Is my breast skin too thin for implants? I have deep stretch marks all over them (Photo)

Question

I'm not sure if my skin in some areas of my breast would be safe for a breast implants because of the deep stretch marks and thinner skin

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Large breast implants when placed in individuals with thin skin (your photos do not indicate thin skin) are likely going to cause rippling of the skin. The entire implant must be covered by skin that is thick and has a decent amount of fatty tissue.  Rippling is also more likely to occur when the original breast size is small and the breast implant is placed above the chest muscles. In general rippling is more likely to occur with saline rather than silicone filled implants. An in-office exam by a board certified PS can help you select the best size implant to place under rather than above the muscle.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!
Thanks for the pictures and provided information as well.The best option for you is to go to a in-person consultation to check your skin and what can be done with your breast. I think you could get a implants but not so big since, like you said, your skin might be really thin. l recommend you to make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon to talk about your goals and any extra information you might need to know.
Good luck :)
Dr. Luis Mejia.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your deep stretch marks are from exceeding the elastic molecules of your skin and results in tears in the dermis.  An alternative to consider is a lift using The Bellesoma Method.  This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.  Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.  Implants are not lifetime devices.  8% fail within the first year and 30% fail within six years.  Fat transfers are permanent and incorporated into the body.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

William Bruno, MD · Answer

The stretch marks typically do not pose an issue with implants. It's really the amount of tissue underneath the skin. As long as you don't use implants that are too large (ex. >400cc) your soft tissue should be able to support the implants. Consult with an experienced plastic surgeon in person for more information and a complete exam.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Fortunately, breast implants are placed well below the skin, covered partially by muscle, and entirely by fat and breast tissue.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person evaluation by a plastic surgeon to be measured and discuss your goals. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of former patients with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. My patients tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size breast implant is right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the implants have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. 
Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author                                 
RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Your implants should be place under the muscle to lessen the risk of rippling.  Having stretch marks or thin skin is not a contraindication for breast augmentation, as long as your implant is placed under the muscle.  The size, profile, and shape of the implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   
 
 Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I certainly see the stretch marks and agreed your skin is thin. What is not obvious is whether you need a breast lift. Often thin skin with stretch marks and sagging if the breasts go together. You may need a lift in addition to implants but I can’t tell for sure from the photos.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  It does not appear that your breast skin is too thin or loose and you look to be a good candidate for a well-sized implant.  Hope this helps

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear 1kfaith,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like you would benefit from a breast augmentation. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Is my breast skin too thin for implants? I have deep stretch marks all over them (Photo)

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