary et al. reported that  the application of olive oil massage is found effective in reducing breast engorgement and breast pain among postnatal mothers with Lower segment Cesarian section LSCS.(5)

Despite studies showing the effect of olive oil massage on breast engorgement, no scientific evidence or consensus in the medical fraternity supports the claim that it can make the breasts firmer, toned and bigger.

Responding to the Claim, Dr Rajashri Tayshete Bhasale, Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician, Laparoscopic Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, clarified, "Breast sagging cannot be reversed naturally. There is no scientific evidence to back up the idea that massaging oil can make your breasts look bigger. Breast size depends on genetics, body weight, and hormones. Massaging the breasts is highly rewarding and improves blood circulation, which can help nourish the skin, making the breasts look firmer. It is essential to understand that massaging your breast is not a one-time process; it requires consistency and a fixed routine for better results. A gentle 10 to 15-minute breast massage can help improve skin elasticity and reduce stretch marks. Choose the right type of oil for optimal results, natural oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil. These oils are naturally moisturizing and hydrating. Individuals are advised to slightly warm the oil before applying it to the breast for better absorption. After applying the oil, gently massage your breast in a circular motion for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Most benefits of massaging breasts are related to improving skin and muscle health rather than drastic physical changes. Massaging the breasts during Breastfeeding helps avoid milk lumps or abscesses. It is advised to massage and empty the breasts after every feed. Massage should include the breasts and the axilla, as breast tissue (breast tail ) extends into the axilla. Self-breast examination is important and should be taught to all women for early detection of breast cancer."

Medical Dialogues final take:

Oil massage may have some benefits, such as improving skin texture and blood circulation, which can help nourish the skin and make the breasts look firmer; however, it does not significantly change the size or structural integrity of the breasts. Breast sagging cannot be reversed naturally. Hence, massaging with olive oil can make breasts firmer, toned, and bigger, which is False.

References:

1. Martinez, A. A., & Chung, S. (2023). Breast Ptosis. Last updated November 12, 2023.

2. Mountanos, K. (2021): Olive oil for skin: A long, rich history. Available at URL: https://www.kosterina.com/blogs/news/olive-oilfor-skin-a-long-rich-history. Retrieved on: 5 May 2022.

3. Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation for Relief of Engorgement, Plugged Ducts and Mastitis. Available at URL: https:// www. honor health.com/sites/default/files/documents/medical services/honorhealth-therapeutic-breast

4. Ghattas, V. N., Ibrahim, H. I., & Mohamed, M. A. E. S. (2022). Effect of Olive Oil Massage on Breast Engorgement and Breastfeeding among Primiparous Postnatal Mothers with Cesarean Section Delivery. Assiut Scientific Nursing Journal, 10(31), 69-79.

5. Chaudhary P, Banu T, Farswal A. A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Olive Oil Massage in Reducing Breast Engorgement and Pain among Postnatal Mothers with LSCS Admitted in Selected Hospital at Meerut. Int J Nurs Midwif Res2019; 6(4): 13-21